International Women’s Day 2019 is on 8th March. This is a day to highlight issues linked to gender inequality and the theme this year is #BalanceforBetter. The Humanities department will be highlighting the day in the school with a selfie wall. All pupils and staff are being invited along to take their selfie and make their IWD2019 statement. Departments across the school have been printing off statements and quotes from their most admired females. These have been put up across the school. Humanities have been tweeting empowering female quotes in the lead up to the day on Friday. All classes have been learning about gender related issues all this week in RMPS with Mrs Gordon. Kilsyth Academy is striving towards Silver Award for RRSA and IWD2019 is a key event in ensuring pupils are made aware of their rights and others around the world. More information and the aims of the day can be found at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/IWD2019
Inter House Reading Challenge
Some recommendations to get you started…
The first ever Inter House Reading Challenge has launched – the house that reads the most books wins! When you have finished reading a book, come and tell Mrs Smith in the library and she will add it to your house total.
The challenge will run until the 31st May so you have plenty time to read lots and lots of books. Get your teachers involved as everything they read counts towards final totals as well. Progress in the challenge will be on display outside the library so everyone can keep up to date with how their house is doing.
If you need inspiration on what to read over the half term, have a look at Book Trust’s 100 Best books for children over the last 100 years or check out Scottish Book Trust’s huge range of themed book lists. You can also get in touch with Mrs Smith on the library Twitter account @KA_library and she will point you in the direction of something good!
Kilsyth Academy News – 25/1/19
Burns Supper
Our annual Burns Supper will take place on Tuesday 5th February. This event is entirely organised by senior pupils as part of their Leadership award. This year both Findlay Sword and Ewan Chalmers are leading what will be a very enjoyable event. Tickets are now on sale priced at £12 and can be purchased from Findlay Sword.
Dance
Three junior school pupils recently attended a Dance workshop run by the world famous Pineapple Dance Studios at Greenfaulds High School. Samantha Graham, Gracie Currie and Aimee MacDonald experienced some creative choreography and a fantastic opportunity to improve their technique. In addition to this, four of our junior Dance Leaders in the school are linking with Balmalloch Primary school to take their Primary 2 and 3 pupils for dance sessions.
Inter-house competition
House Captains will be visiting classes across this week to encourage pupils to sign up to compete in the next Inter-house event, our annual Cross Country Championships. We ask for your support as parents to encourage as many pupils to sign up as possible remembering pupils that points will also be awarded to houses for the highest level of participation as well as for race places. You don’t have to be the best runner, participation counts and this is a great opportunity for all of our pupils to be involved in a healthy pursuit and the wider life of the school.
Sports clubs
This term a number of new clubs will start up the week beginning the 4th February. Activities on offer include Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball, Junior Netball, Handball and Indoor Football. There are posters promoting these around the school and further information is available by looking on the Active Schools Noticeboard outside the back gym.
Girls football
Girls are invited to come and join our girls’ football club which takes place in the back gym every Thursday from 4.00 to 5.00pm. This is a great opportunity for our girls to become involved in the national sport, learn new skills and make new friends, all under the guidance of SFA coach and former professional Robert McGraw.
Library news
The library is open at lunch time Mon-Thurs for personal reading, writing, drawing, board games, homework, study, research and more. As of Monday 21st January, entry to the library at lunch time for S1-S4 is by pass only. You can pick up a pass in the morning before school and at break time. Seniors do not need to collect a pass.
Our first ever Inter-house Reading Challenge starts Monday 4th Feb 2019. Everyone can get involved and participate in winning points for your house and the house that reads the most books wins. Teachers can also get involved as everything they read can count towards final totals as well. This is an event that everyone, pupils and staff can take part in with the challenge running until the 31st May, so you have plenty time to read lots and lots of books. Progress in the challenge will be on display outside the library so everyone can keep up to date. See Mrs Smith in the Library for challenge rules and information on how to participate.
Paris Trip
The next instalment of £75 for the Paris Trip is due by the end of January. If you are unsure of what you have left to pay, please come and see Miss McFarlane.
Dates for your diary
S2 Parent evening – Thursday 7th February 2019 – 4.15 – 6.45pm
S3/4 tracking reports issued – Friday 9th February 2019
February mid-term break – Please note that the school will close for the mid-term break from Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th February. Pupils return to school on Thursday 14th February.
Kilsyth Academy Careers Fair 2019
Our annual Careers Fair will be taking place in the school cafeteria on Tuesday 29th January from 5.30 – 7pm.
This is your chance to meet with employers face to face including BAM Group, Coca- Cola, Police Scotland, the Armed Forces and many more. Major Universities and Colleges will also be represented including St. Andrew’s University, University of Glasgow, City of Glasgow College and more. You can speak to our Careers Adviser from Skills Development Scotland to find out how you go about finding careers information. You will have the opportunity to learn first hand from the many representatives there exactly what skills and qualifications you need to pursue your chosen career. If you have no idea what you want to do then come along and broaden your horizons!
Pupils and parents from all year groups are welcome.
Please contact the school for further information.
