Former member of staff and vastly experienced public speaking mentor, Mrs Elizabeth Clarke returned to Clyde Valley last week to lead Public Speaking Master Classes for our budding S1 and S2 orators. As a member of staff over many years, Mrs Clarke coached generations of Clyde Valley pupils to local and national success in a raft of public speaking competitions. She was delighted to share the wealth of her experience with some 20 very enthusiastic young speakers. The speakers, in turn, demonstrated real enthusiasm as they delivered elements of speeches they had already prepared. Under Mrs Clarke’s guidance, the speakers quickly developed an appreciation of the key skills of public speaking and how to improve delivery. Miss Claire Douglas, of the English Department and the school’s new lead teacher for public speaking, organised the visit with Mrs Clarke. Mrs Clarke will return later in the session to monitor the development of our young speakers.

Further to Mrs Clarke’s visit, three of Clyde Valley’s Junior public speakers have recently been visiting a number of our partnership primary schools. Claire Megahy, Niamh Speirs and Lauryn Brown have now visited 8 of our 9 partnership schools. The pupils have accompanied Mrs Louise Smith and Miss Claire Douglas of the English Department who have been leading public speaking workshops with budding orators.

 Miss Douglas commended the enthusiasm and clarity of the contributions our young speakers as they informed their primary school counterparts of public speaking opportunities at Clyde Valley. Those taking part, with the schools they visited, were: Claire Megahy – Wishaw Academy, Netherton and Berryhill; Niamh Speirs – Castlehill, Newmains and Overtown; Lauryn Brown – Morningside and Thornlie

Mrs Elizabeth Clarke, at the lectern, with the school’s junior public speakers.

Representatives from the Gideons International were welcome return visitors to first year assembly last week. Mr Bill Kemp has been a regular visitor to the school for many years. On this occasion, his wife, Isabella, accompanied Mr Kemp.

 Mr Kemp informed pupils of how the Gideons organisation was formed, and spoke of the worldwide work they do. He was pleased to show pupils the range of New Testament Bibles the Gideons present to various groups. He then showed a highly informative DVD that not only illustrated the work of the Gideons but also explained how pupils might consider using the individual copy of the New Testament he would be delighted to present to every first year pupil.

As pupils left assembly, Mr and Mrs Kemp presented each pupil with their own copy of the New Testament.

Mr Bill Kemp and Mrs Isabella Kemp of Gideons International with just some of the Clyde Valley first year pupils to whom they presented New Testament Bibles

Congratulations to the Sneddon trio of Euan Bradshaw, Niamh Speirs and Rebecca Gault for capturing the Junior Quiz title from their Curran and Houldsworth rivals.  The Curran team comprised Meghan Hill, Louise Irving and Derek Tyson while Houldsworth was represented by Reegan-Jaye Boal, Liam Dunnachie and Matthew Turnbull. Each time had one member from each of the year groups S1-S3.

 Mr Tom Bruin, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support, was the Quiz Master and posed a number of really challenging rounds to our junior ‘masterminds’. It was only in the closing stages Sneddon House pulled clear, eventually finishing with an 8 point lead over nearest rivals, Houldsworth.

 The final scores were: Sneddon 57points; Houldsworth 49 points; Curran 31 points.

Quiz ‘Columnists’ (from left to right): Curran, Houldsworth and Sneddon

Second year pupil, Amanda Crichton secured a Bronze Medal in the Scottish Open Judo Championships held recently in Edinburgh. This was Amanda’s first-ever competitive tournament and she can be rightly proud of her success. Amanda now looks forward to developing her judo skills with her local club in Newmains and further tournament success.

Amanda Crichton proudly displays the judo bronze medal she won recently.

Reagan Binnie, of third year, secured a very creditable third place in the 800metres final at the recent Scottish Schools Indoor Athletics Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. This was Reagan’s first competition since moving up to the Under 16 age group and bodes well for her future participation in the event. Reagan continues to excel in a sport that saw her crowned North Lanarkshire Schools Athlete of the Year in 2012.

Last week a party of Clyde Valley senior pupils joined their counterparts from three other North Lanarkshire secondary schools for the return visit to Italy in the annual North Lanarkshire – Pistoia Exchange programme. Fifth year pupils, Eilidh Smith, Lynsey Walker, Alex Murphy, Carly McIlroy, Jarad Bruff and Nicky Felvus and sixth years Emma Brown, Dean Dunn and Jack Hall enjoyed the chance to visit the Sismondi and Pacinotti Institute in Pescia, Tuscany. Having hosted their Italian ‘twins’ during their visit to Scotland in September, the Clyde Valley students completed a busy programme, giving them a real taste of life in the heart of one of the Italy’s most stunning regions.

