Astronomy. - Stromness Academy · Professor Martin Hendry - Astronomy ... condolence to his family...

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Tuesday 20 December 2011

Professor Martin Hendry - Astronomy

All S4 and S5 Physics pupils enjoyed presentations from Prof Martin Hendry on

Astronomy.

*** Tuesday 20 December 2011

Equalities Training

A group of staff completed Equalities training with Mr Colston.

*** Friday 6 January 2012

Science Egg Test

S1 Science pupils enjoyed a “testing” experiment in the Games Hall on the last

day of term. This involved eggs and much anticipation.


Themed Assemblies for Christmas

Several pupils played for the Themed Assemblies just before Christmas. The

were: R Mathershaw, M Blair, A Wishart, T Johnston, E Brown, A Morrison, J

Hunter, E Prendergast, H Runciman, A Flett, H Flett, G Morrison and A Rothnie.

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Friday 6 January 2012

Youth Achievement Award - Library

Congratulations to Melissa Cummings and Suzanne Williams who been awarded

our first Youth Achievement Awards. They will receive certificates this month.

Congratulations to Mrs Sinclair for having supported the girls through this

process and helping to break new ground in the school.

*** Monday 9 January 2012

Healthy Me

We saw the launch of this session‟s Healthy Me programme, with a healthy

breakfast during period one in the canteen. Thanks go to all staff involved in

arrangements. Any staff who were available were welcome to join in.


Curriculum for Excellence - PE

Mrs Warnock has been selected to take part in NAR project relating to “remote

moderation”, as Head of PE. She will work with two other colleagues in

departments in Orkney and with Mr Barber, who will support colleagues in

preparing materials for NAR.


Attainment Leaflets for Parents

Leaflets for parents relating to Attainment have been sent home from English

and Maths. Thanks go to Mr Garriock and Mrs Wrigley for the considerable

work involved in this.

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Monday 9 January 2012

Visit from Suzanne Hargreaves, Development Officer

The visit from Suzanne Hargreaves, Development Officer, EducationScotland

went very well. She participated in the Healthy Me Big Breakfast; met with Mrs

Wishart and Mrs Firth regarding “Responsibility of All” development; with Mrs

Firth regarding Guidance development; and with PE staff from all over the

county, arranged by Mrs Warnock.


John Eccles

We were saddened to know of the passing of Mr John Eccles, who has been a

good supporter of the school in many activities and developments: as councillor

and Chair of the Education Committee and as a parent. We send our thoughts of

condolence to his family at this time.

*** Tuesday 10 January 2012

Volunteering

Brian Cromarty, VAO, will be available to support current pupil volunteers and to

recruit more, on Tuesday lunchtime, in the Theatre.

*** Thursday 12 January 2012

Rural Education

Following a meeting with Mrs Sinclair, Chair of the Parent Council, our

submission relating to the Call for Evidence on Rural Education has been

completed.


GLOW Access for Pupils

Pupils are about to complete a short survey from the Glow Working Group, about

their access to a computer outside school.

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Monday 16 January 2012

S4 Prelims

S4 Prelims - Staff have worked hard to prepare our young people for these

assessments. Arrangements for the production of exam papers have gone ahead

due to the conscientious work of departmental staff. Additional Assessment

Arrangements show the improved approaches to Staged Intervention, and have

been progressed by Mrs Stead and Mr Crawford. A special thanks go to the

school office staff who have worked flat out to get material copied in time.


Duke of Edinburgh

There was a meeting for the next group of Bronze and Silver participants in the

Duke of Edinburgh Award.


Lost property

Lost property was displayed last week.


School Volleyball

Tuesday after school volleyball has started again.


Shared Use of the New Synthetic Pitch

Mrs McElroy, Headteacher, Stromness Primary School met with Mr Crawford

and Miss Learmonth to make plans relating to the shared use of artificial grass

pitch. Although the primary school is not scheduled to move until later in the

session, they may wish to make use of the facilities for sports events before

the summer. Discussions about lunchtimes, buses and liaison also featured.

