Staffing
Our new Head teacher, Mr Ross Hunter, twill take up his appointment on Monday 3 November.
We are currently advertising to fill vacancies in our Social Subjects department and in the meantime have supply staff covering the posts.
We have welcomed 2 student teachers on a 6 week placement in the English department. We are also very pleased to welcome Clare Marshall, an Art Therapy student from QMCU, who will be working with our some of our young people 2 days a week over the next few months.
Dance for Mr Drain
One of our senior pupils, Kirsty Farmer, aided by the charities committee, has organised a fundraising event which takes place this afternoon the 24 October. Staff and Pupils have been invited to dance the afternoon away to raise funds for the Marie Curie Hospice in memory of Mr Drain. Mr Drain’s Daughter Caitlin has been invited to join in the fun and will also be joined by some former pupils I am sure it will be a great success.
Career Academies
This morning (Friday 24th October) we are launching Careers Academies, with parents and mentors of our pupils attending the School. The mentors are from a variety of businesses across Edinburgh and we are looking forward to building close links with them. Mr Gregor is our link teacher for this initiative and has organised the event. Part of the morning will involve our pupils taking their visitors on a tour of the school. This is the start of a very exciting initiative which should lead to positive outcomes for all involved.
Outward Bound Trip 2015
One week to go for Outward Bound applications !!!
Just a reminder that the deadline for returning applications and the £28 deposit for the Outward Bound trip is one week from now - Friday 31st October. Dates for trip are the week 18th-22nd May 2015, cost is either £158 (or £48 if you qualify for free school meals). Further details and application slips are available from Mr Wyllie in Social Subjects or Mrs Towers in Modern Languages. This trip comes highly recommended.
Senior Pupil Geography Field Trip
Despite high winds forecast the weather was kind and the second group of senior students completed their trip on Tuesday 21 October. Armed with their iPads, clipboards, questionnaires and survey sheets Mr Wyllie led our National 4 & 5 Geography students out on a full day of Geography fieldwork collecting a wide range of data to help them in their assignments.
TOAST
On Monday 27 October all S2 pupils will experience a drama production and workshop entitled TOAST. This has been delivered to pupils in previous years and is always well received. It is aimed to raise awareness of the risks associated with fireworks and improve our young people’s personal safety. Very relevant at this time of year and I would encourage you to discuss this topic with your child.
Health promoting school
One of our Partner Agencies the Health Opportunities Team who work in the Liberton/Gilmerton area has asked us to promote their new project to support young people (age 12-25 years) affected by their own or another person’s Substance Misuse. For more information contact them on 0131 468 4600 or email avesha@health-opportunities.org.uk A copy of their poster can be viewed on our website.
L Sinclair
Acting Head Teacher
