School Heads and Deputies

More than ceremonial

At the beginning of the year I wasn’t sure what to expect as Depute Head of School and it has certainly been very busy and challenging. For example, I did not anticipate how intimidating giving an assembly could be, but overcoming these challenges with a great group of people next to me has made the experience enjoyable and rewarding. I want to actualise the changes pupils want to see, if we don’t listen to the pupils and try to improve the HSD experience then our positions are merely ceremonial; I want to ensure that everyone feels heard. I hope we achieve all our goals and our initiatives, like the Pupil Forum, live on after our graduation.

Learning more about the school’s rich history when touring with FP’s was great. It was fascinating to hear them paint a picture of HSD so different from today’s. The school holds so many memories for so many people and I’m thankful this role allows us to preserve and celebrate that.

A massive honour

I underestimated how proud I would feel to be a Head of School, it’s a massive honour and I feel very privileged to be in this position. I would like to inspire more of the pupil body to get involved with our co-curriculum. There is so much on offer and it has shaped me as a person, it’s easy to forget their importance, especially after lockdown.

One highlight of my time so far as Head of School? As a team of four we get along really well, making all the events enjoyable, but being able to play with the Pipe Band and then laying the wreath with Ollie at the Armistice Parade was really special. I look forward to delivering the Prizegiving speeches with Ollie, we have been working on jokes to weave in and hope to make it a memorable end to our terms in post. I have had so many great moments at HSD, but the rugby and hockey tour to Spain and winning the World Pipe Band Championships top the list. After finishing at HSD I hope to study physics, the goal is to one day work with a space agency.

Jan

Poignant and special

Being Head of School has lived up to expectations and I loved delivering the assemblies, a great opportunity to interact with the different year groups. I’d like to encourage participation in sports, they can improve both general and mental health as well as being a great opportunity to socialise. Placing the wreath at the Armistice Parade was poignant and special, something I will never get to do again. I’m looking forward to the Prizegiving speech, my mates have put a lot of pressure on, hopefully I don’t disappoint. This summer’s Spain hockey and rugby trip was fantastic, four days away with all my mates will be something I fondly look back on in 50 years, getting up at the front of the bus to sing karaoke, priceless. After school I plan to do a gap year and work abroad, I’d love to go to Australia or America to play hockey and experience a different culture. On return to Scotland I plan to go to Strathclyde to study pharmacy.

Ollie

Memories from the 2019 Greece trip I’ll cherish forever. Wearing our matching hoodies in Delphi, sightseeing in Athens, exploring Olympia after nightfall; to think a year later a global pandemic would halt international travel makes me very fortunate and grateful. The often-calamitous rush to edit The Columns and organising the Interact fundraising balls are experiences I’ll look back on fondly.

I’m planning on studying Economics, in terms of careers, I’m not quite certain yet, however, I know that wherever I go I will always feel a strong connection to the school.

Zara

Bridging the gap

Initially I was a little nervous about our fortnightly meetings with Mrs Hudson and Mrs Watson, however I was surprised at how relaxed they were and I felt both listened to and respected. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people, from the Lord Provost to alumni, providing many opportunities to engage with and establish connections within HSD and the wider Dundee community.

As Deputy Head of school, I want to strengthen our links with other schools in the city. Hosting more Dundee Schools events will help, and we are also working hard within HSD to bridge the gap between pupils and teachers by creating a pupil forum.

I will always cherish my memories from the Barcelona Hockey and Rugby Tour. We played one match (a win of course) and the trip was jam packed with fun. From karaoke on the bus to riding one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters.

I am looking forward to end of year events such as the Leavers Ball and BBQ, sure to be a great way to end our time at HSD. After school I hope to study medicine and ultimately become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Hannah