MUSSELBURGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
MUSSELBURGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
THE GRAMMARIAN
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Thursday 10 September 2026
Thursday 10 September 2026
We had a wonderful evening celebrating our award winners at last night’s prize giving. Thank you to all families for joining us and further details of the evening are further below in the Grammarian.
The Head Team have been busy this week, leading their first assemblies and joining today’s commemoration of Pinkie Cleugh.
Next Wednesday is our Musselburgh Learns, Stepping up to Senior Phase evening for all Senior Phase students’ families and we hope to see you all there.
Wishing you all a lovely long weekend.
Jodie
KEY DATES
Friday 11 September & Monday 14 September: school closed for September weekend
Wednesday 16 September: Musselburgh Learns: How to succeed in Senior Phase evening for parents of S4-S6 students. 6.30-8.30pm (further information below)
Tuesday 22 September: S1 Parents’ Consultation 5-7pm
Friday 25 September: Alumni Afternoon 1-2.30pm
Thursday 1 October: Parent Council AGM in school 6.30-8.30pm
PARENT COUNCIL MEETINGS
The dates for next session’s Parent Council are now set. Links to the online briefings will be shared next session.
Tuesday 29 September AGM 6.30-8.30pm
Tuesday 27 October briefing 7-8pm
Thursday 14 January briefing 7-8pm
Tuesday 9 February briefing 7-8pm
Thursday 1 April briefing 7-8pm
Wednesday 9 June 6.30-8.30 in school
COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT PARENT COUNCIL CHAIR?
Our Parent Council is always delighted to welcome parents and carers—whether you would simply like to visit a meeting, become a member or perhaps even consider becoming our next Chair.
The Chair’s role is worthwhile, interesting and not as time-consuming as you might imagine. You’ll work alongside a lovely, supportive group of people who genuinely care about our pupils and school community, while gaining a real insight into what happens at school and the decisions that affect our young people.
You don’t need any special experience—just enthusiasm, curiosity and a desire to help. Come along to a meeting, meet us and find out more. You might discover it’s exactly the role you didn’t know you were looking for!
UCAS DEADLINES FOR UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS 2027
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE SENIOR PHASE
Save the date!
This event is on Wednesday 16 September 6.30-8.30pm for parents of S4-S6 students.
It is the first year we have held this session and our aim is to give parents and carers the opportunity to find out more about the requirements of the exam subjects their child is taking; and to build parents’ and carers’ confidence in supporting their child to achieve to the best of their ability across the year, and in prelims and final exams.
PRIZEGIVING 2026
Congratulations to all our S1 to S6 prizewinners on their achievements. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate their success with them and their families last night.
Thank you to our guest speakers, Iain Clark MBE and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, and Jim Wood, MGS Dux in 1952, for such personal and inspiring speeches. Both Jim and Ian are Musselburgh born and bred and were part of the community marshal team who so generously supported our March parade as part of our 400th anniversary celebrations. As former pupils in this special year I felt they would be perfect as our guest speakers and to present prizes to our award winners.
Iain spoke about the importance of being respectful, honest and persevering: our values. Iain shared the impact that these values had had upon his life, guiding his life far beyond school and opening doors of opportunity. Iain noted that the success in his life was not achieved alone but through teamwork, support and the encouragement of others, which is what the Grammar’s motto of Together everyone achieves more stands for. Iain closed his speech by encouraging our prizewinners to work together, support each other, and to be kind because the people and communities around them will play a vital role in their future success.
Iain then presented our S1-S3 prizes.
Jim spoke to us about his childhood in Musselburgh during World War 2 and the importance of being resilient in the face of adversity; his memories of school and how much he enjoyed sport.
I include here the last part of his speech:
Musselburgh is a good place to live. It is of course “The Honest Toun” with a lot of attractive amenities and many opportunities for people, especially young people, to get involved in different clubs and activities. At its centre, the Grammar School has been and remains an important institution in the life of the town. It has seen many changes over the years, but a constant thread throughout its history has been the continuing development and support of the young people growing up here. I am proud to have been a part of its story and so delighted to see you all taking its legacy forward into the years ahead. I thank you once again for allowing me to share this platform with you. Congratulations on your achievements today and I wish you every success in your future endeavours.
Jim then presented the awards to our Senior pupils, including the Dux medal to Astrid Morris. Jim was Dux in 1952
DALGUISE 2026
S6 had a brilliant time last weekend at their residential. A credit to the school.
Dalguise 2027 will be launched next week to our S5 pupils - keep an eye out for info.
