HT Update Week Ending 9th June 2023

Friday 9th June 2023

This concise weekly HT Update is generally published every Friday afternoon.  It’s a simple opportunity for you to also feedback/ask questions via the link at the bottom of each Update.  Feedback received, where appropriate, will be responded to and published by Monday afternoon on the school website link. 

Key messages from this week

Calendar: Key events in school next week; on Monday through Thursday there are Student Voice Year Group Councils for all year groups,  on Tuesday some of our S2 students will attend a national Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) event in Perth;  on Wednesday through Friday we welcome 299 P7s from 23 primary schools who make up our session  23/24 S1 year group; on Thursday morning our N5/Higher Dance students attend a performance at Edinburgh based MGA Academy of Performing Arts;  on Friday our U15 Girls Football team are playing in the Scottish Cup Final at Alloa,  best wishes to them.

Staffing Update:  Congratulations to Lisa Paton who has successfully secured the permanent position as PT Creative Learning ASN. Today we said farewell and thank-you to Ruth Watson,  our Business Manager,  who left us following 19 years service to the school in a variety of roles. We will miss her warmth and support as she moves onto her new post.  It is a testament to the respect and affection she is held in by our staff that Ruth left this afternoon with a small lorry load worth of gifts collected by her from staff across the school as colleagues offered their thank-yous and good wishes over the last few days.  

Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI):   Thank you to the Social Studies teams for their work on this.  The final was held yesterday.  Our judging panel noted the confidence and commitment shown by the students which really demonstrated the value of this work. The £3,000 cheque was awarded to Maggie’s cancer charity, though all would have been worthy recipients. 

‘Old’ S6:  Tonight over 50 staff will join our session 22/23 S6 students at their Prom at Murrayfield Stadium.  This is a particularly high number of staff attending and reflects the esteem in which our recently departed S6 is held in.  An outstanding year group and we’re confident that tonight will be an excellent send off for them.   

‘New’ S6: On Thursday over 70 of our new S6 students were trained to act as Buddies when our new S1 students arrive for their Induction Days on Wednesday through Friday next week.  Today Mr Chisholm, Miss Dowie and I had the privilege of undertaking group interviews with those from our new S6 cohort who have applied (around 40 in total) for School and House Captain roles for session 23/24.  Ms Mitchell and Mr McQueen, did a leadership/communication activity with the same students.  It is no exaggeration to say that our Captains applicants are phenomenal.  The process continues next week  and we expect to announce our new School and House Captains during the week beginning 19th June.  This allows those, through no fault of their own, who were unable to attend to undertake the process. 

Senior Girls Football:  Congratulations to our Senior Girls team, players and coaches, who came through a tough match on Tuesday evening to secure the Scottish Shield trophy.  The team played a strong Grove Academy team and scored late in the second half to secure a deserved 2-1 victory.  

Active Schools:  This week has been National Volunteer Week.  Our Midlothian Active Schools partners, who do excellent work, are looking for volunteers to lead or support sports/physical activity sessions for children and young people aged between 5 and 18.  Training will be provided.  If you are interested or would like further information please email activeschools@midlothian.gov.uk

 

If you have any feedback/questions relating to this update please submit them via the link below

Feedback here

Take Care, and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts

Campbell Hornell and Ali Mitchell,  Head Teachers

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