Month: February 2017

Piping success

Congratulations to Luke Shearer (S4) on his continued success with the bagpipes. Luke, who has already achieved success at the World Pipe Band Championships last summer, has now won the National Piobaireachd (under 18’s) that took place in the National Piping Centre.  Luke was also placed in the Jig, March and Reel categories.

 

World Book Day

Thursday March 3^rd is World Book Day and, to mark this event, all pupils in S1 will have the opportunity to participate in a quiz organised by the school librarian with each pupil receiving a book in return.

 

Rotary Speaking competition

The Rotary Club Speaking competition takes place this week with a number of pupils from S1 – S3 involved. Good luck everyone participating.

 

Rotary Technology Tournament

On Wednesday March 8^th, schools from across Lanarkshire will gather at Kilsyth Academy to take part in the annual Rotary Technology tournament.  Working in teams, pupils will be given a problem to solve and provided with a limited selection of resources to encourage creative approaches to successfully achieving the specified aims.  We look forward to welcoming participating Schools and pupil’s to Kilsyth.

 

Employment and Modern Apprenticeship Opportunities

Employment and apprenticeship opportunities are regularly received in school and displayed in the senior’s area of the café and also on our careers notice board. These are updated regularly and pupils considering both routes when they leave school are encouraged to check the notices regularly.

 

Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award

There will be a meeting for S5 pupils on Thursday, 2 March to hear more about the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award and how to apply to participate in the award scheme next session. This award, run by The Outward Bound Trust Scotland, is an excellent opportunity for senior pupils to develop their leadership skills and new friendships and participate in a very worthwhile and rewarding personal experience that includes outdoor learning, a residential experience and participating in community-based projects.  It is a programme that supports young people to develop their skills and CV’s essential for a successful transition from school.  More information can also be found at www.mslfla.org

 

S2-S3 Curriculum personalisation information for pupils and parents

There will be an information evening for parents of S2 pupils on Monday 6 March 2017 starting at 6.30pm regarding the upcoming curriculum personalisation for pupils moving into S3. We will give you information regarding the process and support available for young people and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Pupils will also receive a presentation regarding this process on Thursday 2 March. We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

 

Careers Fair

Parents and pupils in years S2 through to S6 are invited to attend our Careers Fair on Thursday 6 March 2017. This will take place in the school café and there will be a number of employers, colleges and universities in attendance on the evening to provide information and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the different career options available to you upon leaving school or to help with your subject choices for options while you are here.

 

Parent council

The next meeting of the Parent Council takes place on Thursday 2 March 2017 at 7.00pm in the school.

 

S4/5 Options deadline

Pupils in s4 and S5 are reminded that the deadline for returning senior options forms is Friday 10 March 2017.

New Head Teacher

Mr Orrock has now taken up post as the new Head Teacher of Kilsyth Academy. In his first few days he has addressed both staff and pupils and a letter of introduction will follow soon to parents.

 

Cross Country Championships

Kilsyth Academy held their annual Cross Country Championships last week with over seventy athletes competing in either the junior or senior events. This event also doubles up as one of our inter-house events which led to increased competition for every place in the field.  Furthermore the organisation and management of this event is led by our Sports Leaders and is an integral part of their course, allowing them to put their impressive leadership skills into action.

The individual results after some very close racing were;

• Junior Boys Champion ; Robert Lang, Silver, Calum Smith and Bronze Andrew Bendoris
• Junior Girls Champion;   Hayley Conroy, Silver, Robyn Stark and Bronze Sarah Bateman.
• Senior Boys Champion; Fraser Gallacher, Silver, Scott Lilburn and Bronze Ryan Barr.
• Senior Girls Champion; Jessica Curle who successfully retained the trophy from last year, Silver Rebecca Love and Bronze Rachel Thomson.
• House Competition.      Junior Trophy; Balmalloch – 122 points                                                     Senior Trophy; Antonine – 88 points.

All athletes who finished in the top ten in the individual competition, will now represent the school at the North Lanarkshire Championships in March.

 

Senior Tracking Reports  

Senior tracking reports will be issued to pupils and parents this week. Reports for pupils in S5/6 will be issued on Tuesday 21/2/17 with S4 reports being issued on Wednesday 22/2/17.

Easter School

Planning is currently underway for our annual Easter School to support senior pupils preparing to sit SQA exams in the up-coming diet. This will take place from Monday 3 April until Thursday 6 April with pupils currently being consulted on likely participation to allow us to finalise our programme. This is a further excellent opportunity for pupils to receive specific support or indeed, an opportunity for private study knowing that support is available if required and, as such we would strongly recommend pupils in S4,5 & 6 consider taking part if available.

Date for your diary 

There will be an information evening on Monday 6 March for parents of pupils currently in S2 to provide information about the upcoming curriculum personalisation process. Further information will follow in due course.