PRAISE FOR THE PRIZE PUPILS
Celebrating efforts
Pupils at Blairgowrie High School were honoured for their efforts during the school year at a prizegiving ceremony held at the Beeches Road school in the run-up to the end of term recently.
Due to restrictions imposed as part of efforts to tackle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, parents and other guests were unable to attend the ceremony but senior management at the school were determined pupils should be recognised for their achievements in what has been another challenging year.
Each year group was presented with their prizes over the course of a day and the presentations were filmed and streamed online for parents and family members to enjoy.
Pupils in first, second and third year were awarded certificates for their diligence, endeavour and performance and prizes were awarded to pupils in fourth, fifth and sixth year in each subject.
A number of special achievement awards were also presented to pupils at the school, including two new awards for this year – the Tilly Mutter Art Award, which went to Shaye Horner, and the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe Environment and Sustainability Award, which this year was won by Honor Wood.
The Robertson and Black Cup and the Perth and Kinross Medallion for Academic Excellence was awarded to dux Thomas Kelly, who also won the Peter Casey Joinery Trophy for service and example to the school.
Head teacher Bev Leslie praised pupils and staff for their resilience in what has been another difficult year.
She said: “Every year we prepare our young people not only for their examinations but also for life beyond Blairgowrie High School.
“This year that preparation and support for young people was made all the harder due to the uncertainties that we all faced but, without exception, all staff in Blairgowrie High School worked their socks off to make the educational experience the best it could be for our young people under the circumstances.
“In the second lockdown, teachers prepared their lessons for virtual delivery so that our young people had more structure and routine to their days. Mrs Hill wrote 35 timetables, our office staff had to find new ways to distribute information, Mr O’Hara’s team was extended to ensure that calls were being made on a daily basis to families whose young people were not managing to engage with remote learning. Food parcels were delivered along with numerous devices.
“Whilst all of this was going on, school remained opened for our intensive support provision pupils and for the children of key workers or our most vulnerable and a special thanks has to go to our teaching staff, our pupil support assistants, librarians and our community link workers who, despite being understandably nervous, ensured that our inschool provision ran smoothly.
We know that they have shown our school value of perseverance in abundance this year
Bev Leslie head teacher
“Thanks also to our Tayside Contracts staff for ensuring the building was extra clean and that we were all fed.
“Our journey this year has not been smooth sailing but I have been humbled by the efforts of all the school staff team to keep us going whether from classrooms or dining room tables.”
Turning her attention to the school’s young people, Mrs Leslie said: “We know that they have shown our school value of perseverance in abundance this year.
“We know that everyone has tried their best. All our young people have adapted without complaint to our new school routines and safety measures.
“But we also know that this past year has taken its toll on many of our young people and their families. The wellbeing of our young people has suffered. We know this because they have told us, and many have reached out for additional support. As ever, we are here for our young people.
“In senior phase the national alternative certification model has undoubtedly added extra pressure to our young people.
“Exam results matter. They influence the next steps that young people take. Schools are often measured by exam results – perhaps because results are easy to measure.
“Not so easy to measure is the resilience shown by our young people, the kindness shown by our young people, the joy on their faces as they gained back social interactions that school affords them.
“Our exam results are good this year – due to the effort of staff and learners.
“But I say to every single one of our young people, I am immensely proud of your conduct this year.
“2020-21 will be a year you never forget, and it is easy to focus on the challenges of the past year but please do not lose sight of your successes. “Throughout our parents, community, staff and pupils pulled together and we supported each other. This has been another school year where Covid has robbed us of so much but I hope that everyone in our community flourishes in 2021-22.”
• See the centre pages for more pictures and prize-winners.