Tree of Knowledge
A number of our S3 pupils will embark upon a three week course delivered by Tree of Knowledge starting this week designed to support, motivate and inspire them to get the most out of school. Parents are also invited to join their child for the final session and pupils are reminded that reply slips must be returned as soon as possible as we need to know if parents are attending the session on the 27th March. If you have lost your letter a note will be fine. Any queries see Ms McKillop.
5/6 Social
A reminder to senior pupils/parents that the final balance of this year’s Senior Social is to be paid by March 18th. The final total for the social is £40 per person. This means that anyone who has paid a deposit has an outstanding balance of £25 to pay. Pupils in S5 should give outstanding payments to Luke Shearer and S6 to Jodie Owens.
Paris Trip
A reminder to parents of pupils going on the trip to Paris in June that the final balance is now due for the Paris Trip. Pupils should see Miss McFarlane if they have any questions or concerns.
Kilbowie Leadership Academy
A reminder that the final balance is due for pupils attending this year’s Kilbowie Leadership Academy is due by the 29th March. Please give payments to Miss McFarlane.
Tinto Hill Challenge
A number of our S1 pupils will be participating in this year’s Tinto hill Challenge to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice. Kilsyth Academy participates in this event every year together with schools from across Lanarkshire. Pupils have been challenged to reach a fundraising target of £20 each so please keep looking for sponsors.
S1 and S2 Science Masterclass – University of Glasgow
Pupils in S1 and S2 have an exciting opportunity to attend free Science Masterclass workshops at the University of Glasgow. Workshops run from 10am-12.30pm for 4 Saturdays in a row, starting from 4th May 2019 with masterclasses include – ‘How to be an Aeroplane Designer’; How to be a Bridge Builder’; How to be a Rocket Scientist’ and ‘How to be an Astrophysicist’. Interested pupils should please see Mrs Findlay in Room 226 to collect an application and consent form.
UWS Summer STEM Academy – S4/5 Pupils
The University of the West of Scotland Summer STEM Academy will be held on the 18th and 19th June at their Paisley Campus or the 2nd and 3rd July at their Lanarkshire Campus. The website for booking is now live and can be found at:
https://shop.uws.ac.uk/product-catalogue/schools/school-of-education/uws-summer-stem-academies-2019
Pupils have the opportunity to take part in excellent workshops including Astrobiology, Solar Spark, Molecule Hunts, DNA Introduction from the University of Hawaii, Flying Machines and Robotics. There will be an industrial workplace visit to Biocity Scotland too. You will get lunch, visit labs and workshops and learn about innovations in energy, engineering and life sciences.
There is a cost involved of £25 per person/family which covers meals and accommodation. There is help available to pay for this from the Pupil Equity Fund on a case by case basis. If you are interested in going please see Miss Dallas. If you are interested and would like help with the cost see Miss McKillop.
Library news
Our first ever Inter-house Reading Challenge started earlier this week with the house that reads the most books winning. Participating pupils are reminded that they should inform Mrs. Smith in the library when they have completed a book to allow this to be added to the total. This challenge will run until 31st May so pupils have plenty of time to read as many books as possible.
Chill Out Zone
Our new ‘Chill out zone’ lunchtime club is now open for pupils every Wednesday in room 226 at 12.30pm. This club is designed to support and encourage pupils worried about exams, friendships, anxiety or low self-confidence providing a space to de-stress whilst learning mindfulness, relaxation, self-confidence and positive thinking skills.
International Women’s Day
Kilsyth Academy marked International Women’s Day last week lead by our Humanities faculty. This day highlights issues linked to gender inequality and the theme this year is #BalanceforBetter. Pupils were invited to the Humanities department to have their picture taken at our IWD selfie wall and make their IWD2019 statement and you can see our ‘selfies’ on Twitter.
Library news –World Book Day
Last week we marked World Book Day with pupils invited to go on a book title quest. 20 book titles were hidden around the school, guarded by 20 different teachers with pupils challenged to find all 20 teachers and books to win a prize. S1 pupils also took part in a World Book Day quiz and pupils were also encouraged to vote in our World Cup of Books to see what Kilsyth Academy’s favourite book is. We’ll let you know once the votes are counted!
Library news – Inter house Reading Challenge.
Pupils are reminded that there is still plenty time to read for your house. Dumbreck are still in front but Colzium are hot on their tails. Balmalloch and Antonine are fighting it out for 3rd but if you want that to change then it’s up to all of you (and your teachers!) to pick up a book and get reading.
Rotary Club – Technology Challenge
Kilsyth Academy hosted the annual Lanarkshire area rotary Club Technology Challenge last week. This event is organised and run by the Rotary Club of Kilsyth and saw team from schools across North Lanarkshire compete in Basic, Intermediate and Advanced categories to solve an engineering challenge. The brief was very challenging with all participants doing really well but as with all competitions there are winners and this year Kilsyth Academy retained the crown of champions in the advanced category.
