Braidhurst launched this year’s extra curricular clubs and activities at a meeting for S1 pupils and their parents.   The well attended meeting gave Mrs Rooney an opportunity to speak to the parents for the first time.   She said “our pupils are the best reflection of the school and I am very impressed by the manners and behaviour of our young people”.   A number of pupils gave a presentation about the clubs they participate in:  Joe Farmer (badminton), Kieran McDougall (music), Leah McTavish and Jenna Young (French club), Scott Bell (North Lanarkshire Wind Band), Ben McDougall (Drums), Gillian Scott (Netball), and Eryn Lawrie (School Show).   All demonstrated the confidence and fun they had gained from taking part in these activities.   They were a real credit to the school.   At the end of the meeting pupils had the opportunity to look round some displays and sign up for this year’s clubs.

Mrs Rooney said “I am delighted that our staff are willing to give of their own time to provide opportunities for our young people.   She urged them to give it a try”.

Mrs Rooney, head teacher, was delighted to welcome the new first year to Braidhurst.   She said, “I am very impressed by the high standard of uniform shown by all pupils.  I am particularly pleased to see such a large first year group making a good first impression”.

Braidhurst High School hosted its annual Summer Transition Programme last week.   A large group of young people took part in a wide range of curricular activities including science, art, PE, photography, technical and healthy cooking.   The Summer Programme helps ease the transition from primary to secondary and gives young people the opportunity to meet new friends, meet members of staff and find their way around the school building before the start of term.   On the final day the group went to Blair Drummond Safari Park for fun with the sea lions, giraffes and lions.

A group of second year science pupils from Braidhurst High School received certificates this week to mark their successful completion of the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Start programme. The course was completed as part of an interdisciplinary learning project in conjunction with the schools home economics department and the hub. Pupils are now proficient in CPR, recovery position, dealing with suspected heart attacks, chocking and bleeding.

The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the course and appreciate how useful it may be in their lives.

Prizegiving will take place on the morning of Thursday 25 June starting at 10 am.   Parents of prizewinners have been invited.   The principal guests will be the wife of the retiring Rector Mrs Madeleine Hannan and the school chaplains Mr Ramage, Rev Derek Hughes and Rev Derek Pope.

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”.