Staffing
Congratulations to Hannah Milligan who was appointed to our temporary teacher of English post.
We are currently advertising for a temporary Support for Learning teacher – this will close next Sunday. We are also advertising for a Senior Business Support Assistant (Guidance) 30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, permanent. This also closes next Sunday.
Digital Devices
Any pupils who were absent or didn’t manage to pick up their devices can pick one up from Miss Patterson, in the Library, between 8.15 and 9.30am next week. This hopefully will be the final pick up arrangement and everyone will have one after this. Learners must have signed the Learner Promise to receive their device though.
Coursing Information Evening
A reminder that all coursing information, for parents/carers and pupils can be accessed
via the green ‘Course Choice’ button on the front page of the school website.
Study Support (Seniors)
Prelims are now over and we are heading at speed towards ‘Qualifications Scotland’ exams (SQA). S4-S6 pupils should be maximising support for their learning and studying by attending our supported study classes that take place at lunchtimes and after school. E-Sgoil also runs a fantastic programme of evening seminars, on specific topics, that pupils can join. They will need their Glow User Name and Password to join these session and can get their Glow User Name and Password from their teachers here if they don’t already know it. The E-Sgoil programme can be accessed here.
NHS Reminder:
Teenage booster vaccinations for S3 will take place on the Monday 26thJanuary at Knox in the Library from 9am. Meadowpark vaccinations are on Tuesday 27th. S3 registration classes will be informed of a time slot to attend by their registration teachers.
For S4-S6 who have been contacted, and S3s who did not return a consent form, a drop-in clinic will take place on Tuesday 27th January from 0930-11:30 in the Library; a parent/carer must be contactable to help with completing the consent form.
Rights Respecting Schools (RRSA)
Our Article of focus this week is Article 20 Children without families
Every child who cannot be looked after by their own family has the right to be looked after properly by people who respect the child's religion, culture, language and other aspects of their life.
Pupils’ Successes
Battle of the Bands 2026 – bits to be added
On Thursday 22nd January, our nine S2 practical classes performed on the stage with lights and mics!
Each class chose a song in October and were given at least 6 music lessons to practise it together:
2.1 With or Without You (U2)
2.2 Hard Times (Paramore)
2.3 Dancing Queen (ABBA)
2.4 Firework (Katy Perry)
2.5 Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
2.6 Wonderwall (Oasis)
2.7 12 to 12 (Sombr)
2.8 Valerie (Amy Winehouse)
2.9 Iris (Goo Goo Dolls)
3 competitive heats took place in house groups: Garleton (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), Lammerlaw (2.4, 2.5, 2.6) and Traprain (2.7, 2.8, 2.9). These heats were judged by a panel of the 2025 Battle of the Band winners (2.5 Everybody Wants to Rule the World). A huge thank you to these wonderful judges! Thank you also to our talented fourth year student, Sam Maguire, who provided the stage lighting for each class so that it felt and looked like a professional show.
FINALISTS
2.1 With or Without You (U2)
2.5 Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
2.8 Valerie (Amy Winehouse)
The Final took place in the hall period 7 with all nine classes in the audience. The judging panel was made up of the class teachers, Emma Robertson (Librarian), Mr Russell (Depute Headteacher) and VIP Community Guest, John Arnold (Actor, ECFM Radio DJ). Judges marked the musical performances on melody, harmony & rhythm. Classes were also marked on our Music Department values of creativity, communication and confidence.
We are delighted to announce the WINNERS of the S2 Battle of the Bands 2026 was class 2.1 – With or Without You.
A huge well done to all our wonderful performers! What a joy to see you developing the invaluable transferable skills of creativity, communication and confidence. Mrs Loughrey & Mrs Middlemiss are incredibly proud of the way you pursued our school values of Ambition, Respect & Community.
Events/Trips:
S6 Burns Supper – Thursday 5 February – 6.30-8.30pm (Assembly Hall)
Dates for your diary:
27 January – Parent Council – Library – 6.30-8pm (all parents/carers welcome)
29 January – S3 Parent’s Evening – 4.30 -6.30pm
10 February – S1 Parents’ Evening – 4.30 -6.30pm
16-23 February – holiday for pupils (staff 16-20 February with 23 February in-service day)
Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.
Sue Cook
