MRS Annette Clunas, who has taught at Merkinch Primary School for almost quarter of a century, latterly as assistant headteacher, has been appointed head at Dalneigh Primary. Mrs Clunas had latterly been acting head at Dalneigh for some weeks.

Mrs Sheena Morrison, head at Merkinch,said that while the staff and pupils were all very sad to be losing Mrs Clunas after 22 and a half years in Merkinch, they were pleased at her richly-deserved promotion and everyone wished her the best for the future.

The staff and pupils made their farewells to Mrs Clunas at the end of term, although she has already taken up her post at Dalneigh.

Primary 7 pupils at Merkinch Primary took part in UNICEF’s Day for Change earlier this year, and last month Janis Keast of the Highland One World Group was presented with a cheque for the amount the children raised - £180. Among the activities they took part in was a poetry competition, with the best entries being published in a booklet that was sold to staff and pupils. Another scheme was to invite donations in exchange for time spent in a refugee tent set up in the school library. Then there was a beat-the goalie competition with Mr Kemp being between the posts, and a “Fifteen to One” quiz for staff, which was won by Linda Outram. Seen here above with Janis are (from left): Back - Michael Finnis, Robbie Williamson, Stacey Johnstone, Louise Vanzetta and Lisa Gardiner; front - Cora-Leigh Cooper, Rachael Jones and (determined to be the one to hand over the cheque) Carol Ann Crossan.

FOLLOWING the visit by some Inverness councillors to Merkinch Primary in February (as reported in the March issue), Councillor Margaret Davidson invited members of Primary 7 to visit the Abbey in Fort Augustus.

• If you shop at Tesco’s, please don’t forget to pick up your computers-for-schools vouchers and let MPS have them. Also, the school is collecting used postage stamps for charity - please let Mrs Campbell have them. And the recycling centre at the school wants your old plastic ring can carriers, copier/fax machine toner cartridges, outgrown school uniforms, PE shorts and T-shirts.
• On Mondays after school P7 pupils have been playing volleyball with two college students, Becky and Martin, according to reporter Louise Vanzetta. The class hope to try out other sports in the future and she says they all thoroughly enjoy these coaching sessions.
• School resumes after the Easter holidays on 15th April. The school photographer is due to come to MPS on Tuesday 16th April. Wednesday 1st May sees an Open Evening while Monday the 6th is the May holiday.
• Fruit and milk drinks in Inverness High School canteen have been subsidised by Highland Health Board as part of a healthy eating campaign. Fruit tastings were also offered as an alternative to sugary snacks.
• The High School’s dance group, tutored by Louise Marshall and Claire Crowle, were a credit to the school when they performed at Alness earlier this year.
• At the inaugural meeting of Merkinch Primary’s School Council, the main topic discussed was the litter problem. Subjects on the agenda for future meetings will include bullying, use of the school garden, the tuck shop, road safety and school lunches. Membership of the School Council consists of 20 pupils, head teacher Mrs Morrison and Mr Maclennan, the janitor.