Principal’s Update
Friday was a difficult day for colleagues as we attended Innes MacLagan’s Memorial Service at La Mare Vineyards. Many, many colleagues attended, and it was a deeply moving experience. His sons spoke beautifully, and Rob Moy represented us admirably in his speech. Innes is very much missed by all who knew him. His wife thanked us for our support and said how happy Innes had been here. We have had suggestions to plant a tree as Innes loved the outdoors and was a forestry lecturer in HE. Also, an idea to do an annual beach clean in his name as a community – wonderful ideas which we will pursue.
Last week saw the Great Hall being the setting for the Eisteddfod Creative Arts Awards evening; the Lieutenant Governor presented trophies to primary aged children, to older islanders from all backgrounds and ages. Also, we had the Institute of Law graduation celebration where 90% of the graduates were women – some studying double law degree awards in French and English.
The HE fair at the Royal Showground at Trinity was lively. Thank you to UCJ staff and students who resourced a stall all day.
Parents/Carers consultations sessions had 225 attending one evening, and many joining online. A long day for teaching teams so much appreciated. The attendance was up on last year.
Our Culinary Arts alumni took over our restaurant for a day working with current students to prepare a wonderful meal on Thursday the 14th of March. Glenn Noel, is founder of Ganache and has worked both here, and internationally, in Michelin starred restaurants. Matthew Gordon, Head Chef and Cambridge Jacklin who worked on super yachts have both travelled extensively and worked in top restaurants. What a treat for our students and dinner guests.
This week Academy students are in France visiting the Lycée Hotelier de Dinard to learn from French professional and students.
On Tuesday we have World Social Work Day Conference, led by Jess Garner, UCJ Programme lead, with a range of professionals from Social Care and Social Work coming together to discuss “Transformative Change”.
At Senior Leadership Team our agenda covers international partnerships, timetabling and utilisation (85% of our total budget is staffing so we review this regularly), followed by a presentation by People and Consulting Services GoJ on a new module of Connect People for “Talent Management and Acquisition”. Also, we are starting work on the new Highlands Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2029 which will start with consulting with you. Finally, we share ongoing work with stakeholders.
The Governing Body and I are working with an external agency on developing an impact assessment framework for the College. This will attempt to measure our social and economic impact upon the island and islanders. This will feed into the new strategic plan and inform our work on a new campus development.
I can hardly believe it is Easter next week. It’s been a busy month for all of us.
I will see you all at our next staff meeting in the Great Hall on the 15th of April, if not before.
Spring is in the air, the best time for new beginnings.
Best wishes
Jo