The week was off to an exciting start with the annual S2 Land Yacht competition on Monday and Tuesday. Led by the staff of the Technical Department, all S2 pupils had the opportunity to take part. In groups, the pupils had to design, cost and build a model of a working land yacht. The models were road tested using the power of a hair dryer. Congratulations to all involved and many thanks to the staff who organised the event and the guest judges who had the difficult task of allocating points.

All week we have been hosting a visit from our Czech colleagues as part of the on-going Comenius project linked with the Seabird Centre. As well as spending time in the school, they have been visiting various local sites and working with colleagues in the Science Faculty; again, many thanks to Mr Jappy for organising the visit and acting as ‘chief tour leader’.

On Wednesday, I was in the audience for a performance by the S6 NC Acting and Theatre Performance class. There were three pieces of silent movement, each one depicting a relationship. The standard was outstanding and the performances appreciated by the audience of S3 Drama pupils (who had some very good comments to make at the end). Congratulations to the performers and their teacher, Mr Campbell.

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and the minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.

Yesterday evening, a group of pupils studying Drama, travelled to Edinburgh to see a performance of ‘Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off’ at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. The play was a modern, witty twist on the historical tale of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. The distinctive colloquial language was a hit with the pupils, as was the contemporary, eclectic set. Staff members accompanying the trip reported that the pupils were well behaved; thanks to all staff involved and to Ms Whitfield for organising the trip.

This morning, one of the Higher Modern Studies classes has travelled to Musselburgh Grammar School to take part in a BBC Scotland event debating issues related to their course. I look forward to hearing all the details on Monday.

No doubt next week will equally busy as we have the P7 Open Evening on Tuesday and the Faculty Challenges on Friday. A reminder that the school breaks for the October holiday week on Friday 14 and pupils resume on Tuesday 25 October.

Best wishes

J B Craig