Penicuik High School

 Parental Newsletter Christmas 2005

I am delighted to be writing to you once again to let you know of the many excellent events that have taken place over the last few months at our school.

Our new House system is now well established with three houses each working with one third of the school population.

Mr David Innes is Head of Clerk Maxwell House. This house includes all classes in the following teachers' guidance groups; Mr Brady and Ms Duke.

Mr Alan Pithie is Head of Stevenson House. This house includes all classes in the following teachers' guidance groups; Mr Coupar, Mrs Edge-Loake and Mrs Brandie.

Mr Donny MacDonald is Head of Liddell House. This house includes all classes in the following teachers' guidance groups; Mrs Stewart and Ms Lombardo.

The house names were selected following extensive consultation with pupils and staff. We hope that you will agree that the people we have named our houses after have been remarkable in their own area of expertise.

James Clerk Maxwell was one of the greatest Mathematicians and Physicist which Scotland has ever produced, indeed he is still a much revered name in these fields.

Robert Louis Stevenson was a world renowned author of stories such as Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Stevenson spent much of his life living on the slopes of the Pentland Hill in the village of Swanston.

Eric Liddell is simply the most awesome sportsman that Scotland has ever produced. He was an internationalist in both rugby and athletics, and won the gold medal at the 400 metres during the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris where he famously refused to run in the 100 metre sprint because the heats were to be held on a Sunday and this conflicted with his Christian beliefs. He later worked as a missionary in China where he died during World War II of a brain tumour.

Primary 7 pupils.

Our Primary 7 pupils from our associated primaries spent a very enjoyable morning at Penicuik High School where they took part in a Maths challenge as well as another activity either producing a tea light holder in the Design Technology Department, making a pastel creation in Art or hunting for buried treasure as part of an orienteering project run by Geography. I know from the many letters received from the pupils how much they enjoyed their morning. In the evening of the same day we welcomed the parents of P7 to visit the school and to have a guided tour of the building and to look at the work of a number of our departments. We were greatly heartened by the huge turnout of over 200 people. This certainly bodes well for the future. My thanks go to the S5 and S6 pupils who gave so generously of their time to be guides for the day and also to the staff and pupils who hosted parents in their departments.

School Prospectus

As part of the information given to parents and pupils of P7 we produce a prospectus. This year Ms Lombardo in association with other members of staff and pupils has completely revised this publication. We now boast a glossy smart brochure with statutory information provided in a small insert booklet. This prospectus really demonstrates the vibrancy of Penicuik High School today as school very much putting its best foot forward. My thanks go to Ms Lombardo and her team.

DVD

Going out with the prospectus to each of our primary 7 families is a DVD introducing our school to our prospective new pupils. This DVD was produced by a pupil production company under the leadership of Mr Bryce, principal teacher of Media Studies. This is unique in Midlothian and I would be surprised if there are many schools in Britain let alone Scotland with such a fantastic addition to their school prospectus. Congratulations to Mr Bryce and his team for the massive amount of work which they have given to this project.

Both the DVD and the Penicuik High School Prospectus were delivered on time by their producers a truly remarkable achievement given the short timescale for production.

Special thanks go to the Parents Association for their support in buying the production company printer equipment to the value of £340. This equipment will allow us to print directly on to the surface of our already high quality CDs and DVDs.

Building work update.

The first phase of the new building programme has now come to an end and phase two is due to start imminently. Phase two will see construction beginning with a target completion date of November 2006.

Unfortunately our PE department has suffered from an acute accommodation problem during this first period, including the loss of the use of the Games Hall until the start of December. I am happy to report that the Games Hall has now been completely re-floored, re-lined and is now back in use.

Internally our school building has seen the installation of two new lifts to increase access to almost all areas of the school. This work has also been done in conjunction with the renovation of toilets in the three-storey building, modern smart toilet facilities are now provided on each floor.

Staffing

We welcome some new members of staff to Penicuik High School. Mr Jim Fair has been appointed as Principal Teacher of English and took up post on December 5^th. Mrs Tracey Mulcahy has re-joined the English department as a part time teacher of English. Mrs Mulcahy job shares with Ms Ros Astor who has returned to Penicuik High School on a job share basis following her maternity leave. Ms Sandra Rheeder has joined the Home Economics department as teacher of HE this is her first teaching post in Scotland having been working previously as an HE teacher in various schools in South Africa.

