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HEAD TEACHER'S NEWSLETTER
It was lovely to see so many S3 parents at Wednesday’s parents consultations- lots of positive news to share and celebrate, and we look forward to meeting our newest parents in the Grammar community at the S1 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 24 October.
It was also good to have our Parent Council AGM in person last night to look back over last year’s successes, and look ahead to all we intend to achieve this year.
But for now… it’s time for us all to switch off for a week.
Thank you and best wishes to all MGS colleagues for all their hard work, to parents and carers for their continuing support, and to our pupils for being such a joy to teach.
However you are spending it, and whomever it may be with, enjoy the holiday.
Jodie Hannan
Key Dates
Monday 16-Friday 20 October: October Holidays
Monday 23 October: Inservice Day for staff
Tuesday 24 October: all pupils return to school
Tuesday 24 October: S1 Parents Evening 5-7pm
Wednesday 25 October: Musselburgh Learns Study Skills for S4-S6 parents, carers and pupils 6-7pm
Tuesday 31 October: Musselburgh Learns S1 Maths for parents, carers and S1 pupils 6.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 1 November: Senior Phase Curriculum evening for all parents and carers of S4-S6 pupils 6-7pm
Thursday 2 November: Fright Night for S1 pupils 6.30-8.30pm
Tuesday 7 November: Musselburgh Learns N5 and Higher Maths for parents, carers and S4-S6 pupils 6.30-7.30pm
Staff
Farewell to Ms Scott-Thomas who leaves the English department at MGS after ten years for a new chapter at Ross High. We thank Ms Scott- Thomas for her service and wish her all the best.
Dr Robertson, who has been with us in Maths on a supply for several weeks, will be replaced by Mrs Gray for the week after the break before Mr Donaldson joins us on a longer term basis.
Prize Giving Ceremony
It was again an absolute pleasure to hold our Prize giving Ceremony on Tuesday 3 October to celebrate the hard work and achievements of a large number of our young people across last year’s S1-S5 and we were honoured to welcome John McMillan, Lord Provost as our guest speaker.
Eva Hills and Charlie Devine, Head Pupils, also spoke at the event.
Our S1 Prize winners are awarded for both Academically Able and also Most Committed to improving in their learning. Pupils needed to gain three or more nominations from class teachers to receive this award.
Our prize winners for the most academically able are as follows:
Daniel Barrett, Tom Barrett, Nyx Chapman, Matao Erasmus, Libby Henderson, Aneu Maguire- Morral, Sam McLoughlin, Jacob Meszaros, Erin Munro, Julia Scott, Libby Heaton and Sam McLoughlin.
Our prize winners for being most committed and improved in their learning go to:
Daniel Barrett, Tom Barrett, Martha Bremner, Nyx Chapman, Milly Donaldson, Amy Friend, Poppy Heaton, Zofia Kulczycka, Aneu Maguire- Morral, Aaran Marley-Hay, Alistair Myles, Ewan Myles, Lucia Quilletti- Bird, Ben Russell, Karam Singh and Ayden Wilson.
Our S2 Prize winners are awarded for both Academically Able and also Most Committed to improving in their learning. Pupils needed to gain four or more nominations from class teachers to receive this award. Our prize winners are as follows:
Our prize winners for the most academically able are Tess Devlin, Lauren Hollingsworth, Ella Main and Rosa Morris.
Our prize winners for being most committed and improved in their learning go toThomas Buchan, Frazeen Hyder, Grace McGill, Kamilla Perez-Pastor Canovas, Alisa Rose, Hannah Rostron and Kamilla Sytnik.
Our S3 Prize winners have been awarded for both Academically Able and also Most Committed to improving in their learning. Pupils needed to gain four or more nominations from class teachers to receive this award.
