Dear Parents and Students
I am writing to let you know the arrangements for the end of term. The summer holidays will begin at 12:00noon on Friday 1/7/22. We will have a slightly shorter day and an extended break to say farewell to some of our staff who are leaving us for pastures new.
I would also like to take this opportunity to formally thank Mr Brown, Ms Groves, Mrs McNinch and Dr Hayhurst for their fantastic service to the school and local community and to wish them all the very best.
I will write a further update towards the end of the week (or thereafter) to summarise some of the outstanding achievements and work of students and staff. Meanwhile, please see information below regarding some of the supports available over the summer holidays.
Thanks and best wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher
Summer Supports
Sporting Chance – Link Living Summer programme for young people who may be struggling to attend school for 14 – 17 years olds. 8 week programme at North Merchiston Club, 28 Watson Crescent, EH11 1EP. For more information or to book a place, please contact Link Academy Tel: 01324 466860 Email: lareception@linkgroup.org.uk
Thrive – The Green Team continue to deliver their Thrive programme for young people aged 14-18 years. Running on Monday during term time from Tynecastle High School. They ask that parents or referring agencies support young people to attend the sessions. Leaflet attached. For more information contact Katie Hedges, Tel: 0131 337 7227 Mobile: 07984 893436 Email: kate.hedges@greenteam.org.uk Website: www.greenteam.org.uk
Impact Arts are running Cashback Hubs until the end of term and then will be running a Summer programme for 14- 19years. There is also information on their employability programme for 16 plus
To make a referral access the referral form on their website at Impact Arts | I want to make a referral or email angela.wilson@impactarts.co.uk
Cashback hubs – On Now – Impact Arts are running free weekly drop-in sessions for young people aged 14-19 years. Drop in free sessions at Edinburgh venue 5-7 Montgomery Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH7 5JT Visual Arts: Thursdays 4pm – 6pm Fridays 1pm – 4pm Saturdays 1pm – 4pm – Eligible criteria – Living in an area of deprivation (as defined by the SIMD), at risk of disengaging from school, at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour, living with a disability or mental health condition and over 16 years and not in employment, education or training.
Cashback Hubs Summer- 5-7 Montgomery Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH7 5JT – Summer programme returns July 2022 – 4 week summer programme for 14-19 years. Chance to work with professional artists, musicians, filmmakers and actors on a youth led creative projects. The workshops are entirely free and will take place Tuesday- Fridays from July 12th until 5th August 2022.
Eligible criteria – Living in an area of deprivation (as defined by the SIMD), at risk of disengaging from school, at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour, living with a disability or mental health condition and over 16 years and not in employment, education or training.
Impactful Starts (employability programme ) September 2022 – Aged 16+ and out of work, education, or training?
Impact Arts you can be creative, gain in confidence and earn qualifications. Running over 12 weeks, using the arts as a focus we will support you to feel more confident, overcome some of the hurdles you might be facing and gain some qualifications. You will be supported by an artist, youth worker and opportunities co-ordinator who will provide 1:1 and group support. During the course of 12 weeks we will work with you to gain the SQA accredited Employability Award and support you to progress to a positive destination.
Block 1 – Barrier Removal, Confidence building, SQA units 1-2. Block 2 – Vocational activities – skills audit, CV writing, application forms etc, Mental Health and Wellbeing , SQA units 3-4. Block 3 – Work ready support – job search, interview skills, job brokerage, college applications , SQA units 5 and 6 . Young people can enter Impactful Starts at any block Stage and their 12 weeks will start from this entry point.
Edinburgh Chill Youth Club starting Thursday 4th August, 7-9pm, Fetlor Youth Club, 122 Crewe South Road, EH4 2NY (leaflet attached)
This club run by the Speech and Language Company is a supportive and creative social group for young people aged 16-25years who experience communication barriers. For more information contact Tel: 07507 535857 Email: families@s-l-co.uk
The A Teens group is back up and running on a Wednesday afternoon 4- 5.30pm at Canongate Youth. The group is for young people aged 14+ with Autism. If you think your teenager would benefit from a relaxed social group with peers, please contact Cat. She will be happy to arrange a visit to the centre beforehand. Contact Cat McMillan, Youth Development Worker, Tuesday – Friday 9am-5pm on 07776292632. Flyer attached.