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Tuesday 17 January 2012

Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy

Stromness Academy will take part in the Scottish Survey of Literacy and

Numeracy again this session. The focus will be on Literacy. Initial registration

has taken place.

*** Wednesday 18 January 2012

Art Department Development Session

Art Department staff in Stromness Academy and KGS met here after school on

Wednesday. This was a useful meeting, called in order to discuss Nat 4 and 5

qualifications.


HiFiReS

We are glad to confirm that there will be a further HiFiReS course. Mrs Manson

is making arrangements for this. Thanks go to her, and to staff at our local Fire

Station who host the course.


Instrumental Tuition

We welcome Mrs Sullivan to the school, to cover Strings instrumental tuition.


Primary Curricular Links

At the West Cluster Meeting here on Friday, Mr Colston joined the

headteachers from Evie/Firth, Dounby, Stromness Primary, Stenness and North

Walls to plan for improvements in Curriculum Transition between sectors. This

will build on a good practice and aims to better embed Primary Links, in our

annual work.

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EMI Music Grant

We are very pleased to let staff and pupils know that we have been successful in

obtaining a grant from EMI Music Sound for £500, to go to towards the

purchase of a digital piano. Thanks go to Music for their preparation for the bid.

In addition, seven new keyboards will be purchased for music, mainly from

fundraising by the Department through concerts and events. This will continue

to build a complete set for the keyboard room.


Primary Induction Days

Because of Primary School Residential Trips, it is now confirmed that the P7

Induction Days will be Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th June, with the P7

Parents‟ Evening on Monday 18th June.


Youth Counselling - Transition Mentoring

Staff from Youth Counselling through OACAS will launch our Transition

Mentoring Project with S4 in PSE classes. This is an initiative to establish

Mentoring training in the school for pupils who have transitions ahead (whether

that is leaving school, leaving education or leaving Orkney).


Duke of Edinburgh – Article Published

An article based on recent Stromness Academy Duke of Edinburgh Bronze

Expeditions will be featured in a national DoE publication.

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GLOW Futures

Mr Blance will attend a national development meeting on GlowFutures, on behalf

of the school and the Authority.

*** Saturday 21 January 2012

Support for Learners Workshop

Mrs Manson attended a national workshop relating to Support for Learners in

Stirling at the beginning of March, on behalf of the school and the Authority.


National Children’s Orchestra

The National Children‟s Orchestra of Scotland is a symphony orchestra for

young musicians aged 8 – 14. Auditions were held in Orkney in December, and we

are delighted that the three Academy pupils who auditioned all gained places.

Bea Watson, 14, (violin) and Erina Brown, 12, (trombone) have been invited to

attend both the Easter and Summer Courses. The girls will attend a weekend

rehearsal at The High School of Glasgow in February followed by a week long

residential course held at Strathallan School in Perth in April. They will perform

two concerts with the orchestra: Perth Concert Hall (15th April) and Paisley

Abbey (16th April). Additionally, the girls have been invited to participate in the

summer course, held in July at Merchison Castle School in Edinburgh,

culminating with a concert in Paisley Abbey on 6th July.

Raqan Blance, 14 (violin) has been invited to join NCOS‟s training orchestra . He

will attend a residential course in April.

Lauren Gilmour (violin) and Jake Watson (viola) auditioned for the National

Youth Orchestra of Scotland, for musicians aged up to 21, also in December. We

await their results.

In late January S5 pupil Aidan Wishart will audition for a place in the National

Youth Choir of Scotland. He is the first Academy pupil to audition for a National

Choir and we wish him every success.

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Thursday 26 January 2012

Parent Council

At the Parent Council Meeting, an overview of curricular changes was given. In

addition, parents were notified about some consultation processes, which will

now go forward with pupils and Parent Council relating to the 31 period week.

Especially since this is a topical issue across Orkney for secondary school, it was

important to emphasise that there are no proposals to change the length of the

school day in Stromness Academy.


Orkney College training Day

Mr Clouston and Mrs Firth attended the Orkney College training day on

Thursday. This was an opportunity to meet College staff, discuss 16+ options and

to experience the remote training which takes place within colleges across the

country.


