Some Preliminary Examinations for S4 pupils have taken place this week; the main diet begins on Monday. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils good luck in these important examinations.

On Wednesday, we welcomed a group of teachers from Norway to the school. They were interested in the arts and culture in Scottish schools and spent the morning with members of the Expressive Arts Faculty. Our visitors enjoyed the art, drama and music classes they observed and were very impressed with the extensive extra-curricular programme. Congratulations and thanks to the Expressive Arts Faculty for providing such a positive experience for them and to Mr Campbell for organising the morning. 

Yesterday saw the launch of the Literacy Café (or ‘Book Bar’ as it will be known). This is an exciting initiative from the Communication Faculty and is aimed at encouraging reading by pupils and, very importantly, the enjoyment of reading. The Book Bar will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at lunchtime in the Food Court classroom. Activities include recommended books to borrow, a book swap table, newspapers to read and space for private reading. The launch was very successful and I am sure the Book Bar will be popular with pupils and staff alike. Congratulations to Mr Swinney and his team for setting up the Literacy Café, sorry, Book Bar. As Dr Seuss says:

‘The more you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go’.

Best wishes
J B Craig