Rector
It was good to see some dry weather which at last allowed games to go ahead towards the end of the week – even if they were played in some pretty Arctic temperatures. Admiration goes to those hardy parents who wrapped themselves in down jackets and blankets to watch on Saturday – and to the players themselves who stuck to their tasks. Sunday evening was another fine occasion for the Academy musicians, for the “St Giles at Six” provided a memorable setting, and a rare acoustic, for choir and instrumentalists to show once again their skills and their style. Thank you to all who performed; it was a lovely evening in every sense. Thank you to those parents who are following our plea about pick-up in Inverleith Place, rather than outside the Junior School. If all can spread that word and establish a standard practice, it will be a contribution by all the Academy community which is hugely appreciated. Finally, can I encourage you to come to the “Question Time” in the School Hall on Friday at 4.30: Nicky Campbell (a former pupil) is chairing a debate on “What are you doing about our Planet?” with a star panel of politicians from the main parties. Tickets are free (see What’s On). This is certainly a spectacular occasion and not to be missed! John Light |
Headteacher
Thank you to you all for helping make this a very smooth start to term, particularly in relation to the building works, which are restricting access to the campus. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We are hoping that warmer and drier weather will prevail during the coming week, both for the sake of the Primary 5s who depart for camp today and so that we can make use of the back pitch again as a playground. Here’s hoping! I look forward to welcoming the Primary 4 parents to the Egyptian presentation, which is to be held on Wednesday evening at 7.00 p.m. in the School Hall. Next Tuesday, 29th April at 2.00 p.m. sees our annual Spring Fair, which is run by the P4–6 children. I appreciate that many requests might be coming your way over the next day or two, but I do hope that this will afford you the opportunity of some spring cleaning! We are on the look out for toys which your children may have grown out of, DVDs, books and of course the ever popular home baking stall will welcome contributions. Caroline Bashford, Headteacher |
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Reviews
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ExpeditionUsually the term expedition is a bit of an exaggeration when we are talking about the DoE Silver, but in this case the weather made it truly epic. We left in two minibuses and a van (and, for the lucky few, service bus) in mixed weather on Friday afternoon and travelled to Peebles. 31 boys in 6 groups, 5 on practice and 1 assessed and several staff (DJC, GHH, DFB, CRM+Mrs Murray, WJT, PEP). We arrived in rather damp weather and camp was set up. After a short walk the last chance for edible food was taken with a hike to the local chip shop. The weather forced everyone into their tents out of the rain earlier than anticipated. We awoke to some interesting snow which got heavier as more of the boys started to stir, and some alternative routes had to be pressed into action. Fortunately everyone made it to the second campsite and once some dry ground was found camp was set up, blisters treated, and “food” cooked. Even with the nearby party in full swing everyone was sound asleep by 10:30pm. The weather on Sunday appeared, judging from within the tent, to be much better. Well, there was no rain or snow but the heavy mist did not bode well for a day of high walks. The gods were indeed smiling on us as the sun burned away the mist and left us with a day of glorious sunshine. Every group managed to navigate itself to the correct end points with only one or two detours. The skies stayed clear through the night and the stars from Tibbie Shiels were superb. Monday started cold and dry, ice on the tent outers indicating just how cold it got, but the weather soon degenerated into squally snow showers which however did clear by 11am. This was the day when the groups were navigating themselves without the staff “shadows”: it seemed a long time before the first groups reached the finish points, but all made it, weary and blistered, but whole and hearty with a mix of sun and wind burn. We returned to Henderson Row in sunshine and after a few minutes the buses and van were unloaded and people were off to much anticipated baths (believe me, some of them really needed one). Lots of lessons learned and now the planning for a large assessed expedition is underway. I am sure that those who rushed off would like me to thank all the staff concerned for their sterling efforts; I certainly would. Hopefully the next time the snow will stay away. KD Mitchell What's On?
