I would have thought that by the end of February we might have got over the freezing morning starts, but that seems not to be if this morning is anything to go by.  However, given some of the weather in other parts of the UK, I really shouldn’t complain.  Mind you, the mornings are getting lighter, and it’s getting darker later in the evening, so hopefully the funk that usually descends around February time is lifting.

Last Friday our S1 Girls’ Hockey Team played in a round-robin tournament at Meadowmill where they came a very creditable second.  The girls have been working hard and are developing fast.  One of the organisers commented, “What a result for the girls, absolutely brilliant, well done to them.  Please pass on to them that their hard work and commitment reflects in the 2nd place that they achieved on Friday. They should be very proud of themselves."  Congratulations to the pupils, the staff and parents for all their support and hard work.

We had a well-attended S3 Parents Evening on Wednesday.  Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a positive event.  From what I can see, the S3s are very much in control of, and comfortable with, their course choices at the minute.

Today we say farewell to Mr Swinney who has been seconded to the SQA for about 18 months.  Ms Machen will be “acting up” into his role between now and the summer.  Mr Redpath joins us on a temporary basis to cover classes.  We are doing our utmost to ensure that pupils endure as little disruption as possible, and I have complete faith in Ms Machen and her team in the English Department.

The Library has been open for pupils from S4-6 between 4.00pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights this week.  Few pupils have taken up the opportunity to use this facility, however, we hope that as time goes on more do.  That said, there are numerous study groups either at lunchtime or at 4pm that are being run by departments, so please encourage your youngster to take advantage of all opportunities for study and consolidation that there are.

Next week sees the coursing appointments for S3 pupils and their parents.  If you want to speak to a Guidance Teacher on either the 5th or the 7th March, just give the school a call and an appointment will be fixed for you.

I am looking forward to the S4/5 Parents’ Information Evening that will take place on Tuesday 4th March at 6.30pm in the Hall.  This is where we go through the process of course choice and try to answer any general questions that parents might have. 

Finally, on Friday 7th we are hosting a concert by the Haddington Pipe Band. It starts at 7.30pm, tickets are £5 click here for further details.  Maybe I’ll see you there.

In the meantime, have a very good week.
S Ingham