Headteacher’s Update – 3rd May

Good afternoon,

If you have any children sitting exams I hope they are going well, the feedback on the papers from staff has been positive.

Here are this week’s update:

Information for all parents and carers

• School excursion
• INSET Day 7.5.24
• DYW Coordinator update & new DYW padlet
• Wider Achievement Event
• Balerno Boutique
• Parent Council

Information specifically for S1/2/3

• Activity Days 29^th & 30^th May

Information specifically for S4/5/6

• Exams and Immersion Days – dress code
• Study materials

Information for all parents and carers

School excursion

S3 Admin and IT – Visit to the St James Quarter

The pupils tackled mystery shopping and spotting all kinds of customer service details with a bingo game. They rounded off the day with some bowling where everyone showed fantastic teamwork.

The pupils were a credit to the school and had a thoroughly enjoyable day!

UNCRC Article 29 Aims of education

INSET Day 7.5.24

A reminder that school is closed to pupils on Tuesday 7^th May unless they are sitting N5 or AH English.

DYW Coordinator update

Roxy Nicol our DYW co-ordinator has started her maternity leave and I am delighted to share that Emily Hazley has joined Balerno High School to cover Roxy’s position. The below document contains an introduction from Emily and she very much looks forward to supporting our young people and families in the year ahead.

emily-hazley-dyw-coordinatorDownload

We now have a new padlet available under Support for Families section of the whole school padlet. You can use this to keep an eye here for work-related news, opportunities, and information.  Parents/carers and pupils can easily access and apply to relevant opportunities by browsing or using the “Search” function.

UNCRC Article 29 Aims of education, Article 17 Access to information

Wider Achievement Event

We are delighted to open nominations for wider achievement awards. Please check your emails where more information and her is a link to the  Wider Achievement Nominations form. Deadline is Friday 17^th May. 

UNCRC Article 29 Aims of education, Article 31 Rest, play, culture, arts

Balerno Boutique

As a school we believe that we should be caring for the planet as well as looking after our school community as part of Learning for Sustainability. We are therefore starting an initiative called ‘Balerno Boutique’ where members of our school community can hand in preloved uniform items with some life left in them to be passed on to other students. Parents and students can hand in items that are no longer being used to the reception. They will then be sorted and ready to be re-loved.

S6 could bring in any branded clothing when they return their iPads on 30^th May.

UNCRC 26 Social & economic help, Article 2 No discrimination

Parent Council Meeting

The next Parent Council Meeting will take place on Monday 13^th May.

The meeting will start at 18:30, all parents and carers are welcome.

Information specifically for S1/2/3

Activity Days 29^th & 30^th May

We are pleased to confirm that the Activities Days offer is now complete. Information will be coming out to you on Tuesday with pupil selection deadline being Friday 10^th May.

Following this, further ParentPay information will be sent to you. It is important that any trip payments are made by the deadline.

UNCRC Article 29 Aims of education, Article 31 Rest, play, culture, arts

Information specifically for S4/5/6

Exams and Immersion Days

A reminder that all young people attending the immersion days and SQA exams should be coming to school in their school uniform.

Study materials

If your child/ren has any study materials/text books/notes/past paper books etc which they will no longer require we would love to add them to our Study Swap Box in the LRC so other pupils can use them in the future.

Pupils can hand any items into reception, thank you.

UNCRC Article 29 Aims of education

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the Padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 26th April

Good afternoon,

What a pleasure to see the weather improve and I hope any exams sat this week have gone well.

Information for all parents and carers

• RRSA Film Award
• RRSA Article of the Month 

Information specifically for S1/2/3

• S3 – Silver Duke of Edinburgh Information
• Maths Engagement with Heriot Watt University

Information specifically for S4/5/6

No specific updates this week

Information for all parents and carers

RRSA Film Award

I am delighted to share that the film UNICEF created with us last year has won an award at The Brand Film Awards for Best Progressive Social Change film.

