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HEAD TEACHER'S NEWSLETTER
Friday 28th June 2024
Friday 28th June 2024
And….…that is another school year over.
My huge thanks to all my colleagues for their hard work and always going above and beyond for our young people, to families for your support and to our pupils for making this the best job.
I hope you enjoy the last newsletter of the year, and whatever you are doing this summer, I wish you sunshine, rest and happiness, and so from all of us, it’s over and out until August!
Jodie Hannan
Key Dates
Monday 12 August: Inset Day for staff only.
Tuesday 13 August: Inset Day for staff only.
Wednesday 14 August: all pupils return to school.
Staffing
Farewell to Janie McCafferty, our School Nurse who retires today. We thank Janie for her service to our young people over the years and wish her a long and happy retirement.
MGS website and School Handbook for parents
Our website is still being redeveloped and we aim to have all content updated by the end of June 2024. It can be accessed here MGS (google.com), and it also contains our School Handbook.
Head Pupil Leadership Team 2024-25
I am delighted to let you know that following a rigorous interview process, including hustings to the whole school, Katie Horrell, Ailsa McKinnie and Summer Stirling (from left to right) are appointed as our Head Pupils for next year
We were hugely impressed by the high standards all the candidates set and we are all looking forward to working with the team next year.
Thank you to pupils Ella Main, Glen Taylor and Daniel Tate for being such mature, thoughtful and insightful panel members, and also to Mr Mainds, Teacher of English, for his valuable contribution to the appointment process.
A message from the new head team
Hey guys! We are thrilled to introduce ourselves as the head team for this school year. Using this slot in the newsletter we will keep you updated on what we are up to and what is going on in the school so watch this space. Have a great Summer and we look forward to seeing you all back in August.
Ailsa, Katie and Summer
SQA and Re-coursing
SQA deadline for receiving results by text is Wednesday 17th July. If you don’t sign up, you’ll need to wait for the postie! Sign up here.
SQA results day is 6th August - we’re keeping our fingers crossed for all our candidates. If it doesn’t all go to plan and pupils are not able to continue with their chosen courses, Mrs. Watson and Ms Craigie will be available for re-coursing appointments. Please don’t make an appointment unless you really need to, as this is a very busy time, and can be stressful for those pupils who urgently need to make changes. Appointments will be available to book from 7th August onwards, and we will email parents with the booking link on that day. The appointments themselves will run as follows:
Mrs. Watson: Monday 12th, Tues 13th, Thurs 15th, Fri 16th August
Ms Craigie: Weds 14th August
Attendance
You will be aware of our concerns about the impact that poor attendance has upon progress and attainment and improving attendance is a school improvement priority next year.
From the start of the next term, a monthly update will now go out to all families from S1-S6. We were aware that only reporting attendance and lateness on a tracking report is not sufficient and we were not communicating overarching attendance and lates to families. This monthly email will provide you with an overview of your young person’s attendance for the month previous as well as the cumulative totals for attendance and late coming from the start of the session to the end of the month indicated.
The aim of these emails is to ensure open and transparent discussions both at home and in school around your young person’s attendance in school in order to positively impact both their experience and outcomes.
School uniform
As we approach the summer holidays, I would like to take this opportunity to share with our parents/carers the uniform policy within the school.
We understand that most families will buy uniforms over the summer holidays to be ready for our August start and we would like to issue guidance on items that are acceptable within our uniform policy.
We will continue to have regular uniform checks when we return in August to ensure that all students maintain a high standard of uniform. Please support our school by purchasing acceptable items of school uniform and encourage your young person to wear them every day.
Senior pupils are reminded that by choosing to return to school they are committing to wearing a school uniform.
What is essential uniform?
School uniform for S1 to S5 is:
• Formal black trousers / skirt of appropriate length/ leggings with a skirt
• Black jeans are acceptable but must not be ripped /torn
• Formal school shorts (not sports shorts)
• Formal white collared shirt
• School tie (worn appropriately)
• Black jumper/cardigan worn with shirt and tie (no logos should be present)
• Black dress shoes, boots or predominately black trainers
S6 pupils should wear blazers as part of their uniform and the link to order is here https://scotcrestschools.co.uk/Find-Your-School/East-Lothian/Musselburgh%20Grammar
What is not acceptable as a uniform and should not be worn in school?
• Clothing with commercial logos or written messages should not be worn.
Belly tops, cropped tops, bra tops, backless t shirts
• Non-black jeans or black jeans with rips in them
• Non-black shoes or trainers
• Football team tops (and this includes PE lessons), tracksuit tops, scarves, hats for any team
• Tracksuits/Hooded tops / Sports shorts
• Outdoor coats, hooded tops, hats, scarves and gloves should be removed inside the building.
• All jewellery should be an appropriate size and safe.
• Students are expected to remove outdoor clothing (jackets, hats) when in school
• Students are expected to change in and out of PE kit and not wear PE kit when not in PE classes.
We are immensely proud of our students and wearing uniform helps consolidate a sense of school identity and community. We are most grateful for your support with this matter.
MGS Summer Jam
The annual MGS Summer Jam happened on Wednesday night this week, featuring school groups, student-formed bands and a number of soloists. Some of our S6 Leavers even managed to return and give us one last performance before they leave us for good.
An enthusiastic audience joined us out in the Music Courtyard for what proved to be a warm and, more importantly, DRY evening outdoors with performers of all ages playing everything from hard-rocking tunes to tender ballads.