S1 Parents’ Evening Display

Many pupils attended with the parents for the S1 Parents‟ Evening. We are

pleased that the displays in the theatre, foyer and in departments were so well

received. Parents gave very positive feedback.


Visitor to History

John Foulis from the Citizens Advice Bureau spoke to S3 History pupils on

Trade Unionism and to Higher pupils about Red Clydeside.

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Parent Council – S4 Rep

A letter inviting a new Parent Council member for S4 to be nominated has been

sent home.


Guitar Tuition

Guitar lessons with Brian Cromarty have began. We welcome him back to

Stromness Academy for this.

*** Wednesday 1 February 2012

Hometown Project

Mark Jenkins from Stromness Museum Hometown Project visited the Music

Department to discuss ways in which pupil music can be recorded and included in

the finished product for this project. Thanks go to Mr Brown for this

development work.

*** Thursday 2 February 2012

French Newspaper Project

Following the success of “Deutschland Today”, there is a similar project running,

with the support and expertise of the French Language Assistant. Good luck to

her and our pupils on this endeavour!

*** Friday 3 February 2012

Staffing

We are pleased to welcome staff to the school: Ms Bain returns in History and

RME. Mrs Gray returns into English.

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Friday 3 February 2012

Themed Assemblies – Internet Safety

There have been Themed Assemblies on Internet Safety recently. Thanks to

Ms Devlin and Mrs Johnstone for their work on this.


School Lockers

All pupils have been given the opportunity to acquire a locker. Letters have gone

home to parents.

*** Tuesday 7 February 2012

S3 Parents’ Evening

S3 Parents‟ Evening takes place on Tuesday.


Staff In-Service Days

Staff appear to have had useful and enlightening discussions with counterparts

in other schools over the in-service days. Several PTs have already indicated

that it would be useful to continue links with other schools. Thanks go to all

staff will helped to make these days successful, and especially Mr Colston, who

made overall arrangements for the programme.


Music Groups

Swing Academy and String Group practices and rehearsals begin on Thursday

after school. The next concert is after the Easter holidays.

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Monday 13 February 2012

Young Carers

Staff from Orkney Young Carers began work with S4 pupils last week.

*** Monday 13 February 2012

S5/6 Prelims

S5/6 Prelims begin today.


STEM Visit to Aquatera and school meeting

A very useful STEM meeting took place following our visit to Aquatera by 12

staff. Thanks go to Mr Lawson for making arrangements within school. Both

events provided good ideas for links to agencies and partners, which will connect

to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. We welcomed Neil Kermode,

EMEC, to the meeting. We hope that this will make a further connections with

Renewables, too.


Gilded Stone now at Entrance to School

We are pleased to have the Heritage Skills gilded stone now in place in the front

vestibule. A big thank you goes to Mr Bews for making the plinth and unit. The

current S2 Pupil Council members consulted with their peers, in order to

recommend the location of the stone. We are pleased that the pupil voice has

been clearly heard in this matter.


Behaviour Management System

We begin the new Behaviour Management System this coming week. Pupils have

been informed by Mr Colston.

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Monday 20 February 2012

Community Placements

Community placements for S3 SVS have taken place. Thanks go to all our

community partners who make this possible, and particularly to Mrs Wishart and

Mr Clouston for all the arrangements.


Rugby

There was a rugby match on Saturday, despite the cold weather. KGS won 24 to

10. Well done to everyone who took part.


S5 Course Choice Assembly

There was a Course Choice Assembly for S5 pupils on Tuesday 21st February.


Staff Training in Child Protection

Child Protection Refresher Training was completed last week.

*** Thursday 23 February 2012 and 1 March 2012

S5/6 Course Choice Information Evenings

We held the annual S5/6 Course Choice Information Evening. This was well

attended by parents and carers. SMT and Guidance staff were joined by Linda

Russell from Orkney College. On Thursday 1st March, we held a similar

Information Evening for S2 parents.

