I am delighted to report that all S6 pupils arrived home in pretty much one piece after the team-building weekend at Dalguise. They were a credit to themselves and the school and were complimented by the centre staff for their politeness and enthusiasm. However, I have noticed that the pupils have looked more and more tired as the week has gone on, and I suspect that they will be appreciative of a lie-in on Saturday.
On Monday afternoon I accompanied Charlotte Smith and her family to the awards ceremony for “Young Writer of the Year” run by Tyne and Esk Writers. Charlotte’s entry (“When I come home” – a story of three young people reunited in an airport lounge) was one of 705 spread over East and Mid Lothian Primary and Secondary schools. She did exceptionally well to be awarded the prize for Secondary Prose. Unfortunately she wasn’t awarded the overall secondary prize, but her writing shows a level of maturity and insight far beyond her years. I think we will hear a lot more in the future about Writer-Charlotte-Smith.
Saimah Uddin in S5 took the brave step of giving a talk at both the S1 and S2 assemblies this week. She spoke evocatively of her trip to Makkah last year and about how that has informed her faith. It’s no mean feat to stand up in front of whole year groups to speak about something that is so important to you, and she did it with aplomb and assurance.
On Tuesday I was accosted by a number of School of Rugby pupils wanting to know what they could do to help out. It was brilliant to be offered assistance by this group of pupils and demonstrates that learning and service goes way beyond the rugby field.
On Tuesday evening some pupils attended a lecture at Loretto School given by Professor Tom Devine of the Edinburgh University, Centre for Scottish Diaspora Studies. The lecture, on Scottish Migration and Empire, was full of facts that perhaps challenged long held beliefs about this area of Scottish History. The pupils listened intently and several took the opportunity afterwards to debate personally with Professor Devine.
On Wednesday Lyndsey Herkes and Struan Stuart (both S6) introduced themselves to pupils as the new Sports’ Ambassadors for this session. They are looking to reconstitute the Sports’ Council and are looking for participants. Please encourage your youngster to volunteer if they are interested.
This morning I am looking forward to heading down to Home Economics for their Macmillan Coffee Morning. Pupils have been working hard to prepare goodies for the staff and, if past experience is anything to go by, there will be many a tempting morsel. Thanks to pupils and staff for arranging and managing this worthwhile event.
Next week is going to be quite busy what with the S1 Settling-In Evening on Tuesday (6.30pm) in the Hall and the Parent School Partnership Meeting on Wednesday at 6.15pm down in Learning Support (turn left as you come in the front doors). All parents are welcome to attend the PSP and I look forward to reacquainting myself with our S1 parents at their evening. Good luck to the Duke of Edinburgh Groups who go out for their assessments on Thursday and Friday – I’ll keep my fingers crossed for good weather.
Have a very good weekend.
S Ingham
