🔹Principal’s Update
Happy Monday,
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend enjoying the glorious sunshine. Here’s a round-up of recent highlights and upcoming events at the college.
🎉 Sixth Form Awards Ceremony – A Resounding Success!
Our Sixth Form Awards on Thursday evening was a truly special event. Highlights included:
- A parent shared how her son has grown in confidence since joining Highlands, saying it was wonderful to see him “comfortable in his own skin.”
- Employers who sponsored the event described it as emotional and deeply rewarding.
- A huge thank you to:
- The Caretakers
- Marketing and Events Team
- Catering
- Celina for leading the organisation, with support from Jessica Tidswell and Eileen Buicke-Kelly
🗳️ Policy Forum on Voter Turnout
On Friday morning, I attended a Policy Forum focused on voter engagement in Jersey. Key takeaways:
- Jersey has the lowest voter turnout among OECD countries, with engagement skewed toward older, rural, and property-owning demographics.
- The University of Nottingham is supporting an educational programme to improve understanding of the voting process and we are working with them on that.
- Participants emphasised the need for ongoing community engagement, not just around elections.
- The States Greffe employs ex-teaching staff now and plans to:
- Host meet-and-greet sessions in schools and colleges
👋 Transition Days – Welcoming Future Students
This week, our Employability Team is hosting Transition Days for prospective students. Activities include:
- Hands-on experiences in curriculum areas
- Fun, practical sessions
- Insights into study programmes
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting five areas and meeting enthusiastic students from across the island. Thank you to everyone involved in planning and delivering these sessions!
🌱 Succession Planning Project – Next Steps
We continued discussions on our Succession Planning project during Friday’s Head of Department meeting. The project will deliver:
- Tailored Professional Development for 30 identified critical roles
- Aspiring Leaders Course for those aiming to become Heads of Area
- Ongoing CPD for Middle Leaders targeting future Senior Leadership roles
Additional updates:
- FAQs now include explanations of why roles are deemed critical
- Staff are encouraged to express interest in roles outside their current area
- HODs aim to identify interested colleagues by end of term to shape CPD offers by September
- If someone is unavailable, they will be included early next term
Watch out for training opportunities with Stuart Philip and the Teaching, Learning & Development Team, including external facilitators.
🏗️ Campus Maintenance Update
Rob Moy and I will meet with Jersey Property Holdings on Friday to review progress on major maintenance works. These will take place:
- Primarily over the summer holidays
- Continuing into the next academic year
📋 Staff Survey – Have Your Say
The Schools Staff Survey is now in your inbox. It includes around 50 questions and is a valuable opportunity to:
- Share your views
- Help shape the future support in the teaching service
Please take a few minutes to complete it.
📅 Looking Ahead – Final Weeks of Term
With just three weeks left, we’re focused on:
- Planning for the next academic year
- Engaging in CPD via:
- Association of Colleges online sessions
- Our tailored programme from the Teaching, Learning & Development Team
- Key themes: Digital Skills, Inclusion, and Departmental Priorities
🎁 Big Buddy Reveal – This Wednesday!
For those who took part in the Buddy-Up Scheme:
- Join us for the Big Buddy Reveal
- 📍 Wednesday, 25 June at 8:30 AM
- 📍 Café Connect
Let’s celebrate the kindness and connection that’s been shared this year!
Wishing you all a productive and enjoyable week. I look forward to seeing many of you during Transition Days!
Best wishes,
Jo