Dear Parents and Carers
I would like to thank our S1 parents who ensured that all S1 were suitably attired, in full uniform, for their photographs on Wednesday afternoon. They looked great and behaved impeccably, enabling our photographer to get through everyone, with time to spare.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Pupil Support Team held a very successful Job Fair for S4, where students began to select placements for Work Experience Week in November. In addition, a number of students will opt for a self-found placement. This option is becoming more popular and has worked very well in recent years,
This afternoon, I met with our fantastic Senior Team for Forrester’s first Hot Chocolate Friday. (Pictured below.) As well as discussing vital matters, such as Prom and Yearbook, this articulate and highly motivated group of young people shared some of their ideas for taking forward school improvement in the coming year.
This morning, I also saw excellent commitment from senior students during their Skills Force session. Our instructors and the students generated a great atmosphere out on the field, and certainly proved that you get out of life what you put in. (I think it was either John Lennon or Clint Eastwood who said that.) In addition to our partnership with Skills Force, around twenty young people are working with Ms McLaren to develop links with a range of businesses, as part of their Individual Pathways in S5.
Looking forward to next week, we will see the launch of Science Club, led by our S6 scientists. Science Club takes place every Tuesday at lunchtime. There is also a new Languages Club which begins at lunchtime on Wednesday.
Next week LEAPS (Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools) will begin their engagement with senior students. On Tuesday morning, a number of prospective university candidates will visit Glasgow University. Also, on Friday, S6 students will attend a LEAPS talk as part of their PD programme. As we are a LEAPS school, all students from Forrester receive additional support with the university application and selection process. This complements the work being done by the Pupil Support Team who began the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) process this week. All students who are considering applying to university will engage with the UCAS process, which involves intensive preparations between now and Christmas.
On Wednesday morning, I will attend an event at the City Chambers with a small group of senior students. This event, Involving Young People in Planning, is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s effort to give young people a voice in the decision making process.
On Thursday 30th August, we will hold the launch of this year’s YPI programme (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative) for S3. This will be followed up on Friday with a Charity Fair, giving students a chance to find out more about a range of local charities. Each group of students will then select a charity to work with for the duration of the programme.
At lunchtime on Thursday 30th August our sports ambassadors will hold a Sports Sign-up Fair. Students are encouraged to come along to the Games Hall where, as well as signing up to clubs and activities, they can have a try at beating the goalie, dance, basketball, and other fun activities.
For other important dates, I should also draw your attention to our Dates for the diary and key information.
And finally, a reminder about our cashless catering system from the School Office – we do not have the facility to change notes into coins for the cashless catering system. We, therefore, ask that students bring coins or that payment is made online through ParentPay.
Thanks
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher