It was lovely to hear that so many of our pupils had been involved in the “Christmas in Haddington” event and the turning on of the lights. The link between the school and Haddington community is something of which I am very proud – and long may it continue. Speaking of which, we are gearing up for Christmas here at school and looking forward to opening our doors for the Christmas Concerts that we hold. They are taking place on the 16th December at both 2pm and 7pm and tickets can be purchased from the school. The concert programme sounds really good and I am looking forward to the day.

Yesterday I found out that the school has helped Haddington to raise £4489 for the Poppy Scotland appeal. It is a testament to the commitment of our young people that they were out in all weathers delivering and replacing collection cans, and helping to sell the poppies themselves. Thanks should also go to Mr Flood for his help and guidance. I couldn’t be prouder.

On Wednesday we had the final Parent School Partnership meeting of the 2015. There was lots to talk about, ranging from discussing changing the group’s name (to the Parent Council), to all the initiatives that the pupils are taking forward. As ever, any parent is welcome to attend and the next meeting will be on the 13th January, 6.15pm in the school library.

We’ve been doing a bit of recruitment over the last few weeks and I can announce that we have a preferred candidate for the PT Guidance post, and that Ms Machen was successful in becoming PT (Curriculum) Communications. Hearty congratulations to both.

One of our pupils, Georgia Greenan, will be jetting off to Mexico in the summer as part of the Girl Guide programme. She undertook a rigorous selection process and was only one of nine Guides selected from Scotland to go. As a result, Georgia has to do some fundraising so is having a shopping night at Gibson’s in Haddington on Monday 7th December between 6pm and 8pm. If you have time, please drop in and support Georgia. I look forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns to school in August.

Next week, on Wednesday, we have the Youth Philanthropy Initiative final. I am looking forward to hearing the pitches that our S5s make, supporting their chosen charities. As ever, it will be a hard-fought final and the judging panel will have a really difficult task of deciding who should get the £3000 cheque. On Thursday we’re having the Christmas “Snowball” Dance – it’s gearing up to be a fab-u-lous event. I look forward to seeing everyone dressed up to the nines and enjoying themselves.

Have a great weekend.

S Ingham