Making a difference with Love from the Heart 

This week began with Blue Monday, the day labelled the most depressing of the year. So, what better antidote to the short days and grey skies than the inspiring stories of Watson’s pupils who are living our motto Ex Corde Caritas by bringing a little ‘Love from the Heart’ to their communities. Our Principal Lisa Kerr reflects on the ways in which just some of our pupils are making a difference. 

This week, I was delighted to recognise and celebrate an outstanding and compassionate pupil by awarding S2 pupil Cameron F the inaugural Ex Corde Caritas certificate. 

Cameron’s Mum has been living with breast cancer since he was 4, so, like many of us, Cameron knows only too well that the friends and families of people living with cancer have a lot to deal with. Cameron’s family have been transforming a derelict building on Gorgie Road into The House of Hope Scotland, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families.   

As part of the project, Cameron decided to create a space for young people, where they could connect and share experiences with others who 'got it'. He applied for funding from Cash for Kids, wrote the budget, designed the space, and even filled all the fridges and treat boxes! Whilst Cameron could have chosen to spend his time thinking about his own experience of living with his Mum’s diagnosis, instead he decided to turn this into a way to help others. What an incredible example of our school motto. 

And he is not alone among Watson’s pupils in his desire to make a difference. 

In recent weeks S1 pupil Sandy W marked an incredible fundraising milestone of £50,000 for children’s cancer charity It’s Good 2 Give.  

As part of a group of volunteers, Sandy has volunteered over the past year at Edinburgh Rugby matches, selling raffle tickets to support the charity’s work. In all weathers, Sandy was there with a smile on his face, encouraging supporters to give generously. 

At an event at the end of last year Sandy had the opportunity to meet members of the Edinburgh Rugby squad and received a rugby ball signed by the entire team. He also took part in a pitch-side photo session at the Hive alongside Edinburgh Rugby management, charity staff, and players. Speaking about his fundraising efforts Sandy said: 

“Selling raffle tickets at Edinburgh Rugby matches was a way to combine my passion for sport with the chance to make a real difference for children and I was so proud to represent Watson’s at the Edinburgh Rugby celebration event at Murrayfield. I’m really looking forward to all the upcoming fundraising events for Its Good 2 Give this year.”  

Another S6 pupil George H brought together his passion for piping and a desire to help others at his annual festive Pipe Band event at The Dome, raising funds for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. George has been supporting the charity since 2022 and in that time has raised over £16,000. 

He also encouraged Junior School pupils, Laughlan C (P5), Bella G (P3) and Finnlay C (P3) to take part in last month’s event, carrying collection buckets while speaking to spectators about the importance of supporting such a worthwhile cause. This collaboration between our Senior and Junior schools is a powerful way for our pupils to inspire and support one another.  

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity recognised how much Watson's pupils volunteering means to the charity with fundraiser Janice Greenwood saying: 

“It is just wonderful that the pupils and the wider school community are actively engaging with and supporting us - thank you!”  

Together, these stories highlight the compassion, leadership, and initiative shown by pupils of all ages across the school. Whether through volunteering, creative fundraising, or taking personal experiences and turning them into positive change, Cameron, Sandy, George, Bella, Laughlan and Finnlay demonstrate the powerful impact young people can have when they are motivated to support others. Their efforts not only make a meaningful difference to the charities they support but also serve as an inspiration to our wider school community, reminding us of our key values and historic motto. This is what it means to be a Watsonian, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this community. 

Ex Corde Caritas