Last Thursday, World Aids Day, pupils and staff purchased red ribbons to advertise and support this worthy cause. The breakdown of the funds raised was: National AIDS Trust - £59.98, Waverley Care - £77.41 with a Total of £137.39. Congratulations to all involved. 

On Monday we welcomed our Rwandans colleagues from Ruhanga Secondary School (Mr V Dukurumuremyi) and Primary School (Ms H Furaha). During the week they have been observing classes, visiting local attractions and working with staff from King’s Meadow Primary School and Knox on partnership projects. They have had a very warm welcome from the schools, but the weather this week has been a bit of a challenge for them.

On Tuesday, the school’s Amnesty Group held an assembly for S1/2 pupils regarding the work of Amnesty International and the Christmas campaign. This was a very thought-provoking presentation and I am sure pupils and staff will support the campaign. At the end of the assembly, this month’s ‘Purely Positive Pupil’ prize was awarded to Curtis Fairgrieve, 2L1. Congratulations to Curtis and well done to all the purely positive pupils. 

On Tuesday we held a very busy S5/6 Parents’ Consultation Evening. I hope all who attended found the evening informative, helpful and encouraging.

Yesterday morning, the school held its third Community Assembly. Regularly, we invite members of the local community into the school to speak with pupils about their life and participation in the local community. Yesterday, we welcomed Jo Lochhead from the Bead Shop in Haddington and pupils were very attentive as she spoke about her life and the development of her business. Afterwards, a member of the local Rotary Club made a presentation to pupils regarding a planned fundraising event in aid of fighting polio in less economically developed countries (‘Paint a Pinkie Day’). Many thanks to the speakers for giving up their time to be with us. 

Everyone will be aware of the impact of the extreme weather yesterday. My thanks to all members of the school community who assisted in ensuring that the pupils reached home safely when the school was closed to pupils at noon. The decision to close the school is not taken lightly but the safety of the pupils is paramount and all actions are taken to ensure this. A big disappointment for the pupils was the cancellation of the disco. However, this has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13 December and I am sure will have lost none of its sparkle. 

Best wishes

J B Craig