Meet the Management Team

We had a superb response to our meet the management team parents evening. Questions ranged on diverse topics such as provision of food in the Bite Site to PE facilities and the development of a school web site. I intend to continue with these meetings regularly throughout the year to enable you to be kept in touch on a more personal basis with the developments taking place in our school.

Parental and Pupil Consultation

I wish to consult with parents and pupils on two major issues for the start of next session. Firstly to look at a small adjustment to the structure and timing of the school day and week and secondly to propose that from August next year we move to a formal school dress code of white shirt, school tie, black trousers or skirt and black shoes. I will be in touch with further details on these issues in January with a view to meeting with parents at an open meeting in early February. Pupil consultation will be done through the school council and PSE classes.

Parents Association

The Parents Association had an excellent AGM with over 50 parents present, a record number for their AGM. A committee chaired by Mr Ross Hunter has been formed and has already had its first meeting.

Fundraising for Open Arms Infant Home in Malawi

Over the last six months a small group of pupils from the ‘Compact’ groups have been raising funds for the Open Arms Infant Home in Malawi.  The Infant Home cares for babies who are orphaned, usually because of the Aids epidemic but sometimes because of malnutrition.  Through fundraising projects, such as a Car Wash, a cake stall and a ‘Guess Shreks Birthday’, the group raised £100.

The ‘Compact’ groups are hoping that this fund-raising can be extended so that more pupils from the whole school can become involved and more money raised for the Infant Home.

We would like to thank everyone for their support to date and hope for your continued support for future events.

Mrs R Chew

UK Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge

10 of our seniors attempted this years UK Mathematics Trust Senior Maths Challenge Competition – a test paper of 25 very demanding problem-solving questions to be completed in 1½ hours.

These competitions are open to students from all over Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and attract a huge entry – just over 55,000 this year – and the standard is extremely high.  Just 17 students achieved full marks – all from English schools sadly! – and 11 of them were of Chinese origin – which makes you stop and think!

Our students did well, with 2 achieving bronze certificates – meaning that they scored in the top 35% of results.

The students concerned were

Mr J MacGregor

The Business Experience

On 12 and 13 September 2005, the Business Education Department arranged for 24 senior students to attend a competition in Newbattle Abbey College.  The competition was organised through Midlothian Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.  The aim of the event was to raise student awareness of self-employment as a future career option.

During the day, students were given guidance on starting their own business from professionals in the fields of Marketing; Accounting, Taxation and Environmental Issues.

After a short session led by a coach in self-motivation, the students had to work in teams to come up with an idea for a product or service, which they felt they could develop into a viable business proposition. They then produced their Marketing Plan and a Business Plan for their venture. 

During the second day the teams worked on their presentations then discussed their plans with actual Bank Managers from The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The students gained a great deal from the new 2-day format, which allowed them to gain a more detailed insight into the factors, which can affect the success of a business.

At the end of the event, prizes were awarded for the following categories:

Best Business Plan

Laura McAnna, Lynne Laidlaw, Christina Blair, Leona Murphy, Claire McInroy

The business name was 'Shopaccessory'. Their idea was to develop a gadget, which would locate individual items of shopping within a building. This gadget would be attached to the shopping trolley. 

Best Business Idea

Robbie Allan, Andrew Hall, Siobhan Duncan,Julie Mason

Their idea was to set up a company, which manufactured and distributed wireless headphones.

Quiz

The joint winners of the quiz were:

Fraser Rudge, Elaine Norval, Kirsty Frew

Overall Winners

Overall, it was decided that the winning team was:

Elaine Norval, Fraser Rudge, Ashley Erskine, Kirsty Fleming

Their company name was 'The Cheeky Thistle'.  Their idea was to provide a range of outdoor activities on an estate in Central Scotland.

THE COMPETITION FINALS - FEBRUARY 2006

The original 2-day event in September was a competition for teams of Penicuik High School students.  Other events had been arranged over the year for each of the other five High Schools in Midlothian.

