As I write this update we currently have our Leith Giving Leith giveaway on for Families. Thank you to all donations to help our community at what is a lovely time of year, but also a challenging time in other aspects. There are many stall with a wide range of high quality items on offer. Huge thanks to Ms Sutherland and colleagues involved for leading this.
Some key points;
Prelims week 1 – These are progressing well, thank to all for the joint efforts here across a range of themes at Home and at School. The most important part for the learner after the assessment is the marking and the feedback via learner conversations, which is now underway to help pupils plan next steps.
Christmas lunch – will be on 17th Dec with details to follow to Families and Staff.
Christmas jumper – if you have a festive jumper or item you can wear this on 11th Dec.
NHS Vaccinations – Vaccination forms will be distributed today (Friday) to pupils for Teenage Booster vacc. This vaccination is for S3 and above only. Can Families please read over, complete and hand consent back to the medical room before the Xmas break (Friday 19th).
World Aids Day – We raised awareness of this earlier this week with the red ribbon and support from our Seniors in collecting a donation. Thank you to all involved and to those who supported.
Online safety – See poster for Families and young people if interested.
Battle of the Bands – A great event, see update from Rachel Ponte. This term our S2 classes have been working incredibly hard to learn and perform their own choice of song in class time. On Wednesday this week they all came together in the theatre to watch each others’ performances and take part in our Battle of the Bands competition. All pupils did so well, and everyone worked incredibly hard to perform their songs on the theatre stage. The judges had an incredibly difficult job to decide on a winner, but the results are in, and the winning class is 2.3 – earning house points for Anderson! Well done 2.3, and well done to everyone for taking part!
Burns event 2026 – Mary Queen of Scots’ arrival at the Port of Leith in 1561 caused a competition between the best poets, singers and musicians across Scotland to win the new Queen’s favour, so the poets tell us. To celebrate that moment of Leith history, and Burns’ Night, Leith Academy is restoring the tradition of The Queen’s Wake. A mix of six individual and group performers will compete for a cash prize of £1000, the winner to be decided by an audience vote. This event will take place at South Leith Parish Church, on Wednesday, the 28th of January, from 7 pm to 9 pm. All money raised will go towards school projects, local community groups and charities.
To purchase a ticket follow this link – https://leith-academy.sumupstore.com/product/1-the-queen-s-wake-ticket or scan the QR code below.
Usher Hall performances – Some of our talented pupils have been attending central City of Edinburgh Bands and ensembles this term and their hard work culminated in a fantastic concert at the Usher Hall on Wednesday night. The following pupils were involved across a range of ensembles including the choir, classical guitar ensemble and rock ensemble (to name but a few!): Kenya Hamilton, Sam Foggo, Melody Kean, Nora Cannon, Nicole Scott, Penny Deighan, Sana Kamleh, Tom Gildner Dell, Joel Grant, Amelia Allardyce, Anna Kautska and Ricky Lei – well done all of you! See pic.
Guide Dog update – See update from Mr Gallacher. We had a happy return visit from our Guide Dogs friends this morning. Attached is a photo of Leith Academy Prefects handing over a cheque for £370 (plus foreign coins worth a further £30), to Christine and Elaine from Guide Dogs Scotland.
See pic – L-R are Anna Kautska (prefect), Jack McKay (Prefect), GD Volunteer Christine, Sylvia Gallacher (Leith Academy Buddy Dog), Ava Scott-Campbell (Prefect) and GD user Elaine and her Guide Dog Tessie.
Thanks again to everyone involved, especially the Prefect team who gave so generously of their time and energy with the fundraising.
Hoping you have a good weekend.
