This week pupils have been contemplating Remembrance at all our assemblies.  They have heard the moving story of war widow Kirianne Curley and hearing what wearing a poppy means to her.  We will be observing the minute’s silence on Monday morning.

On Wednesday evening some dramatically-minded pupils attended a performance of the Lion King in Edinburgh.  Thanks to Mrs Ball for organising the event and I know that the pupils had a fabulous time.

Yesterday, Amie Cowan and Lev Crofts travelled to Bowhill House, Selkirk, to compete in the quarter and semi-finals of the Debating Matters STV Referendum debate. They successfully won the first round against Penicuik High School but very narrowly missed out during the semi-final against Mary Erskine School. The judges were very complimentary of the team and said it had been a very difficult decision to make (illustrated by the fact they spent twenty minutes deliberating the result.) Amie was congratulated on her 'dogged attack' on the opposition, and the judges suggested a political career could be the future for Lev. They were both praised for the passion and fire they exhibited during the competition. It was a fantastic debate, and the STV production team told us that it was the best semi-final that they'd seen so far, having filmed 6 heats already all around the country. Debating Matters will be releasing the footage online in a couple of weeks, so watch this space for a chance to see Lev and Amie in action!

Yesterday evening I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours in the audience of “Tally’s Blood”.  The all-female cast stayed in the moment and produced some excellent dramatic and comedic turns.  The stage crew were professional and ensured that the whole production flowed seamlessly.  Thanks to all the parents, pupils and staff who were there, but particular thanks go to Ms Whitfield and Ms MacKinnon for their help and support of the cast and crew.

Next week sees us range from the medical (HPV injections for S2 girls on Monday) to the musical (S4 Performing Prelims on Tuesday and Thursday), so I’m sure that there will be a lot to tell you on Friday.

 
Remember that the S4 go off on their week’s work experience in the week of the 18th.  I believe that everything is in place and I think that the pupils are looking forward to their forays into the world of work.

Have a very good week.
S Ingham