It’s good to be back and to see everyone ready and raring to go. (I have to confess at having got into the coverage of the Winter Olympics over the week off, so have been feeling a few withdrawal symptoms - but that’s what “BBC Catch Up” is for, I suppose!)

First up – hearty congratulations to Bethany Hunter in S1 who has been representing the school in the Rotary Young Chef competition.  It is unusual for someone so young to be so accomplished as to be able to compete at this level.  Bethany won the local round and went on to represent Haddington at the District rounds held at West Lothian College in Livingston.  She was by far the youngest of the seven competitors, but was undaunted, and came a very creditable third – we’ll not go on about the fact that she got all her dishes up on time, whereas some of the older chefs struggled in this regard!  I would like to thank Bethany’s parents for their support and extend my huge appreciation to Ms Hossack for helping and supporting Bethany.  Well done “Team Hunter”!

Yesterday was quite a busy one.  We had a representative from “Poppy Scotland” who came in to talk to the S5 pupils.  We are hoping to take a larger role in the distribution of poppies, and the celebration of Remembrance Day, in Haddington.  It looks like the pupils are behind it and will take some of this on.  Thanks to the pupils for seeing the worth in this important part of our heritage and culture, and taking positive steps towards supporting it.

Last night we had the first of our Parent Information Evenings for the session.  This one was for the S3 going into S4.  As usual, there were some very familiar faces who have gone through it all before and those who looked a little anxious.  As ever, the advice is, to get in touch if you have a question or issue – I would suggest Guidance or Head of House as a first port of call.

We are opening the Library on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays between 4pm and 5.30pm in the hope that youngsters in S4-6 will use it as an opportunity to do study/homework at school.  The Library will be staffed, so it's not going to be a social club, and whoever is there will be willing to give advice and assist pupils.  Please encourage your youngster to take advantage of this if appropriate.

Next week we have the S3 Parents’ Consultation Evening on the 26th – but before that - the final of the Men’s Curling!

Have a good weekend.
S Ingham