HT Update: Week-ending Friday 16th January 2026

Friday 16th January 2026

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.  Any feedback received will be responded to and published on Monday afternoon on the school website.  

Feedback from last HT Update:  Click here

Key messages from this week  

Calendar:  Significant events week beginning 19/01/26;   on Thursday evening we’ll hold our S6 and Staff Burns Supper

Staffing:   Best wishes to Sophie Donaldson Science and Ellie Wood, PE who finished up with us this week.   As of Monday Sophie has a gentler commute and Ellie a permanent contract to/in their new schools.   Thank you and best wishes to both.   On myjobscotland we are looking to recruit a Teacher of Mathematics and Numeracy (BGE), a Teacher of Chemistry, a PT Creative Industries and Pathways and a Senior Support Assistant (IMS).   

S6 ‘Last Day’: For planning purposes please be aware that we expect S6 students to be off timetable on Thursday 2nd April from Senior Break onwards. This will facilitate their S6 Celebrations.

Parking/Waiting in Disabled Bays: You may be aware that I reported on this issue on Monday,  see link above to feedback from last HT Update.  The update on that is, vehicles in disabled parking bays should display a ‘Blue Badge’, essentially allowing them to be there, either parking or waiting.   ‘Blue Badge’ parking is for people with disabilities.  Midlothian Parking Attendants have been alerted and it is likely that there will be random patrols at the beginning and the end of the school day.  They have the authority to enforce those in breach of ‘Blue Badge’ procedures.  Please,  if you don’t have a ‘Blue Badge’, drop-off/pick up in the main carpark.  

Summer School Show:  Students were advised this week, via our usual communication channels, that Dance Auditions for this year’s Whole School Production of ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ will take place on Wednesday 28th January from 3.30pm – 5.00pm in the Assembly Hall. Auditions are open to all students, regardless of their year group.  To apply, students should fill out the Google Form posted in Google Year Group Classrooms.  

Coldwells Art: Coldwells Art have worked with us for a number of years.  They are in the process of closing operations as of Sunday 25th January 2026.  The business will transfer to UrPix which should  be seamless to both LHS and parents/carers.  However, there are legal requirements to share the information below to parents/carers, in compliance with ICO guidelines, regardless of whether you choose to use UrPix. In accordance with ICO’s guidelines, to comply with GDPR and all other relevant regulations, the following information is communicated to you as parents/carers.   UrPix will be the sole recipient of data from Coldwells, enabling the fulfilment of all parent/carer requirements, such as historic orders, current leavers sets, class groups, or archive and data requests to remain possible. Please find below the statement from Coldwells that must be shared with parents/carers for compliance. 

‘After many years of working with our school photographers, Coldwells Art is unfortunately closing.  However, UrPix will continue to provide services to both the school and parents, serving as your primary contact for all data administration.  This ensures all historic orders, current Leavers Sets, class groups, or archive and data requests remain possible. 

What This Means for You and Your Data:

• Service Continuation: Your option of services will continue without disruption under UrPix from 25th January.
•  Data Transfer: To facilitate this smooth transition, data that was provided in advance or after photography day, from the school, plus all digital images created, will be securely transferred solely to UrPix.  This data is for the purpose of providing your continued services and gives you the required ongoing data protection.   This adheres to all data protection, privacy standards and regulations.
• Your Choice: Under data protection regulations, you have the right to request that your data is not transferred, or to have it erased. If you wish to opt out of this data transfer, erase, or have any other concerns regarding your personal data, please contact Coldwells Art data@coldwellsart.co.uk by 25th January.  Choosing to opt out or request erasure of this data transfer results in no Leavers Sets being created for your child when they reach P7 or S6, as these sets rely on data from the start to the end of their school journey.  If we do not receive a response by 25th January, we will assume you consent to the transfer.  However, even after this date, you may still opt out, request erasure or address any concerns by contacting UrPix data@UrPix.co.uk.’

VIPS: Reminder.  Do you know any VIPs that could support the school with a video message or in-person visit to LHS to provide their thoughts, knowledge and experience of the impacts of poverty on individuals or families. If yes,  please contact me via the ‘Feedback here’ link below and I’ll forward things onto the students planning an upcoming event.  

 

Feedback here

Take Care

Campbell Hornell,  Head Teacher

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