On Thursday 5 March 2026 we had a great time celebrating World Book Day across the school. Pupils dressed up as their favourite book characters or came to school in pyjamas ready for a day of reading – the theme proposed by our S1 Library Literacy class.

During the day we had two “Drop Everything and Read” session where everyone in school stopped what they were doing to enjoy a book. Pupils also took part in a book cover quiz and visited our Reading Cafe, where primary and nursey pupils shared stories together. Parents were also welcome to join us.

In Art, secondary pupils have been creating book window displays and classes enjoyed a book walk around the school to see them.

Thank you to everyone who made the day so enjoyable!

MYJHS Values  Inclusive | Learning | Developing

UNRCR  Article #31 – Every child has the right to take part in cultural and creative activities, reminding us how important reading is for learning and enjoyment.

Meta Skills – Inference  |  Critical Thinking  | Curiosity   |  Imagination

On Wednesday, 4 March 2026, Barum Smith from UHI Shetland visited our school to teach the S1/2 Wider Achievement class about Creative Arts careers and the process of making a movie.

There is a wide range of careers within the industry, including roles such as directors, camera operators, editors, scriptwriters, producers, sound engineers, front-of-house staff, marketing professionals and technical engineers.

As part of this learning, pupils took part in the filmmaking process themselves. They began by planning their ideas through storyboarding, which helped them organise the sequence of scenes and visualise how their story would unfold. They then moved on to filming, learning how to capture different shots and work together as a production team. Finally, they used editing to bring their footage together, adding structure and improving the overall flow of their film.

This experience helped pupils develop creativity, teamwork and communication skills, while also giving them insight into how creative projects develop from an initial idea to a finished production.

MYJHS Values – Inclusive |Supporting |Developing 

UNCRC Article #15 – Freedom of association – Working in teams encourages pupils to cooperate and organise themselves.

Meta Skills – Creativity |  Communication | Organisation | Confidence

Over thirty S2 pupils from around the isles took part in a Bridge Building Construction Competition at UHI Shetland on Wednesday

4 March 2026, including our team: Cassie, Filip, Kristoffer and Rachel. The competition is run by UHI Shetland, the Shetland Construction Training Group and CITB.

During the day, the teams had to work together to literally build a bridge out of wood, aiming to win one of three prizes: Overall Winner, Best Teamwork and Best-Looking Bridge.

Each team was tasked with building the most efficient bridge, with each piece of wood assigned a cost. The total cost was then calculated at the e

nd. Just like in real life, they had to consider their designs carefully and how their decisions would impact the overall cost. In reality, bridge-building projects can be extremely expensive.

Our team won the Best-Looking Bridge award and came 2nd place overall.  Well done them!

MYJHS Values – Supporting | Aspirational | Developing | 

UNCRC Article #29 – Goals of education – helping build confidence and skills that prepare them for the future.

Meta Skills – problem-solving | collaboration | creativity | resilience | critical thinking

Our annual CUHA visit took place on Thursday 26 February 2026 to celebrate our Viking heritage and island identity – strengthening community bonds, preserving local history, and giving people of all ages a shared sense of pride and belonging.

A big thank you to Cullivoe UHA Jarl Stephen Saunders and his squad for visiting the school yesterday. We hope you have an excellent weekend!

Well done to our Lower Primary, Upper Primary and S1 pupils who shared their brilliant acts.
Three cheers for Up Helly Aa!!

On Monday 23 February 2026 we held our first term 3 assembly during which we shared: 

1. Our School Values

 Our school values were created in 2020 by pupils, staff, parents and members of our community.  They are important because they explain what we want our school to look and feel like. The whole school discussed what these values mean in practice — they are not just words on posters!

Learning at the Heart of our ISLAND

 I – Inclusive
Everyone is made to feel welcome and included in everything we do.

S – Supported
Everyone feels there is someone to support them — friends, teachers, support staff, parents or the community.

L – Learning
We are all learning everywhere — in classrooms, at breaktimes, on trips, in the playground and in our community.

A – Aspirational
We aim high and always try to do our best.

N – Nurturing
Everyone feels safe, cared for, comfortable and looked after.

D – Developing
Both pupils and staff are developing their knowledge, skills and experiences.

