This week has been one marked out by creativity.

I had the pleasure of discussing the Rotary Young Chef Competition with Findlay Wallace and Charlotte Smith at the beginning of the week.  Whilst they were not placed in this event, it was evident from what they told me that they had had fun and learned a lot from it.  The challenge of producing their two courses in an hour and a half was one that would have tested even a Master Chef contestant and they coped with it calmly and with good humour.

On Tuesday evening I found myself at the Scottish Parliament to see our Show Choir – Venus – perform at the first ceremony recognising teachers who demonstrate that they are encouraging creativity through their teaching.  We had been invited because Ms Brown (Music and Drama) was receiving her certificate.  Owing to the presence of the President of Quebec in the building, we were unable to assemble in the original venue for the evening and the group coped woman-fully with having to perform in the foyer of the parliament (with ‘phones ringing, people being met and drilling as part of the building works).  I was delighted that so many people came up to congratulate the group and it might result in them being asked to perform again (watch this space…)

I had a very interesting chat yesterday with pupils from the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class as they came to show me their questionnaires for their investigation into crime and its causes.  Their maturity and understanding of such a complex issue as crime and punishment was inspiring.  I look forward to seeing the results of their interviews.

S3 pupils are going to get underway with writing their S3 Profile as of next week.  This is to help them reflect on their progress in S3 and to get them to start thinking more deeply about their choices for next session.  Please have a chat to your youngster about this and they will bring paper copies home for you to see once they have completed them (in the week of the 18th February).

The senior prelims are now finished and S4 to S6 pupils will be pushing on to look at how they can improve their performances.  Please keep an eye on the extra-curricular timetable to see when revision sessions are being held and encourage your youngsters to take advantage of every opportunity to consolidate their learning.

Some dates to look out for next week:
Tuesday S3 Parents’ Information Evening (6.30pm)
Wednesday PSP meeting and AGM
Friday  End of half term (12.05pm)

Enjoy your weekend!