Life @ EA
Rector's Blog
Thursday 30 January
It has certainly been a varied and wonderful week so far in our Senior School assemblies. On Monday we had a hybrid celebration of not only Chinese New Year but also the poetry of Robert Burns (it’s the Year of the Rat/Mouse and so an obvious connection!) Mr Meadows looked splendid reciting Burns whilst dressed in a traditional Chinese shirt if you were wondering! On Tuesday, Sascha M and Cormac L led an assembly commemorating the Holocaust and Wednesday saw Jack H leading the school in Hymn Practice. It is always worth mentioning just how proud we are of our talented students who continue to surprise and amaze us. Last night in the Magnusson Theatre was another such example of this – the ‘Night at the Theatre’ was a superb evening of entertainment with song and dance from a range of well-known shows. It was wonderful and many of those lucky enough to be in the audience (we ran out of seats, it was so popular) will have left humming tunes from The Greatest Showman, West Side Story or Hairspray. Congratulations to all involved. Last night our U15 hockey side played out their semi-final of the Scottish Schools Cup against Strathallan in horrible conditions. Unfortunately their run in the Cup ended but it was a great achievement to get that far and play so well against the defending champs. Our 1st XI Boys side face Loretto in their semi-final next week as well. On Saturday night our Burns Supper takes place and good luck to all those who are speaking, presenting or performing at that event. We have pushed back the start of this event to 6:30pm for a 7pm dinner, so that those who will be engrossed in the rugby international can make it in time for their haggis! I look forward to a marvellous evening of entertainment, fine company and good food.
Whilst on the subject of fine dining and wonderful company, I’m pleased to tell you the EA Parents’ Association "Masquerade Ball’ will be held on Saturday, 7 November this year, at the spectacular National Museum of Scotland. I’ve been receiving updates and it sounds like an event not to be missed. It is once again a charity ball and this year all funds raised on the night will go to three very deserving local children’s charities: Edinburgh Young Carers, Broomhouse Young Carers and North West Carers, who work together to support children in Edinburgh who care for family members in their homes. Specifically, the money raised will go directly toward the cost of a joint project they are currently designing. Online table sales will open on 24 February. The Ball website will be ready soon and will allow you to buy a table of 10, make a donation, see details of the event and the charities. Note that full payment for the table will be required when booking. Last year tables sold out very quickly, so do be ready! Please direct any questions to the ball committee at eapaball2020@gmail.com
In less uplifting news, I know that there are ongoing concerns about traffic and illegal parking both at the Senior and Junior School sites. We have been receiving complaints from residents both at Arboretum Road and on Glenogle Road about parking during drop-off and pick up times and I would again beseech parents to be conscious of local residents and their property around both school sites. I know traffic conditions in Stockbridge are not helping but as EA parents, we are an obvious target and so please do be considerate.
This article (HERE) from the BBC this morning makes for interesting reading – with details like this, I am glad, as an EA dad, my kids have to charge their devices in my office overnight.
Looking ahead, Half Term begins next week on Friday 7th February at the end of the school day. I would be very grateful to parents for adhering to these term dates.
Kind regards
Barry Welsh
Rector