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Friday 24 February 2012

MSP Visit to Pupil Councils

On Monday, Liam McArthur joined both Pupil Councils to answer questions about

his role and the work of the Scottish Parliament. Marcus Craigie and Lauren

Gilmour undertook the roles of chair and secretary very well. Liam has sent us

the following message,

”It was good to see you again yesterday during what was a thoroughly enjoyable

visit to Stromness Academy. I was really impressed by the way in which both

Pupil Councils engaged in discussion on a wide range of issues. Please pass on my

thanks to your colleagues for helping make the visit possible”.


School Podcast

Congratulations go to pupils and to staff supporting the Youth Music Initiative

Project called “Include Me In”. The pupil group have produced the first

Stromness Academy podcast, featuring the Christmas Concert.

*** Saturday 25 February 2012

Printmakers’ Workshops

On Saturday 25th February, five S6 pupils took part in an Art Workshop run by

John Cumming and Diana Leslie at Soulisquoy Printmakers‟ Workshop. This was

very successful and had been made possible through our links with the

Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative. John Cumming wrote,

“Last Saturday Diana Leslie and I conducted a five-hour Calligraphy workshop

with five of your sixth year students at Soulisquoy Printmakers‟ Workshop. I

am writing to say how impressed we both where with the conduct and talent of

the students who took part. They arrived on time and were well prepared. Their

work was of the highest standard, and throughout a long and tiring session, they

were bright, positive and diligent. He showed great concern for each other and

celebrated every print as it was pulled from the press. Each student left the

workshop with two high quality images, which should enhance their portfolios.

Diana and I would like to thank you for this opportunity and to work with

Stromness Academy. The people we met on Saturday were a credit to their

parents and to the school”.

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Tuesday 27 February 2012

S4/5 Tasters at Orkney College

Some S4/5 pupils visited Orkney College, to find out about courses.


Stromness Academy Players Production

There was a school performance of “Boots an‟ All” in the Theatre, when our

Stromness Academy Players performed for the community. Stromness Drama

Club also performed and we are grateful to them for the support we provide for

our young people.

*** Thursday 1 March 2012

S2 Parents’ Information Evening

The new Parents‟ Information Evening for S2 went well, with a good turnout.

Parents heard about the main principles of Curriculum for Excellence and the

developments around Broad General Education and the Senior Phase. They also

heard about the Course Choice procedures and processes in school. We finished

with some details about the course choice form and Curriculum Areas. Parents

appeared positive and welcomed the opportunity to ask questions after the

presentation, particularly in the more informal setting of refreshments and one

to one discussion. Thanks go to Guidance and SMT for their direct input that

evening.


World Book Day – Share a Story

World Book Day went well, with staff and pupils in S1 and S2 enjoying a Share a

Story event. Mrs Sinclair also ran a lunchtime event in the library. Thanks go to

her for making careful arrangements and for helping to create the teamwork

needed for success.

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Friday 2 March 2012

Healthy Me Steps Challenge

The Healthy Me Steps Challenge took place in the PE Department. Winners were

1Y with 153,578 steps.

*** Friday 2 March 2012

Eco – Environmental Review

Huge thanks go to staff involved in the Eco Group who have been working with

pupils over many months to prepare the Environmental Review, which is now

displayed outside the staffroom. It is the product of much discussion and liaison

with other staff in the school. We can be proud of the significant contribution

this Friday activity has made. A special thanks to Miss Taylor and Mrs Hunter

for this. Staff are warmly invited to add “Talking Flowers” to indicate how

subjects do (or could) contribute to improving our school environment.


SQA Visits about Curriculum for Excellence

Visits from Annette and Geraldine, from the SQA, went well, with positive

feedback from them about their perceptions of staff readiness. Thanks go to all

PTs and Mr Clouston for arrangements.


Health and Wellbeing Newsletter

Staff have been given a copy of a Health and Wellbeing Newsletter which

describes the work going on in Stromness Academy. It arises from the Health

Working Group. A further aspect of that is the new noticeboard in the staff

base. This will become the focus for Healthy Working Lives information.

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Saturday 3 March 2012

Staff Coaching and Mentoring Course

The second session of the Coaching and Mentoring Course takes place this

weekend for staff involved.

