January 2013 – Gairloch High School

You are now able pay online for meals in Gairloch High School.

Go to the Highland Council website – www.highland.gov.uk – and select the ‘PAY’ icon on the top left of the home page. Proceed to On-line payments, and, to pay for school meals, select ‘All Other Payments’, then ‘Education’, then ‘School meals’.

Complete the form with all information requested – all major credit and debit cards are accepted, except American Express and Diners.

Note

You will need to have the nine-digit Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) for each pupil to hand.
Allow 24 hours for the payment to reach the pupil’s account – please note, payments made between 4.30pm Friday and 9am Monday will not appear in the pupil’s account until the Tuesday
A separate payment must be made for each pupil
All credit card transactions will incur a bank administration charge of 2%
You are still able to pay by cash or cheque at the school if you prefer.

We have received an information sheet on Legal Highs for parents, teachers and carers. It is hoped that this will contribute to reducing harmful behaviour. This leaflet has been distributed by Cath King, Health Improvement Policy Manager, The Highland Council, Health and Social Care Service.

The LEGAL HIGHS, PARTY DRUGS AND ALCOHOL FACTSHEET PDF can be downloaded by clicking here. It is also available from the Health and Wellbeing Links on the left hand side bar of this website.

Topics include:

WHAT IS A LEGAL HIGH?

WHAT IS A HEAD SHOP?

ALCOHOL

MIXING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

SPIKING

WHAT CAN PARENTS AND CARERS DO?

It is important that young people are aware that these products – despite being labelled as legal – are not safe. Parents and carers have a vital role in this. They should make sure that their own knowledge about legal highs is accurate and as up- to-date as possible so that they can discuss them with their child and make their child aware of the possible risks.

Some tips to help with this are –

Listen carefully to your child. Find the time and space to listen and talk with them – find out what they know and what, if any, worries they may have.
Young people often think that they know more than they do. So do some adults! If you don’t know, say so! And then suggest that you find out together!
Reassure your child that it’s OK not to take drugs – often young people feel that they have to try drugs and alcohol to be part of the crowd or be seen to fit in.
Try to establish a clear family position on drug and alcohol use. Explain the dangers and the reasons you have for not wanting them to experiment. Ask their views on news stories or TV story lines involving drugs or alcohol.
Praising your child will help to boost their self esteem and will encourage them to continue making good choices with their health. Always have positive expectations – always expect the best and not the worst.
Make sure you have clear rules about right and wrong behaviour
Repeat the messages whenever you can – listen carefully and find the timeand space to talk with your child!
There is no set age for beginning to talk about drugs and alcohol but thereare cases of very young children being offered these substances. Primary school aged children should know about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and this information can be built on as they grow older.

More information can be found at:

www.knowthescore

www.crew2000.org.uk

http://choicesforlifeonline.org

Issued by Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership.