Celebrating 50 Years

On August 22nd 1968, Mr Peter Craigen, the school’s first Rector, recorded the following in the Head Teacher’s Log :

“The school opened today for the first time under exceptionally difficult circumstances with lack of available accommodation, lack of furniture and indeed we shall be fortunate if the complete accomodation is in use by December. Despite the difficulties pupils and staff were in good heart and prepared to make light of the difficulties”. Clearly it was not plain sailing back in 1968 !

In January 1969 the school reopened after the Christmas holidays “despite inclement weather – snow and frost” …. some things never change !

Our school was formally opened on Thursday 22nd May 1969 by the Archbishop of Glasgow, with Mr Robert Kennedy, Convenor of Education, presiding. Others on the presentation platform were the County Convenor, Mr Scott, Dame Jean Roberts, Provost Murray, Director of Education Mr Cameron, Chief District Inspector Mr Morrison and the architect, Mr J Coia.

Since our opening in 1968, Our Lady’s High School has served the children and families of Cumbernauld, growing as the town has grown itself. We look forward to the next 50 years being as enjoyable and successful as the first 50.

Parent Council AGM

Our Lady’s High School Parent Council will hold their AGM on Monday 17th September at 7pm in the school library. Each school has a Parent Council in accordance with the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006. Its objectives are to:

• Promote partnership between the school, its pupils, all parents and the Catholic Church, to ensure all pupils develop their full potential in the service of God and others
• To work in partnership with the school to create a welcoming school, which is inclusive for all parents/carers
• To promote partnership between the school, its pupils and all parents/carers
• To develop and engage in activities which support the education and welfare of the pupils
• To identify and represent the views of parents/carers on the education provided by the school and other matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils

In practice, the Parent Council organise various fundraising events, provide parental views on pertinent matters and support the Head Teacher to take the school forward.

There are presently a number of vacancies on our Parent Council. Parents/guardians of pupils at the school are automatically members of the Parent Forum, and therefoe entitled to put themselves forward for membership of the Parent Council.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Parent Council, please notify the school on:

enquiries@ourladys.n-lanark.sch.uk

Please note that if the number of interested parents exceeds the number of places available then members will be decided by the drawing of lots.

ROAD SAFETY – S M A R T PARKER

Chilly weather on the way? Darker mornings and afternoons? Thinking of taking the car to or from school? Safety Means Always Recognising The dangers!

If you are taking the car to school, please be a S M A R T PARKER!

If you have to drive your child to and/or from school, make sure that you park legally, safely and responsibly and well away from the main entrance. Please always consider all other road users, especially children who are walking or cycling to and from school.  Always look out for them.

Road To Succeed Survey

During the month of September, North Lanarkshire’s ‘Read to Succeed’ programme will be taking place throughout schools within the local authority. North Lanarkshire Secondary School librarians, have planned a series of author events for S1 pupils as part of their transition to high school.
We are seeking the views of parents and carers and it would be greatly appreciated if you could take a moment of your time to complete our survey.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ReadToSucceed/

Maths Week

OLHS will be celebrating Maths Week Scotland 2018 from 10 -16 September with various activities throughout the week. We are inviting local businesses to participate by displaying a poster containing a maths problem and then tweeting or emailing a photograph to us.

Pupils will be looking out for as many posters as possible around our local community. To obtain a poster or for further information please contact the school or email enquiries@ourladys.n-lanark.sch.uk

Creative Residency Art & Design

Congratulations to Chloe Graham (S5) and Aimee Lowe (S5) who were selected to participate in a week-long residency at Kilbowie Outdoor centre near Oban from 24 to 28 June.

Chloe studied textile and 3D Design and Aimee studied visual arts and painted a range of scenes outdoors.

The girls will then take part in a Masterclass in September with their work then showcased in an exhibition event in Summerlee Museum, Coatbridge. We wish our young people well as they embark on this Creative journey.

Musical Theatre Student of the Year

Budding actress Emma Atkin (S2) has won a top award at the performing arts academy she attends in her spare time. Tutors at the Glasgow-based UK Theatre School named the 12-year-old as the recipient of the school’s annual Junior Musical Theatre Student of the Year for her “exceptional” effort and focus over the past 12 months.

Emma received her plaque and certificate at the UKTS’s annual prize-giving ceremony which recognised their Students of the Year in various age groups and categories. Congratulations Emma!

Success in Music

A number of pupils have recently gained success in music. Finn McKellar from S3 (Trombone), Harris Carberry from S2 (Trumpet) and Mark McKay from S3 (Trumpet) were all successful in passing their Grade 1 ABRSM exams with merit. Melissa McQuillanfrom S3 passed her Grade 3 ABRSM exam for Piano. Laura Hubbard-Pérez (Bassoon) from S2 auditioned and gained a place in the Junior National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Senior pupils, Magdalena Hubbard-Pérez (Oboe) and Jack Mellon (Clarinet) both auditioned and were successful in gaining places into The WSSO (West of Scotland Schools Concert Band and Orchestra). Laura, Magdalena and Jack took part in a number of concerts with their band/orchestra and played amazingly well.

All of these achievements could not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication from all of these pupils. Well done to you all and congratulations on your successes.

Cycling Success

Congratulations to Michael Goodfellow (S3) who became the Under 14 Scottish National Track Champion for 2018 at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on the 30 June.

He also held the yellow jersey for the Scottish Cycling West Series for a time but has the opportunity to win it back by the end of the season.

Michael has just returned from Lancaster having taken part in the North West Youth Tour, a three day stage race. A gruelling experience racing against the best under 14s in the U.K. which was a real learning curve.

Higher Biology STEM event

Higher Biology pupils took part in a DNA fingerprinting workshop this week led by Lucienne McCallum from Timstar.

Pupils caried out PCR and Gel Electrophoresis experiments to produce the DNA fingerprint. Pupils enjoyed the workshop and gained valuable insight into the applications of this procedure in the field of forensic analysis.