Page 72 - Herioter 2021

MARCH

All pupils moment for education in Scotland, with schools For S1, S2 and S3 pupils, following a reorientation
Monday, the approach was a blended one, with
permitted to reopen to all pupils on March 15.
every pupil learning in school for three out of 12
Naturally, it was not that straightforward.
return – and school full-time, the return for senior pupils had to days, but there were additional opportunities to
While pupils in P4 to P7 were able to return to
take part in games sessions at Goldenacre.
It was not perfect, but it was better, and as
be staggered due to the requirement to maintain
welcome to social distancing. Covid numbers dropped and the number of people
The S6 cohort were able to return en masse, as
vaccinated grew, there was a sense that the end
class sizes are smaller, and the S5 year group was
of March was a prelude to an even better time.
split in half, with one group attending for six days,
then switching to remote learning for the next six. Mr Jonny Muir
Hugo!

March heralded the return of all pupils to physical
schooling, albeit not at the same time, and also
the arrival of a new member of the Heriot’s
community – therapy dog Hugo.
The seven-year-old miniature schnauzer Pets
as Therapy dog, belonging to Mrs Wise, was
introduced to pupils and staff at the end of the
month, and would quickly become a well kent face
around campus, as he supported the Guidance
team and pupils across the school.
Therapy dogs have been active in schools for
some time with many volunteers and teachers
witnessing the effects the animals have on
students. A range of benefits have been identified,
including physical, social, cognitive and emotional.
Adhering to the school’s uniform standards, Hugo
sports a bespoke Heriot’s jacket, collar and lead.
Ahead of the arrival of Hugo came a watershed

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