Our S3 Prize winners for the most academically able are Max Dignan, Isla Grierson, Aisa McIntyre, Annabel Morley, Nicholas Morley, Jacob Ng,
Our prize winners for being most committed and improved in their learning go to India Brown, Mika Erasmus, Jack Gilhooley, Fraser Montgomery, Grant Myles, Hannah Scott,
In addition, some of our S3 prize winners have been successful in achieving the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award:
Libby Bain, Ethan Briggs, Max Dignan, Mika Erasmus, Layla Ferguson, Emma Friend, Sam Henderson, Sophie Hill, Beth Molloy, Daniel Picton, Coel Watson, Owen Watters.
Our S4 Prize winners receive awards for their achievements in subject specialist areas. Our prize winners for National 5 are Sasha Allison, Health & Food Technology; Esme Andre, RMPS; Ellie Campbell ,Fashion & Textiles; Ailish Conn, Music Technology; Kaeden Gander, Spanish; Mia Grieve, Biology and History; Katie Horrell, Art & Design and Geography; Amelia Liddle, Fashion & Textiles; Lily Jarvie French and Spanish; Kira Meszaros, Music; Amy Neilson, Retail; Chloe Park, Graphic Communication; Scott Radley, Administration; Mia Robertson, PE; Abigail Smith, Drama; Carrie Steedman, Modern Studies; Alana Thompson, Biology, Chemistry, Computing and Physics; Luca Thompson, Practical Cookery; Ed Wheeler, Mathematics, and Karim Zidonis, English.
Our prize winners for National 4 are Finlay Brown, German; Rhys Calder, Chemistry; Lee Cumming, German; Jessica Davanna, Music; Jack Donaldson, Physics; Heather Graham, Mathematics; Izzy Hollingsworth, English; Lochlan Hollowell, PE; Rowen Landale, History; Ava McGarvie, Physics; Christie McKay- Stevenson, Business Studies; Chloe Park, Art & Design; Gethin Robertson, Music Technology; P Jay Stirling, Geography; Danielle Thomson, Geography.
Our prize winners for National 3 are Leon Sinclair German and Eve Wright for Mathematics
In addition, Lily Peacock and Alana Thompson achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and Eve Wright was recognised as most improved and committed in her learning in S4.
Our S5 Prize winners are receiving awards for their achievements in subject specialist areas. Our Higher prize winners are as follows:
Zoe Cocco, Italian; Lucy Cunningham, Business Studies; Lily Chalmers , Graphic Communication; Emelia Duffy, Drama and Music; Charlie Haynes, Administration; Isaah Majid, Computing and Physics; Katie McLean, Classics; Ben Naumann, Music Technology; Karen Reid, Geography; Jonathan Rostron, PE; Lily Taylor Art & Design & Modern Studies; and Mitchell Tuffin for a Business Studies Foundation Apprenticeship.
Our National 5 Prize winners are as follows:
Meadow Coleing, Biology; Georgia Greenhill, Travel and Tourism; Lyle Hill, Geography; Anna Lyon, Mathematics; Eve Moran, English; Scarlett Shearer, Fashion & Textiles; Guerin Thomson, Administration and History.
Our National 4 Prize winner is Amy Stewart for Modern Studies and RMPS.
Our S6 Prize winners receive awards for their achievements in subject specialist areas. Our Advanced Higher prize winners are as follows:
Catherine Brown, Geography; Valeria De Sequeira Tejada, Mathematics and Physics; Katie Hannah, Modern Studies; Michael Hoole, Music and Music Technology; Oliwier Kulczycki, Computing; Hannah Livingstone, French; Rosie Livingstone, PE; Gabor Szabo, Graphic Communication; Orla Thomson, Biology.
Or Higher prize winners are Katie Hannah for Biology and Cameron Smith for Health & food Technology.
Our National 5 prize winner is Rosie Livingstone for Chemistry.
Our Special Prize winners receive awards for their achievements in subject specialist areas and across the school. Our prize winners are as follows:
The Parent Council Award is given to pupils who staff feel most represent the school’s values of honesty, determination and respect: Alisha Ur-Rehman in S1, Tess Devlin in S2, Aaran Rae in S3, Hayden Morrison in S4, and Michael Doyle in S5.
