CHAS WORKSHOP

On 22 October representatives from CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) visited an S1 PSHE class to carry out an interactive workshop. 

The workshop began with introductions from fundraiser Debbie Traynor, who explained that, despite many people thinking CHAS cater for very young children, 70% of the youngsters who attend either Rachael or Robin House, are teenagers. The pupils, in groups of five or six, then mimed a typical Saturday night 7pm scene for them. Amid much hilarity, a couple of groups were sitting watching X Factor, others were playing their games console. Debbie asked them how they were feeling – hungry, relaxed, mesmerised.

Next they were asked to mime what they think the young people who attend the hospice would be doing at seven on a Saturday night – all of the activities were more sedate. “How were you feeling now?” asks Debbie. Frustrated, sad, bored come the replies.

Debbie then spent a few minutes explaining to the class what CHAS does, and helped them to relate to the young people it helps. “Do you ever argue with your parents?” she asked. “Do you storm off to your room, slamming doors as you go? Well, some of our young people would love to be able to do this.”

She told them of one boy who argued with his parents and stormed off in his wheelchair to another room. Later in the evening he had to shout on his mum to help him into bed – not quite the end to the evening he would have liked.

A DVD allowed the young people who attend the hospices to speak for themselves, and the class were able to see the kind of activities they get up to, as well as what CHAS means to them.

Armed with this new picture, the pupils then perform their third mime, demonstrating what they now believed the youngsters do on a Saturday night. The activities were noticeably livelier, with one group attending T in the Park. When asked how they were feeling, their responses were also considerably more positive.

CHAS were invited into school because we feel it was a worthwhile charity to be involved with, and to fundraise for.  Last year over £1,400 was raised by our curent S2, and 3 of the pupils involved in raising this money, and 3 senior pupils were lucky enough to visit Robin House in Balloch and see first hand what kind of facilities were available for children and teenagers with life limiting conditions. 

Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and will give a presentation to the rest of S1 in January before participating in another fundraising event to support CHAS.

PUPILS’ COMMENTS

- I learned that children with illnesses can have dreams just like us. They can be normal, and can hang out and have fun. Lauren Straine, 12

- I loved the workshop and learned a lot. I didn’t know that they did this stuff with them. Gillian Field, 11

- I thought they did mundane things, so it was really good to find out the kind of things they do. It changed my views. Lewis Strachan, 12.

The workshop was observed by journalist Jackie Cosh from TES and her full article about this event can be found on their website

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6027072

Articles about last years fundraising for CHAS and the visit to Robin House can be found further down this page of the blog.

Open Evening – A Big Success!

Over 1,000 visitors passed through our doors on Wednesday 16 September to view the new Strathaven Academy – the evening was a tremendous success! 

Let us know your thoughts on the new school by adding a comment below.

NEW SCHOOL – OPEN NIGHT

If you would like to visit the new school and have a look around,  an open evening is being arranged for parents and members of the Strathaven community on Wednesday 16th September.  You would be able to have a walk round from 4-6 pm or from 7-9 pm.  Once arrangements have been finalised more information will be available.

More pictures from the first few days of term are on the New School and Uniform page of the blog.

Visit to Robin House

On the first of April, six first and fifth year pupils, accompanied by Miss Leggate and Mrs Paterson, visited Robin House in Balloch, a children’s hospice run by CHAS. We were given a tour of the hospice which proved to be a humbling and thought-provoking experience.

Robin House exists to provide specialist respite, terminal care and bereavement support for families with a child or young person up to the age of 16 who is not expected to live into adulthood.

On arrival at Robin House, the building had the same feel to it as stepping into a primary school. There was not the gloomy and depressing atmosphere we were somewhat expecting, but quite on the contrary. It was a bright, spacious place with many photos gracing the walls along with other artwork and posters created by the children. You could easily be forgiven for forgetting that children come here to die.

While being shown around the hospice – complete with soft play, dressing up, a special lights room, library, music room and pool, there’s even a room dedicated to teenagers only – we were told anecdotes and facts from Robin House giving an insight into the workings of the hospice on a day-to-day basis. These stories also showed how Robin House is a place used to create special memories for the child and their family that will live long after the child has passed on.

Eight families can stay at Robin House at any one time but there are over 70 families currently using the hospice and a further 74 receiving support after bereavement. Robin House needs over £5million to provide this support and most of this is raised through donations such as the sponsored Big Read that our first year pupils took part in.

Perhaps the most emotional part of the tour was the suite put aside for those living their last days where the family could also stay, especially the ‘memory room’. This room had albums filled with poems and stories written by families about their lost child or siblings, it was heartbreaking to read. This was the part of the house where you felt the true weight of the purpose of Robin House.

The tour of Robin House was very moving and gave each of us the opportunity to learn about the work of the hospice and the support they provide in a worthwhile and interesting afternoon.

Lauren Leslie S5

To find out more about the S1 event click the following link:  http://www.chas.org.uk/the-big-read-is-a-big-success-for-strathaven-academy.html 

For more information about this charity log on to  www.chas.org.uk 

See me . . . .