This year, for the first time, there will be a Grand Final in The Scottish Mining Museum, when the overall winning team from each school will compete against each other.

This event will take place in early February.  The purpose of the day is to allow the teams to develop their original ideas and receive guidance on marketing and presentation skills.  By the end of the day the students will have produced a presentation stand advertising their product.  Judges, local dignitaries and parents will view these.  An award will be presented to the winning Midlothian team.

S Black

Acting Principal Teacher of Enterprise

Maths Masterclasses

Four of our junior pupils have been attending the Saturday morning masterclasses at Edinburgh, Heriot Watt and Napier Universities.

These are a series of 7 – 2½ hour sessions consisting of lectures, tutorials and workshops, delivered by University staff to selected pupils from Lothian Schools, and they give pupils a valuable learning experience.  We are, of course, grateful to the lecturers concerned who give their time so readily for the benefit of those pupils.  The pupils concerned are :

Sean Davey            S2                Callum Noble          S2

Andrew Hall          S2                Finlay Noble S1

The Big Day

The Big Day was the launch of our house structure and health-promoting day. The whole day went off superbly well despite some inclement weather towards the end of the day. The sponsored walk raised in excess of  £3,000 for which we as a school are very grateful. However the benefits of this day were incalculable in terms of raising morale in the school and getting our three houses off to such a flying start. Such was the enthusiasm and enjoyment that came back in our follow up survey of pupils and staff we are intending running this again next year.

Invigilation for SQA exams

Although it is still too early to confirm how many invigilators will be needed for the SQA examinations in May 2006, we would like to have a ‘bank’ of reserve invigilators to be called upon if necessary.

If you, or someone you know is interested in being considered, please contact Mr Innes at the school by letter or phone, with details of address and daytime/evening telephone numbers.

Chess Club

Penicuik High School Chess Club meets on Mondays after school in Room 24.

We would like to invite new members to join the club which has now started to enter inter-school competitions as well as individual championships.

In May 2005 a group of four pupils took part in the British Land UK Chess Challenge, held at Dunfermline High School, with one pupil, Ryan White winning through into the next round in Manchester.

This session we have entered the ‘Scotsman Trophy’ and are to play three schools in our group.  Our first game against Stewarts Melville College was played last Monday where we lost 0 – 4, however all the team played well and are looking forward to the next two games in the series. 

New members, experienced or beginners are always welcome.

Mrs R Chew

50-50 club

The 50:50 club is the school’s major regular fundraiser and is organised by the Parents Association.

By placing a standing order of £5 monthly, you are entered into a monthly draw, with Bonanza draws at Christmas and the summer.  Fifty per cent of the money pledged is returned in the form of prizes, and the remainder goes to school funds, to be used directly in support of school activities.

It is very easy to take part.  Just complete the standing order mandate attached to this newsletter and return it to Mr D Innes at Penicuik High School, and a substantial cheque could be coming your way to help pay off those Christmas bills or pay for the summer holiday!

Recent winners are :

50-50 club plea

HELP!!!

We have two club members whose contact details are incomplete and for security reasons, the bank manager cannot confirm who they are.  One has a bank number whose last 5 digits are 06309.

The other has initials Mr D. G. and Mrs C. E. H.  If either applied to you, please contact Mr Innes at the High School so that we can update the records.

Congratulations

Our warmest Congratulations to Stacey Greens who has been selected to represent Scotland at Bowls at under 25 level. A truly fantastic achievement.

Congratulations also to David Livie and Steven Greens both goalkeepers who played for Mid and East Lothian Football Team.

Very well done to Jennifer  Somerville got 2 silver and 2 bronze medals at the National Championships swimming competition.

Interim reports

S1, S3 and S5 & S6 pupils have all been issued with interim reports, we hope that these reports have given you an indication of how well your son or daughter has settled in to their courses at Penicuik High School. Should you have any concerns regarding the reports please do not hesitate to get in touch with the school to raise your issue. The reporting calendar is on the page facing the inside back page of our calendar of events.

