Principal’s Update

Last week’s stand out for me was the Highlands College 6th Form P.R.I.D.E Awards. It was a wonderful evening and a good mix of high standards of presentation with a welcoming and celebratory feel. Thank you to those staff who worked behind the scenes, and front of house, to make it the event so enjoyable for the students and families. Some colleagues were working as part of their job role and others volunteering, but all going above and beyond, guided by Eileen Buicke-Kelly.

 

Simon MacDonald

Jessica Tidswell

Alexander Salmon

Vanessa Strauer

Celina Crenan

James Bennett

Nicola Brown

Sarah Keites

Jane Bell

Danielle Nelson

Fallon Leitch

Raphael Andrade

Ben Pirozzolo

Sam Drayson Le Tissier

Mihaela Lazarescu

Patrick Hogge

Firmino Gouveia

Sergio Timoteo

Luis Costa

Jacek Skrzek

 

I attended the chamber lunch, where the Chief Minister spoke at length about his first six months in office with multiple references to skills and education as Council of Minsters priorities. Three of our 6th form students joined us and one asked two questions of the Chief Minister and two business students were busy networking! 😊

Transition Days have started as I write. I am visiting some sessions, as are all the SLT; I’ve already met some happy and engaged year 11s. I hope the days are enjoyable for everyone. Thanks again to employability for leading the way here. There’s a Prospective parents and carers evening on Thursday which is always gathers a favourable turn out.

At weekly SLT we have items on communications and impact assessments for a new campus. We are also reviewing the updated Quality Assurance Calendar for next academic year. Paul Antonio is sharing attendance data from schools; we are looking for trends so that we can anticipate future challenges in year groups progressing here. We already know that records of needs will double and so are investing in additional support in terms of training, staffing and assistive technology. Tyler is also presenting on HR – data on attendance and sickness and system changes.

At Governing Body last week, the Chair led a presentation on our tri-annual external board review. The outcomes were good. We have development areas in succession planning because terms of office come to an end, there’s also ongoing skills audits to match current/ future needs and reducing our sub-committees down from five to two, plus a third for recruitment, a search committee. Sharon Ward is Clerk to the governors and Dave Freeman and Danielle Schenk are your staff governors, please contact them for more detail.

With less than three weeks until the end of term for academic staff and term time only support staff, departments will be starting their self-assessments, timetabling, and planning for September induction. Part-time students are still in classes, but full-time students have completed with submissions to awarding bodies by the 5th of July. In Higher education, UCJ have awarding bodies with LSBU on Monday.

This academic year has marked significant advancements in the wellbeing of our staff, driven by a variety of initiatives and events designed to foster a supportive and healthy workplace environment. One of the standout successes has been the impact of Colleague Supporters. With over one hundred interactions recorded, these supporters have provided essential assistance, leading to a considerable reduction in the time managers spend on wellbeing issues, allowing them to focus on other critical responsibilities.

Staff now have a clear understanding of where to turn for help and feel confident in doing so, thanks to the accessible and supportive environment created by the Colleague Supporters. This shift has been instrumental in building a culture of openness and mutual support within our organisation.

Another significant achievement is the reduction of staff absences due to mental health-related conditions, which has decreased from 6.9% to 4.4%. This improvement reflects the effectiveness of the college’s enhanced mental health support and wellbeing initiatives.

Further events throughout the year have further enriched staff wellbeing. These include:

•Walking Lunch:

•Mental Health Awareness Week:

•Reconnect at Café Connect:

•Lunch and Learn Sessions: Covering topics such as menopause awareness, medicinal cannabis, health checks, and the cultures of kindness conference, these sessions have provided valuable knowledge and insights from leading experts in Jersey.

•Buddy Up: Successfully connecting staff across the college, fostering new relationships and a sense of community.

•Wellbeing Events: Including Tai Chi, Sound bath, Poetry, journaling, mindful art, movement, and wellbeing activities, offering diverse ways for staff to engage in self-care and relaxation.

Michael Watkins, our Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health Coordinator, has played a crucial role in these achievements. His involvement with the Government Wellbeing Pilot Group, mental health leads, and national wellbeing conferences has positioned Highlands at the forefront of wellbeing initiatives on the island. Michael’s presentations to these bodies have further cemented our reputation as a leader in this area.

The recent staff survey at Highlands College highlights substantial enhancements in staff satisfaction regarding the wellbeing and mental health support provided by the institution. Notably, the provision of mental health support has increased by 27%, the perception that employee mental health is a priority has risen by 20%, and the sense that Highland College values staff health and wellbeing has improved by 17%. The survey also highlights areas needing further attention and improvement in phase 2 and 3 of the wellbeing strategy.

I am due to review the anonymous staff survey data in detail this week with registry, compliance, and HR.

Overall, the successes of this year have laid a solid foundation for continued progress in staff wellbeing.
Happy staff = Happy Highlands!

Enjoy the week.

Jo