As we approach Spring all of our students should be very busy as they prepare for the national exams which are now only 6 weeks away.
Continuing support and encouragement in ensuring that students are working hard at home and have a positive attitude to studying will help ensure that students do as well as they can in these exams. Those students who have done less well than anticipated in the prelim exams should now be aware of what next steps they must take in order to be well prepared for the ‘real’ exams in May/June. I sincerely hope that all of our students put the necessary hours into their studies in order to achieve their potential. As with so many other aspects of life, success follows hard work. Students are strongly discouraged from being involved in part-time employment until the exams are over.
Exam leave for S4 students begins on Tuesday 3 May 2011 and for students in S5 and S6 a date has been set for Monday 9 May 2011. Study leave is provided to allow students the opportunity to prepare for exams. To that end, students are encouraged to attend school to consult with teachers and to access quiet places to work as an alternative to working at home. Our new timetable begins on Wednesday 8 June 2011. All students should now be aware of what exams they are sitting and when these take place. Personal timetables will be issued after the Easter holidays. Parents are asked to contact their child’s Guidance teacher if they wish clarification on presentations this Summer.
Parents of students whose attendance continues to cause concern have been alerted by House Heads. As mentioned in previous correspondence, students with unsatisfactory attendance will either be repeating the year or withdrawn from exams. Well done, and thanks to the vast majority who have managed excellent levels of attendance this session.
Parents of students who are eligible to leave school this summer should note that no student should be leaving school unless he/she has something suitable to go to. Starting work or going to college or university are the options to be considered for school leavers. Unemployment is not an option for any student. Any former students who are currently unemployed are strongly encouraged to contact school to discuss re-enrolling as an adult learner.
Warmest congratulations to the students who were selected to attend a three week immersion course in Chinese culture and language studies at Beijing University in July this Summer. In future years as the development of Chinese develops in our curriculum I hope that other opportunities such as this will be made available to our students.
Well done and congratulations to Michael Selkirk and Jamie Turnbull who both passed the Open University Psychology course they have been following in school this year (SCQF Level 7 – Advanced Higher Level).
Revision for exams: All students are reminded of the programme of revision classes that take place in the school during the first week of the Easter holidays. Additional classes will continue to be on offer after school after the Easter holidays. Details of these will be shared with students and will appear on our website. Please take advantage of these.
Litter: All students are requested to be considerate of others and our environment when disposing of waste. As a result of complaints about litter, the gate into the Malbet Estate has been closed at lunchtimes. This is one of the issues that will be addressed by our newly formed Eco-schools committee. All members of our school community are requested to use the litter bins provided or take refuse back to school to place in bins.
Events Update
• On red nose day the Home Economics department raised £180 by selling cakes made by students.
• HPV injections are taking place for some students on 29 March 2011.
• On Sunday 24 April 2011 there is the opportunity for students to attend an English premiership match. Please contact Ms Forgan, Active Schools Co-ordinator, for details.
• Our hugely popular school dance show will take place on the evenings of both Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 April 2011. Tickets are now on sale.
• Well done to all of our younger students who represented us so well in the schools’ cross country event on Monday 21 March 2011. In particular, Ben Wright came a fantastic 12th out of 60 and Emily Robertson was our fastest girl in 30th position out of 60.
• On Thursday 31 March 2011 we welcome a group of Norwegian trainee teachers to learn about the innovative learning and teaching that is happening here.
• On Wednesday 16 March 2011, a group of 20 senior students at Liberton High School were the first in Edinburgh to have the opportunity to learn about anti-terrorist policing.
• On Thursday 24 February 2011, Ben Kearsley, a classical guitarist, gave a lunchtime recital to staff and students.
• An interhouse sports event took place for S1 on Friday 11 February 2011 with Tay House emerging as worthy winners.
• On 11 February 2011 an S3 class in Business Management organised the delivery of (anonymous) red roses to some delighted pupils and staff!
• There will be a dress down day for charity on Friday 8 April 2011.
Staffing Update
• Mrs Blair is with us in Maths
• Mr Martins is with us in PE
• Mrs Cross is with us in Art
LHSA Update
• 100 Club February draw winners - 1st prize £20 Simone Lennie, 2nd prize £10 Susan Imlach, 3rd prize £8 Shelagh Lee.
• We are holding our Car Boot Sale on Sunday 15 May 2011 so start clearing those cupboards and lofts out now, check website for further details.
• We have just recently funded the History department with much needed (30) Higher History books.
• If you would like to find out or get involved in how we raise and distribute our funds please come along to our next meeting.
• If you would like to contact us all our details are on the school website or we can be contacted through the School Office.
Key Dates For Your Diary
Wed 6 and Thurs 7 April 2011 Dance Shows at Liberton High School
Friday 8 April 2011 (12.35 pm) Term Ends (dress down day for charity)
Tuesday 26 April 2011 New term begins – all resume
Friday 29 April 2011 Holiday (Royal Wedding)
Monday 2 May 2011 Holiday
Tuesday 3 May 2011 Exam leave begins for S4 students. S1 – S3 resume
Monday 9 May 2011 Exam leave begins for S5 and S6 students
Monday 23 May 2011 Victoria Day Holiday
Tues 24 and Wed 25 May 2011 In-service days. Additional holidays for students
Check the school website for copies of all previous bulletins and other important news. (http://www.liberton.edin.sch.uk)
My sincere thanks for your continuing support in 2011.
Donald J Macdonald (Headteacher)