The Debbie Givan Award is awarded annually in memory of Debbie Givan who was at the Grammar and until her death in 2004 aged 14. She overcame adversity to successfully continue her academic development, and this year’s recipient is Erin Montgomery.
Erin has been dedicated in her role as a young carer following family bereavement. With her stoic and determined attitude she has also remained focussed on her goals to succeed, with an impressive range of results and engagement in extracurricular activities. She is brave, responsible, loving and selfless to a fault, and a positive role model to all.
Fraser Walters, S5, receives the Mansfield School of Music prize. Throughout his 6 years at the Grammar, Fraser has been the embodiment of 'Respect, Honesty and Determination.' Fraser has been an integral part of the music department and an exceptional leader in Wind Band. Fraser competed in the Young Musician of the Year competition, as well as various other performances throughout the council. He is a dedicated musician, always striving to better his own musicianship. Fraser is now off at University in Aberdeen where he is studying Music.
The 1930 Club Award was formed by a group of former pupils who entered Musselburgh Grammar School’s Primary Department in 1930 at the age of 5, and this year’s recipient is Summer Gargaro in S3.
Summer has shown great commitment and resilience towards Highland Dancing. She has received placings at Scottish National Championships, World Qualifiers, European Championships, United Kingdom Championships and The Highlands and Islands Dance festival. Whilst balancing her own training and school workload, Summer has also been an active contributor to our Young Ambassador programme, where she has been motivating and inspiring other young people to get active in a wide range of settings within school and our local community. Summer has played an instrumental role in ensuring that the views of other young people are being heard, valued, and influencing decision making and driving change within school sport.
Special mention goes to Ava McGarvie and Hannah Menzies in S4 for their care and compassion in planning and organising the balloon launch for our school community for Mr Gray in July.
Lucy Meldrum, S5, is the inaugural winner of the school’s Matt Gray Award, given to pupils who embody perseverance and a can do attitude.
Charlie Devine, S5, is awarded the Hopper Award for Excellence in Computing Science.
Hannah Livingstone is awarded the Delta Medal for English Literature.
The Old Musselburgh Art Club prize goes to Lily Chalmers in S5, Nikola Maleszyk in S4 and Maia Soloman in S5.
Lewis Downes in S5 receives the Business Studies Award.
I am delighted to announce that our Dux Medallist prize for 2022 based on Higher performance in S5 goes jointly to Charlie Devine and Rowan Liddell. Both boys achieved A band 1s for their five Highers. Thank you to the Musselburgh Community Council for their sponsorship of this award.
Huge thanks to all parents, carers and staff who joined us, as well as to Mrs Watson, DHT, and Mrs Stewart, Senior Business Administrator who organised the event, and all Grammar musicians and music staff for their wonderful performances.
S1 Parent Consultations
S1 Parent Consultations take place on Tuesday 24th October, 5-7pm in school. An email was sent on Tuesday 10th October, letting parents know that appointments must be booked using S1 Edubuzz accounts. Links to teacher appointment pages will be posted up shortly on the S1 Google Classroom. Please sit with your S1 while they log in to Edubuzz and click the link of the teacher you wish to see. Please only make one appointment per subject. Thank you!
Supporting young peoples’ use and understanding of world events on social media
We are aware that, following recent world events, social media platforms may have content which would be extremely distressing to our young people. Please can parents and carers be mindful of the content that your young person is viewing and discuss safe online behaviours with them. NSPCC has some helpful resources about staying safe online, while Save the Children has information on how to talk to children and young people about distressing current events."
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2022/talking-about-distressing-current-events-with-kids-
Studying
I know that some senior students may choose to begin studying for prelim over the break, and as much as I commend their dedication, it's really important that everyone takes time to switch off and relax.
