SYP elections in full swing
Nicola Sturgeon launches SYP Elections 2013
The 2013 Scottish Youth Parliament Elections are in full swing, with Edinburgh schools, community centres, libraries, colleges and universities taking part and young people aged between 11 and 25 getting the opportunity to vote.
The voting opened last Friday at the last sitting of the current set of MYSPs. Nicola Sturgeon helped launch this year’s vote. By Monday night, a couple of schools had already completed their voting, with all their young people being given dedicated time to make their voice count.
Casting a vote
During the week Twitter and Facebook have seen a lot of activity both locally and at a national level – and two ‘emergency’ polling stations have been set up at centres who made last minute requests.
The Election team have also made ‘roving’ ballot boxes available to any youth group that is working with young people who might otherwise struggle to vote. There’s not long to go now, with the elections closing next Wednesday. The ballot papers will be rushed to an independent count centre overnight with the results announced at an event on Friday evening.
All of the 16 young people standing for the election have shown their commitment to being an active member of Edinburgh society. Even for those not elected, this does not mean the end of their journey, as there will be further participation events and training happening across the City over the next year. For the 12 new MSYPs next Friday night, they can look forward to a fantastic two years making real decisions about how they want life for young people in Scotland to progress, and will have the unique opportunity to be standing when Scotland makes a decision about independence.
Broughton pupils focus on nature
Doug with Maddy Bourne, depute head girl at Broughton High
Nature cameraman Doug Allan, who has contributed some of the most memorable scenes on programmes including Blue Planet, Life and Frozen Planet, visited Broughton High School recently to give a talk to pupils about his work. Doug shared stories of working in some of the world’s wildest places.
As reported on the STV website, depute head girl Maddy Bourne was responsible for bringing the celebrated cameraman to her school. Maddy told STV:
It is really great to get Doug as lots of people at the school are interested in the media. Doug is so big in that scene. The pupils are excited to see him.
Healthy pizza for visiting Minister
The Minister selecting some healthy toppings
The Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell, visited Wester Hailes Education Centre on Wednesday as part of National Health Week.
The Minister took the opportunity to share in a lesson with students where they were making healthy pizzas. She then took part in a working lunch (healthy options of course) with a group of S3 students to hear, from the young people themselves, their ideas on how the Government can best support the wellbeing of children.
Find out more about what’s happening around Edinburgh for Wellbeing Week.
Website survey says parents are “better connected”
The Council’s website has retained a maximum 4 star ranking in a national survey of local authority websites. Better Connected 2013 identifies good practice across all 433 UK local authority websites, with only 37 receiving the maximum 4 stars.
We’re especially proud that our nursery pages were mentioned as an example of national best practice for presenting “comprehensive and straightforward” information.
Sporting successes
Congrats to Katie Barker from Tollcross Primary, who has won the Bracewell Trophy for Form and Technique in the plastic and foam fencing championships. According to the Edinbugrh Evening News, it’s the second time Katie has won – well done!
Congrats also to Canal View Primary, Edinburgh winners of the Jump2It basketball initiative in Glasgow, and to Bruntsfield Primary who were victorious at the Scottish Power school badminton championships in Motherwell. Some great sporting successes!