The Brand Film Awards recognises the top films from organisations spanning business, lifestyle, third sector, agency and media production. The Awards are organised by PR Week and Campaign, which are big names in the marketing and communications industry and recognise outstanding creativity, storytelling and production across branded content. UNICEF wants to thank all the pupils involved.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 42 Everyone must know children’s rights

RRSA Article of the Month – April 2024

This month’s Sway focuses on Article 31 every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities, we hope you enjoy it.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Information specifically for S1/2/3

S3 – Silver Duke of Edinburgh Information

The presentation from the information evening this week is available of the padlet.

It is located in Year Group Information / S3 Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Maths Engagement with Heriot Watt University

Ms Gormley, a professor from Heriot Watt University’s Actuarial Maths Department met with a focus group of 16, S1-3 students on Tuesday.

As part of our broad general education course in S1-3, we have previously engaged in workshops including estimation and probability. In the Senior Phase we have taken our Higher students down to the Campus to engage with lecturers and find out more about Uni life. 

The focus group engaged in discussions around what they enjoy about Maths, what they find challenging and career pathways. Ms Gormley was very impressed with the positivity from all of our students regarding Maths. They discussed the range of activities they complete as part of their lessons and positive relationships they have with staff. We then discussed ideas for engagement going forward, and they ranked their favourite ideas. Favourites included: escape room, treasure hunt, group maths challenges and a carnival.

We are looking forward to working in partnership with Heriot Watt University and build a variety of experiences based on our student voice.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 13 Sharing thoughts freely

Information specifically for S4/5/6

No updates this week

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the Padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have a restful weekend,

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 19th April

Good afternoon,

I hope you managed to enjoy the Easter break despite the weather It has been super to welcome everyone back after the Easter break,

This week’s updates include:

Information for all parents and carers

• Staffing information
• There are no updates to the Padlet this week.

Information specifically for S1/2/3

• S1-S3 Activity Days
• S1 Social Subject Days

Information specifically for S4/5/6

• S4/5 Leavers Event
• S6 Information
• SQA and appeals information
• HPV Vaccinations -drop in option for S4/5/6

Information for all parents and carers

Staffing information

To support the operational needs of the school, we advertised, within the City of Edinburgh, for an Acting Curriculum DHT and House Head for Cockburn prior to Easter.

Following a very competitive leet Miss Vaila Wright has been successfully appointed into this role on a full time basis up to the summer holidays. I am sure you will join we in wishing her every success.

We are also delighted to share that Mrs Hannah Symon will be the full time PSL for Malleny this term.

Pupil Support	Bavelaw	Cockburn	Malleny
PSL	Mr Charters	Mrs Thompson	Mrs Symon
House Head	Mr Ferguson	Miss Wright	Mrs Anderson

Information specifically for S1/2/3

S1-S3 Activity Days

Following the positive feedback from pupils last year we are running two activity days on 29^th and 30^th May 2024 for S1/2/3.

Mr Ferguson is leading on this and will share further information by the end of next week.

The offer will include activities some at no cost and we would encourage all young people to have a bus pass for any activities based in Edinburgh.

If your child does not have a bus pass you can use this link to apply https://getyournec.scot/nec/

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

S1 Social Subject Days

Social Subject are organising  an excursion for all S1 pupils mid-May and you will receive information in the next week. This trip has no cost attached if your child has a bus pass.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Information specifically for S4/5/6

S4/5 Leavers Event

We had a super afternoon saying farewell to our S4 and S5 Leavers yesterday afternoon and thank the parents and carers who were able to join us.

We wish you all the very best of luck as you leave us.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

S6 Information

Please refer to the separate email sent to S6 parents/carers yesterday.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

SQA and appeals information

Please see the below files for key SQA information and the appeals process for 2024.

your-exams-2024-school-editionDownload

s4-5-sqa-exam-updateDownload

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

HPV Vaccinations

HPV vaccinations will be taking place at Balerno High School on Thursday 25^th April.

