I was very proud to represent the school at the opening service of the Haddington Festival on Sunday. I was especially proud of Calum Learmonth in his opening of the Festival and of Lucy and Ellana who won the “Haddington Young Achiever Award” for their work coaching hockey and working with pupils with additional support needs. A special mention also has to go to the King’s Meadow and St Mary’s String Orchestra that played three beautiful tunes with great skill.

What a marvellous Activities’ Week it has been. Thanks to all parents, pupils and staff who have made this possible. We have had youngsters travelling all over Europe, and closer to home (Linlithgow, Perthshire, the Lakes). The pupils in school have been trampolining, making music, meditating, visiting Colstoun Cookery School – all sorts of entertainments! I spent time with the S1 yesterday at the culmination of their Board Games Challenge and seeing their hard work in designing, pricing and advertising their games was brilliant. This morning, I was treated to a performance by the “Build A Band” team. They had composed three songs themselves and did two covers of White Stripes and Linkin Park songs. Their teamwork, mutual support and talent were great to see.

In other news, I attended a very informative Parent Council Meeting on Wednesday night and it was a pleasure to welcome Mr John Wrinn in to the Chair. We discussed the inspection follow-up; the feedback on the Respectful Relationships for Learning procedures; how we are going to be spending our Pupil equity fund monies next session (hopefully); and priorities for session 2017-18. That was the last meeting for the session.

Next week sees the start of the new timetable (although the new S4 are away on Work Experience). All pupils will get a personalised timetable at registration, so it’s important that everyone is in on time. Any queries will be dealt with throughout the day and instructions on how to get help will be issued to pupils at registration. We are hoping for a busy and productive June, so watch this space.

Have a marvellous week.

S Ingham