Concerns or issues

Head Girl

I am delighted to announce that Rachel Hutt of 6A5 has been appointed Head Girl in succession to Mhairi Furneaux who has decided to resign as Head Girl due to the pressure of her work. I would like to thank Mhairi very much for her service to the school as Head Girl.

School Board

The new School Board has now commenced with Mr Murray Cole taking over as chair from Dr Les Haworth. The Board is up to strength with just a second staff member as the only vacancy, a by-election should fill this vacancy by early new year.

Elected Representatives

Mr Purvis visited the School in early December. He toured the school accompanied by Councillor Sheila Thacker, they saw most departments in action and then met the Charities Committee. Mr Purvis then presented them with a certificate of thanks from the Jeans for Genes Day organisation. The pupils raised over £480.

Thanks also to Councillor Adam Montgomery who has agreed to visit the school to present awards to our pupils in our Merit Awards ceremony. I am grateful to all our elected representatives who have shown such a great interest in the work of the school.

Midlothian Schools Concerts

My warmest thanks and congratulations to the Music Department teachers and instructors for two nights of outstanding music at the Midlothian Schools Concerts. Penicuik High School was very much to the fore each night. My thanks also go to the many parents who supported our pupils in these events.

Student Council

Our new student Council has been elected with representatives from each class forming the council and the executive committee also being established. Work is already underway under the leadership of Kara Hogan in S6, the Council recently met with Mr Norman Catto who is the Business Manger for Catering and Cleaning Services at Midlothian Council. A very productive exchange of views took place over a working lunch.  The students raised issues of concern in a friendly yet business like manner.

Penicuik High School Web Site

Why not visit our school web-site at  www.penicuik.info

My thanks to Mrs Luci Jones who has led the development of this site. It is a work in progress as every web-site is so please return frequently to check on all the latest additions.

 “The Bulb Man”

Twice a year the school sells bulbs and plants supplied by the “Bulb Man” company.  A proportion of the sales provides funds for the school.  Every sale counts!

Look out for the sales leaflet which will be distributed to all students at the start of next term and consider placing an order.  The quality of the plants is excellent, and represents very good value for money.

SQA Examinations and mobile phones

Parents are reminded that mobile phones are strictly banned from examination rooms.  Any student who is found to have brought a mobile or other electronic device into an examination room (whether it is switched on or not) is liable to have their examination cancelled.  This is not an idle threat.

Parents are also reminded that it is the students’ responsibility to bring their own pens, ruler, calculators etc, this also applies to the prelims!  Calculators are supplied at heavily discounted prices by the Maths Department.

Music Department

¨     Our fiddle group performed at a ceilidh for the Edinburgh Argyll Association on Friday 7 October.  The evening was a complete success, and congratulations to Louise MacKenzie (S5) for a stunning solo slot.

¨     A number of our young musicians performed at Penicuik Town Hall on Saturday 29 October for the coffee morning.  We had a wide range of different musical items on display.  Well done to Mrs Hay for organising this event.

¨     Congratulations to Stuart Wilson (1A6) who achieved a distinction pass in his Grade 3 Trinity trumpet exam.

¨     A group of musicians from Penicuik have been asked to perform at Broomhill Day Centre on Thursday 15 December where we will be entertaining with a feast of Christmas music.

¨     Thanks to Mr Rose and Miss Peter for organising musicians from Penicuik High School to be involved with playing at the switching on the Christmas lights in Penicuik on Saturday 4 December.  The wet weather could not dampen the Christmas spirit.  Thank you and well done to all involved.

¨     A group of our musicians were one of only 7 schools in Scotland to participate in a national lottery event held at the Glasgow arches.  The pupils involved were Rachel Topham, Kirsty Johnson, Kieran McLenaghan and Colin Thomson.  Music composed by both Rachel and Kirsty was performed in front of an audience.  The Scottish Music Centre hope to reprise the event on a larger scale at some point in the New Year.

¨     Forthcoming events include our Christmas Concert which takes place on Thursday 22 December.  Tickets are £4/£2 and you are welcome to join us for mulled wine and mince pies at 6.30pm, with the concert commencing at 7.15pm.  We are also taking our musicians out on February 3^rd to participate in a Scots night which is taking place at Eastfield Primary on February 3^rd.