If you child has not yet received this vaccination and over the age of 16 they can self-consent and attend a drop in session between 09:00 and 12:30

The vaccine is offered to all S1 pupils in Scotland and below is a link with further information

HPV vaccine – Immunisations in Scotland | NHS inform

UNCRC Article 24 Health, Water, Food, Environment

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com)

Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have a restful weekend,

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 22nd March

Good afternoon,

This week’s updates include:

Information for all parents and carers

• Easter holidays – confirmation of dates
• Gmail accounts
• City of Edinburgh Health and Wellbeing Survey – opt out link
• Spring Concert
• Lost property
• The Edinburgh Community Climate Fund – Edinburgh Remakery Tech Donation Box
• Additions to the school padlet

Information specifically for S4/5/6

• Study support offer
• S4/5 Leavers Event
• SQA Estimate Grade
• S6 iPad return

Information specifically for S1/2/3

• No specific updates this week

Information for all parents and carers

Easter holidays

To confirm the school will close for the Easter holiday at 15:30 on Thursday 28^th March and will reopen at 08:30 on Tuesday 16^th April.

Gmail accounts

Just a reminder that we are aware that emails from school can go to Spam or Junk folders if sent to a gmail email address.

Please be aware and check regularly if this applies to you.

City of Edinburgh Health and Wellbeing Survey

A reminder that all pupils will complete a CEC Health and Wellbeing Survey on Thursday 28^th March.

Please refer to the email dated 13.3.24 to view the questions your child/ren will be asked.

If you would prefer that your child does not take part in this survey, please complete this form https://forms.office.com/e/M62ryWuA04 by 09:00 by Monday 25^th March 2024.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Water, Food, Environment

The Balerno Spring Concert

We look forward to welcoming you to the Spring Concert on Tuesday 27^th March.

Tickets are limited but still available via ParentPay.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Lost property

There is a rail with this term’s lost property in the print room. The rail has jackets, hoodies and T-shirts. If your child is missing any clothing please ask them to pop in to check before next Thursday.

The Edinburgh Community Climate Fund – Edinburgh Remakery Tech Donation Box

The Edinburgh Community Climate Fund Tech Donation Box is now at Balerno High School!

The box will provide an easy and secure way for students and their families to donate their old personal tech devices to be refurbished and reused.

Here is how it works…

Q – What are the items that students and families can donate in the tech donation boxes?

A – We accept donations of laptops, tablets, iPads, smart phones, cables, chargers, routers, smart watches, headphones, speakers, and peripherals such as keyboards, webcams, and mice.

Please note that we are not able to accept printers, monitors of any kind, or general household electrical goods, such as toasters, Hair dryers & straighteners, kettles and lamps.

Q – How do I donate off the tech?

A- Drop off the tech you want to donate to the box at the entrance to the school this. It will then be collected by the Edinburgh Community Climate Fund who will refurbish and repair the tech items.

Q – Why should I consider donating any old tech?

A – By donating the old personal tech devices that are no longer used or needed, such as laptops and tablets they are stopping these items from going to landfill where they would cause pollution. Instead, these devices go to the Edinburgh Remakery team to be refurbished, repaired and given a new life before being passed on.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Additions to the padlet this week

General Information section

• This month’s RRSA Article of the Month – Article 24: Health, Water, Food, Environment

Support for families

• Mental Health Support in Edinburgh South West
• Vaping – Parental Support Resource
• Autism – Support and Information for Families
• Post 16 ASN Future Pathways Event

Information specifically for S4/5/6

Study support offer

A reminder that Miss Wright shared an email with study support information earlier this week.

This offer provides an extensive offer which will support revision over the Easter holidays.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

S4/5 Leavers Event – please respond by 28.3.24

In order to help us plan for an event for pupils and families of S4/5 leavers, please ask your young person to ensure they have completed this link if they intend on leaving school in May 2024. S4/5 Leavers Form  

Please complete the MS Form to confirm if you can attend or not by 28.3.24.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

SQA Estimate Grade

You will receive your child’s SQA estimate grades by email on Monday 25^th March.

There will be an accompanying email providing key information.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

S6 iPad return

All S6 pupils should return their iPad, iPad case, charger plug and cable on Thursday 30^th May.

Mrs Anderson will share further information after the holidays.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have a restful weekend,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 15th March

Good afternoon,

It has been another busy week with many National 5 assignment being uplifted by SQA.

