Well, it’s been the first week of the exams, and without wishing to jinx anything for anyone…things seem to be going smoothly – thank you to everyone for making that so. All parents should note that every pupil received a personalised exam timetable, that should hopefully be being displayed prominently somewhere around your house. This timetable sets out very clearly when pupils should be in for exams.

On Tuesday, the author Sam Hepburn came to visit the school to talk about her life and her latest book “If You Were Me” during their Period 5 English class. Sam spoke to pupils about her writing career and how she uses events around her to create her stories. A former documentary producer with the BBC, Sam does not shy away from topical issues for her novels. Her latest tackles asylum, terrorism and family loyalty. After her talk pupils had the opportunity to discuss creative writing and get books signed. Sam praised the pupils for their behaviour and thanked them for making her welcome during her visit to East Lothian. The event was organised by East Lothian School Librarians with publishers Chicken House and English Departments across East Lothian.

The Youth Games ought to have happened this week, but unfortunately needed to be postponed owing to poor weather. We are looking at prospective dates in the full expectation that we will be able to have the Games before the end of term. Watch this space.

As ever for May, there are a couple of Monday holidays coming up. Everyone is off on Monday the 4th because of the May Day Holiday and pupils are off on the 18th May (staff will be having an In-Service Day). There are no exams on the 4th, but there are exams on the 18th – although nothing that we study in school. Could I respectfully request that pupils do not come in to school that day?

Have a very good long-weekend.

S Ingham