What a nice surprise I got when I popped into Starbucks for a quick coffee last night… I heard someone say my name and turned round to see Mark Millar smiling back at me! Mark said he thoroughly enjoyed following last Thursday’s trip to the pantomime on Twitter. It was really nice to be able to pass on a huge thank you to Mark from our whole school community in person.

I received a very touching Christmas card and letter earlier this week from the daughter of Joe McDade, a former member of the community art group which meets in the school every Wednesday. Most of you will be familiar with the beautiful icon of St Bartholomew which greets visitors as they walk in the main entrance. This was painted by Joe during my first few weeks in St Bartholomew’s way back in 2012 (you can read the story in the Information section of our website). Sadly, Joe passed away in August and is greatly missed. However, Joe’s family have very kindly donated all of his paintings from the twelve years he spent in the art group. As a special tribute to Joe, an exhibition of his work will be held towards the end of next term, including a ‘silent auction’ which will allow those who attend to purchase Joe’s artwork (all proceeds will go to the school). Joe’s family are delighted with this suggestion and expressed their sincere thanks to the school in their letter.

Primary 6 and 7 have their Christmas party this afternoon. Have a great time, boys and girls!