Exams can be stressful so students, parents and carers might find these resources useful, and more discussion about how to cope with exams and studying will be had in PSE, as well as at the Musselburgh Learns Study Skills on 25 October.
Please note that there will be no formal study leave for the duration of the Preliminary Examination Diet. Pupils will be expected to attend classes as normal unless they have an exam. On prelim exam days they will be allowed to arrive in school 20 minutes before the exam time.
Drama
It’s been a busy time for the Drama Department. We have been out and about at the Theatre and have created our own theatre, performing in school.
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Wednesday 4th October - Group Portrait In A Summer Landscape
S5/6 Higher Drama pupils attended the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh to see a new production of Group Portrait In A Summer Landscape as part of their course. This production was original and highlighted themes of Family, Politics, Independence and created a great discussion in the classroom for the rest of the week. We were thoroughly impressed by the lighting and sound design.
The pupils were a credit to the school and engaged in conversation, sharing their opinions on the performance in mature a manner with other members of the audience who were highly impressed by their insights! A great trip was had by all! More to follow….Next being the Traverse Theatre in November.
Devised Performances – National 5 and Higher Drama Tuesday 10th October
On Tuesday 10th October the S4 National 5 and S5/6 Higher Drama pupils presented 5 short devised plays in the evening to an invited audience of family and friends and MGS staff as part of the first practical assessment. This work was devised, scripted, designed and performed by the pupils. It was full of nonsense, tragedy, mystery and dilemmas! A great evening of entertainment was had by all…Next showcase will be in March so watch this space!
Mentors in Violence Prevention
This week, we introduced the Mentors in Violence Prevention programme and held our first training day for pupils. This is a programme that is currently being run in all 32 local authorities in Scotland. MVP is a peer mentoring programme that gives young people the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin all forms of gender-based violence in our society.
37 of our senior pupils signed up to become mentors and they will be assigned to S1/2 classes where they will lead their peers through a programme that aims to positively influence attitudes and behaviours towards gender based violence.
We’re looking forward to our next training day after the October holidays and getting into the junior classes. Stay tuned!
Maths S1 Musselburgh Learns
On 31st October from 1830 to 1930 there will be an opportunity for S1 Students and their parents to come to school for an event focussed on promoting mathematics and numeracy. There will be an introduction from Mr Harpham about the aims of S1 Mathematics this year. Following this there will be an opportunity to do some mathematics in a parent/child partnership. There will also be a handy booklet to take away that will help with methods of learning maths in S1.
CHAS
We invited CHAS into assembly this morning to unveil the final total of funds raised last week in our 500 miles challenge for Mr Gray. The money will go towards buying food for a week in one of the hospices.
Thank you so much to everyone’s contributions across the week and to the fundraising.
Sport and Recreation Management
This term, our senior Sport and Rec classes have been working in partnership with Queen Margaret University who have kindly offered their expertise for two hours per week as part of the Health and Fitness block. On a Wednesday afternoon, pupils worked alongside the University's Sport and Fitness manager, Stuart Burnside. During this time, they have been fully immersed in the role of a personal trainer and learned the fundamentals behind effective fitness coaching. This has included: SMART goal setting, fitness testing and how to plan and coach a high quality workout for a client. All pupils involved were a credit to themselves and have learned so much from working with a highly skilled professional.
MacMillan Fundraiser Concert
This week on Tuesday 10th October many of our young people took part in a fundraising concert organised in conjunction with the Instrumental Music Service which helped raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. A number of MGS pupils performed solos and our Wind Band performed an excellent rendition of ‘Skyfall.’
Once again, our young musicians have done us proud by showcasing their incredible talents!
A huge well done to the soloists: Milo Egan (cello), Emily Hamilton (cello), Hannah Scott (trumpet), Tess Devlin (trombone), Max Dignan (piano) and Libby Henderson (piano). Tom Ferguson also played as part of a bagpipe quartet.
