CALDERHEAD
Taylor High School community came together for their annual Patron’s Day Mass last week.
The Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Toal and the school’s chaplain Father Martin Delaney, was based on the theme of the canonisation of Saint Teresa of Calcutta and her work with the poor.
It was also a memorial service for two members of staff, who died in May after many years of service to the school.
Both Mr John McCaig and Lorraine Andrews contribution to the school community was highlighted during this service.
Andrew Flynn, a representative from St Andrew’s Hospice presented a cheque for £ 2100, which was collected from the Tinto Hill climb earlier this year.
And the music department, which was led by Miss Suzanne Evans and Mrs Kerry McKinlay, produced a beautiful music liturgy.
The new First Year pupils also enjoyed their first opportunity to perform as part of the Taylor High Choir at this large scale event.
And the school’s accompanying music ensemble continued to grow in size as brass, woodwind and guitar students enhanced the service.
Staff and students from the home economics department, which were led by principal teacher Mr Scott Russell, provided refreshments for guests following the service.
And the hospitality students catered for guests by producing lovely petit fours with many other people contributing to the smooth running of the service.
The school thank all the young people who took part, especially those from their associated primary schools.
Special thanks were extended to the music department’s teaching staff, tutors and pupils and to Mrs Honor Miller of the modern languages department, who led the musical liturgy and classroom assistant Mrs Morag Dickson for her support.
Thanks also go to principal teacher of religious education Martin McMahon, Mrs Mary Jo Burton, principal teacher of English, members of the senior leadership team, Robert Stewart, senior technician, Brendan Murphy, science technician, Kenneth Kerr, technical technician, Scott Russell, principal teacher of technology, staff and pupils of the home economics department, Linda Millar, senior janitor, John Jeffries, janitor, Belinda Jones, janitor and Amanda Fairley, office manager and the school’s office staff.
Scottish Parliament visit: Fourth Year modern studies students visited the Scottish Parliament and met with local constituency MSP Richard Lyle.
The students were given a tour of the Parliament building and visited the debating chamber, MSPs office block, committee rooms and had a question and answer session with Richard Lyle MSP.
They also got a chance to view First Minister’s Questions and watch the parliament in full swing.
It was a very exciting and memorable day, and the group bumped into Humza Yousaf MSP, minister for Transport and the Islands, who took time out to speak to them and pose for a photo.
After First Minister’s Question Time the group spotted the leaders of the main political parties in Scotland including Kezia Dugdale, Ruth Davidson and Patrick Harvie.
And the highlight of the day was catching Nicola Sturgeon leaving the debating chamber, who posed for a photo with Taylor’s young people.
The school thank Sheena McCulloch, Jordon Linden and Richard Lyle, who were involved in organising this fantastic learning experience for the students.
And to Mrs Marie Valente and Miss Stephanie McGeough from the social subjects department, who accompanied them on their trip.
Supported study: A substantial programme of study support is ongoing at the school throughout the year.
A wide range of subjects is offered during lunchtime and after school in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geography, history, modern studies, ICT and art and design among others.
These classes target students in Fourth to Sixth Year, who are preparing for external exams next May and June.
A homework club is open to all students and operates in the school library each day at lunchtime and a big thank you to all staff who run these additional classes.
Dates for your diary: The school will close for the October break on Friday, October 16, and reopens on Monday, October 24, at 8.55am.
Hospitality students catered for guests by producing lovely petit fours . . .