The Clyde Valley party began their adventure with a day trip to Pisa, with many pupils taking the opportunity to climb to the top of the world famous Leaning Tower. They then enjoyed a visit to stunning, classical Florence.  The pupils also enjoyed a day-trip to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Everyone enjoyed sampling the markets, cafes, stylish shops and restaurants as they gained a real insight into typical Tuscan life.

The pupils also experienced four seasons in one during their visit. They enjoyed glorious spring sunshine during their trips to Pisa, Florence and Viareggio. One day after basking in the sun on Viareggio beach, the Scots found themselves stranded in their hotel as all schools across Tuscany were closed due to heavy snow. The downpour that followed could not dampen the spirits of the party as they trudged through the slush around Lucca!

One of the highlights was again the day spent at the Viareggio Carnevale. The Scots joined close to 250,000 other spectators to marvel at the colourful floats. As always, the impressive floats offered biting comment on Italian and world politics, but also celebrated many aspects of Italy’s rich culture.

Perhaps the most significant part of the trip was when the pupils visited the homes of their Italian twins. The warmth and friendliness of the families to each Scot was overwhelming. 

 Our pictures capture just some of the many places visited by the Clyde Valley students during their Tuscan adventure.

Two Clyde Valley pupils have made it through to the Scottish finals of the YouthLink Scotland 2013 Awards. YouthLink Scotland is the national body that promotes all youth activities anywhere within local communities. In its annual awards it looks to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people and those who lead youth activities the length and breadth of the country.

Lauren King of S6 is one of three national finalists in the category ‘Role Model/Mentor of the Year’. Lauren is a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. She has just launched her re-election campaign. She serves on many local and national groups forcibly representing the views of young people and is particular champion of those young people with any from of disability. Lauren has contributed to the formation of North Lanarkshire Council’s policies promoting youth involvement across the Council.

Ryan Burrell of fourth year is a finalist in the category ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Along with several other members of the school’s S4 SkillForce class, Ryan helped give a much-needed makeover to the Craigneuk Community Centre in Airdrie. Ryan was nominated for demonstrating outstanding leadership and setting a fine example to other team members.

Lauren and Ryan will anxiously wait to discover if they have triumphed in their respective categories at the YouthLink Gala Dinner to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow in mid-March. Mr Sommerville will accompany the two students to this prestigious occasion.

Lauren King and Ryan Burrell, YouthLink Scotland finalists.

Pupils in all year groups contributed as Clyde Valley embraced this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme ‘Communities Together’. To reinforce the message of community, staff and pupils from S1 to S6 were invited to visit the library at lunchtime on Thursday to sit for group photographs. These were taken by Digital Photography student, Emma Mooney. Emma’s photographs will now be displayed in the Art Department and the Library.

S1 pupils commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day during lessons and House Time. In English, pupils watched the HMD film, ‘Learning from the Past’, and reflected upon the wrong-doing and injustice of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Pupils from each English class read the poem, ‘First They Came’, by German Pastor, Martin Niemoller.  At S3 and S4 assemblies, pupils viewed the very poignant HMD DVD ‘Lessons Learnt’. In German, S1 pupils studied the book-burning activities of the Nazi regime and the conditions in Auschwitz- Birkenau Concentration Camps.

Glenn McBride and Graham Ramage of sixth year, made a most moving contribution. Earlier this year, and as part of a Scottish-wide delegation, Glenn and Graham joined Mrs May Mackenzie, Principal Teacher of Humanities, on a day trip to Poland to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps. The boys spoke to S1 assembly and to German classes of their hauntingly moving experience.  Glenn and Graham prepared a PowerPoint presentation to show some of the poignant pictures they took and spoke very sincerely about the life-changing impact the visit had on them. As an act of remembrance for the victims of genocide, pupils and staff signed a pledge to challenge the language of hatred.

Louise Pollock and Kirstin Scott of fifth year were among the talented North Lanarkshire Artists whose work was celebrated at the official opening of the Kilbowie Summer School Creative Residency event. Last June, many of the most talent artists and musicians spent a week at Kilbowie Outdoor Centre for a  programme of work in their specialist field, supported by leading artists and musicians. The stunning work the pupils produced is now on display at the Summerlee Heritage Centre in Coatbridge.

