 I hope that you have been following the development of the Sixth Form Quarter via the webcam on our website – parents can also see the weather we are having at the same time! There is still much to do in terms of the organisation and leadership of the three Houses and we will be continuing to work on these over the next few months. The Care Commission commented that these facilities would have a massive impact on every House in Merchiston. Such good facilities for our Sixth Form pupils (and also for Fifth Formers who will move into the predominantly single bedroom Rogerson West) are well overdue. It is incredible, I think, that Merchiston’s ethos has continued to thrive despite the fact that the boarding facilities for our senior pupils could be described as basic. It just goes to show that ethos does not necessarily depend upon new buildings but on the vital relationships between people and their sense of commitment to one another.
I am extremely grateful to parents for responding so favourably to our various fundraising initiatives, including our telephone campaign conducted by present parents and co-ordinated by former parent Mrs Elaine Crawford. First of all, thank you for not slamming the telephone down! Many parents have offered support, whether in the form of items for an auction of promises or the sponsorship of bedrooms in the new Houses. I do wish to stress that every contribution matters, however small, and is very much appreciated. Two summers ago, recent leavers took part in a telephone campaign involving Merchistonians, and we will be repeating this exercise next summer.
The Sixth Form Quarter is the most significant development since Merchiston moved to Colinton in 1930, and our Governors have pledged themselves wholeheartedly to it and they have supported the project with generous donations. Sadly, we had to realise a School asset in the process. Our fundraising is achieving its target little by little, but we cannot be complacent. It is important to note that whilst the Sixth Form Quarter will only be rented for six weeks of the year, due to VAT considerations, this will augment hugely the non-fee income generated by Merchiston Enterprises. The latter is already a very successful part of the School’s operation, and it needs to be, for one cannot justify leaving the plant to lie idle and expect parents to pay for it for 52 weeks of the year.
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