Posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer

The first School Food Day takes place on 23rd September to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, which also coincides with the first day of the Scottish Learning Festival on 23rd and 24th September in Glasgow. We’re looking for your help to make School Food Day a success and have a number of ways for you to get involved and pledge your support. You could create a food inspired poster, invite parents into your school for lunch or host your own Ready Steady Cook Challenge. You can show your support by registering for School Food Day here where you can tell us about the activities your planning to get your whole school involved. As part of School Food Day we’re asking schools across Scotland to take part in the 12 o’clock Lunch Crunch on Wednesday 23 September. We’re asking those taking part to eat an apple at 12 noon as part of The Lunch Crunch which will be broadcast live via Glow TV from our Food for Thought showcase area at the Scottish Learning Festival in Glasgow’s SECC. School Food Day is the perfect way to get involved if you’re unable to attend the festival – sign up here to show your support.

Posted by Su Spink, Brechin High School

Last term 9 pupils in S3 at Brechin High School took part in a week’s sailing trip with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland accompanied by Miss Smith (Maths) and Mr Vernon (PE).

Under the guidance of specialist sea staff, sails were hoisted, the boat was steered by pupils, positions plotted and log books filled out. Pupils took it in turns to ensure that there was a tasty feast awaiting the hungry crew of 18. None of the pupils had any real experience of sailing but by the end of the voyage the Sea Staff where happy for them to take control. The pupils arrived with a change of clothes, a pair of wellies, enthusiasm and a sprit of adventure.

They left with the experience of a lifetime and memories that will last them forever.

Posted by Su Spink, Brechin High School

Brechin High School pupils Allyn McLaren, Josh Sharpe and Kayleigh Cameron gave a presentation to a room of delegates in a bid to secure funding for OYTS from the Alliance Trust.

Here is some of the feedback: ‘I wanted to say thank you so much to Allyn, Josh, and Kayleigh for their fantastic contribution at yesterday’s presentation. They represented OYT Scotland and the school so well. They were polite and told their stories with such passion. The employees at Alliance Trust were really impressed with their presentation and commented specifically about them and how they brought home what OYT Scotland are all about…..I was so impressed with the three of them- such a great performance!’

Posted by Beverley Scheepers, Development Officer – Early Years, ASH Scotland

ASH Scotland is proud to offer a fully funded training opportunity for family support workers, befrienders, home/school link workers and early years staff from both voluntary and local authority based organisations.  If you work or volunteer in a role which involves supporting families with young children, then this training is for you and we will be in Arbroath, Dundee and Perth to deliver the training in October/November 2015 (follow the website link below for all the date options or see the poster above).

For further details about the training and booking opportunities, please see the ASH Scotland Website http://www.ashscotland.org.uk/what-we-do/children-young-people-and-tobacco/children-carers-second-hand-smoke/.

THIS TRAINING IS FULLY FUNDED AND IS THEREFORE FREE OF CHARGE.

By Sophia Campbell, Event and Media Manager- UK Rock Challenge^® and J Rock™

From 6am on Tuesday 22^nd September Senior Schools, Academies and Sixth Form Colleges (6:30am for Junior and Primary Schools) registration will open  to take part in one of the region’s most dazzling, high energy performing arts competitions as the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ tour returns for 2016!

The 2016  Dundee Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ events will take place on

Tuesday 15^th March and Wednesday 16^th March.

These events will provide the opportunity for schools from across Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross to showcase their creativity, talent and imagination on the stage of The Caird Hall. In 2015 the Dundee Rock Challenge® and Arbroath J Rock™ events involved eleven schools from across Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross involving over 1220 young people.

The Be Your Best Foundation, registered charity since April 1998 (registered charity number 1077291), facilitate the production and expansion of the Rock Challenge^® and J Rock™ in the UK and these Rock Challenge® events aim to inspire, engage and motivate young people to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices. Each show provides the opportunity for young people to experience an adrenalin-based high through performing live on a professional stage rather than using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.

 Teams as small as 10, or as large as 135 students, collaborate with teachers, parents and wider communities to prepare an eight minute performance. These preparations are undertaken over many weeks and months and showcase an array of skills in dance, drama and design. Set to a theme of their choice each school’s performance is completely original and can vary from tackling a political or social message, retelling a true event or an entirely imaginative concept. You can see more information about the event in our promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z54kjiEi8aQ

To receive all the latest information on how to secure a place in the 2016 events a school can contact the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ office on 02392 985710 and be added to the mailing list. Due to popular demand entries are on a first come first served basis and entry forms will be available on Tuesday 22^nd September from 6am on the website: www.rockchallenge.co.uk