*** Sunday 4 March 2012

Junior Volleyball

The Junior Volleyball Team of 10 Stromness Academy boys played against

Shetland on Sunday 4th March and won 3-0. Congratulations! Joel Wishart and

Henry Rae-Shortland were in the Men‟s A Team, Magnus Black in the Men‟s B

Team and Ruby Merriman and Katrina Bevan were in the Women‟s B game on

Saturday 3rd March. Well played, everyone.

*** Monday 5 March 2012

Staff Interviews for Probationers

Mr Colston was involved in Probationer interviews on 5 March. This process also

involved Marilyn Richards.

*** Tuesday 6 March 2012

World Maths Day

World Maths Day ran on Tuesday 6th March to 10 am on Thursday 8th March.

(This is because it is 6 3 12 somewhere in the world throughout that time).

Maths pupils participated in exercises in this event through classes and all pupils

received World Maths Homework.

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Thursday 8 March 2012

Queen Elizabeth Field

At the Parent Council meeting, parents indicated a general interest in

designating one of our outdoor areas as a Queen Elizabeth Field, under the

Fields in Trust Scheme. Staff have not indicated a preference either way.

Discussions with Officers of the Authority will take place shortly.


Stromness Academy Parent Council Quiz Night

There was a Quiz Night on Friday 9th March in the Standing Stones Hotel, run

by Stromness Academy Parent Council. The Quiz Night in the Standing Stones

Hotel went very well. John Johnston and family led proceedings, to provide a

happy and successful event. We are grateful to the Parent Council for their

support of the school. The Parent Council Quiz Night raised £160 for funds.

Thanks go to all who supported the event.


PE Provision

At the Headteachers‟ Meetings, there was clearer guidance relating to the

target for provision of PE. This means that all pupils S1-4 should receive at least

two periods of PE. Our plans for timetabling should allow us to meet this national

target next session.

*** Saturday 10 March 2012

Rugby at Wick High School

There was an away game for the North Schools Rugby against Wick High School

on 10th March. Mr Berry and Mr Turley accompanied 17 pupils.

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Monday 12 March 2012

Pupil Success at Karate

Sandy Carmichael competed in the Scottish Karate Championships in

Dunfermline on 10th March.


Public Meeting on Rural Education

There was a public meeting in the School Theatre run by the Commission on

Rural Education. Representatives from the Commission were in Orkney as part

of the countrywide follow-up to the questionnaire. They visited at least two

primary schools during their stay.


Sports Ambassadors

Chloe Flett and Sandy Carmichael, who are our Sports Ambassadors for the

Commonwealth Games, attended a northern group induction programme. Michael

Swanney from Active Schools has supported this process.


UNESCO in London

Halina Romaniszyn, Ruth Miller and Ms Devlin have been working towards their

trip to London for the UNESCO Heritage Sites Event. They met Nick Card in

Kirkwall as part of the preparation. They also helped in the recording of an

interview for Radio Orkney, in this regard.

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Scottish Water Equipment

The materials and equipment received from Scottish Water has been listed and

some distributed to Primary Schools in the West Cluster. The total value

exceeds £7000, so we are very grateful for this contribution to the science

areas.


E-Profile Pilot Project

A small group of S2 pupils took part in an E-Profile Project, run by Mr Blance

(with support from Mark Taylor), over the course of this session. Hopefully, this

will provide us with insight into managing this process next year when all pupils in

S3 generate a profile.


Visit from Sarah Jane Gibbon to History

Sarah Jane Gibbon will visit Ms Devlin's S1 classes, to talk about Orkney Sagas.

This forms a link with the Heritage Skills visit to the Cathedral.


Duke of Edinburgh – First E-Portfolio

Jessica Rendall was presented with her e-folio for Duke of Edinburgh Award and

a hoodie by Walter Gorman on Monday. Well done to her for being the first

participant in Orkney to achieve this.

*** Wednesday 14 March 2012

Staff Health Sessions

Thanks go to Mr Berry for his work, as part of the School Health Working

Group, regarding Staff Health Activities. There will be nine different activities

on offer, with the first after-school session very soon.

