Life @ EA

Thursday 23 January

It was wonderful to get the whole school back together again on Monday morning and welcome our seniors after their Prelim exams. The school has felt empty without them. Ahead for them now lies a little less than eleven weeks of school before the important exam season begins. Getting that ambition, focus and work ethic correct now is vital, as it speaks volumes about one’s character as to how you finish your school career. Grades remain on CVs forever! We have been delighted with some of the very accessible offers our seniors have received for university, including a number of ‘Unconditionals’, and I must also congratulate our four Oxbridge candidates who have received offers (three to Oxford and one to Cambridge.) Whilst disappointing to those who were unsuccessful, just being in the process is an enormously beneficial learning experience.

Last night we had our termly meeting of the EAPA and I must thank the Committee and Parent Reps for their valuable and much-welcomed observations, suggestions and queries. A lot of topics are discussed at this meeting and I would encourage all parents to read the minutes of these meetings when they are published. Thank you to all those members of the parent community who suggested items for discussion. It is worth mentioning a couple of important points from that meeting:

• The EAPA is looking for a new Treasurer and is asking that any parent who might consider taking on this important role get in touch with the Chair, Fiona Lane fionalane18@gmail.com
• The Committee relies on the Treasurer for managing the funds and making donations to charities and School projects. Formal financial training is not required, but it would be helpful if you were familiar with Excel and comfortable handling cash for events like the Quiz and the Big Picnic. If you feel you could take on this role and would like to be more involved in the activities of the EAPA, please do contact Fiona.
• The very popular EAPA Annual Quiz will take place on Friday 20th March at 7pm in the Senior School dining hall. The theme this year is “The USA” and the quiz master will be Mr Dan Stewart, who returns by popular demand. Tables of 6 people can be booked now by emailing eapaquiz@gmail.com. Tickets cost £20 per person, and there will be a cash bar on the night. Funds raised will be divided between the School charities and the School Projects.

Whilst mentioning fundraising, the Pipe Band Dinner on Saturday 14th March is at The Balmoral Hotel. This black tie event with performances from the Senior Pipe Band, an auction and a raffle is in support of the Senior Pipe Band who are travelling to New York to take part in the Tartan Day Parade at the end of this term. This is an amazing opportunity for the band members to perform and to showcase the Edinburgh Academy at an international event and I know our US based Accies are looking forward to meeting the band over there. Do support this event if you can.

While on musical matters, I would also like to congratulate India R in the 3rds, who has been chosen to be Co-Leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Junior Orchestra. This is a very impressive achievement. We have also been congratulating the successes of three Accie brothers who recently broke three world records in their row across the Atlantic in the Talisker Challenge – www.broar.co.uk

We will be welcoming Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan to the school on Wednesday 26th February to speak at an Accie lecture. Details can be found here should you wish to come to hear them speak.

Kind regards,
Barry Welsh
Rector