Strathaven Academy was one of forty one secondary schools in Lanarkshire who signed the ‘see me’ Anti-Stigma Pledge on Thursday 2 April 2009.

By signing the ‘see me’ Anti-Stigma Pledge the Strathaven Academy is demonstrating a commitment to working with ‘see me’ in tackling the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems. 

One in four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life and recent research carried out by ‘see me’ found that 81 per cent of those who do have been stigmatised as a result, with many saying that the stigma they experience is worse than the mental health problem itself! The fear of stigma can prevent people from taking up opportunities, such as getting involved in community activities and applying for jobs for which they would be qualified.

Suzie Vestri ‘see me’ Campaign Director said, “It is excellent that even more schools in Lanarkshire are showing their support in tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems.  Pupils, parents and teachers can all play a part in helping to stamp out stigma and Lanarkshire schools are taking a lead.“

Councillor Mary Smith, Chair of Education Resources Committee, South Lanarkshire Council, said “It is very encouraging that young people are involved in the ‘see me’ campaign. I hope their involvement will educate the younger generation about the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland. A better understanding of the problems faced by people with mental health problems will go a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination.”

Following the signing of the ‘see me’ pledge, Strathaven Academy is now committed to working with ‘see me’ to challenge stigma and discrimination and promote mental health and well-being. For example, we will:

 

• Promote the use of the Positive Mental Attitudes pack, which is a mental health resource for schools.
• Set up poster displays around the school to promote the national ‘see me’ Campaign and the local Elament website, Lanarkshire’s mental health website www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk
• Highlight to staff, pupils and parents World Mental Health Day (10 October) and associated events and information.
• Invite mental health and well-being organisations to be represented on stands at the health fairs at other events
• Invite comment and feedback on mental health and well-being issues from staff and pupils.
• Offer staff development opportunities including Mental Health First Aid.
• Provide a range of leaflets and other resources and make them available in the Library and/or other general access areas. 
• Promote and refer pupils to the school counselling service.
• Be aware of and promote the protective factors for mental health such as exercise, self-esteem, resilience and problem solving.
• Have pupil support teachers and departmental representatives participate in suicide and / or self harm prevention training such as SafeTALK or ASIST.
• Have pupil support teachers complete MindSET mental health awareness online training and encourage non pupil support staff to access MindSET training.
• Implement the North and South Lanarkshire Self Harm Pathway.

 

S6 PSHE – Samaritans

On Friday a group of S6 pupils had a talk by the Samaritans on self harm. It was an interesting talk highlighting the different reasons and situations which cause people to self harm. We watched a short film detailing a real life story and this highlighted that it is not people who we might think are weird or seeking attention who self harm, but people who can deal with physical pain better than emotional pain.

Leaflets and information about how to contact the Samaritans if you need help/advice were made available.

More information on the Samaritans is available on their website: www.samaritans.org

Emily Peers S6

What’s With Work – College Placements

S2 pupils are presently considered whether or not they would like to be involved in the vocational option offered by South Lanarkshire College. This year the options are:

 

·      Construction

·      Care

·      Hair

·      Manufacturing

·      Health

·      Beauty

 

Pupils are currently completing application forms and their Guidance teachers are will write them a reference.

 

The college courses run for one morning per week, for the full two years of middle school, with pupils gaining a vocational qualification at the end of S4. 

 

If you have any questions about taking part in the WWW college programme see Mrs Martis.

 

 

S4-S6 Supported Study

As we approach the Final exams in May/June pupils from S4-S6 have been given the opportunity to take part in hour long after school “Supported Study” sessions in a wide range of subjects. These sessions cover course content, exam technique, past paper work etc and will continue after the Easter Holidays. Although class lists have been drawn up, and classes have started, there are still vacancies in some subjects. Ms Barr or your class teacher will be able to give advice.

Primary Visits

The pupil support team are due to visit our six associated primaries over the coming weeks.

These are:

• Wester Overton
• Kirklandpark
• Chapelton
• Glassford
• Gilmourton and
• Sandford

We will be talking to all P7 pupils and their teachers, helping them with the transition to secondary school.  S1 former pupils will be invited along to feedback information about secondary school and Caroline Stewart, our Home School Link teacher will also be able to answer any questions or queries pupils may have.

S3 Supported Study

In preparation for the S3 exams (which start on Tuesday 21 April), Supported Study is currently being offered.  Last Tuesday 80 S3 pupils attended the first of 3 sessions offered after school to look at different aspects of preparing for their exams.

 

Topics covered include:

·      Identify what kind of learner you are

·      Memory techniques

·      How to study

·      Preparing a study plan

 

Pupils are given support and guidance and the opportunity to use ICT to help with their studying.

 

Mr McCormack stressed the importance of preparing a study plan at his recent assembly, so if you haven’t started yet – remember there is information that might help on the Guidance Shared Area or try using this sample study plan. 

 sample-study-plan