We are hoping for a great turnout at our Information Evening for P6 and P7 parents, on Monday 9th November, at 7.00 p.m., in Kilsyth Academy. During the evening, there will be an opportunity to hear about various aspects of the transition process from Primary to Secondary school and our school captains look forward to sharing information about the wider life of the school. Thereafter, there will be an opportunity to tour the school and some staff and pupils will be available within departments, to showcase facilities and answer questions. Letters have been distributed via our associated Primary schools but the event is also open to any other families who are interested in attending.
Last week we hosted two MSYPs, who explained to pupils about the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Thereafter, pupils each completed a questionnaire, as part of the SYP’s ‘Lead the Way’ consultation. We were also pleased to welcome Stuart McDonald MP, who is also a former pupil of the school, to speak to the Higher Modern Studies class about his role. The discussion was extremely informative and the young people asked some excellent questions.
Our annual Halloween celebrations were a great success, as always. Members of S6 organised three events, in total – a Ghost Walk and a party for S1 pupils and a Movie Night for S6. The young people who led these events, did so as part of their SQA Leadership Award and all those who participated had a great time. Well done to Lucy Rutherford, Rachel Kimmett and Chloe Laggan.
Pupils studying National 5/Higher Art and Design and Higher Photography visited Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum last week, as part of their course. This included a visit to the ‘Century of Style’ exhibition, to support design folios, a visit to the galleries, to assist with expressive work and there were ample opportunities for Photography students to add to their folios. The pupils all found the day very beneficial. Thanks to Ms Andrew for organising the trip.
Our Higher German pupils attended a German Immersion Day, at the Goethe Institute, in Glasgow. The pupils enjoyed the workshops and felt that the day was very valuable for their studies.
Our S4 Employability classes attended the launch for the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, which they will all be participating in, over the coming months. This will involve small groups of pupils investigating the needs of local charities and presenting reasons why their chosen charity best deserves a £3000 grant, to be gifted by the Wood Family Trust.
We are delighted to welcome Mrs Lindsey Smith, another former pupil, as our new Library Resource Centre Manager. We are all looking forward to working with Lindsey and hope that she enjoys her new role. Congratulations to Mrs Jayne Gordon who has been appointed to the permanent post of Teacher of RME in Kilsyth Academy, following a 2½ year placement, which was on a temporary basis. We would also like to welcome Ms Lorraine Higgins to the English department, to cover the remainder of Ms Gough’s maternity leave.
Rachel Kimmett (S6), Jack Rennie (S5), Harry Thomson (S2) and Sophie Bridges (S1) represented the school at the North Lanarkshire Pupil Council, held in Airdrie. The main items involved discussion about ‘Mentors in Violence Prevention’ and ‘Focus on Food’ initiatives.
The Parent Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 4th November has been cancelled and the next meeting will therefore be on Thursday 3rd December, at 7.00 p.m.