Debate Club
Debate club starts in Miss Dudley’s classroom (D3) every Wednesday lunchtime after the October holidays.
If you want to build your confidence, improve your speaking skills and want to be heard, debate club is for you. Debate club is an informal, fun club to help you get started with debating. Bring your lunch!
Nearly New Clothing
Mrs Fullerton’s Retail class are looking for donations of nearly new clothes for their nearly new clothing stall. If you are having a clear out at all during the school holidays, you can hand in clothing to the school office and we can put this to good use. We could really use donations of school uniform including, black trousers, black skirts, shirts and plain black jumpers/hoodies and would also really appreciate any nearly new clothing that you might have that doesn’t include school uniform. At this time of year winter jackets can be a huge cost to some families so if you have any that you would like us to rehome then please hand these in too.
Blythswood Shoebox Appeal
FINAL CALL FOR FILLED SHOEBOXES OR ITEMS
Collection date for the boxes is the 25th October. We currently have a few complete boxes and lots of partially filled boxes.
You can help by either donating a filled shoe box or items to put in a box. The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Group have wrapped lots of shoe boxes ready for filling!
Items in high demand are: hats, scarves, gloves, small toys. Any items are much appreciated (please remember that they must be new).
If you would like to learn more about the appeal and where the boxes go, click on the link below:
Burgh Baristas
Burgh Baristas will be selling hot drinks at all of this year's Parent Consultation Evenings and most school events. A reminder that we are cash only.
Sailing Residential
A group of 10 pupils were selected to go on the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) week long residential trip on board a yacht, Alba Venturer from 25-29 September 2023.
The voyage provided a uniquely powerful and extremely effective environment for the personal and social development of the pupils. The demanding work and often unpredictable nature of sail training requires participants to confront many challenges, both physical and emotional.
OYTS look to explore behaviours on land and at sea whilst developing confidence, resilience and teamwork, as well as personal and social skills.
The statement below is a joint effort from the pupils
We were all fortunate to be invited on board OYTS Alba Venturer. We were all nervous before the sailing but also a little bit excited.
Day 1 – We sailed to Holy Loch and secured the yacht for the night
Day 2 - Unexpected storm (Gale force 8) and we sailed to Rothesay to shelter where we anchored the boat for the night
Day 3 – Another unsettled day so we had to change plans and we sailed to Loch Riddon and anchored for the night
Day 4 – We sailed back to Greenock and we were lucky enough to have a pod of dolphins follow the yacht for about 15 minutes it was so exciting.
Day 5 – We cleaned the boat so it was ready for the next group.
During our time on board we also wanted to ensure we could contribute to the Matt Gray 500 miles. Every evening we would ask the watch leader if we could get the dinghy to take us ashore and we walked 2 miles a night. We managed a total of 96 miles and also 87 nautical miles.
The food on board was excellent, we were all starving after sailing all day and it was nice to sit down as a group at the table having dinner and discussing our day.
One thing we didn’t like, we bought a lot of sweets when we had free time and they were confiscated. (They were returned to us on the last day)
Favourite part – sailing the yacht, playing the games in the evening, I felt happy on the boat, seeing dolphins and the staff
Didn’t enjoy – sea sickness, sweets getting confiscated, storm and the bunks
During the voyage – better than I expected, tired, sailing, games having fun
After the voyage – VERY TIRED
Cristopher, Matthew, Angus, Hannah, Lacey, Connor, Damien, Michael, John and Tessleem.
Here is a small selection of photos but the pupils will receive photos in due course.
Employability Pathway 2023
Please save the date, all welcome. If you are a business or know of any businesses who would like to secure a spot. Please contact the school or alternatively email, employability@musselburghgrammar.elcschool.org.
Newsletter Archive
There's an archive section on the newsletter site with all of the previous newsletters organised by date. It can be viewed by clicking on 'Archive' in the menu or using this link: https://bit.ly/ht-newsletter-archive.
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