News / In brief for 13 July 2010
Shaw joins schools commission
SHETLAND MSYP Emily Shaw has been selected to be the Scottish Youth Parliament’s representative on the newly established Commission on Rural Education.
The commission was set up after education secretary Michael Russell called for a one year moratorium on rural school closures to allow national policy to be reviewed, as a result of which the Olnafirth closure consultation has been postponed.
Most of the members, including Shetland’s National Parent’s Forum representative Bob Cree-Hay, were appointed last week with two spaces left.
On Wednesday, Ms Shaw said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to represent the Scottish Youth Parliament on the Commission on Rural Education. It is a huge honour for both myself and the SYP.
“It’s fantastic to see the views of young people, who are affected by the provision of rural education, being considered and I look forward to the months ahead.”
BP Schools Link awards
TWO Shetland schools have won more than £25,000 in funding from the BP Schools Link award scheme.
Lerwick’s Anderson High School and the primary school department of the Scalloway Junior High School were both recognised for projects with significant student input that link sport with the education process.
The Anderson High School received £17,900 for a project called learning through Gymnastics, while Scalloway Junior High entered Wir no’ fat tammie noories, for which they received £7,700 in funding.
Wristband reminder
AS THE final countdown for the largest international festival in Shetland in over a decade begins, organisers of the Tall Ships Races have confirmed that 56 ships from 12 countries will sail into Shetland next week.
Highlights for the event include over 100 local music performances, family fun zones, a spectacular fireworks display, an international crew parade and welcoming ceremony as well as the much anticipated headline concerts from The Levellers and Bjorn Again.
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Ticket holders for these two concerts are asked to remember exchanging their tickets for wristbands prior to the gigs.
Wristbands will be available for collection from the Event Information Point at Victoria Pier between Tuesday and Thursday, and from Holmsgarth on Friday and Saturday.
Wristbands must be worn for entry to the two concerts at Holmsgarth and gates for the event open at 6.30pm on both evenings for wristband holders only.
Free car seat safety checks
SHETLAND Islands Council is offering parents, grandparents and carers the opportunity to have their child’s car seat checked at two free car seat clinics.
They are on Monday 18 July in the Tesco car park from 11.00 to 15.00 and on Tuesday 19 July in the Co-op car park from 11.00 to 15.00.
The council’s road safety officer Elaine Skinley said: “Recent figures show a fall in child passenger casualties which is encouraging. However, we are still seeing children who are either not wearing a seatbelt or are in unsuitable or incorrectly fitted car seats.
“Folk can come along to one of the clinics and have their car seats checked by myself and our car seat expert.
“We will check the seat and straps and make sure that it is fitted correctly and give some practical advice to keep your children safe whilst on the move.”
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