A big thanks and well done to all of our performers for another great year of Music! Have a great summer, everyone.
Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Our Silver DofE group finally set off on their training expedition this week (having been postponed due to poor weather last month). The sun was shining on Monday morning as they set off into the Pentland Hills from Flotterstone. After a challenging hike over what was described by one participant as “too many hills”, they arrived at Bonaly campsite and pitched their tents. A glorious evening in the sun led to a soft ball game against neighbouring Portobello HS DofE.
The following day the group got up bright and early, preparing breakfasts of porridge and pancakes using the trangia cooking stoves. A long 13 mile hike followed through the Pentlands and we just made it back to camp before the heavy rain started. Spirits were not dampened though (even with the midges making an appearance). Instead we thought it an excellent opportunity to get a campfire going and toast some marshmallows.
Everyone slept well and we finished off our 3 day expedition with some orienteering.
We have been thoroughly impressed by the determination, teamwork and expedition skills of all participants and are very much looking forward to planning their qualifying expedition next term.
Special thank you to Mr Mells, Mr Natta and Mrs Ferguson.
Mrs Dias and Mrs Orsi
Sports Day Musical Performances
Thursday was the MGS Sports Day which meant another day of fantastic outdoor musical performances down at Pinkie Playing Fields. Featuring a number of the acts who had just performed for the Summer Jam the night before, it was a day of sun, snacks, sports and excellent tunes.
A massive congrats to all of our young performers who did themselves proud with this encore performance!
Honey!
There was much excitement at our bee hives today with the first two spoons of honey yielded. The Bee keeping class was preparing the hives for summer and invited me to sample the first honey ever grown at the Grammar! It will be jarred and sold in the new school year so watch out for it coming to a pop up shop near you.
Achievement in music
Achievement in music
Music students Emelia, Emma, Isaiah, Freya, Clare, Dan, Tom, Tess and Aine all celebrated successes in Trinity and ABRSM Music Examinations from Grades 1 to 6 this year. Well done everyone, this is a fantastic achievement and we’re super proud of you all.
297 (Musselburgh) Squadron achievement
297 (Musselburgh) Squadron Triumphs in Drill Competition – First Win Since 1957!
In a historic victory, 297 (Musselburgh) Squadron clinched the top spot in a 12-person drill competition, ending a 15-year winning streak by another squadron. This marks their first win since 1957. The squadron’s success is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and exceptional teamwork. They will now represent at the regional field day in August and the Remembrance Service on the Royal Mile in November. Congratulations to the entire team for this phenomenal achievement! Join 297 (Musselburgh) Squadron for exciting opportunities by contacting 297@rafac.mod.gov.uk.
Musselburgh Grammar Cadets in the team were Elena Crecescu, Sukhy Kaur, Kishan Singh, Caleb Robertson, Jacob Ng, Freya Main and Daniel Robertson.
Very well done!
Beekeeping zoo trip
The S3 and senior beekeepers visited Edinburgh Zoo last week where they attended a talk on ‘The importance of bees worldwide’. We visited the chimpanzees to learn about how they recognise types of bees and have adapted methods of collecting honey, saw armadillos and examples of hive designs that are armadillo proof and tested armadillo friendly honey. We also managed a speedy trip around the animals and favourites included the giraffes, otters and penguins.
Preloved uniform and school text books
We would be grateful for donations of preloved uniforms, especially blazers, in very good condition, as well as any text books, study guides etc that we can reuse in school.
Donations should be handed in to the school office.
Skills Development Scotland
Please remember our colleagues at Skills Development Scotland are on hand to support your children with their career plans over the school holidays. If your child is leaving school this summer and is having second thoughts about their chosen path or would like some support finding and applying for a job or training programme then please call 0131 665 3120 to get professional help and advice from qualified careers advisers across East Lothian.
Community concerns
A number of our neighbours have reported pupils running through their front and back gardens as shortcuts to the High Street, Tesco and the Sports Centre at break and lunch time.
All our young people are reminded of how important it is to respect our neighbours and their property, not to trespass and to put all litter in bins when out in the community, particularly on the way back from Tesco at break and lunch time in Inveresk Road.
Thank you for parents’ support in discussing this with your child/ren.
Water Safety
Further to the message last week from Police Scotland, The Harbour Association has raised a concern about groups of young people behaving in an unacceptable way within town centres, Fisherrow Harbour and the Lagoons. They have asked that a clear message is given to young people regarding the dangers associated with the above, and specifically jumping from the pier, or “tombstoning” as it is colloquially known.
I know that you have all already received the letter from Ben Leathes at Police Scotland regarding anti-social behaviour but hope that since we do not have assemblies at this point in term parents can discuss this with their young people to prevent accidents in the water this summer. Thank you.
Parent Council Update
As we conclude another successful term, the Parent Council would like to thank all parents, carers, students, and staff for their continued support and engagement. Your involvement has been crucial in fostering a positive and collaborative school environment. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes an entire community for a school to succeed. Thank you for being part of our community.
We are particularly proud of the initiatives launched this term, including offering all parents and carers the chance to listen to our briefings as an audio recording and the successful pub quiz. Looking ahead, we will be holding our AGM in October where new members will be welcome to join us. Time commitment is low, whilst the reward is high! We wish everyone a restful and enjoyable break. See you all in the new term.
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