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Wednesday 14 March 2012

Young Enterprise – Presentation Skills Evening

The Young Enterprise Presentation Skills Evening went well, with a full turnout

of participants from KGS and Stromness Academy. Presentations were made by

Kathryn Sclater, Orkney College; Robert Allan, NHS; and Graeme Bichan, Orkney

Creamery. The overall event was arranged by Karen Scholes, Chair of the Area

Board. Thanks go to Mrs Crichton and Mrs Macleod who are the school

organisers this year.


Secondary STEM Kits – Training Event

We had a very successful visit from Pat Thornton and Liz Balharry. 15 staff and

supporters participated in the STEM Science Kits Training in the Science

Department in a Twilight session. This was a good experience and the STEM

staff were impressed by the good turnout and commitment from the

participants.


Illustrator’s Visit

There will be a visit of Tony O'Donnell, who is an illustrator, to the MANGA/

GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB, in the School Library.


Visit from STEM Officer

Kathleen McDougall from STEMNET met with a good range of staff, letting

them know about up-to-date developments in their areas and to describe the

benefits of STEM Ambassadors. She visited the Music Department to see the

Music Technology with pupils, and visited Technical during the Friday Activities

Young Engineers‟ Club. A new STEM leaflet has been produced, from the work

of our STEM Group. It was well received by our visitors (in Orkney and beyond).

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Friday 16 March 2012

Rugby -v- Wick at Stromness Academy

Rugby players from Wick took part in a game with our pupils, as part of the

North Schools Conference. Stromness Academy won 38 to 22. All boys in our

team played for part of the match. Thanks go to Mr Berry for preparation and

support for this.


Orkney Volleyball Successes for Pupils

The Orkney Volleyball Team went through to the semi-finals of the Scottish

Volleyball Plate. Henry Rae-Shortland and Joel Wishart played in that team.

Well done to them all.


County Netball Success for Pupil

Lauren Gilmour was named „A‟ player of the match in the recent Inter County

Netball game.


Curriculum for Excellence – NAR Moderation

Mr Barber and Mrs Warnock were involved a meeting for the Remote

Moderation Project for Curriculum for Excellence, in Inverness.


SCDA Regional Competition in Dunkeld

Mrs Stead and Mr Lawson accompanied drama pupils to Dunkeld to take part in

the next round of the SCDA drama competition. They had a successful trip with

pupils giving a good account of themselves.

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Tuesday 20 March 2012

Youth Achievement Awards Presentation

Melissa Cumming and Suzanne William were presented with their Youth

Achievement Awards on Tuesday. Mr Innes presented the certificates.

Families and staff shared in the celebration.


Visit from Councillor Eoin Scott

Councillor Eoin Scott visited the school on Tuesday and enjoyed his tour of

several departments. He appreciated the opportunity to see parts of the school

he had not seen, but also to see the colourful, positive atmosphere around the

school. Mr Scott attended the old Academy and remembers the debates about

the decisions about the building of the present school.


Fereday Awards

Fereday Awards were made on Wednesday at KGS. We were pleased to note all

our achievers, with Helen Flett, first, Ruaridh Galbraith second and Taylah

Spence third, within Stromness Academy. Helen Flett also took first place

overall. Congratulations to everyone and to Ms Devlin for leading the support

for pupils in History.


S2 Orkney College Visit

Some S2 pupils attended Orkney College Taster Courses on Wednesday.

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Thursday 22 March 2012

HiFiReS

10 pupils took part in the culminating HiFiReS Presentation Evening in Stromness

Fire Station on Thursday evening. They demonstrated the training they have

received over the last eight weeks and received certificates. The top students

were Owen Robertson and Matthew Rendall this year. Parents and supporters

joined in the celebration. Thanks go to Mrs Manson and to Mr Turley for their

support of the course.


S3 Assembly

There was an S3 Assembly on Thursday for pupils to receive instructions for the

S3 exams.