This week’s updates include:

• S3 Entrepreneurial Attitudes Workshop
• Communication feedback
• S2 Course Choice
• S4/5 leavers event
• Pupil use of language when messaging each other
• Additions to the padlet

S3 Entrepreneurial Attitudes Workshop

On Tuesday this week all S3 students had the opportunity to work with Live-N-Learn to recognise and develop entrepreneurial skills & qualities required to achieve success in and out of school.

They reflected on the life skills they have developed so far, what existing evidence they have which demonstrate these and what they can do to gain more evidence.

Students learnt the value of setbacks & resilience planning, whilst understanding the importance of incremental improvement, growth mindset, personal responsibility & grasping opportunities.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Communication feedback

As we move into our next cycle of improvement planning it would be helpful to gather feedback on the weekly HT update email and the school padlet.

The form will only take a few minutes to complete, many thanks to those who completed this in the last week. https://forms.office.com/e/Pvd5HCw0c5

S2 Course Choice

A reminder that S2 course choices should be submitted by Sunday 17^th March.

Currently only 52% of S3 choices have been entered to the online portal.

You can refer to the Pathways document Pathways Document | Balerno High School (wordpress.com). This link also provides a video to support your navigation of the Pathways document.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader who will be able to help.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

S4/5 Leavers Event

In order to help us plan for an event for pupils and families of S4/5 leavers, please ask your young person to ensure they have completed this link if they intend on leaving school in May 2024. S4/5 Leavers Form

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Use of language when messages friends

We are aware that there has been an increase in the number of reports of young people using inappropriate language that falls under a hate crime when texting their friends, examples have included racist comments.

Can I ask for your support in reminding your child/ren that this use of language is not acceptable on any level.

To report any concerns pupils can use the QR codes around the school or the link available on their year group TEAM, as always they can also approach their trusted adult and PSL.

The school will inform parents/carers if this language is reported and in the past this has resulted in pupils meeting the School Liaison Police Officer to highlight the serious nature of using their phones in this way.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 2 No discrimination

Additions to the Padlet

Support for families section

• Anti bullying leaflet for parents/carers

General Section

• Senior Phase Immersion Timetable

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com). If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have a restful weekend,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 8th March

Good afternoon,

It has been a busy week at school with pupils completing their SQA assignments and taking part in performance examinations e.g. Music

This week’s updates include:

• Request for parental feedback
• S2 Course Choice
• Final opportunity to donate to the Community for Food
• Please be mindful when parking at the school

Communication feedback

As we move into our next cycle of improvement planning it would be helpful to gather feedback on the weekly HT update email and the school padlet. The form will only take a few minutes to complete. https://forms.office.com/e/Pvd5HCw0c5

S2 Course Choice

A reminder that S2 course choices should be submitted by Sunday 17^th March.

You can refer to the Pathways document Pathways Document | Balerno High School (wordpress.com). This link also provides a video to support your navigation of the Pathways document.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader who will be able to help.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Final opportunity to donate to the Community for Food

The S4 Employability Group are organising a collection for Community for Food. They are a local food bank that support the delivery of food packages to families who have pupils attending schools within our locality. They opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and having been improving people’s lives ever since. More information can be found at https://communityforfood.com/. You can donate food to the front reception with Mrs Louden, up to Wednesday 13^th March 2024.

You can bring the following items:

• Canned food, such as beans, soup, vegetables and fruit.
• Dried food, such as pasta, rice, noodles, crackers and biscuits
• Sauce Jars e.g. – pasta sauce, pesto, olives and sun-dried tomatoes

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Food, Water , Environment, Article 26 Social and Economic Help

Please be mindful when parking at the school

If you are picking up or dropping off your child can we ask that you park responsibly.

We are aware some cars are parking on the grass and his is causing some damage to these areas.

Many thanks

Additions to the Padlet

There are no additions this week

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope you have a restful weekend,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Anti-Bullying Information for Parents & Carers

anti_bullying_parent_leaflet_finalDownload

Headteacher’s Update – 1st March

Good afternoon,

I hope you have had a good week, it has been so nice to have some dry bright days.

