Head Teacher Blog
As this term draws to a close, it’s remarkable to see all that has been achieved by the young people of Greenfaulds this term. Prelim exams have just finished in the lead up to the Christmas break and this week we have been able to finish off the term with our usual Christmas festivities.
Attendance at school continues to be a huge focus for us and we have tried to ensure that the calendar reflects the importance of attendance at school: 90%, while seeming high (and indeed would be commendable in many an exam situation) actually translates in attendance terms as the equivalent of missing one half day per week – or 20 days over the course of the school year! Our pupil support staff are highlighting this in PSE lessons with classes and are in regular contact with parents. We are looking to trial a pilot with a group of pupils when the new term begins to see how we can continue to highlight the link between attendance and improved opportunities for success.
Some of the initiatives of pupil led groups in the school can be seen below and it is easy to see how passionate our young people are about making a difference in and around the school and their local community. I am very proud to see our school values as an Ambitious, Inclusive and Progressive school embodied in the daily actions of our pupils and staff.
I hope that each of you enjoy time with your families and friends over the festive period and look forward to welcoming pupils back on Monday 6 January at 8.55 am.
With every good wish for a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year
Kind Regards
Head Teacher
School Parliament
Our newly established pupil parliament plays a vital role in our school with pupils having their say over what matters to us as a school community.
Our first formal sitting of parliament in the Council Chambers was an impressive sight to behold as members debated motions which impact on the running of the school: the disbursement of school funds; a recognition of pupil merit system; and movement around the school during intervals and lunchtimes. In addition, Amy Herd S6, delivered a powerful and impressive speech on the use of schools as polling stations and the impact this has on young people and families. Such was the impact of her presentation, that the Provost has taken her paper and has passed this to the Returning Officer for North Lanarkshire, Chief Executive Des Murray!
Cash for Kids Fundraising
Our participation in Cash for Kids fundraising events is well documented this session, with our parliament agreeing that this is our adopted charity for this session. After the success of our flashmob dance, which raised around £7000 for Cash for Kids, the Charities Day held yesterday topped this up by a further £3000. The selection of fun events on offer to all yesterday made for a varied – and unusual – day at school for pupils. Beauty treatments, talent shows, dunk the teacher, sporting events…………..there was something for everyone! A huge thanks to pupils, staff and families for their continued support.
Christmas Donations
Our idea this year from the Social Justice committee was that our school Christmas tree should be decorated with baubles of gift suggestions for young people who may receive little or no gifts at Christmas. Working in conjunction with Kilsyth Foodbank, a wide range of ages and gift ideas were covered. On the day the tree was put up, there was a queue of pupils and staff waiting to take baubles away! The tree baubles were replenished 3 times – resulting in over 300 gifts being delivered to the Foodbank. A massive thanks is due to pupils, parents and staff for the kind and thoughtful donations which will make Christmas a bit more special for a significant number of local children.
I
n addition, a number of pupils from Greenfaulds recently attended Craighalbert Church to help with the assembly and distribution of Christmas Hampers to community residents, and were praised by the Pastor for their outstanding efforts and teamwork
Cumbernauld Care Home
On Wednesdays after school, volunteer pupils visit Cumbernauld Care Home to spend time with residents – talking, playing cards and dominos and generally providing company and a friendly face. The pupils have been excellent, with lots of praise and thanks coming from the care workers. They’ve added some community singing to their repertoire and have really made a difference with their presence. Such is their commitment, that the pupils have asked to visit during their holidays and intend to visit the Care Home on 23 December at 2pm, taking along some family members too! The afternoon will comprise of singing, dancing, drama, music and some quality time spent with residents and we look forward to sharing some photographs of the time spent there!
Ceilidhs
Our Junior and Senior Ceilidhs this week have been a resounding success! The dance floor was packed on both Monday and Wednesday evening, and it was amazing to see all the hard work that the PE department put into social dancing lessons finally come to fruition at the main event!
Concert
Tuesday 17 December saw the variety of talent of over 100 performers entertain a sell-out audience for our Christmas concert. Everyone present was treated to a musical journey which took us through pipes & drums; traditional band; Gaelic solo; Choral pieces; Wind Band; Solo Singing performances; our very own talented rock band (fresh from their recent performance in King Tut’s!); staff band and then finishing off with some community singing. In addition to our musical performances, it was wonderful to have an excerpt of Romeo and Juliet performed by pupils from Drama fresh from their performance in Glasgow’s Theatre Royal as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Outstanding talent abounds in Greenfaulds High! A huge thanks to the staff from our Performing Arts department in supporting our performers and in organising the concert.
Our following on twitter is growing daily, and now that we have each of our school parliament groups tweeting alongside subject departments giving updates of what’s happening in Greenfaulds, I would encourage those of you who don’t use it to have a wee peek!
It gives an amazing, up to the minute account of life in our very busy school!
