On Tuesday 18^th March our music group Da Yell-kuleles attended this year’s Youth Music Festival in Mareel. The group consists of S1, S2, Rosie from S3 and Leah, Marianne and Connor from P7. They performed “Sweet Caroline” in the school group category and got awarded Gold from the adjudicator. She described their performance as well balanced with enthusiastic singing from most and with a strong ending that really rounded off the performance. Some of our fiddlers also performed in a group with pupils from Baltasound and got Silver for their set of traditional tunes. Well done to all the talented musicians!

#Article 29 – Right to reach their full potential through education

#Article 2 Right to protection from discrimination

Our Rights Respecting Committee decided to hold a coffee morning to raise money for the good causes supported by Red Nose Day. This campaign raises money to help end the cycle of poverty and ensure children are safe, healthy, educated, and empowered.

The committee and helpers all worked brilliantly together to organize, set up, and host the coffee morning. (Massive thanks to all who baked for the event!)

Thank you so much to everybody who supported our coffee morning – we raised £280!

#Article 12 – Right to be listened to and taken seriously
#Article 24 – Right to medical care
#Article 16 –  Right to help if they are poor or in need
#Article 18 –  Right to education

Our S1 class has been involved in an exciting project with Shetland Museum called “Marseum.” The aim of the project is to help young people develop transferable skills while learning about museums.

As part of the project, pupils are working together to design an exhibition for what could be the first museum on Mars in 2050. Our class is creating two exhibitions: Vikings and Whales.

On Wednesday 19 February, we were absolutely delighted to welcome Rachel Boxel to our school. She read from her new book and engaged in a fascinating discussion with our S1 and S2 pupils, sharing her inspiration and insights into the writing process. The pupils had the opportunity to ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of storytelling, and learn valuable tips about creative writing.

It was an inspiring and enjoyable session for all involved!

On 5 March, four S2 pupils participated in and won the Shetland UHI Bridge Building Competition. Over 32 pupils from across Shetland took part in the competition, where teams were tasked with constructing bridges out of wood.

Each team was challenged to build the most efficient bridge, with each piece of wood assigned a cost that was calculated at the end. This encouraged the young people to carefully consider their designs and be mindful of how real-life projects can be costly depending on their design choices.

#Article 29 – Right to reach their full potential through education

Primary Pupil Council

Our Primary Pupil Council updated us on the fantastic work they have been doing to improve our playground, learning, and experiences. They have:

• bought a chute for the playground;
• submitted a funding request to Cooke Aquaculture to help purchase new iPads for primary classrooms and support our Loch Inch trip;
• organised a Beetle Drive fundraising event for our community, scheduled for 12 March 2025.

Secondary Pupil Council

Our Secondary Pupil Council shared their efforts to enhance our school environment. They bought:  netball stand, pool cues, darts, footballs and outdoor storage for play equipment.

Additionally, they have written a letter to parents and carers highlighting concerns about dog fouling and damage to playground equipment. The letter reminds everyone that dogs be on school grounds.

They also announced a competition to design a Pupil Council Logo, to represent the voice of our pupils. Posters will be displayed around the school, and the deadline for entries is 20 February 2025.

Eco Committee

Our Eco Committee shared their ongoing work to help protect the planet by reducing waste. They encouraged everyone to:

• use the recycling bins correctly.
• turn off lights when leaving classrooms.

Reading Schools

We celebrated Ms Nicholson for successfully completing the Reading Diverse Challenge.

Tammie encouraged everyone to get involved and reminded pupils to keep their bookmarks updated.

UNCRC Rights

Our Rights Ambassadors shared their knowledge of two key UNCRC articles:

• Article 19 – Protection from violence, abuse, and neglect.
• Article 35 – The right not to be kidnapped, sold, or trafficked.

Mr Lawson then discussed these rights in connection with Holocaust Memorial Day (Monday 27 January 2025), focusing on Anne Frank, who was persecuted for her religion and had her rights denied.

 

In the third week of January, Ian Irvin of PJP Architects paid a visit to our school to give a careers talk to technical pupils in S3/S4. This was followed by an activity given to the pupils by Ian.

It was a very active afternoon with an insight into what is involved in designing and building a house as well as an overview of the kind of path to follow if you want to be an architect. Pupils used drawing equipment to redesign the kitchen that was already drawn out for a house designed by Ian.

Creative ideas flowed with some unusual suggestions for a kitchen interior! Afterwards some of the pupils explained their design to the rest of the group, similar to what students do in design school.

It was an informative session with some fun added that the pupils clearly enjoyed.

 

On Thursday 12 December, we hosted our Christmas Show, and what a success it was!

A big well done to everyone involved:

• Primary Department for their performance of the nativity, “Holy Joe!”
• S1 Class for their performance of “Step into Christmas.”
• S2 Class their performance of “Merry Christmas Everyone.”
• Whole School performance of “Let’s Spread the Word.”

Singing, playing, and acting were absolutely brilliant.

A big thank you goes to all the helpers and supporters who made the show possible.

Click to watch video.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, it was wonderful to see so many parents and relatives join us in the Nursery department to celebrate the festive season.  Mulled wine, mulled apple juice, shortbread, and mince pies were enjoyed in a cheerful and festive atmosphere.

 

UNCRC Rights
Article #1 – A child is any person under the age of 18.
Article #2 – All children have rights

MYJHS Vision
Inclusive – Supportive – Nurturing

On Tuesday 10 December, our S3 class proudly hosted the annual Senior Citizen Event. Guests enjoyed a delightful afternoon of performances, including fiddlers, clarinet pieces, and festive songs such as Step Out to Christmas by our S1 class, Merry Christmas Everyone by S2 pupils, and a sneak peek of numbers from our upcoming school show.  The event concluded with a Christmas feast.

It was a bustling day for our canteen staff, who worked alongside S4 Practical Cookery pupils to prepare and serve meals for 70 guests. Meanwhile, S3 pupils (with help from a few S2s) set tables, served food, organised and ran the raffle, and ensured everything was tidied up afterwards.

A big thank you to everyone who attended, to our hardworking canteen staff, and to Mid Yell Hall for generously providing tables and crockery.

 

UNCRC Rights
Article #29 – Aims of education – help fully develop their personalities, talents and abilities.
Article #31 – Rest, Play, Culture – to take part in cultural and creative activities

MYJHS Vision
Inclusive – Supportive – Developing