Recognitions this year:
Best Dress - Team Dewar/Michie
Best Performance - Team Neill/Melvin
Matt Gray Dalguise Award
Matt Gray Dalguise Award
Mr and Mrs Dalguise
Mr and Mrs Dalguise
Celebrity Couple Winners
Celebrity Couple Winners
Best Overall - Team Burns
Best Overall - Team Burns
Best Staff Dress Up - As always Ms Ramsay!
Best Staff Dress Up - As always Ms Ramsay!
Dalguise 2026
Dalguise 2026
S6 HEAD TEAM
This week has been a busy week for the head team. We’re currently recovering from the sleepless nights spent at our S6 residential at Dalguise. This weekend was a wonderful opportunity to bond as a year group and also build our leadership and cooperative skills.
Throughout the week we have spoken at each house assembly to give the school an insight to who we are and what we plan to achieve this year.
Elsie (Caird representative) I am the academic ambassador this year and will be attending the ‘stepping up to senior phase evening’ on Wednesday the 16th to talk more about this.
Max (Moray representative) is going to focus on charities which will be local, national and international depending on the term.
David (Grange representative) is going to focus on extracurriculars and events.
On Wednesday evening we attended the awards evening. The three of us sat on stage with the speakers. This was our first public event where we have been able to speak and engage with the public. Each member of the head team gave a speech on our personal experience with our studies. Our head boy Max was also an award winner for Higher Graphics. Congratulations Max!
Lastly, On Thursday the three of us attended the ceremony for the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh on Thursday. We remembered those who unfortunately died in battle and closed the ceremony by reading names of 10 people who were slain on the field of Pinkie Cleugh
ALUMNI AFTERNOON
As part of our year long 400th anniversary celebrations we are inviting our alumni and former colleagues into school on Friday 25 September 1-2.30pm.
Please scan the QR code to RSVP.
There will be short introductions in the Hall, followed by tours of the school led by our students
S6 PROM COMMITTEE 2027
Would you like to be part of the S6 Prom Committee?
The committee will organise the 2027 Prom next June and you will organise fundraising, decorating, transport and other activities. S6 prom needs you!
If you're interested please write to Jac and Jo on mgsprom2027@gmail.com
The MGS S6 Prom Committee 2027 are pleased to announce this year’s S6 Prom will be held at SKYbar in Edinburgh on Friday 11th June 2027.
The total cost of a ticket will be no more than £70 (+ travel to be agreed). We aim to bring down this cost through fundraising activities over the next few months, and we will keep you informed of this as we go. A ticket includes a 3-course meal, a welcome drink, DJ until 1am, a photobooth and more!
To secure a ticket a non-refundable deposit of £15 should be made by Friday 11th September 2026. Payment should be made online through Collctiv, a secure group payments app, using the following link
https://pay.collctiv.com/mgs-s6-prom-2027-63541
NB Tips for making a payment through Collctiv:
· Leave a message – please insert your child’s name here so we can keep track of payments for each individual.
· Please click on ‘Don’t support Collctiv’ or you will be charged a ‘tip’ by Collctiv
The remaining balance, which will be advised on completion of fundraising, should be paid by Friday 30th April 2027
If you have any questions, please contact mgsprom2027@gmail.com
Warm wishes, MGS S6 Prom Committee 2027
ART & DESIGN DEPARTMENT
RRS LOGO COMPETITION
Well Done to Daisy Dougan for being the runner up in East Lothian Councils Rights Respecting Logo Competition!
COMMUNITY DAY – MUSSELBURGH RACECOURSE
COMMUNITY DAY – MUSSELBURGH RACECOURSE
The Scottish Racing Academy will be holding a
Community Day at Musselburgh Racecourse on Monday 12th October. The day will begin at 11am and finish at around 1.30pm before the first race, complimentary tickets to stay and enjoy the racing will be offered to attendees.
This day will be focussed on career opportunities and pathways in the racing industry. If you would like to sign up a group or individual for this event, please use the registration form linked here- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVI3elByT1T6DPdaYpATdBtQqnOcrZiFRfaQtNnCGMveukwg/viewform?usp=dialog
I also attach a video which may inspire some young people to come along for the day. https://youtu.be/_xzNhqt-2YA
Please direct any enquiries about the day directly to Alex, alex@scottishracingacademy.scot”
TENTERHOOKS PRESENT - GAGGLE
At Corn Exchange, Haddington
Tuesday 13 October at 2.30pm & 4pm
£20 family of 4, £7 per extra person
Share 3 days and 3 nights with 3 lighthouse keepers. During the day, they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather.
At night, the beacon is lit, and that's when things can get weird, wonderful and a wee bit wild!
Gaggle is a joyful, immersive theatre experience, blending physical comedy, circus and live music, made for audiences of young people (aged 5 plus) with complex additional support needs (ASN) and their families.