As part of this week’s update we have the following information:

• Parent Council meeting 4.8.24
• S2 course choice
• Balerno Times – February edition
• Reminder of collection for Community for Food
• Reminder of collection for Edinburgh Women’s Aid – International Women’s Day
• Additions to the padlet

Parent Council meeting 4.8.24

We would be delighted to welcome you to our meeting on Monday evening. It starts at 18:30 in the LRC. Please refer to the email you received earlier this week for details.

S2 Course Choice

Parents and carers of S2 pupils will have received an email yesterday with the subjects and log-in information to upload course choices for next year.

Please discuss the subject options with your child and submit these by Sunday 17^th March.

You can refer to the Pathways document Pathways Document | Balerno High School (wordpress.com). This link also provides a video to support your navigation of the Pathways document.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader who will be able to help.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Balerno Times – February bitesize edition

The Balerno Times Team have their next edition ready for you to read https://balernochs.wordpress.com/2024/02/23/balerno-times-february-edition/

Included in this issue:

• Holocaust Memorial Day – Fragility of Freedom
• RRSA groups from other City of Edinburgh Schools visit to Balerno High School
• The honest guide to National 5 exams
• Valentine messages
• Book of the Month
• Movie of the Month
• The hockey report
• Fashion at the Grammy Awards

And of course, Mr Hamilton’s joke of the month!

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Reminder of collection for Community for Food

The S4 Employability Group are organising a collection for Community for Food. They are a local food bank that support the delivery of food packages to families who have pupils attending schools within our locality. They opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and having been improving people’s lives ever since. More information can be found at https://communityforfood.com/. You can donate food to the front reception with Mrs Louden, up to Wednesday 13^th March 2024.

You can bring the following items:

• Canned food, such as beans, soup, vegetables and fruit.
• Dried food, such as pasta, rice, noodles, crackers and biscuits
• Sauce Jars e.g. – pasta sauce, pesto, olives and sun-dried tomatoes

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Food, Water , Environment, Article 26 Social and Economic Help

Reminder of collection for Edinburgh Women’s Aid – International Women’s Day

Following a successful collection last year, this year for International Women’s Day, we wanted to help women in our local community again. Joint research carried out by Scottish Women’s Aid and Refuge shows that 1 in 4 of UK women will suffer from some form of domestic abuse. We are collecting items to send to Edinburgh Women’s Aid who provide safe, temporary accommodation for women who have experienced domestic abuse. We are looking for donations of the following items. Due to hygiene reasons, these must be new items and not used or old ones. 

Shampoo Shower Gel Conditioner Toothbrushes Toothpaste  Facial wipes Face cleansing products  Face creams

Deodorant Makeup Body cream Dry shampoo Baby toiletries: bath gel, cream (not nappies as they’re too bulky and we can’t store them)

Please drop off any donations to Mrs Louden at reception by Friday 8^th March 2024. Thank you for anything you can donate.

The Equalities Team

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Food, Water , Environment, Article 26 Social and Economic Help

Additions to the Padlet

Celebrating success:

• The link for the February bitesize edition of the Balerno Times is available.

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com) If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 23rd February

Good afternoon,

I hope you have had a good week and managed to find some time to enjoy the February break.

As part of this week’s update we have the following information:

• S2 Course Choice
• Collection for Community for Food
• Collection for Edinburgh Women’s Aid – International Women’s Day
• Padlet updates

S2 Course Choice

S2 students will meet with their PSL next week to discuss coursing for 2024/25.

You will have received an email with information earlier this week.

S3 includes English, Maths, Science, Social Subjects, Core PE, PSE and RMPS with personalisation and choice coming through the four additional subjects which pupils select.

Please refer to the Pathways document Pathways Document | Balerno High School (wordpress.com). This link also provides a video to support your navigation of the Pathways document.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Collection for Community for Food

The S4 Employability Group are organising a collection for Community for Food. They are a local food bank that support the delivery of food packages to families who have pupils attending schools within our locality. They opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and having been improving people’s lives ever since. More information can be found at https://communityforfood.com/. You can donate food to the front reception with Mrs Louden, up to Wednesday 13^th March 2024.

You can bring the following items:

• Canned food, such as beans, soup, vegetables and fruit.

