Out of School

Merkinch Primary pupils started planting bushes and trees in the school garden at the end of November. Benula & Kilmuir Roads Residents Association have contributed a generous cheque for Ł100 for the garden. Late September saw a Hit Squad consisting of two parents, a community policeman and a member of staff prepare the beds.
A total of 85 pupils have earned Gold Certificates this term. These are awarded to pupils who gain 95% or more points for good behaviour, doing homework etc. Well done, all!
At the end of October Merkinch pupils did well at the Primary Schools Cross Country Championships; Charlotte McArthur, following in sister Alexina’s footsteps, distinguished herself by winning the Girls’ race in 5 mins 51 secs.
December diary dates at Merkinch Primary include a trip to see the famous Harry Potter film at the cinema on the 13th and the annual church service on the 18th.
Pupils said farewell to an old friend last month when Mrs Sylvia Burnside left after 10 years’ service in the canteen. Mrs Burnside, who was also involved with the Breakfast Club, used to live in Telford Road and all her children attended the school. She has gone to be a carer with Crossroads. Also leaving is Jessie Finlayson of Telford Gardens, who has been a cleaner at the school for an amazing 27 years. The school says thanks to you both and good luck for the future.
Merkinch Primary and Inverness High both close on Friday 21st December for the holidays at the usual time, opening again on Monday 7th January.
The annual sponsored walk at Inverness High raised around Ł4500 - Ł1000 more than last year. Ten per cent of the total raised goes to the Highland Hospice.
Start revising for the Prelims now! That’s the rector’s advice to S4, S5 and S6 pupils. The Prelim exams, which take place after the Christmas holidays, are vital because they give teachers the evidence to judge grades likely to be achieved in this summers’ SQA exams. If you are ill or under-perform in the SQA exams your Prelim results can be the basis of an appeal.