As part of our transition programme with the Primary schools we were delighted to welcome the P6 pupils from our associated primary schools to Our Lady’s for the day. They followed a timetable for the day and appeared to have a fantastic time. The next time they will be visiting is when they are in P7 and we look forward to that. The parents of the current Primary 7 who are joining us in August had the opportunity to come to the school for one of the three information sessions organised in February. Parents had a short presentation followed by a tour of the school with a group of OLHS pupils (many of them reminiscing about their own time at the school!) followed by refreshments and a chance to ask questions. Thanks to all of those who came along.

Following a short holiday and two inservice days pupils S1 pupils returned to the school on the Friday for a very interesting and thought provoking day. Part of the morning was spent raising awareness of climate change and what they could do to make a difference. And in the afternoon was our Holocaust memorial Event. Pupils were provided with details of the Holocaust and staff explained other historical events that are classed as genocides, asking pupils to discuss what steps they could take to stop anything similar happening again. This was a challenging topic for our pupils who approached the event with great respect, hard work and an excellent attitude.

That same day a group of our S6 Caritas pupils made the journey to Oban with Mr McHugh and Fr Ness four a short retreat. The pupils came back very positive about their experience away and seemed to get a great deal out of it.

We have once again reached that time of the year when we are trying to prepare for the next session 2020/21. As part of that pupils are in the process of choosing their options. An Information Evening took place to inform parents of this process and offer advise on how to support the young people.

Our S6 Advanced Higher English class had a visit recently from journalist and author Maggie Ritchie who gave a great talk and set some creative challenges for the pupils. And our S2 pupils had the pleasure of a talk from author Gill Arbuthnott focusing on where stories come from. Thanks to Ms Macfadyen our school librarian for coordinating these excellent visits.

Congratulations to our S1/2 heptathlon team who recently won the Gold medal at the Giant Heptathlon event at Ravenscraig recently. They went on to represent North Lanarkshire in the West Regional Finals and, although did not come out winners, did the school proud. Well done! There are so many sports activities that our pupils are involved in presently and thanks have to go to the PE department who are organising these events. Please follow them on twitter for more information (@OLHS_PE).

Many thanks to Fr Ness who lead the school in three services on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. Fr Ness has kindly offered to come in daily to celebrate Mass at 12.55pm in our Chapel. Pleases feel free to pop in and join us if you are passing.

Forthcoming Events

March – S4/5/6 folio and assignment write-ups and practical exams
9th March – international Women’s Day
10th March – S2 Parents’ Evening
19th March – NL Schools Concert at Concert Hall in Glasgow
25th March – School Spring Concert
3rd April – school closes at 2.30pm for the Easter break