Question Time: “What are you doing about our Planet?”Friday 25th April 4.30-6.00pm Main Hall As the culmination of the James Clerk Maxwell Lecture Series, come and hear Nicky Campbell chair a debate on this vital subject, with leading politicians: Nicol Stephen, Sarah Boyack, Annabel Goldie and Shirley-Anne Somerville – and Professor Stuart Munro of Our Dynamic Earth. Not to be missed! Tickets (free) available from the School Office or lhowie@edinburghacademy.org.uk Peter Gregson - “Spem”Friday 25th April 7.30pm Greyfriars Kirk Peter Gregson (1991-2004) will be premiering his solo debut CD “Spem”. The CD revolves around Thomas Tallis’s epic 40 part motet, Spem in Alium, and is accompanied by five new commissioned works for solo cello. Tickets available from The Queen’s Hall box office, telephone no 0131 668 2019 and also from Peter’s website, www.petergregson.co.uk. The CD will be launched on April 25th and will be available for sale at the concert and for digital download through iTunes. Tiso Discount EveningsTuesdays 29th April and 6th May Rose Street 6.30-8.30pm A Mountaineering Club membership card will give you entry: see Mr Fenton if you do not have one. Charity Fashion ShowFriday 2nd May Organised by senior pupils, this biennial hugely popular fashion show will be held on Friday 2nd May in the Main Hall at the Edinburgh Academy. Guests will start off the evening with a Champagne and Canapés Reception in the Robertson Room at 7.00 pm, and then on to the main hall at 7.30 where senior pupils will model clothing from Gant, Butterflies, Sam Thomas amongst others. Tickets at £20 can be purchased from the School Office or by contacting Laura Howie at lhowie@edinburghacademy.org.uk Mountaineering Club Junior MeetSunday 4th May This term we plan to visit Meall nan Tarmachan, near Killin – a delightful Munro which gives reasonably easy walking and great scenery. Details from Mr Fenton. Apply soon – transport is limited. Parents welcome as usual! Summer ConcertSaturday 17th May 7pm Queen’s Hall Featuring our orchestras, concert bands, Dance Band and Chamber Choir – plus final year soloists. Tickets will shortly be on sale at the School Office. There will be rehearsals for all groups on the day at the Queen’s Hall – schedule to follow. The Edinburgh Academy BallFriday 7th November at the Assembly Rooms in George Street This is a biennial event open to all parents and staff from both the Junior and Senior School and it would be great to see lots of new faces coming along. The Ball begins with a Champagne Reception followed by 3 course meal and then dancing, both ceilidh and rock and roll! There is also fundraising fun during the evening as well as a casino. This is a very popular event and sells out quickly, so to avoid disappointment please talk to friends and organise a table of 10. To reserve a table contact Sally Spilsbury on sallyspils@btinternet.com or call her on (0131) 552 4942. Tickets cost £70 per person and a non-refundable deposit of £100 is required per table. All profits go to projects within the school. I do hope many of you will come along. |
Notices
Careers LibraryStudent Awards Agency for Scotland For any pupils going on to Higher Education next year (2008/9) application forms for fees/bursary or loan are available in the Careers Library. Alternatively application can be made online at www.saas.gov.uk Open Days April 26 Nottingham University Vet School Blackwell Bookshop NewsBlackwell would like to warmly invite parents, friends and staff to a free event at the South Bridge Blackwell on Thursday 24th April at 6.30 p.m. This a chance to meet with Gill Arbuthnott who will be discussing her work with Barrington Stoke who specialise in books for reluctant readers. There will be a glass of wine and the chance to pre-order her exciting new book "Mad Scientists". Anyone wishing to attend should email Ann at Schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk On sale at the moment in the Academy shop are 1 and 2 gig USB sticks now priced at £7.99 and £12.99 (whilst stocks last.) For students who have bought one already this term at the original price, I have put the new prices onto the school computer and you will only be charged at the reduced price. Royal Society of Edinburgh LectureThe European Union: Does it have a Future? Thursday 8 May 2008 at 5.30pm at RSE Sir John D K Grant, KCMG (Academical) Former UK Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the EU. Open to all and free to attend - tickets required. Sport
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