Proposed Events for our Anniversary year

This is a summary of what we have planned for the coming year. We hope to see as many people as possible at these events.

Open Day 23 August - very successful. Over 300 people in attendance

Book Week (Celebrating 50 years) October

X Factor Thursday 16 October

Ceilidh November

Christmas Carol Concert December

Retired Teachers Tea Party December

Burns Supper January 2009

Race Night February 2009

Fame Academy March 2009

Sponsored Abseil (possibly from Forth Bridge tbc) April 2009

Reception in City Chambers May 2009

Other possibilities to include:

• BBQ June
• Summer Fair
• Prizegiving
• Activities Week
• Sports day

For more details contact fiftieth.anniversary@liberton.edin.sch.uk

Science Club (Session 1967-8). Organised by Science Teacher (Chemistry) Mr Russell, the Science Club was held every Wednesday after school. The picture shows 'Preparation of Bromine Gas'; and photographed (standing) are L to R - James Beyer, Donald Heron (background) and Leslie Ball. I am unable to name the pupil in the foreground with his back to the camera.

Class 2b1 from '62 to '63

from
James Beyer 1961 to 1968

Dear Mr Macdonald

In response to your ‘search’ for memories of the late Lord Russell Johnston, I have vivid recollections of him from session 1962-63.

At that time, I was in 2nd year and our timetable included two periods of history each week with Mr Johnston (Tuesday and Thursday mornings before lunchtime). I particularly remember his lessons on ‘The Voyages of Discovery’ and the Industrial Revolution.

When we were gainfully employed in writing out notes or completing assignments from our history textbooks, he would be seated at his desk. Bent over a portable typewriter and totally immersed in what he was doing, he busily engaged himself in writing what I suspect may have been perhaps a speech or some other material for the Liberal Party, as at that time he was beginning his distinguished political career.

There were three History classrooms on the second floor of the ‘classroom block’ – Rooms 7, 8 and 9. (I also recall that there was another in the ‘extension’ which was built to cater for the ‘post-war baby boom’, of which I was one! ** ). The Principal Teacher of History – Mr Petrie – was in Room 7 with Roy Wilsher and Russell Johnston in Rooms 8 and 9 respectively. The remaining three rooms on that level were used by the Modern Languages Department.

** The plan was that the ‘extension’ would be ready for the new first year intake in August 1961 (I seem to recall, at that time there was also an Easter intake). However, the completion was delayed, and we were provided with temporary accommodation at Firrhill Secondary, necessitating us to be ‘bussed’ each day from two pick-up points in the Liberton catchment area (Sir Walter Scott Avenue catering for pupils living in the Inch area and another for pupils from Moredun). The Liberton ‘extension’ was ready for the beginning of the following Term – and it was in January 1962 that we joined the Liberton School community proper.

Hope the above is of interest.

James Beyer (Pupil at Liberton Secondary School from 1961-68)

Liberton Fiftieth birthday Ceilidh

We have to postpone the Ceilidh until later in our year of celebrations. We hope that this doesn't cause too much inconvenience to all who pre booked for the event. Everyone who has prepaid will be receiving a full refund shortly and will also get priority notification of the rearranged date.

The open day will be going ahead on Saturday 23rd as advertised, only the ceilidh is being reorganised.

Liberton Fifty

OPEN DAY


Celebrating 50 years of Liberton High School.

Former pupils and staff are invited to our Open Day on Saturday 23 August from 11 until 3.

To register either email fiftieth.anniversary@liberton.edin.sch.uk or telephone 0131 664 7514 ext 149

Liberton Fifty

Our 50th Birthday Party

Celebrating 50 years of Liberton High School.


Former pupils and staff are invited to our Ceilidh with a buffet meal on Saturday 23 August from 7.30 until late. Tickets £20


For tickets either email fiftieth.anniversary@liberton.edin.sch.uk or telephone 0131 664 7514 ext 149

Lord Russell Johnston

Last week, whilst reading an obituary for Russell Johnston, I learned that he taught History at Liberton High from 1961- 1963. Do you remember him? Have you any interesting stories to share?