This performance has a relaxed approach, allowing audiences to move around, make noise and engage in ways that suit them.
Tickets for this show must be booked directly with our box office on 0131 653 5245 (Mon to Fri, 11am to 3pm) or email boxoffice@eastlothian.gov.uk . This is to make sure we understand your needs.
More info and show trailer here https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on/gaggle/.
WEEKLY ATTENDANCE
WEEKLY ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is vital for our students’ success and wellbeing. Last year, 32.78% of our pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of the year). We are committed to working together with families to improve this; if you are facing challenges in getting your young person to school, please reach out to our Pupil Support team at pupilsupport@musselburghgrammar.elcschool.org.uk so we can help.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, EMPLOYMENT OR A MODERN APPRENTICESHIP?
The job vacancy links below highlight a range of opportunities. Please follow the links for further information and application details.
If you require assistance to complete the application or would like to chat it over, please see Ms Hoffman B16.
Job vacancies - East Lothian Works | East Lothian Council
https://rscfortkinnaird.co.uk/
https://www.jobs.service.gov.uk/
https://careers.nhslothian.scot/
https://www.edinburghguarantee.org/support-job-seekers/find-a-job
BREAKFAST CLUB
MGS welcomes all our young people to our Breakfast Club that runs daily from 8am -8:25am. There is no cost for breakfast and we offer toast, fruit, cereals and juice. This is a good chance for young people to have a positive start to their day as well as getting to know some of the staff and other young people who attend. We look forward to welcoming lots of new faces over the next few weeks. From Monday 24th August we will be at the front of the school at the old nursery/creche instead of the Nurture room on B floor and young people can access from the side door. We hope this makes it more accessible to young people.
THE HONEST THREAD
Our Honest Thread, “free to a good home” initiative is a new way to share gently used school uniforms within our school community. Anyone who is in need of these items are welcome to request them free of charge.
If you would like to receive any uniform items, please complete the short Google Form below. This allows us to organise requests and prepare your order for collection from the School Office.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLWNNtGnzNn3l9
The form will be added to on a regular basis and we hope that we will be able to include items other than schoolwear; this scheme is entirely donation based, so families are always invited to donate clean, good-quality items they no longer need. All donations are much appreciated and can be dropped off at the School Office.
Who Cares Scotland - The Champs Group
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Thank you very much for your support of our dress code: the standard of uniform this week is exceptionally high.
Please note that items such as coloured t-shirts, band t-shirts, crop/ bra tops, tracksuits etc are not part of the dress code, and pupils may be asked to return home to change or wear clothing items from our store.
Please do let us know if we can help with uniforms from our store, and if families have any used uniform items in very good used condition such as blazers, trousers, jumpers and shirts, we would welcome adding these donations to our store.
PE KIT
All pupils/parents/carers are reminded that all pupils must have a change of kit for PE.
This should consist of;
T shirt/long sleeved top
Sweatshirt or similar for outdoor activities
Shorts/leggings/tracksuit trousers
Trainers(no Uggs/Crocs)
NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
Reminder that all absences should be reported before 8am by texting 07860 049075. Please note that while we wait for our telephone systems to be fixed, there is currently no option to leave a telephone message, so please text instead. Please help us cut down on staff time and costs by notifying us before we have to contact you.
Please also remember to let us know in advance of any healthcare appointments for your young person, to save time at the point they need to leave school. If we haven’t been notified in advance, we will need to call you to verify, which may delay their departure from school.
We would like your help to ensure that all young people arriving in school after 08:30am sign in with the QR Code or office staff to avoid any unnecessary messages home.
Thank you!
MEDICAL
MEDICAL
Flu vaccines - these will take place in school on Thursday 12th November 2026. Forms have been issued to pupils and should be returned as soon as possible. If you need another form, please go and see Ms Harvey in the Medical room.
Flu vaccines - these will take place in school on Thursday 12th November 2026. Forms have been issued to pupils and should be returned as soon as possible. If you need another form, please go and see Ms Harvey in the Medical room.
Asthma - All pupils who have Asthma please make sure you have an inhaler with you at all times.
MGS WEBSITE AND SCHOOL HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS
Our website has lots of useful information for parents, and includes our School Handbook and School Policies. Have a look! We welcome your feedback..
LOST PROPERTY
LOST PROPERTY
We already have quite a few items in our lost property. Please go and see Ms Harvey in the Medical Room if you are missing any items of clothing.
Our Healthy Respect drop in service runs in school every Wednesday lunchtime. This NHS run wellbeing service is in a discreet area of school, is free and confidential, and offers support and advice to young people on a range of matters including sexual health information for pupils over the age of 13.
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