Given that I have a huge amount to tell you I shall get stuck in:

Last Thursday and Friday saw senior dramatists enjoying some culture: The Advanced Higher were an appreciative audience for Scottish Opera's stunning production of The Seven Deadly Sins on Thursday night at the festival; and 20 seniors went to see the brand new play “The Events” on Friday afternoon at The Traverse.  Ms Whitfield reported that the pupils were a credit to themselves and the school.

Last Weekend one of our China Expedition Teams took part in the ultimate team-building event:  The North Berwick Raft Race.  They were sponsored by Saltire Suzuki and Don Prentice Coaches and despite being 2 crews of four (given that the winning raft was powered by 10 adults) they came in third and fifth.  Not only that, they were awarded the prize for most money raised for the RNLI at £425.  Well done to all of them – especially since it was raining and they look rather chilly in the photograph below.  Thanks to Ms Duff and Ms Stobie for accompanying them, and especially to Ms Stobie who had to crew one of the rafts.

I had a very pleasant and informative meeting with Ross Prentice of Prentice Coaches yesterday.  We spoke of general safety issues, most importantly the need to parents and not to come onto the school campus in cars to collect their children.  The buses are large and require more of a turning circle than you might appreciate.  If you have to come on to the school grounds to collect your youngsters, could you go to the back car park – your insurer will thank you for this!  Also, the coach company are compiling a distribution list of school users so as to better keep you informed of changes to routes, schedules or contingencies for bad weather.  Send them an email to get signed up.

We are already in the process of preparing for S4 Work Experience Week (18th-22nd November).  “Self-found” forms are due in to the school by the September holiday (ie by 12th September) - only two weeks away!  Please make sure pupils are contacting employers so they can collect their completed forms.  NHS Lothian forms must also be complete and returned by this date.  All S4 pupils now have access to the database on the “Workit” website so they can be looking at what's available, ready for making their selection after the September break.  As always if you wish to discuss any aspect of work experience, contact Miss Easson at school.

Remember that the Parent School Partnership Meet for the first time this session on the 4th September (next Wednesday) at 6.15pm.  Any parent is welcome to attend.

Have a very good weekend.
S Ingham