Hillhead High School
Christmas Assembly 2011
David Sinclair (our school chaplain), Ladies and
Gentlemen, Young Ladies and Gentlemen, over the last
three years I have spoken about three themes; working as
a team, togetherness and going on a journey.
This year I would like to pick up and develop David’s
theme on ‘light.’
There are many different meanings and connotations to
the word light. I have a number of messages for you
today. Some examples of light could be:
Sunlight or moonlight: this allows us to see where we are
going.
A Festival of Light: there are so many countries and
different cultures around the world who celebrate a
festival of light e.g. in China the moon Festival
A Bright light: This could be a streetlight, a light on a
mobile, a star or even a torch? The Olympic Games
Torch is currently making its way around the world. As
you know the Olympic Games is being held in our
country next year. At Hillhead High we have three
pupils in the school who are sports ambassadors for the
games: Gordon Gow, Catriona Thompson and Jane
Robinson our school captain. Jane Robinson, has been
selected out of hundreds of pupils, and will have an
unbelievable opportunity to shine light on the whole
country as she will be carrying the Olympic Torch when
it comes to Scotland.
To shine a light for others: to be the best that we can be.
To be an inspiration for others. Each and every one of us
have a responsibility to be role models, perhaps for
younger pupils or brothers and sisters. The work that our
sports leaders have done with the primary schools is an
excellent example.
In the light of what other people think and believe: are
we aware of other people’s feelings? Are we tolerant of
other people’s beliefs and values? Are we respectful of
our friends, families, our class mates and to people in the
street? Courtesy and respect is a key part of Hillhead
and we should always be looking to maintain the highest
standards.
The light at the end of the tunnel: in my opinion light is a
good thing and gives us hope of something better.
Sometimes when we are feeling down, perhaps going
through a bad patch, and all of us have been at some
point in our lives. It is important to know that we will
‘get there.’ No matter what the issue is, it is important
just to hang in, give your best and stay positive. My
mother always used to say – “there is sunshine round the
corner.” I really believe this to be true. Sometimes you
feel that some of these corners can be massive. But you
will get there. Stay positive, and with the help a good
friend to share things with, these corners will not appear
so big!
To be seen in a good light: I feel that this is important.
As a school we are constantly being judged, scrutinised.
People are continually passing judgements on us.
Recently, there have been a number of letters and phone
calls to the school from people in the community. They
have been saying “what a great school we are.” That our
pupils are very polite, well mannered and kind. Please
take a second to think of a good deed that you have done
recently. The example that I am thinking of are the old
age pensioners in our Community. Thanks to all of you
who contributed to the old folks Christmas parcels. You
have really put the school in a good light.
However, what about the times when receive letters
about litter being thrown about the streets? Does this
paint Hillhead in a good light? Only you can change this
and ensure that we are viewed in a good light. Let’s
make this one of our resolutions for next year.
The Spotlight: very often we find ourselves under the
spotlight. Recently a large number of pupils have been
under the spotlight in a good way. We have had some
outstanding performances at our Music Concerts, at
Interfest and Hillhead has go Talent. There have also
been some outstanding achievements that you have seen
here this morning. I am so proud of all of you.
Congratulations to Fat Brestovska on his performances at
the Glasgow Schools Public Speaking competition.
After winning through his first heat at St Aloysius
College he then went on to perform at the debating
chamber at the City Chambers. Congratulations also to
Ellie Koepplinger, who won her heat in Newcastle last
month at the National Mandarin Public Speaking
competition and she is going to London next year to
represent Hillhead and Glasgow in the Nation finals.
Some people enjoy the spotlight more than others.
However, what is important is that we don’t hide in the
shadows; and that we give our very best at all times (this
may be in class, on the sports field or on the stage).
Never, ever, at any time, be frightened to fail! Every on
of you sitting here today is extremely talented in your
own way.
To light up the lives of others: as young people, and
adults we have the ability and a responsibility, to light up
the lives of other people. Sometimes even just a smile in
the corridor or to say something nice to someone can
make a difference to the way they feel. We don’t
appreciate the power that we have simply by being kind
to them. Could you help your mum? Could you support
someone in crisis? Could you do a message for a
neighbour? Could you read to your young sister? Why
not do a good turn this Christmas? Why does it have to
be Christmas? Imagine if every one of us did something
nice on a regular basis? This would make a significant
difference to the lives of others!
Light as we know it comes from the sun. If one thing is
certain in life as we know it, it is that light comes after
dark and this happens on a daily basis. Many of us have
endured a period of darkness in our lives or we know
someone who has. But in life, I do believe that after the
dark, comes the light. It is that light that I mentioned
previously, that gives us hope - something that we can
hang on to! That light at the end of the tunnel! It was
with the deepest of regrets that we had to say farewell to
Bob McIvor, our janitor, who died in the summer.
This afternoon a delegation from the school will attend
the funeral of Robbie McDonald, age 22, a former pupil
of Hillhead High and older brother of Jessie Duncan of
S6. To Robbie and Jessie, and in fact the whole family,
you are in our thoughts at this moment. It is important
that we believe that there will be light after dark – and
there will be. There needs to be!
Highlights: as you know this is the name of our school
newsletter. This is an opportunity where we get the
chance to celebrate all the great things that happen in
school. Please let me share with you, just a few of the
highlights in the calendar from this session:
 Best ever exam results again for the third year
running.
 Our attendance is currently sitting at 94%, this is the
best ever. Please keep coming to school on time.
Who knows, come June we may be the best school
in Glasgow?
 We were recently commended by Glasgow City for
the good behaviour, the calm atmosphere and the
massive reduction in number of exclusions in
Hillhead High!
