A group of 7 pupils were accepted for the North Lanarkshire Creative Residency in June 2013.   Their work has now been framed and exhibited in the Creative Residency Exhibition, which is held in Summerlee Museum, Coatbridge from Friday 25^th January till Sunday 24^th February (10 am – 4 pm).   Admission Free.

The Art and Design pupils studied in workshops ranging from Digital Photography through Film Making to Fine Art.

The exhibition opening was a roaring success and the staff, pupils and parents all thoroughly enjoyed seeing the work on display.

Some 40 pupils from first year, who take part in the School of Football initiatives running within the school, recently attended the Toryglen facility in Glasgow to assist coaches undertaking their Advanced Children’s Licence with the Scottish FA.   Reports on their performance and conduct were superb.   Donald Gillies of the Scottish FA commented, “I had the pleasure of working with your pupils and they were outstanding in both ability and attitude.   They really represented the school very well”.

The school recently took charge of an upgraded facility within the school for beauty therapy.   The state of the art facility allows pupils to study hairdressing, beauty therapy and massage within the school.   A college lecturer from New Lanarkshire College is in charge of delivering what is likely to prove to very popular addition to the curriculum on offer.

Examinations have just been completed for pupils in second year, carried out under the external supervision of the school invigilators.   The preliminary examinations for pupils in upper school are currently underway.   Reports were recently issued to parents of pupils in fourth year during meetings between parents, pupils and pupil support staff, when the opportunity was taken to set targets for the remaining lead-up time, prior to the external examinations.

Once again this year staff and pupils from the Physical Education Department assisted at the Boys Brigade gala held recently at the Sir Matt Busby sports centre.   They acted as timekeepers as well as starter and judge in what was a very busy evening.

The Parent Teachers and Friends Association held a meeting last week and decided to donate £1000 to the senior prom, £400 to the trip to London and £500 to the trip to Germany.   The rector, Mr Derrick Hannan said, “On behalf of the school, I wish to sincerely thank the ladies of the PTFA for their work and generous donations”.   The group have made initial plans to hold a prize bingo evening on Thursday 20^th March in the school hall.

S3 Modern Studies pupils are currently studying Politics. Such was the enthusiasm shown for this subject that Modern Studies teacher Joanne Kerr arranged a mock election. Over the past few weeks pupils have been diligently working on their electoral campaigns, writing speeches, making posters, leaflets, rosettes and creating and recording party political broadcasts. S3 pupils took to the polls and decided that they backed the Conservative candidate, Maggie Baird. Maggie said ‘I’m proud of my team and the way that they supported me. I think that I’d give David Cameron a run for his money!’ As always Ms. Kerr has been delighted by the effort made by her pupils.