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Headmaster's Newsletter
1st May, 2010.
Dear Parent,
No sooner have we started back at school than the first Exeat arrives – a situation exacerbated, I am sure, because it has been such a frenetic start to the term, as Summer Terms always appear to be!
Already the Form 4’s have enjoyed an overnight stay in York, enjoying the Viking history of the city, as well as its more recent history as a major transport ‘hub’ at the wonderful Railway Museum. A team from Form 3 enjoyed the ‘Farr Out’ challenge at St. Mary’s, undergoing a series of physical and mental challenges and coming third in the process, while many of our musicians were given an opportunity to play with fellow Prep School musicians at the Fettes Orchestral Day, culminating in a short but very impressive concert at the end. Finally, a group of seven children from Form 3 were invited to the Fettes ‘Sporting Talent Day’ on Friday, where they enjoyed coaching in a number of activities as well as talks on nutrition and looking after themselves. I am delighted to record that the staff who accompanied all the trips and excursions, reported that the children were, as one expects, excellent ambassadors for Belhaven and were impressed with their enthusiasm and diligence – qualities that will serve them well in the future.
Midweek saw our first fixtures of the season and, despite it being very early in the term, the school teams acquitted themselves well. The 1st XI had the better of a draw at Craigclowan, while the 2nd XI and Colts XI both recorded comfortable wins. Archie Rettie and Andrew Watson caught the eye with their batting for the 2nds and George Watson recorded a fine half century in his innings for the Colts, with some impressive bowling from a variety of players to back up the team’s prowess with the bat. The U9’s displayed that there is much to build upon in their match against Loretto, whilst the girls’ U13 and U12 Rounders teams similarly played well against Loretto and Fettes respectively, recording two fine wins. We should also pass on our congratulations to Olivia Dobson, who has been appointed the girls’ Rounders Captain, and wish good luck to her and four other players – Bea, Saskia, Rose and Hattie – all of whom travel to the Dandylion trials on Monday.
Next Saturday evening sees the ‘Yanomamo’ Concert in the Sports Hall, performed by Forms 2 to 5, followed by the Parents’ Quiz Night and we hope to welcome as many parents and guests as possible to one, or both, of these events.
Finally, it has come to that time of the year when sadly, we begin to think of the staff who are leaving Belhaven at the end of this term after a number of years loyal service to the school. As you know, Liam and Marnie Harvey, Michel Rulliere and Jon and Tory Pinchin Hughes are all due to depart to face new and exciting challenges next term. As usual, I am sure that the parents would like to show their appreciation and gratitude for all that they have done on behalf of the children by the presentation of a gift on Sports Day, when we will also be able to thank them more appropriately. Should you like to make a donation towards a leaving present for any of the aforementioned staff can I ask that you send in a cheque made out to the school, but including the name, or names, and amount of donation to each particular member of staff, prior to the end of the 3rd Exeat on May 31st. A slip is included below to return with any such donation.
In the meantime I look forward to seeing you all in the weeks ahead,
Yours sincerely,
Innes MacAskill
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