After overcoming two Regional qualifying rounds, Braidhurst High School headed to Toryglen Sports Centre as Central Region Champions for the National Finals.   A magnificent performance in their first game saw Braidhurst win 4-1 against Grove Academy, playing some excellent football.   A 2-2 draw against a strong Newbattle High School side meant that Braidhurst finished on 4 points in the group and were relying on other results to go in their favour to progress to the final.   Unfortunately, Newbattle swept aside Grove 6-1 to progress to the final by a 2 goal greater difference.   A 2-1 defeat in the 3^rd place play-off meant that Braidhurst finished the competition in 4^th place but were rewarded with medals for qualifying as Central Region Champions.   Both Mr O’Toole and Mr Clarke were delighted with the effort and behaviour of Braidhurst pupils throughout the tournament.   Well done!

North Lanarkshire council recently appointed Mrs Carolyn Rooney as Head Teacher to replace Mr Derrick Hannan who will be retiring at the end of this session.   Mrs Rooney is currently Depute Head at Cumbernauld Academy and she comes to the post with a wealth of experience.   Mrs Rooney was previously a Principal Teacher of mathematics before being appointed as Depute Head in Abronhill High.  Thereafter when Abronhill and Cumbernauld High merged to form Cumbernauld Academy she was appointed Depute in the new school.   Her degree is in mathematics and English and after gaining the Scottish Qualification for Headship she went on to study for a master’s degree.   The retiring Head Teacher Mr Hannan said, “I am absolutely delighted with the appointment of my successor.   She is an elder in the Church of Scotland and is married with a son and daughter.   Her son is training for the ministry so hopefully she will maintain the strong Christian ethos of Braidhurst High.   I am sure that the entire school will warm to her and offer her their full support”.

Four pupils from the Braidhurst football programme recently signed professional forms for Motherwell FC.   The Rector Mr Derrick Hannan said, “This is absolutely fabulous news for the school and the local club.   These boys have progressed through the school and benefitted from their involvement in the daily coaching sessions provided through their involvement in the SFA school of football programme.   They have all been pro youth players with the club and have now been taken on full time contracts.   They are superb young players and I look forward to watching their future development in the coming years.   This has always been their dream and I am delighted that the school has played a part in their development.   It is proof that the programme operating in the school is working.   We wish them well in their chosen careers”.

Pupils at Braidhurst High School bade a sad farewell to the French Assistant, Marjolaine Zerbib last week.   Marjolaine has spent the year working with the children and they have engaged in numerous speaking activities and games in French.   She has worked with small groups, helping them to extend their knowledge of the language and culture of France, as well as assisting them with French pronunciation.   Marjolaine also took part in the Outdoor Classroom experience, when she accompanied S1 pupils as they completed a bike tour of Strathclyde Park and filled in a task booklet in French.   In addition, Marjolaine ran a French Club at lunchtimes and worked with Braidhurst’s Associated Primary Schools to deliver their French curriculum.   In her spare time, Marjolaine travelled extensively throughout Scotland and also joined a variety of groups, including a music ensemble, where she played the cello.   Marjolaine enjoyed her residence in Scotland so much that she plans to return in the future and will certainly keep in touch with members of the department on a regular basis.

She is wished a ‘Bon vovage’ for her trip home to France.

Prizegiving will take place on the last day of term, Thursday 25 June, with the principal guests being the school chaplains Rev Derek Pope, Rev Derek Hughes and Mr David Ramage along with the rector’s wife Mrs Madeleine Hannan.

Braidhurst under 14 football team narrowly lost out last week in the final of the Scottish Shield played at Airdrie FC stadium.   The match was against Grange Academy from Ayrshire who are also an SFA Performance school of football.   Braidhurst were the stronger team throughout the first half and took the lead, with Grange coming back in the second half when they finally equalised.   At the final whistle with the score 1-1, the match was decided by penalties with Grange Academy winning 4-2.   The match was played in great spirit and at a very high standard.   Whilst the Braidhurst team were disappointed they have to be warmly congratulated on their performance in what was a wonderful advert for schools football.

Braidhurst High version of “Back to the 80’s” will take place on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June starting at 7.30 pm.   A limited number of tickets are still available from Mrs Hunter at the school.   Tickets are priced £4 for adults and £2 for children.