• Dried food, such as pasta, rice, noodles, crackers and biscuits

• Sauce Jars e.g. – pasta sauce, pesto, olives and sun-dried tomatoes

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Food, Water , Environment, Article 26 Social and Economic Help

Collection for Edinburgh Women’s Aid – International Women’s Day

Following a successful collection last year, this year for International Women’s Day, we wanted to help women in our local community again. Joint research carried out by Scottish Women’s Aid and Refuge shows that 1 in 4 of UK women will suffer from some form of domestic abuse. We are collecting items to send to Edinburgh Women’s Aid who provide safe, temporary accommodation for women who have experienced domestic abuse. We are looking for donations of the following items. Due to hygiene reasons, these must be new items and not used or old ones. 

Shampoo Shower Gel Conditioner Toothbrushes Toothpaste  Facial wipes Face cleansing products  Face creams

Deodorant Makeup Body cream Dry shampoo Baby toiletries: bath gel, cream (not nappies as they’re too bulky and we can’t store them)

 Please drop off any donations to Mrs Louden at reception by Friday 8^th March 2024. Thank you for anything you can donate.

The Equalities Team

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 24 Health, Food, Water , Environment, Article 26 Social and Economic Help

Additions to the Padlet

General Information:

• RRSA Sway with February’s Article of the Month. Article 38, Protection from War

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher

Headteacher’s Update – 9th February

Good afternoon,

I hope you have had a good week

In this week’s update we have the following information:

• Fieldwork and curricular trips
• Senior Staff changes
• S3/4/5 Course Choice
• School Uniform
• Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band fundraising concert – Wednesday 28^th February 7-9pm in Balerno High School

Fieldwork and curricular trips

• Higher Music students performed at the Mill Café on Monday 5^th February.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture and Arts

Senior Staff changes

After the February break Mrs Cara Prot is returning to be full time CL Maths and Business.

We thank her for all she has done to support pupils and drive forward school priorities during the last 16 months as Acting DHT.

We also thank Mrs Rebecca Boyd and Mrs Rachel Ponder for their support as Acting CL Maths and Business during this time.

I am delighted to share Miss Vaila Wright will be Acting DHT and Malleny House Head on a Tuesday from 20^th February through to the 25^th June with Mrs Hannah Symon picking up as PSL Malleny role from the 27^th February.

S3/4/5 Course Choice

S3, 4 and 5 course choice interviews with PSLs are now complete.

Course choices for session 24/25 should be uploaded to MIST by Sunday 18^th February using the link, user name and password you have preciously received by email.

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band fundraising concert

Wednesday 28^th February 7-9pm in Balerno High School

This event is shaping up to be a great night with live Scottish music performed by the pipe band and other young local musicians. We are delighted to be supported this year by: Balerno High School’s Ceilidh Band; Less Concerned (pupil band); the High School vocal group; soloist Lily McRae; and Craigmount High School’s Traditional Music Group. There will be tea, coffee, juice and homemade cakes available at the interval, and every penny made from tickets and refreshments will help to fund the running of the band. 

Tickets are £10 for adults, and children and teenagers can attend for free.  

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education, Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture and Arts

School Uniform

The vast majority of our young people are looking fantastic in their school uniform, however we are noticing an increasing number not wearing a shirt with a tie or a branded Balerno hoodie/Sweatshirt as an alternative

If you can check in with your child/ren to have their unform ready to wear for the 19^th February it would be much appreciated. https://balernochs.wordpress.com/policies/uniform/

UNCRC Article 28 Aims of Education

Additions to the Padlet

There are no additions to the padlet this week.

‘Our Balerno Way’ – Communications Padlet

We hope you are finding the padlet available on the school website helpful Balerno High School | 0131 477 7788 (wordpress.com) Balerno Community High School (padlet.com)

If you have any feedback it would be much appreciated so we can take this into account https://forms.office.com/e/hZv1jq46jU

I hope if you have time off work next week you enjoy the mid-term break.

Staff and pupils return to school at 08:30 on Monday 19^th February

Kind regards,

Ros Ranger

Head Teacher