Review 2017 - Staff News
Paul Smith
James Salmond
Paul re-joined the Mathematics department in January, after two and a half years teaching at Bell Baxter High School. Paul studied engineering at the University of Cambridge for both his MEng and PhD, and then stayed to teach undergraduate mathematics and computing. Interested in the use of automatic camera technology in sport, Paul also did research for a Formula 1 company and led several undergraduate projects related to the Hawk-Eye system in cricket and tennis. He later moved to research posts in Oxford, Galway and St Andrews before completing a PGDE at the University of Dundee in 2012.
James joined the IT department in March of this year. Brought up in Carnoustie, he is now living in Arbroath with his wife and young daughter. James graduated from Robert Gordon University with an honours degree in Computing Network Management and Design. He worked in IT for 8 years in a number of industries including, Retail, Oil & Gas, Food Manufacturing, Medical Research and Education. Outside of work, James is a keen piper playing, teaching and competing with the Arbroath Pipe Band.
Paul is a keen cricketer and tennis player, enjoys singing, and loves to cook fancy desserts. However, what spare time he has nowadays is mostly spent entertaining his two young children.
Susan Colgan Susan is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen where she qualified as a classroom music teacher. She then went on to study musical theatre at The Royal Academy of Music in London. Susan is a professional singer and a fully qualified vocal instructor. She has worked as a soloist and ensemble member in a variety of works up and down the country and is currently enjoying performing with a close harmony trio. Susan has worked at the High School for three years and has enjoyed her first year as a full-time member of staff.
Niall Joss Niall Joss began working as a Supply Teacher in the Junior Years in October 2015, and has worked with all year groups. In August 2016 he was appointed to cover a maternity leave and taught L7. From August 2017 he joins the teaching staff on a permanent basis, beginning again in L7. Niall was born and brought up in Dundee, and studied Modern History and Political Science at Dundee University before moving to Edinburgh for a postgraduate teaching qualification at Moray House. He then returned to the City to teach at Ancrum Road PS. He was seconded to the City Council Education Department, and subsequently appointed an Education Officer for a number of years. He returned to schools in Perth as a Depute Head Teacher, before leaving teaching to look after the family. During this time he worked part-time as Youth Worker at Central Baptist Church, and as administrator for Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club. Niall is interested in all sports. In hockey he has represented Scotland at Universities, Under 21 and Over 45 levels, and has coached extensively at school, district and with clubs. Niall is married to Judith, and they have three children attending HSD Katie in F5, Claire and Matthew in F2.
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Hatches and Matches ... 2016 – 2017 was a very busy time for the staff of the school and not just in their day jobs. Various happy events were shared:
Births The PE department were highly productive again with a number of new additions. Louise Baxter - Poppy Baxter was born on 25th August 2016. Big sister Lily is delighted to have a little sister to ‘look after’ and lead astray! Linda Clement - Tom Anderson was born on 6th of September 2016. He has already been on a hockey tour to Munich – a future international in the making! Chris Allan - Milah Allan was born on the 30th May 2017. Chris is now overrun by ladies in his house as she teams up with mum Hannah, along with sisters Tamzyn and Aurora. In the New Year Jane Broom of Chemistry celebrated with Hamish Broom arriving on Jan 5th 2017 weighing in at 8lb 1oz. The junior years’ teachers were not to be outdone and produced their own set of bouncing balls of mischief. Gillian Johnson – William was born in September. Katie Goldie – Xander arrived in October. Ruth Leburn – Clara arrived in for an early Christmas in December.
Marriages The PE department also celebrated a wedding over the holidays. Miss Clement returned as Mrs Anderson following her and Chris’ wedding in the Black Isle. Emily Robinson of the Chemistry department was married on the Unicorn in August to Michael Nicholson. Emily will be keeping her current name so remains Dr Emily Robinson. We wish both the happy couples long and happy futures.
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