The Columns: Happy 100th edition!

To mark the milestone issue, pupils and staff who have been involved with the publication gathered in Trinity for a special event reflecting on the highlights since the newsletter was launched by pupils – as The Quarantimes – during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Those in attendance were played video messages by former pupils Neil Forsyth (author, television writer and journalist), Brian Taylor (columnist and former BBC Scotland political editor), AL Kennedy (writer and performer), and John Robertson (former HSD Director), congratulating the pupils on their inspiring journalistic endeavours.   

Readings of a number of the articles which have featured in the publication were given by some of the pupils before prizes for the best features in a range of categories, as voted for by the pupil contributors, were also awarded by David Thomson (Director of DC Thomson and Vice Chair of the School’s Board of Directors).

The celebratory 100th edition, which features 100 different articles of 100 words in length, was also unveiled, with all in attendance given souvenir printed copies. 

Mandy Tevendale, Head of English, who helps the pupil editing team, spoke of her pride in the newsletter and how it has grown and evolved.

She praised the current and previous editorial teams – with the first editor, Malavikha Sudarshan joining the event online from university in California! – and writers for following their journalistic passions and writing about a range of subjects, both serious, and more light-hearted.  

Mandy said: ““We are so fortunate to have such talent at this school, and such an enthusiasm for writing.”

Rector Lise Hudson, who also spoke of her admiration for all of the contributors, said: “As far as I am aware, we are unique in having a weekly pupil magazine. I am hugely proud of the publication and of the quality scope and ambition of the writing and journalism.

“Being the High School of Dundee, in the heart of the city, inspired by having DC Thompson as our neighbours and the Bash Street Kids as ‘FPs’, journalism is in our DNA. Today has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and set course for the next 100 editions!”

With the publication being pupil-led, it’s only right that the last word goes to current co-editors in chief, Ruby McIntee and Izzy Clark.

They said: “The Columns has an importance beyond the ink on paper or pixels on a screen; it is a dynamic publication granting a platform to the student body.

“For four years, we’ve represented the voice of the students from across the school and have worked tirelessly to provide authentic and high-quality journalism. May we continue to do so long after we leave the school.”

You can download your copy of the 100th edition here.