This week we welcomed senior parents in to school for the S5/6 Parents’ Night. It was good to see people and the feedback that I was getting was positive. It was a shame to be seeing our S6 parents for what might be the last time (unless they have other children lower down the school). They have become great friends of the school and we will miss them.

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of speaking to some of the elected members about the “Wood Commission Report” and how that impacts on young people in East Lothian. The Commission was set up in January 2013 to consider: “How a high quality intermediate vocational education and training system, which complements our world-class higher education system, can be developed to enhance sustainable economic growth with a skilled workforce. How to achieve better connectivity and co-operation between education and the world of work to ensure young people at all levels of education understand the expectations of employers, and that employers are properly engaged. How to achieve a culture of real partnership between employers and education, where employers view themselves as co-investors and co-designers rather than simply customers.” We spoke a lot about the really strong work that “East Lothian Works” are doing with young people in the county and how schools are working to ensure that pupils are best prepared for the world of work.

On Wednesday we held our “Youth Philanthropy Initiative” final. Six groups of young people advocated for their local charity to receive a cheque for £3000 via the Wood Foundation. The charities represented were: East Lothian Young Carers; East Lothian Foodbank; The Bridge Centre; Recharge; Leuchie House; and Beyond Boundaries East Lothian. The successful group represented beyond Boundaries East Lothian, a charity that provides adapted cycling equipment for people with physical and mental disabilities. The pupils spoke with such passion and conviction that they made me so proud. Thanks should go to all the pupils for taking part, the staff that helped them, the charities themselves and my fellow judges.

Last night we had the “Christmas Sparkle Dance”, which went off very well. The pupils looked stunning and behaved superbly. Congratulations to Melissa Smith and Grant Campbell for winning “Best Dressed” awards. Thankfully the weather held off and everyone had a lovely evening.

We are starting to look forward to Christmas, now. We are decked out in our Christmas jumpers and ties today, raising money for “Save the Children”. We also start the final rehearsals for the Christmas Concert today, and I look forward to seeing a lot of you on Tuesday either at 2pm or 7pm.

School will close next Friday at 12.05pm and reopen to all on the 6th January 2015.

Have a very good week.

S Ingham

Head Teacher