New term

Staff have been very busy over the past few days in anticipation of pupils returning to school after the summer holiday. Returning to school this year though is quite different.

From tomorrow, our senior pupils (those in years 4,5 and 6) will be based at Darroch for many of their classes. Pupils in years 1,2 and 3 will have all their classes at the Lauderdale Campus.

I am delighted that both schools are ready for 'business as normal', thanks to the hard work of staff and those who have supported us. We have had some technical difficulties with 'phones and accessing email and I know that this has caused frustration for parents and pupils who have tried to contact us over the summer,and particularly last week when the exam results were received. Sincere apologies to all who have been inconvenienced by this. 'Phones were restored early last week and I am hopeful that our email communication and access to web based resources will be fully restored in the next few days. In the meantime we will endeavour to work through the backlog of email and we'll do our best to respond to all who have contacted us.

I am very pleased with the results overall and especially so in S5 where the percentage success rate for gaining 3 or more Highers is the highest in the past 5 years. Similarly, in S6, we have had record numbers achieving passes in Advanced Highers. Well done to everyone associated with our school community.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will warmly welcome all pupils back to school, especially our 200 new S1s as they embark on their 'Journey to Excellence' with us at the High School. Pupils should view our 'Homepage' for details of where to report for registration on Wednesday 14 August.

'It takes a village to raise a child' (Old African proverb).