In order to celebrate Transgender Visibility Day on 31 March 2025, we will host a Transgender flag signing in the Library during registration on the following days:

• Monday - Garleton
• Tuesday - Lammerlaw
• Wednesday - Traprain

Please ensure you register first before coming down to sign the flag and show your support. 

Transgender Day of Visibility was started in 2009 to highlight the achievements and resilience of trans people, while also raising awareness of the challenges they face.

What does it mean to be transgender?
A transgender (or trans) person is someone whose gender does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies as a man is a transgender man. Some trans people identify outside of the categories of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ and may use terms like non-binary.

Why is visibility important?
Trans people have always existed throughout history, in different cultures and societies. However, they have often been made invisible or forced to hide who they are. Transgender Day of Visibility is important because it helps trans people feel seen, valued, and accepted. For many, this is the first time they see themselves represented positively in the world.

What barriers do trans people face?
Unlike cisgender people (those whose gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth), trans people often face unique challenges, such as:

• Difficulty accessing gender-affirming healthcare
• Discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public spaces
• A lack of legal recognition of their identity in some countries
• Misinformation and harmful stereotypes

Trans rights and discrimination today
While progress is being made, trans people continue to face discrimination in many places. Some countries, such as the United States, have recently introduced laws that make it harder for trans people to access healthcare, use public spaces, or even participate in sports. These laws can make life more difficult and dangerous for trans people, reinforcing the need for visibility and support.

How can we be supportive?

• Listen to and respect trans people’s identities and pronouns
• Challenge transphobia and misinformation when you hear it
• Support trans friends and classmates by being an ally
• Educate yourself and others about trans history and rights

By signing our flag, you’re showing support for trans students in our school and helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Study Leave will start for S4-6 pupils after the Easter holiday. We will need some support in the Food Court at breaks and lunchtimes during Study Leave and we are looking for S3 pupils to act as prefects during this period. This is a great opportunity to give something back to the school, and you can mention this in Personal Statements, University and College applications in S4-6. If you are interested, please give your name to your Registration Teacher or Mr Flood. Any questions, please see Mr Flood.

East Lothian Council are keen to continue its tradition of harnessing and developing the talent of young people in the local area and as such will shortly be advertising for the following craft apprenticeships:

Apprentice Painter (x 2)

These vacancies are scheduled to ‘go live’ on My Job Scotland Website on Friday 4 April 2025 with closing date on Sunday 20 April 2025.

See Information Sheet for more details.

Please find this week’s job vacancies at the following link:

Job vacancies - East Lothian Works

See your Pupil Support Leader or Mr Flood for more information.

This Friday (21 March 2025) it is Red Nose Day!

The S1 Friendship Bracelet Group are holding a stall in the Social Area to raise funds for Red Nose Day:

• Bracelets £1
• Large Cakes £1
• Small Cakes 50p

There will also be the opportunity to donate via JustGiving - you can donate now or on the day, or pop some extra change in the cash bucket.

Thanks for your support

The Green Futures Festival is taking place this Saturday 22 March at Queen Margaret University. The event is free to attend. You can find more details at the link below: 

https://eastlothianclimatehub.org/green-futures-festival-saturday-22nd-march/

Please see letter from Miss Cook, dated 12 March 2025, for full details of all events and arrangements as term 2 comes to a close.

We will have an LGBT+ Allies meeting in Ms Fletcher's room (T1.1) on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 1.25pm. Please feel free to bring along your lunch.

Thank you all for making World Book Day so fun! 

We had a stack of amazing entries to our competitions. Please see the winning names below! 

Quiz: 

Zara (2G1) , Elsie (2G1) , Emma (2T1), Elyn (2T1), Isla E (2T1), Grace W (1G2), Toby M (2T1), Pijus S (2T1), Noah E (1L2), Rebekah H (3L2)

Book Cover Competition: 

Karis Hutchison (3L2) 

Guess Who - Bookshelf Edition 

This was hotly contested and noone guessed 100% correct but well done to everyone for taking part.

The correct answers are: A. Mr Bristow, B. Ms Laudi, C. Ms Elder, D. Miss Robertson, E. Ms Cook, F. Mrs Sinclair, G. Mr Edwards, H. Mrs Swallow. 

Our prizewinners with 6/8 correct are -  Ava W (3G2), Kacie H (3G2) , Ugne V (3G2), and Noah McL (3T2) 

Well done to everyone! Winners can pop into the library tomorrow or next week to collect their prizes! 

Could all performers involved in the Diversity Show this Thursday 6th March 2025 please take a note of when they will be rehearsing and go straight to the hall.

Your names have been given to the office - if you are new to a group since the Christmas Concert please pop along and let me know so I can update the lists.