 We try to involve parents in as many events at Merchiston as possible, and this term we have had the Bonfire Night, enjoyed by boys, parents, families (and girlfriends!), and members of the local community to whom we always extend a welcome. The evening is always very professionally organised by Hamish Williamson, along with the Deputy Heads and other members of staff.
Visitors to Merchiston should stir us and, accordingly, Wing Commander Kennedy, the RAF Liaison Officer, Mr Cooper, the Royal Navy Liaison Officer and Colonel (Rtd) J S Douglas OBE, the Army Liaison Officer have all visited us this term; a very successful CCF Biennial Review was carried out by Brigadier Kirk.
Visiting speakers in Headmaster’s Assemblies included Jon Glen, Headmaster of Terrington Hall, Yorkshire, who spoke about the importance of friendship and Elizabeth Smith MSP, whose talk was about challenging ourselves.
The Heads of the Scotland Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and the Girls’ Schools Association held their termly meeting at Merchiston.
The boys have also enjoyed numerous weekend trips, including Canty Bay, Strathclyde Country Park, ice skating, go-karting, cinema outings, discos and ceilidhs, let alone the infamous 6A theme nights. From the boys’ point of view, our links with Kilgraston, St George’s and St Margaret’s are critical and we have seen the weekly Reel Club practices for the Fifth Form leading to the Rogerson East Highland Ball. Events have been varied in nature, from the St George’s Sixth Form Leavers’ Ball to the white-water rafting trip with Kilgraston, the leadership seminar held by the Headmaster for girls from St George’s, St Margaret’s and Kilgraston, and our Upper Sixth Formers to the Sixth Form History trip over half term to Russia with St Margaret’s girls. I particularly like the way in which this trip epitomises boys and girls working collaboratively.
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