Posted: Friday 10 December 2010
Dear Parents,
A renewed thanks for your support over the past two weeks in helping us to keep the school functioning. Apart from the impact on sports fixtures and co-curricular games, which is unfortunate, things have been as normal as they can be this week. It was tremendous boost to be able to hold the Christmas Concert in the Caird Hall on Wednesday and I was delighted to see you support the concert in such numbers. Thank you!
I would like to congratulate Gwyneth McLaren and the Junior School staff in particular for showing such good humour and perseverance in keeping things going under very trying circumstances. Having to put together a programme which can vary on a daily basis whilst looking after the needs of 360 5-11 year olds is quite a challenge. It is a very busy time for them with their various class parties and of course the Nativity next week. The staff have been outstanding. The situation regarding the fire alarm in the Margaret Harris building is that we are now told the replacement control board will be with us on Monday... I sincerely hope so. However, we still have to plan for well into next week, so I would urge parents to keep checking the school website in the late afternoon on a daily basis to see the special arrangements, if any, for the following day.
The fire alarm situation has also had an impact on the Music Department and Learning Skills so thanks also to them for maintaining their high standards throughout. Let me also pay tribute to Brian Kyles, Kevin Gilmour and the janitors for their great efforts in keeping us open, and also to Doris Morrison and the team of cleaners, whose job is never easy but who have had to deal with additional challenges this past week in particular.
Looking at the Met Office weather forecast it appears that temperatures will not fall significantly below freezing over the next five days and no snow is forecast in that time. Let’s hope we have a smooth run into the end of term. On the uniform front I would now like to insist on correct uniform being worn, with leeway for footwear and coats. If you could ensure casual hoodies and other such garments are not brought to school we would be grateful.
The last week of term contains a number of ‘seasonal ‘ events: the L1-3 Nativity, the various senior school dances and the Carol Service on Thursday evening in St Mary’s. Term ends after the end of term services on Friday morning. I hope to see many of you in the course of the week.
All good wishes,
Dr John D Halliday
Rector