 We are the most improved school in the city where
young people get a better start in life e.g. pupils
going to university, college, employment or
training. Our destination Statistics have gone from
70% to 91%
 To the staff and pupils of Hillhead you are doing a
tremendous job – please keep up the good work.
Trips Organised so far! – These are most certainly
highlights
 Two trips to Italy, a trip to Finland, visit to
Strasbourg and also to Auschwitz, dynamic Earth,
Football - Scotland v Czech Republic etc Rugby –
Scotland v England, Over 40 pupils have the
challenge of the West Highland Way, the
Pantomime, Irn Bru Carnival, a number of Theatre
visits, the book launch at the Mitchell Library, Ice
Skating and numerous employability events. Only
last week our senior pupils had a personal invitation
to meet Alex Salmond, first Minister along with the
world renowned artist Alistair Gray. The list is
endless. These are invaluable opportunities for all
the young people.
The Life of the School – So many opportunities! All of
which are real Highlights at Hillhead
 The Christmas Concerts, again of the highest
standard, Senior Dance, Interfest, ‘Hillhead has got
Talent,’ Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Staff v
Pupils football (the staff won 3 0), The Stationery
Shop organised by our enterprise group, The Cosy
Café, Macbeth off by Heart to name only a few!
In terms of Curricular Success
 The introduction of GLOW for staff and pupils
 GO4Set – A programme linking with Strathclyde
University to promote Technology Maths and
Science. In relation to this, six of our S2 pupils,
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having already won an introductory competition
against 23 schools in the West of Scotland, have
embarked on a 10 week investigation into the
development of a Bio Mass digester.
We had another successful visit by the world
renowned speaker Phil Williams, who gave an
informative series of presentations on Global
Citizenship
Well done to the pupils in the Princes Trust - there
too many successes to name them all.
A very successful visit by the Higher French class
to the Alliance Francais.
Business Dynamics – senior pupils were treated to a
two day course of activities in Business
Management.
We were delighted to welcome Samuel Ragut, Head
Teacher at Kericho High in Kenya. It was a real
highlight for many of us to meet him here in
Hillhead. As you are aware, there are a large
number of pupils preparing to walk the West
Highland way in support of our partner school in
Kenya. These are just a flavour of some of the
successes at Hillhead!
Extra Curricular has always been a Highlight at Hillhead
 Netball, Gymnastics, Bleep Test Fitness group,
Table Tennis, Rugby, Dance, Basketball,
Cheerleading, Rowing, Volleyball and Football are
some of the sporting opportunities and coupled with
Chess, early morning sewing, Drama, Writing,
Choir, Orchestra provide opportunities for us to
look forward to.
Charities
 The Charities Group, are yet again making another
outstanding contribution to the people in our
community and are being nominated for an award
by the Evening Times. This group of young people
are on task next year (if they meet their targets), to
have raised an aggregated amount of £100,000.00.
This session they have already supported the old age
pensioners in our community with Christmas
parcels, Children in need, Mary’s Meals backpack
appeal, The British Heart Foundation Jump Rope
event. As you are aware they already sponsor a
little boy in Africa called Simon. This year they
have raised £600.00 for a new charity and have
sponsored two children in India, for three years of
education. This is in partnership with the Kohima
Educational Trust. The Charities Group have just
been awarded the Diana National Award for their
magnificent efforts.
Other Highlights
 Fat Brestovska’s success at the Glasgow Schools
Public Speaking competition
 The opening of the new Hillhead Sports Club at
Hughenden in October, where our school Captains
placed a wreath at the rededication of the Hillhead
High School War Memorial Trust Panels.
 Yet again more success for our Art students at the St
Enoch Centre Art Competition. Well done to Carla
Moor, Anthony Roddrick and Iona MacLeod.
 The Advanced Higher Art Exhibition at Dollar
Academy was simply outstanding! Jemma
Chadwick and Juliet Napier were among the 80
successful artists, out of 1600 young people who
had an opportunity to display their work. Well done
girls.
 The visit from Mrs Song, world famous
International Badminton Coach from China, who
put on a master class for our pupils and assisted our
Higher PE students with preparations for their
exams.
 The appearance of Bethan Booker and Fat
Brestovska on the Fred McAulay show was simply
outstanding, not to mention the staff and pupils who
appeared on TV at Children in Need.
 What about Pixie Lott? – people are still talking
about this across the city – a real highlight in the
Hillhead Calendar.
 Sean Lazzerini was crowned British Lightweight
Boxing Champion– what a magnificent
achievement. Well done Sean
In Conclusion
Can I please take this opportunity to say a special
farewell and best wishes to all of our Christmas leavers
who moving on to the next chapter of their lives? We
wish you well and success.
I would also like to pay a special tribute to Mr O’Neil
from our Technical Dept, who has recently moved to St
Andrews Secondary. Mr O’Neil was and is a very
valued and highly respected member of staff, and in his
absence I feel it correct that we note his significant
contribution to all at Hillhead High and we wish him the
very best for the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, Christmas is a
great time of the year. It is a time for families and
friends to come together, to spend quality time together.
To laugh, have fun, spend time with each other. Do
things that perhaps you have not had the time to do!
For me, Christmas is a time for giving. Perhaps we can
bring some light into the lives of other people. As I said
last year, I get greater pleasure out of giving a present
than getting one! Sometimes it is not even about the
present that you give – it can simply be considering other
people, perhaps others who are less well of than
ourselves. So this Christmas, I would ask you to spare a
thought for others and if you can help them – please do!
This year, let’s brighten up the lives of as many people
that we can.
To all of the Pupils, Parents and Staff and friends of
Hillhead High, please have a safe and Happy Christmas
holiday.