Dear Parent/Carer
How are you? Well I hope.
It was great to meet so many S3 parents/carers on Monday evening and I know that the vast majority of our learners are “on track” as they move on to the qualifications stage. Almost all are aiming high, setting sights on National 5 in some subjects at least. I would remind you that the National 5 qualification, which has replaced “Credit” and “Intermediate 2”, is the entry basis for “Higher”. A serious study habit over the next year will be the basis of success in SQA Exams next May.
And these are continuing to go very well this week. Mr Marshall, our chief invigilator, reports that all arrangements have run smoothly, and that the candidates have been early, well prepared and very well behaved. Other pupils have also shown respect and have been keeping things quiet around school.
I also have some good news. You’ll remember that we had an issue with noisy motorcycles at the start of the exams? The Police have now confiscated a scrambler bike as part of “Operation Fireblade”. Perhaps you saw the pictures on social media?
Well done to the group of 8 S2 boys who had their heads shaved in support of Cancer Research UK last week. Nairn Connelly, Cameron Davies, Kieran Hutchison, Teejay Jackson, Ethan King, Kieran Mercer, Callum Nicol and Callum Wallace have raised just under £2000. This includes the entrance money – pupils paid £1 in school to witness the shearing, supported by Urban Barbers of Templehall.
Last week, we also had a low key, informal visit from John Swinney MSP, the brand new Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills. Mr Swinney spent 90 minutes in school on Wednesday morning chatting with staff and pupils as he begins to understand the task ahead. These were very productive meetings.
This afternoon we have been conducting interviews for the coveted positions of Head Boy and Girl, and the Deputes. The outcomes will be announced at our special ceremony after school on Wednesday 8 June. All parents and carers of all our new prefects are welcome. We also have sports colours and Saltire awards being presented.
At the start of next week we will distribute letters which explain our new Guidance team arrangements from 7 June. As you know, we are moving from 4 Houses to 3. Pupils of Beveridge House are being placed in another House in the year ahead and the letter will give details of this, including the new guidance teacher’s name.
The other main events next week are the Parent/Carer evening for our CDT Trip to London on Monday and a Primary “STEAM” event on Tuesday. This is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths project being delivered in the dinner hall. We have a group of S2 taking part in the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University on the Wednesday and in the evening it’s the Scottish final of the Procurator Fiscals’ Public Speaking Competition at the High Court in Edinburgh. Very best wishes to Umar and Kyle.
Next Friday is our S2 Themed Learning Day … but it’s a bit of a secret right now! We also have our Go4SET Science team taking part in the national final at Glasgow City Chambers.
SQA exams next week are: Modern Studies on Monday, Art and Design on Tuesday, Design and Manufacture and Health and Food Technology on Thursday, and Physical Education on Friday. Please remember that Monday 6 June is a public holiday.
And finally, next week’s hot dish menu is; Monday: Chicken and mushroom pie with potatoes. Tuesday: Gammon steak and chips. Wednesday: Mince pie and mash. Thursday: Lasagne with garlic bread. Friday: Chicken curry with naan bread. We also have our pasta, sandwich, soup and salad options too.
Best wishes, have a great weekend.
Derek Allan
RECTOR
27 May 2016
