By Jill Black, principal teacher of pupil support and attainment
Many secondary schools traditionally hold various events for S6 on their last day of school and as ever, they spend the year working towards their all-important S6 prom in May.
Our S4 and S5 leavers however often leave at different times throughout the year and for a wide variety of reasons. We feel this is an equally significant transition for them whatever their final destination, be that college, apprenticeships or embarking on the world of work.
As such, this year Mackie Academy ran its 4thannual S4/5 Leavers’ Event to celebrate this important milestone. The event has not been possible without the willingness of a wide range of outside speakers and the continued generosity of local companies and organisations.
The feedback from our students and their parents has always been overwhelmingly positive. Due to the success of previous years and for the second year running, we invited parents along to join their children for a breakfast roll and a cup of tea at the beginning of the event.
The event was held on Thursday 28th May in our school library and the programme for the day (attached) covered a variety of life skills based topics which would ordinarily be covered through Personal and Social Education and other whole school events if these students were to be staying on in school until S5 and S6.
As well as a comprehensive programme of activities, Stonehaven’s very own Redcloak Fish Bar owner and former student, Jamie Russo, was our Guest Speaker and later provided a delicious chippy and pizza lunch for our leavers and speakers on the day. Furthermore and as a direct result of local donations, we are able to provide each student with a generous gift bag which includes the ‘essential’ school leaver’s hoodie, a recipe book for independent living, and other goodies, alongside leaflets with advice on accessing health services and financial support as well as a card with a personal message for each student from their Pupil Support and Attainment Teacher.
Teaching staff then came along to the library over lunchtime to say their goodbyes. All in all a hugely successful and enjoyable day for all!
A particular thanks goes to our financial contributors: WM Donald, Stonehaven Firefighters, SSEN, Macphie and Jamie Russo from Redcloak Fish Bar. A further thanks goes to our speakers on the day which included the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, NHS School Health and Jen McRae, Service Development Officer, Aberdeenshire Council. The event would not have been possible without the support of all of these organisations and we are most grateful for their input.
We are already planning next year’s event!!