Sports Hub Officer Meeting

Hannah Johnston, the Sports Hub Officer and Garry Burton met SMT on

Thursday in preparation for development of sports links within the school.


Sports Relief

Sports Relief activities continued all last week in the PE Department, with pupils

taking on challenges and raising £205.36 This was a very good opportunity for

inclusive lunchtime activities. Thanks go to Mrs Warnock, Mr Colston and some

conscientious S6 pupils who sustained this on behalf of the school. On their own

account, six girls undertook a 25 mile cycle run between Stromness and Kirkwall,

raising a massive £1000. A huge achievement!

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Additional In-Service Days for Curriculum for Excellence

We have received information that we will have two Curriculum for Excellence In

-service Days. It has not yet decided when these will be.


Attainment Seminar

The Attainment Seminar took place on Friday afternoon in the Council Chamber.

This was attended by nine councillors, Mr Tait, Mr Bevan, Mrs Richards, Mr

Diamond, Mrs Dick and Miss Learmonth. The areas covered included a general

overview of attainment statistics, the charts used and the comparisons with

national results. Mrs Dick and Miss Learmonth then gave an overview of each

schools‟ approach. There were also questions from councillors. A briefing paper

has been requested, following the seminar. It is likely that next session, a

similar seminar will be planned for November.


Rugby at Thurso High School

Mr Berry and Mr Barber took 19 boys to two rugby games in Thurso on

Saturday. They won the first game against Wick High School (19-12) and lost

the second game against Thurso High School (35-28). All boys played very well

in both games and were great ambassadors for the school throughout the trip.


Scottish Baccalaureate Training

Ms Devlin will attended the launch event for the Scottish Baccalaureate in

Social Subjects this week.

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Eco Day

Eco-Schools pupils and staff provided the Environmental Review, a PowerPoint

and a demonstration based around Food Miles, at the successful assemblies at

the beginning of the week. On Monday lunchtime we held a tasting of Orkney

Food, in the theatre. Thanks go to all who participated.


THI Heritage Skills for S1

S1 pupils enjoyed very successful visits to Orkney College to receive an insight

into Heritage Skills from experts from Historic Scotland. These trips went very

well. The morning programme was supplemented by visits to the Cathedral with

Fran Holingbroke to see some of the legacy of these traditional skills. Thanks go

to Mrs Taylor and Ms Devlin for their organisation and to all the accompanying

staff for these events. Once again, this has been made possible because of

funding from the Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative.


Music Workshop

We also have pupils involved in a Music Workshop run by Pippa Murphy,

commissioned by the St Magnus Festival. This involved S3 pupils on Thursday

afternoon. Three older pupils also had the chance to observe workshops in

Orphir and Stromness Primary School, accompanying Pippa.


Stars in their Eyes Winner

Congratulations to Rachel Isbister on winning “Stars in their Eyes” recently.

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World Maths Day Certificates

Congratulations to Amber Clouston, Hannah Robertson and Sam Beckwith-

Wyman who were the winners from World Maths Day. They received

certificates.


Paris Trip 2013

Pupils have received information about the Paris Trip for June 2013.


Canteen Price Increase

Canteen process will increase by 5% from April.


Rotary Youth Leader Awards

Joe Joyce has been selected by Orkney Rotary to participate in the boys RYLA

summer camp this year. Bob McKenzie from Rotary gave a presentation to senior

pupils about the Rotary Youth Leader Award. Leanne Smith, a previous

participant, gave a presentation, too.


Connectivity

Work has been going ahead to improve our ICT connectivity. During the last

week of term, engineers have been in Orkney to put up new network connections

on masts. Because of the foggy weather on Thursday, the switchover was

delayed, but has now taken place in the holidays.

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Wednesday 18 April 2012

S2 Parents’ Evening Displays

The S2 Parents‟ Evening takes place on Wednesday 18th April. It will feature

displays of pupil and curricular material in the Theatre and Foyer.

Astronomy. - Stromness Academy · Professor Martin Hendry - Astronomy ... condolence to his family...

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Transcript of Astronomy. - Stromness Academy · Professor Martin Hendry - Astronomy ... condolence to his family...