Soon, the Pupil Council will be discussing our vision and values to decide if they are still right for us or if they need refreshed. For now, these values guide our policies, curriculum and expectations.

2. Celebrating Success

 Learning does not only take place in classrooms. Many of our pupils show excellent skills in sports and represent:

• our school
• Yell
• Shetland.

We have pupils in lots of sport, including many who are involved in Shetland development squads for:

• U13, U15 and U18 Badminton
• U13 Netball
• U13 and U15 Rugby
• Gymnastics
• U16 Football

Well done to everyone involved — we are very proud of you!

3. Skills for Work

Skills for Work courses are an important part of our curriculum. They provide vocational (work-based) learning and help pupils develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.

To join a Skills for Work course, pupils must apply to Shetland College and attend an interview. We are delighted that several pupils have successfully gained places and are being supported to learn and develop in a different setting.

Courses include:

• Construction Crafts
• Engineering
• Maritime Studies
• Aquaculture
• Rural Skills
• Computing
• Hairdressing

Well done to those who secured places!  Make sure you work hard and represent our school appropriately.

4. Reading Success

 Kaitlyn has shown herself to be a very keen reader. This year she has read over 20 Tom Gates books by Liz Pichon.

She says she enjoys the diary-style writing and the author’s sense of humour. Fantastic effort, Kaitlyn!

5. Pupil Council

 The Pupil Council will meet this week. Please share any thoughts, ideas or concerns with your class representatives so they can raise them at the meeting.

6. S4 Trip – Careers Event & Transition

 On Tuesday, S4 pupils will attend the Local Opportunities Careers Event at the Clickimin Centre in Lerwick.

This event helps pupils learn about:

• Career opportunities with local employers
• How to apply for jobs
• What different jobs involve
• College and university options across Scotland

After the event, pupils who are transitioning to Anderson High School will visit the school for a tour. They will also visit the Halls of Residence, see their flats and stay overnight.

Exciting times ahead!

7. Mental Health – “See Me, See Change”

S3 pupils have been learning about mental health, stigma and how to seek help.

Everyone will experience challenges with their mental health at some point. If you ever feel you are struggling, it is very important to speak to someone you trust.

This could include:

• Parents or carers
• Friends or family
• Teachers or support staff

There are also online support services available, including:

• Breathing Space
• NHS 24
• Samaritans
• 7 Cups

S3 pupils are currently finishing their posters, which will be displayed around the school.

Remember — you are never alone, and there is always someone ready to listen.

8.  Relationships Policy

Mr Lawson shared our new Relationships Policy. This policy has been developed over the past two years and is now being finalised and put into practice this term.

The key message of the policy is that we are all responsible for building positive relationships in our school.

This means:

• Supporting each other to behave well
• Being kind and respectful
• Working together to keep our classrooms calm and focused on learning

The policy recognises that mistakes will happen. When they do, staff will give clear warnings and guidance so pupils have the chance to improve their behaviour.

Sometimes, a restorative conversation may be needed. This helps repair relationships if they have been upset or strained. The aim is always to move forward positively and keep our school a safe, supportive place for everyone.

Emalee, Robert and Ethan travelled to Westside Leisure Centre to take part in the Shetland North Primary Football League, hosted by Active Schools.

The day began with friendly matches against Tingwall and Aith, with players from Aith and Mid Yell kindly helping to make up numbers so 5-a-side games could be played. Yell opened with a strong 2–0 win over Tingwall, showing excellent teamwork and finishing. The second friendly against Aith was closely contested and ended in a 0–0 draw, with strong goalkeeping on both sides.

League matches followed, starting with a tough game against Tingwall. Emalee and Ethan defended well throughout, while Robert created chances with skilful dribbling. Despite their efforts, the match finished 1–0. The final game ended in a 4–0 loss to Aith, but the team showed great determination and leadership until the final whistle.

Well done to Robert, Ethan and Emalee, and thanks to Mr Lawson for providing transport.

MYJHS Values - Inclusive, Developing
UNCRC Article 3 - Decisions made must prioritise the best interest of the child
UNCRC Article 31 - Every child has the right to take part in a wide range of activities, including sports.