Principal’s Update

We have another fundraising drive this week to support the development of the Highlands College Kitchen at Malindi Bright Futures Academy, in Kenya. Thank you to all colleagues who have signed up for the bikeathon; there will still be slots available.  If you are not able to cycle, you can still make a contribution via these links. You can also do short slots if you want – Aaron Labey and the Student Life can arrange that.

https://rebrand.ly/HC-Malindi-Fundraiser -> Link to the website

https://rebrand.ly/Malindi-Donation -> Donation link

https://rebrand.ly/Malindi-Bikeathon -> Sign up

Also, on Thursday evening we have an “All Things Kenyan” night in the Academy Restaurant where for £25.00 you can have a wonderful 3 course meal devised by our own Dominic Farrell, chef lecturer. Please contact Mihaela on 608500, there’s only a few places left though.

There are 1000 Kenyans working in the island, 45% of Kenyan 20- to 24-year-olds are not in education or employment, and therefore many young people go far afield to gain employment. 56% of men have Primary Education as their highest level of schooling and education is vital to life chances. Building a kitchen creates a legacy for the college and directly impacts on educational outcomes for these children.

This week at SLT, we have staff health and wellbeing strategy on the agenda; HR update by Tyler including People and Consulting Services changes and term dates. The Governing Body will meet in June and papers are prepared now. The focus of the June meeting will be a pan to grow and diversify the Board on the next two years. There will be a recruitment campaign led by our Chair as some governors will soon be near the end of their tenure.

For me, this week, among other things, I will be working on Higher Education development with CYPES and meeting with business leaders who are interested in the college’s work.

I look forward to seeing you all, at one, of two staff meetings, on Friday this week, where we will begin consulting and developing the next Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029.

It’s a short week this week, but still very busy. We are on the final countdown for student submissions and examinations so best of luck to everyone.

Jo