If you like the sound of a creative Residency and are currently in S4, why not speak to your English, Art or Drama teacher and register your interest.

Louise is photographed with her stunning screen-print design, while Kirstin is seen next to the vibrant landscape of the coastline around Kilbowie.

Two Clyde Valley pupils again featured in the Allanton Jolly Beggars Burns Club Annual Burns Supper. Eilidh Murray and Rachel Moon of fourth year performed last year, and were delighted to be invited back. Eilidh recited ‘To A Louse’, capturing beautifully the sardonic wit of the bard as he used such an apparently insignificant creature as a means of passing comment on the society of his times. Rachel’s lilting rendition of ‘My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose’ beautifully captured the touching sincerity of a man paying respectful homage to the woman who has overwhelmed his heart. Rachel deserves special praise for performing only days after tearing leg ligaments while taking part in the Outward Bound experience. Rachel supported herself with crutches to allow the show to go on!

Eilidh Murray (far left) and Rachel Moon (far right) with the other top table guests: Stewart Houston (Rotary Club of Biggar), Patricia Leslie (President Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs), Helen Morrison (President Allanton Jolly Beggars Burns Club) and accompanist, Isobel Robertson.

Five Clyde Valley pupils had major contributions at last week’s Motherwell Heritage Centre’s annual Burns Supper held at the Bentley Hotel in Motherwell. Callum Cowan, an experienced member of North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band, played a medley of tunes on the pipes and escorted the afternoon’s principal guest, the haggis!

Liam Dunnachie had the audience in fits of laughter with his sardonic ‘Toast to the Lassies’ in which he eventually paid tribute to those he reluctantly praised as ‘the fairer sex’. Niamh Speirs exacted sweet revenge, however, with her powerfully witty ‘response’ on behalf of the lassies. With bitingly ironic reflection, Niamh undoubtedly reinforced the position of our ‘bonnie lassies’ as holding the upper hand over the men!

Claire Megahy’s rendition of ‘Address to the Toothache’ wonderfully captured how Robert Burns was able to capture so accurately many of life’s irritations and in uniquely reverential manner that generated humour and empathy in equal measure. Amy MacFarlane’s beautiful voice was able to capture the emotion behind the flowing lyrics with her contribution ‘He left his land her sweetest sangs’.

Miss Claire Douglas, of the English Department, and school librarian Miss Marie McGough both worked with the Clyde Valley pupils beforehand and accompanied them to what they described as an ‘uplifting and inspiring celebration of the life and works of Robert Burns’.

The school would like to record its appreciation to the Heritage centre for its warm reception of our young people and to members, Bob Dalziel and Elizabeth Totten, the other principal contributors to what was a marvelous occasion.

The main contributors at the Motherwell Heritage Centre’s annual Burns Supper (from left to right) Bob Dalziel, Amy MacFarlane, Niamh Speirs, Elizabeth Totten, Claire Megahy, Liam Dunnachie and Callum Cowan.

Mrs Lynsay Ashton, Teacher of History, was delighted to present 75 bag packs to the Malawi Bag Pack Appeal and a cheque for £130 to the Mary’s Meals organisation. Throughout November and December, pupils across the school were busy collecting equipment and clothing that could be placed in packs to be sent to Malawi to support the under-privileged children of that country. Some House Classes donated money instead of collecting goods. All of the donations have now been sent to Mary’s Meals, the umbrella organisation that coordinates the support work in Malawi. The school is delighted it has been able to help educate and feed so many children for an entire year through their donations.

Mrs Lynsay Ashton and some of the pupils from S-S6 who contributed to the bag packs and Mary’s Meals donation.

It was with great sadness the school learned of the sudden passing, during the Christmas holidays, of Martin Brady, the school’s longest-serving member of the janitorial team. Having worked in the school for some 12 years, Martin Brady was a hugely popular figure around Clyde Valley, his friendly manner and cheerful disposition greatly appreciated by staff, pupils and parents alike. Always keen to support pupil activities, Martin Brady loved nothing better than to join in the fancy dress antics of the Halloween Disco, with our young people always intrigued by his stylish and often unusual costumes!

Martin’s presence will be greatly missed around Clyde Valley. The thoughts of every member of the school community are with Martin’s partner and family at this saddest of times.

As the Science club goes from strength to strength, it is quickly becoming the most popular lunch club within the school – and it’s not difficult to see why, given their latest batch of experiments. Pupils attending the club were recently delighted by the task to make their very own ice cream! Take a look at our gallery below to see some shots of the experiment and its results.

