Remembrance Service

The Last Post was played by Rhys Macritchie (S3) after which pupils and staff observed the two-minute silence at 11am.

The school band then played ‘Sunset’, written by Captain A C Green and arranged by Douglas Leadbitter, previously Principal Teacher of Music at the school.

A wreath was laid at the Cuimhnich commemorative sculpture by school captains, Hannah Skinner and Haran Rabe, along with Mrs Fiona Cunningham, Depute Rector.

The service concluded with a very moving rendition of the last two verses of Psalm 72, to the tune ‘Stornoway’, by the school’s Precenting Group led by Samuel Mackay (S3).

One element of this year’s ceremony focussed on losses suffered locally. As village names were read out by Haran, twelve S6 pupils came forward holding a sign depicting their own village’s name (pictured).

These pupils then stood for the duration of the service, holding their signs, as a reminder to all present about the loss of life closer to home.

BETHESDA PRESENTATION

Following the recent very successful coffee morning, S6 pupils presented Bethesda Care Home and Hospice staff with a cheque for over £2,000.

The school community is very grateful to all those businesses who donated prizes and goods – thanks especially to Delights, Ishga, the Cabarfeidh, Argos and the Calanais Visitor Centre.

SENIOR PUPILS UPDATE

S6 students are busy redrafting their personal statements which accompany applications to UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The deadline for all applications is 15 January 2017.

Almost all S6 pupils have had one-on-one careers’ interviews.

The school is very fortunate to have SDS (Skills Development Scotland) staff based at the school. Pupils benefit from ‘drop-in’ sessions, following up on any questions they might have after their initial consultation.

S6 pupils are being encouraged to arrange work placements related to their planned area of study.

For example those applying for primary teaching should try and arrange work experience in a primary school.

These work placements must be arranged as soon as possible.

SWIMMING SUCCESS

The Nicolson Institute was represented by 12 pupils from S1 to S6 at the Highland and Islands Regional School Swimming Championships in Inverness.

The pupils performed exceptionally well, gaining multiple personal bests and placings across a variety of events.

Each pupil entered two races and the haul of medals was impressive.