Agenda item

The Convener advised the Committee of a number of good news stories, namely:-

Visit to Rwanda – Harlaw Academy S2 and S3 pupils had visited Rwanda for the Rwandan School Village Project.  A blog had been set up for the visit and this could be accessed through the School’s website.  As part of the trip, pupils would visit schools and churches in the area.  Special thanks and congratulations were given to Eileen Hunter, Helen Taylor and the pupils for their efforts.

Early Years Change Fund - Dr Suzanne Zeedyk has been delivering innovative attachment training during April and May to nearly 4000 staff and foster carers across the city.  The voluntary and private sectors, education, health and social work were represented as well as those who work with children from pre-birth and their parents/ carers.

Oldmachar Out of School Care Club – The Club received scores of 6 (Excellent) across the board in their recent Care Inspectorate inspection. The Care Inspectorate Officer stated that it was a well-run, child-led club where the children were at the centre of the care provided by the staff team.

Hazlewood School – The Committee heard that the School was flourishing after the fire which occurred in the school grounds on 20 April.  Due to the support of Northsound Radio Cash for Kids, Aker Solutions, Deeside Log Cabins and a variety of local businesses and trades people, the garden and outdoor classroom would soon be re-opened.  Help had also been provided from school communities including Kincorth Academy Eco Committee, Airyhall School and St Joseph’s School.

Greenbrae on Wheels Event – This had been held on 8/9 May 2013 and had been organised by the Greenbrae Primary 7 pupils.  They had participated in a sponsored cycle using the new cycle paths around the community – a collaborative initiative with NESTRANS and Aberdeen City Council.  On 10 May, pupils had also organised an orienteering event for pupils, parents and the local community.  The winners’ prizes had included a framed signed photo of Neil Fachie, the Gold and Silver Paralympian winner who had been a pupil at Greenbrae School.  The events raised more than £1200, and this would be used to fund a P7 ASG leavers’ event as well as resources for the school.

Luke Purdie, Special Olympics World Winter Games 2013 – The Committee heard that Luke Purdie, a former pupil at Bucksburn Academy ASN Wing, had been selected as a member of the 7-strong GB alpine ski team which participated in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea in January 2013.  He had skied very well and had come fourth in one of his events.  The Committee noted his excellent performance and positive attitude.

Promotion of Doric / Gaelic Languages - Aberdeen City Council teamed up with its twin city Regensburg, in Bavaria, to help promote the Doric and Gaelic languages in Germany.  A delegation from Aberdeen travelled to Regensburg last month to introduce guests to the Doric tongue by using a variety of different words at one of the Christmas market stalls.  Thanks were given to Alison Black, Aberdeen City Council’s community arts officer for her involvement with the project.

Free Dance Classes - Free dance classes for young people in Aberdeen began on 15 May at Tullos Community Centre.  RGU Streetsports, in partnership with Citymoves Dance Agency and Aberdeen Streetwork Project, was offering girls and boys aged 11-19 years the opportunity to learn some dance moves as a way of encouraging them to be more physically active.

Grampian Book Award – The winner of a children’s book award voted for by pupils from across the North East of Scotland was revealed at an award ceremony in Aberdeen on 9 May 2013.  A Monster Calls by author Patrick Ness was the winner of the Grampian Children's Book Awards [GCBA] after more than 500 children voted at the annual event, held in the Arts Lecture Theatre, University of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Art Gallery redevelopment – The Gallery had been awarded a first -round pass for funding of £10million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its redevelopment project 'Inspiring Art and Music'.  The redevelopment aims to transform Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall into a world class cultural centre, celebrating art and music in the North-east and providing a focal point for the creative industries and Aberdeen's Cultural Quarter.  The Committee commended staff for their work on the bid.