If you are interested in joining the Science club, please see Ms Pathmanathan for more details.

The school’s Sports Ambassadors and a number of the junior support groups received a wonderful early Christmas gift when Olympic gymnast Steve Frew visited the school. Steve spoke to the pupils about setting high ambitions in their lives and encouraged them to push themselves to their personal limits. One of the highlights of the visit was when Steve demonstrated his amazing gymnastic talents on the vaulting horse and other floor equipment, much to the awe of his young audience.

The theatre was packed almost to capacity for the annual ‘Evening of Music for Christmas’ on the last Tuesday of term. The school was delighted to welcome so many friends and guests from across the local community who joined with staff, parents and pupils for this traditional Christmas launch. Mrs Anne Traynor, Principal Teacher of Performing Arts, Miss Stefanie frame and Mrs Joyce Halliburton masterminded a wonderfully varied programme that showcased the wide range of musical and acting talent in Clyde Valley, as well as reminding everyone about the true spirit of Christmas. Ricky Owens and Glenn McBride, two of the School Captains, acted as hosts and kept proceedings running smoothly before finding time to perform with Blue Diamond (the rock band) for the final three numbers.

 One of the evening’s highlights saw pupils presenting Donna McLellan, of St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, with a £600 cheque, raised through ticket and raffle ticket sales. Mr Sommerville, the Head Teacher, rounded off by wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas before the entire company brought the house down with a lively rendition of Slade’s classic ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’.

Donna McLellan (back centre) is delighted to accept a cheque for £600 from some of the young performers at Clyde Valley’s ‘An Evening of Music for Christmas’. A variety of photos from the evening are shown in our gallery above.

As part of the continuing celebrations for the 200th Anniversary of the publication of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, the Goethe Institut in Glasgow has been showing a series of films based on these stories. A group of Clyde Valley pupils, who study German, were lucky enough to be part of the audience at the recent showing of “Schneewittchen” or ‘Snow White’

The show was all in German –  apart from the English subtitles to help the pupils to understand it.  As well as watching the film and learning some new vocabulary , the pupils also took part in a workshop before the film started. In this workshop, they talked about the history behind these stories and about their importance in the world of literature. The pupils were asked some questions about old fairy tails in German and they answered back in English.

The pupils will continue to work on this topic in class, using materials from the Goethe Institut. One of the activities some of the pupils will be involved in, is the production of a mini video clip of one of these Fairy Tales, where the pupils will act out a scene in German.

All in all the pupils thoroughly enjoyed it – especially the free sweets and chocolates – and  were great ambassadors for the school.

There was a real festive feel around the school last week as pupils from all year groups enjoyed the annual Christmas disco. Members of the sixth year transformed the dining room and house block into a bright and colourful venue, with decorations draped to produce a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone had a great night as they danced to popular Christmas classics. Thursday was also the day of the annual Christmas lunch in the dining rooms. The catering staff served a wonderful traditional turkey or steak pie lunch in the Xmas Meal Deal Special. Thanks to catering manager, Danny Muir and his staff for providing the delicious festive feast.

Members of Clyde Valley’s sixth year get into the Christmas spirit at last week’s disco.

First year pupils celebrated St Andrew’s Day in style this year by taking part in an afternoon festival that celebrated all things Scottish! The Celebration of Scotland event was the culmination of months of hard work by first year who have been working on the theme of ‘Scotland, my country, my culture and my heritage’ across all subject departments. Pupils have carried out historical research, written reports on the economy and geography of our country, produced colourful art work, learned poems and songs, baked and cooked some famous Scottish dishes and brushed up on their Strictly Scottish Dancing skills!

While much of the work is now on display in the Library in a special exhibition, the afternoon of St Andrew’s Day was very much an active way of celebrating Scotland. Sometimes in House groups, but often as an entire year group, pupils devoured Irn Bru and shortbread, listened to Scottish poetry, belted out resounding versions of ‘Flower of Scotland’ and other well-known songs and energetically danced the ‘Gay Gordons’ and the ‘Dashing White Sergeant’. Staff and pupils gathered in the Games Barn for the final activity, the traditional singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Many staff and pupils added to the spirit of the occasion by adorning a marvellous array of tartan clothing and Scottish sports tops!

Some of Clyde Valley’s first year pupils take a break from their ‘Scottish Strictly Come Dancing’ efforts!

Pictures show some of our penalty takers along with overall winner Zayn and goalie Ross.