Page 9 - Foundation400: After 5 years

Willie Leitch

Father

My daughter Sidney was about half way through her last year at the local
nursery school and we were just about getting by after the loss of Diana.
While having a coffee with my cousin Angela, she asked what the plan was
for Sidney and school; I had not given it a thought and assumed she would
continue onto the local Primary School. Angela mentioned one of her friends
had lost her husband a few years earlier and both her children were at George
Heriots on a bursary provided by the Foundation and it might be worth
looking into it for Sidney.
After a few days of thought I looked at the website for information and after
reading about the principles behind the Foundation and the support it could
offer Sidney, I decided to look into it further. From my initial call outlining my
circumstances to first and subsequent meetings, I was guided through the
application process and nothing seemed to be too much trouble: Mrs Franklin
showing me round the Junior School, explaining the curriculum but more
importantly discussing what additional support there was for Sidney as she
developed and learned to cope with the loss of her mum, to the finance team
helping with the form filling. For me personally it was more about the pastoral
care available than the academic side. Don't get me wrong, the academic
reputation of the school is second to none, but this was merely a bonus for me.
In the early years I am not sure Sidney fully understood how or why she was
at George Heriots, she was just going to a different school from her nursery
friends. Nothing was ever made of her being there as part of the Foundation.
The only difference for her was she got to spend time with Mrs Staines from
time to time. Mrs Staines was her constant while moving through the Junior
School and she came to realise that if she was feeling upset or sad she could
speak to Mrs Staines.
Knowing that Sidney is receiving a great education and, more importantly,
being provided with the support and tools to help her cope as she develops with
not having her mum gives me peace of mind. I know I can pick up the phone
at any time and speak to Heather Staines if I feel Sidney is having a tough time
and get advice and know she will alert Sidney’s teachers who in turn keep an
extra eye on her. In reverse, if any of the staff have concerns I am made aware
and kept up to date. It's a partnership that I feel works.
It’s not easy loosing someone but as they say, life moves on. But the sad days
can hit at any time and still do. Sidney was only three when Diana passed and
did not fully understand. As she gets older, different issues and feelings develop
and as they do I know we are part of a great school that helps us deal with
those feelings.
I see how hard the friends we have made at school work and how much they
sacrifice to give their children the best education they can. As a single parent
this would be even more difficult but with the help of the Foundation it is
achievable. If you are thinking of applying to the Foundation as a lone parent;
for me it was a no brainer, knowing that Sidney is receiving a first-class
education. More importantly, the wealth of support that is available to us
as a family is priceless.
Willie Leitch, Father

Foundation400 5 year report