Today, I sit here typing decked out for Children In Need (don’t ask!) and am struck by the theme of “togetherness” that has pervaded the week for me.

Last Friday the school decided who should be the Batonbearer for the Haddington leg of the Commonwealth Baton Relay.  It is a huge honour to be chosen to be part of the international community who are taking part in the Commonwealth Games.    Pupils and staff voted for who they thought would be the best candidate and decided on Scott Thompson.  Scott is renowned within the Physical Education Department for applying himself diligently to both theory and practical sessions. He also came 2nd in the recent GB Judo Championships - some effort considering he has another year at this age group. This comes off the back of a vast amount of training per week both locally and up at Ratho (home of Scottish Judo).  Scott was characteristically modest when told of his success and I know that he will represent the school and his sport with aplomb.
 
On Sunday I was inordinately proud to walk with pupils in the Remembrance parade.  The pupils were determined to be there to join with their community in remembering all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  I can tell you that I walking tall behind them and it was wonderful to show our commitment to being a proper part of the Haddington community.

We have close working relationships with many businesses in Haddington (and that will be demonstrated at the Business Question Time event being held on Tuesday), but we are now spreading our net further afield.  Several pupils were given the chance to interview for a work experience day with Canon.  The pupils were of such a high calibre that the company have offered the opportunity to two of our pupils:  Holly Taylor and Amie Cowan, and soon they will be travelling down to Canon’s UK headquarters to have their visit.

The S4 go away on Work Experience next week.  I think that they are daunted and excited in equal measure. I spoke to them at assembly, encouraging them to make the most of this opportunity and I look forward to hearing how they got on when they return.

Apologies if any of you have been accosted by strangely dressed S6 pupils today - they have been collecting money for Children In Need and have hopefully raised quite a bit of money in the process of having a lot of fun.

Have a very good week.
S Ingham