Kilsyth Academy News – 28/09/18
House Captains
Following on from the recent appointment of our school captaincy team we are delighted to announce our house captaincy teams for the coming session. Thanks to all pupils who put themselves forward for the role of house captain and congratulations to our successful pupils who are:
Antonine House:
Fiona Armstrong, Rebecca Love, Rory McKenzie
Balmalloch House:
Jennifer McDonald, Heather McClurg, Olivia Elliot
Colzium House:
Laura McCartney, Jack Boyd, Orla Duncan
Dumbreck House:
Erin Oliver, Eleanor Walker, Robert Beveridge
Club Open Day
On Wednesday 3 October, pupils from across the school will have the opportunity to take part in our club open day event. At this event, there will be a range of sporting and non-sporting clubs from both within the school and the wider local community. Pupils will have the opportunity to learn about and sign-up to participate in these clubs.
S1-3 Homework Club
Struggling to get yourself organised and complete homework on time? Our new Homework Club started on Wednesday 19th September at 3pm in the Library. All pupils from S1-S3 are invited to bring along homework from any of your subjects, which you can complete with the help and support of a teacher and your peers. You can also use the library computers if needed. This Homework Club runs every Wednesday, 3pm-4pm in the Library.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please see Miss Davies in Room 231 (French). Hope to see lots of you there!
The Scottish Apprenticeship Show
The Scottish Apprenticeship show will be held on Sunday 7th October from 10.30 to 4pm in the Glasgow Science Centre. This is a free but ticketed event where you and your family can find out about apprenticeships in a variety of sectors. North Lanarkshire Council will have a stand there to present information about their Foundation and Modern Apprenticeship opportunities.
Christmas Panto
A panto is being planned as part of this year’s Christmas Concert. We are looking for actors for speaking and non-speaking parts, a stage crew, technical crew, wardrobe and make -up team and general helpers. Previous experience is not necessary, however, genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard and attend rehearsals is. Any pupils who are interested in being involved in any way must attend a very important meeting in the Drama Studio on Thursday 4th October at 12.45 prompt.
MacMillan Coffee Morning
Last week our S3 Hospitality pupils hosted a MacMillan coffee morning for staff to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support whilst testing and showcasing the skills they have learned in Hospitality including their bakery skills. The very successful and well attended event raised a total of £147.39.
Numeracy Leaders
This week a number of pupils from S4 were underwent training as Numeracy Leaders. These committed and talented young mathematicians will use their newly developed leadership skills to support pupils in S1 to better develop their numeracy skills. Acting as positive role models they will support others helping to improve attainment and achievement for junior pupils who find numeracy challenging whilst promoting our values of fairness, ambition and respect.
Dates for your diary
Tracking reports – Our first tracking reports for pupils in S5 & S6 are due to be issued on Friday 5/10/18. Tracking reports for pupils in S1 7 S2 are due to be issued on Friday 12/10/18.
October holiday – The school closed at 2.55pm on Friday 12/10/18 for the October holiday and re-opens on Monday 22nd October.
Kilsyth Academy News – 14/09/18
Teachers Go Bald for Cancer
Last Friday, Teachers and Pupils braved the cut of the scissors and the buzz of the trimmer to either go bald, or donate pony tails as part of or charity drive to support the Teenage Cancer Trust. TCT are currently looking after our very own Nicole Lowther who was regretfully diagnosed with Hogkins Lymphoma before the summer. As a show of support for Nicole the entire school came together for this event in what has been an incredible display of school and community spirit. Special thanks go to Mrs Jayne Gordon (RMPS teacher) and Ms Lynne Forster (AFA) for coming up with the idea and organizing the event. Both Mrs Gordon and Ms Forster together with Mr Rennie (Maths) and Mr Orrock (Head Teacher) were fully shaved whilst Mrs Kay (Depute Head Teacher) and two pupils, Rachel Egan and Emma Carrigan donated ponytails. Fundraising has now reached over £12000 and is that total is still rising. You can read more about this on our School web-site.
STEM Club
A Science, Technologies, Engineering and Maths club will be up and running Wednesday lunch times as of 19th September! Pupils from all year groups are welcome. Our first challenge will be to construct a Rube Goldberg Instrument! The club is a good opportunity to have some fun as well as earn yourself recognition for achievement through the CREST awards scheme! Please come along Room 225 and bring your lunch if possible.
Dates for your diary
21st and 24th September – the school is closed for the September Weekend holiday.
25th September – UCAS information evening – 6.30pm
Kilsyth Academy News – 31/08/18
Mental Health First Aid Ambassadors
Last week, a number of pupil volunteers in S4 and S5 received training as Mental Health First Aid Ambassadors. This formal training will serve to better raise awareness throughout the school about issues affecting mental health and will also provide additional support to young people by better recognizing the signs of mental health issues and providing mentoring and support to pupils.
Arnold Clark visit
Earlier this week, Arnold Clark brought their Apprenticeship Vehicle to school. This custom built lorry allowed pupils to take part in interactive activities and gave insight into the opportunities that are available as an apprentice with Arnold Clark and careers in Automotive or STEM. This was very popular amongst pupils supporting their understanding of the world of work.
