Welcome to 2015

Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to 2015

 

I hope you a had a wonderful break over the festive period with families and friends and I take this opportunity of wishing you a very happy 2015. It was lovely to see pupils back in school today, as eager and enthusiastic as any teenagers can be after a two week break at this time of year.

As was shared at a recent Parent Council meeting and with all pupils at assemblies, I am pleased that the ‘no homework during holidays’ policy (pupils in S1-3 incl.) was well received by pupils. I am convinced that pupils also need holidays to r

echarge the batteries and to spend quality time with family and friends.

Pupils in S4, 5 and 6 will shortly be starting their prelims so, unfortunately for them, they will have had to spend part of their holiday towards revising for their exams. We will share the prelim results with pupils and parents by the time Parents’ meetings are scheduled in February. This will allow sufficient time for ‘lessons to be learned’ and efforts to be focused towards the final exams in May and June.

We are currently on schedule to move into the new Teaching Block from 3 April and, to that end, the school will be closed for pupils on the following days. Please note the additional ‘holidays’ for pupils on:

Thursday 2 April 2015                     All Pupils

Tuesday 21 April 2015                     All Pupils

Wednesday 22 April 2015             S1-3 only

Thursday 23 April 2015                   S1-3 only

New Year Staffing news:

Mr Martin (Physics) will be leaving us this week to take up a similar position closer to home in the West of Scotland. Interviews for this vacancy to take place next week.

Mrs Allan- Brown (Biology) joined us on5 January.

Mrs Brown (Librarian) gave birth to Ada on Boxing day. Ms Wilson will cover during the maternity leave.

Mr Hay (Chemistry) became a father to Sam on Christmas Eve.

Ms Oatman started with us a Learning Assistant on Monday 5 January.

Ms Kowalczyk started with us a Learning Assistant on Monday 5 January.

Ms Matheson (Geography) returned from maternity leave on 5 January.

And finally, it was pleasing to note that some newspapers have carried a story portraying our school in a very positive light. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jan/01/tatler-guide-best-state-schools

Of course as a school we are not complacent. In 2015 we look forward to moving into the first of three ‘State of the Art’ buildings and continuing to evaluate what we do against a backdrop of best practices from around the world and feedback from you, our parents and pupils.

Best wishes to you and your families for a successful, healthy and fulfilling 2015.

Donald j Macdonald

(Headteacher)