On behalf of all in Portobello High School I would like to thank everyone who supported our Open Days to commemorate our current building at the weekend. While we anticipated that the Saturday in particular would be popular, we were amazed by the numbers who took the chance to come and say cheerio to their old school. The atmosphere was one of celebration and nostalgia and the weather was perfect, too. There was a real community buzz around the school and some long lost friends were reunited – it was quite humbling to speak to those who had travelled significant distances to be here for the day, which served as a good reminder of just how important our school days are to us throughout our lives. Some of the most popular areas were those where old photographs and memorabilia were on display and there has been a great deal of positive feedback already. We are so glad that everyone enjoyed their day. If you have photographs from the day which you are willing to share, please send them in and we will add them to the website.

I have to say a particular thanks to Margaret Williamson, DHT, and Nicola Todd, Admin Officer, for their organisation of the event – we really couldn’t have pulled it off without their commitment and willingness to go above and beyond. Many other staff also contributed in all sorts of ways – from helping prepare displays to being here on the day and lots more in between!

I must also say a big thanks to pupils who helped round the school – they were a fantastic advert for Porty High as ever.  And of course, our Parent Council put in an herculean effort selling memorabilia and refreshments and have raised more than £3000 which will support the work of the school. If you haven’t yet bought a dishtowel, mug or print then orders can still be taken.

Many people asked about if there would be an opportunity to visit the new building at some point in the future. The answer is a resounding yes – so please watch this space for details in due course!

Here are a selection of photos that were taken by our visitors over the weekend  –  An album will be created and all photos sent in to us will be displayed on our Website

Please see attached documents for information on our Open Days

Please Note:

There is NO CAR PARKING available in the school grounds

Section A – Pink – School Layout

PHS open day website

Well done to all S4 who participated in Shark Week, we hope you had a shark-tastic experience!

Thanks also to all staff involved who worked very hard to make the week as good as it was.

Miss Kaur

Zoolab visited S2 classes studying the rainforest in Geography yesterday and today, using hands-on experiences with creatures to teach about complex rainforest ecosystems.

Casper the snake was a particular favourite, seen here getting up close and personal with some brave learners!

Congratulations to Stephanie McLaughlin (left in photo), Chloe McDowell (right in photo) and Aimee McCaldin who recently graduated from Career Ready programme. They have done amazingly well in this programme and have made links with people from the world of work, forging strong relationships with their mentors. They all had the opportunity to undertake a 4 week paid internship during last summer, Stephanie and Aimee at Scottish Government and Chloe at Standard Life. Unfortunately Aimee McCaldin was not able to attend the ceremony and she has been successful in taking up a Modern Apprenticeship in Scottish Government.

This programme is an amazing opportunity, putting students directly in touch with employers from all areas of work. Whatever you want to do with your life, Career Ready can give you the skills and experience you need to get the career you want.

Starting in S5 and continuing in to S6, we offer students a structured programme of masterclasses, workplace visits and mentoring that fit around your school studies, as well as a paid four week summer internship between S5 and S6. Forget traditional ‘work experience’, this is your chance to become a valued team member, put the skills you’re learning into practice and find out what work’s really all about.

If you are in S5 and are planning to stay on at school until the end of S6 and interested in coming on board go along and see Mrs Scott. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about this programme during the induction days.

There is a technical issue with a number of S3 reports affecting Design & Manufacture and Fashion and Textiles and a small number of Maths classes

We are waiting for a solution to this problem and will re-issue the affected reports as soon as possible with all the teacher comments included

Congratulations to the following girls who have all completed the Skills for Work Hairdressing : National 5.

• Kasia Budoran
• Melissa Caldwell
• Louise Fairholm
• Nicole Hewitt
• Kirsten McCauley
• Chloe Maley
• Shannon Myers
• Taylor Robertson

HAIRDRESSING SKILLS FOR WORK – WEBSITE INFORMATION

The deadline for deposits for the Battlefields Tour has been extended to 27th June

A few days out of school for a life-changing experience…..

Open to ALL current S2 pupils

Subsidised spaces and alternative payments arrangements available – Contact Mrs Philp for details

The Southern France trip is back!

From Thursday 22nd June 2017 – Friday 30^th June 2017 you have the opportunity to embark upon an exciting adventure where you will descend the beautiful Ardeche river in a canoe and windsurf, sail, swim and ride a banana boat in the warm waters of Mimosa beach!

If you’re interested in this trip then please see Mr Aitken (PE Department) and put your name down on the list. Due to the popularity of this trip there will be a random draw made to secure places as this is the fairest way. The cost of the trip is £675 and is paid up in monthly instalments.

We had our first ever Sports Personality of the Year Award on 22^nd April 2016.  We were blown away by the number and variety of achievements our pupils both in school and out in the wider community (and by community – in some instances, I mean World stage!).  All pupils made a real effort and certainly met the brief of ‘Smart / Awards Ceremony Dress’.

Thank you to all teachers and students involved on the night and to all the coaches / volunteers that commit to endless hours to give our pupils the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport / activity.