S4/5/6 pupils, St Andrews Hospice 6k
The St Andrews Hospice 6k will be held at Stratchclyde Park on Sunday the 16th of September at 10:30am with schools from across North Lanarkshire taking part. This is a charity fun run/ walk which helps raise money for a very worthwhile cause. Any S4-6 pupils (or staff) who are interested in taking part in the event should see Mr Pryde in PE for more details.
S1 – S3 Junior Science Club
A Junior Science Club for pupils in S1-S3 will start on Monday 3rd September at Lunchtime in Room 226. Pupils interested in taking part should either see Mrs Findlay or turn up on the day.
Senior STEM Club (S4-S6)
There will be a STEM club starting September 12th, the club will run every Wednesday afternoon. Interested pupils should please give their name to Mrs Stirling-Young by the 12th of September if you are interested. Any other questions regarding the club pop in to see me in Room 225.
Fire Up Scotland
Next week most of our S4 pupils will attend the Fire Up Scotland event at the SECC Hydro in Glasgow with 12000 pupils from around Scotland. This event, organised in partnership with North Lanarkshire council and Tree of Knowledge is the first of it’s kind and promises to be a truly unique learning experience for Scotland’s young people. Think ‘TEDx meets the Fringe’ and you’re half way there. Now add in a healthy dose of inspirational role models challenging our young people to be the best they can be while proving there is truly no wrong path to a positive destination. Presenters, speakers and performers from across the world of education, business, entertainment, art, sport and culture will gather, all rolled up into a giant fireball of energy creating one enormous, interactive, fully immersive learning experience never to be forgotten…we dare our young people to not be inspired!
Dates for your Diary
The first meeting of our Parent Council, our annual AGM, will take place on Wednesday 12th September, at 7.00 p.m, in the school.
Nicole’s Journey
KA Connections
Kilsyth Academy News – 22/06/18
Kilsyth Civic Week – Art/Poetry winners
Our congratulations go to Zoe Walker, Kirsty McDowell and Alana Thomson (all S3) who are all winners in this year’s civic week art competition and also to Fergie Henderson (S1) who won the poetry competition. Well done to you all your Art and English teachers are very proud of you.
YPI National event
Following their successful interview on STV2’s Live@five show, last week our winning YPI team presented at the National Celebration event celebrating 10 years of the Wood foundations YPI Scotland scheme. Hannah McFarlane, supported by a video message from her team mates Carly McLaughlin and Zoe Rutherford who were in London, took to the stage alone to deliver a challenging and powerful message to an audience of 1200 young people about the power of youth action. Sharing the stage alongside comedian Anna Devitt and singing superstar Emile Sande. Hannah more than held her own and we are very proud of all three girls achievements this year.
Junior and Senior Awards Ceremonies
Last week we held both our junior and senior awards ceremonies. Our seniors were addressed by guest chairman Professor Frank Clarke C.B.E. and our guest speaker Mr Ken Lewandoski who delivered a thoughtful, direct and inspirational message to our pupils. Our congratulations go to all pupils who received either a prize or award recognising their efforts and achievements over the course of next session.
S1 Residential trip
A number of our S1 pupils recently returned for a three day residential experience at Auchengillan Outdoor Centre where they took part in a wide range of outdoor activities and challenges. The pupils were more than up for the challenge and were a credit to the school.
London Trip
A number of pupils returned for our London trip last week after a very full few days that involved a West End show, a visit to Harry Potter studios, the Natural History Museum and a tour of the Houses of Parliament where they met local MP Stuart MacDonald. This was a busy and exciting experience for all the pupils involved.
Activities days
This week pupils participated in activities trips to M&Ds and Blackpool Pleasure beach in a final reward before the summer holidays.
Twitter
Thanks to everyone who has helped us break the 1000 followers mark. If you haven’t yet, please follow @KilsythAcademy for up-to-date news and events from the school.
Last Day – Thursday 28 June
The school will close for the summer, on Thursday 28th June, at 1.00 p.m. SQA results will be published on Tuesday 7th August.
The school will re-open for pupils on Thursday 16th August, at 8.55 a.m. Pupils travelling by school bus can go on any Kilsyth Academy bus that day, pending the issue of bus passes.
We are delighted that two of our pupils have won places on the prestigious Creative Residency. The Residency, held annually at the Kilbowie Outdoor Centre, offers an inspirational opportunity to pupils studying in schools across North Lanarkshire. Pupils who have demonstrated excellence in a specific field are nominated by teachers to enter a competitive authority-wide application process.
The course is delivered by industry professionals and takes place at a crucial time in their creative life and artistic development. The Residency not only provides pupils with the opportunity to explore, investigate, interact and communicate with like-minded individuals, but also challenges and stretches the creative thinking and practical skills of participants.
This year, Kilsyth Academy will see two pupils attend this excellent programme from 24th-28th June. Eilidh McDowall will study Creative Writing and Dylan McLay, Drama. Both students have produced outstanding work at National 5 this year.
