We've had spies, sports and speeches among other things this week.  On Monday the Numeracy and Technology Faculty kicked off Spy Week with a brilliant James Bond spoof film.  The theme for the pupils was breaking codes, espionage and independent thinking as well as team work.  The pupils had a ball and having an original Enigma Machine in the building yesterday was a coup.

We welcomed the P7s for their visit on Tuesday and Wednesday.  They enjoyed themselves hugely but it was difficult to discern whether it was new subjects or the opportunity to go into Haddington for their lunch that was the more exciting.  All the feedback we received from the P7s was that they are looking forward to joining us in August and that they are ready to move on to this new phase in their lives.

On Tuesday evening, three of our pupils: Daniel Cole, Murran Rollo and Hazel Szymoszowskyj, travelled through to the City Chambers in Glasgow to receive their certificates for taking part in the "Inspire Aspire" competition that they entered as part of the RMPS course this session.  The competition encourages youngsters to reflect on their own values and to look at the example of someone that they admire.  The theme was the Olympics, so the pupils wrote about sportsmen and women who had inspired them.  At the ceremony they heard from, and met, Sir Craig Reedie (member of the IOC Executive Board), and the rower Katherine Grainger, CBE.  The pupils said that it was an inspirational event and I have to say that I am very proud of them.

On Wednesday I heard that one of our members of staff, Mrs Little (Support for Pupils) had been nominated for Lothian Disability Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year, 2013.  Whilst she did not receive the overall award, I think it's wonderful that all her hard work has been recognised.  We know that she is a star - so now does everyone else!  Pupils also took part in the County Sports yesterday and thanks and well done go to all involved.

Yesterday I was interviewed by Robin Bellamy about smoking and how we handle that with young people (as part of her role on developing policy with the Scottish Government - see last week's entry).  She asked very pertinent questions and got me thinking about how we approach our young people's health and wellbeing.  I am very excited to hear what comes of the research that she and others are carrying out.  Yesterday the Senior Hustings took place - where the senior pupils wanting to be considered for leadership roles give their speeches outlining their manifestos.  Voting will take place next week for those posts and for the School Council.

Tonight will see staff and the leaving S6 gather for the Leavers' Dance. It will be a glamorous, and no doubt, emotional affair.  It's good to celebrate endings as well as new beginnings.  However, it won't be the last time I see some of them as they are well represented at the Awards' Ceremony on Thursday evening.  The event isn't ticketed, but all seats have been reserved and I think that we are going to have a very full house.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Have a good weekend.