5th March 2010

Nairn Academy School Notes, Friday 5^th March 2010

School Newsletter

The March issue of the School Newsletter has been given to all pupils; all information and news will be available on the school website, and additional copies of the Newsletter can be collected at Reception.

Assemblies

Pupils have enjoyed a varied programme of assemblies, involving a range of presenters – staff, pupils and visiting speakers. Topics covered in the current programme include: Internet safety. World Maths Day, No Smoking Day and Road Safety. Fair Trade and a Pupil Council-led Assembly are next up.

Diary Dates:

Drop in surgery Thursday 11 March 4.30 – 6.00pm

Dress down day Friday 19 March – further details to follow

End of term Fri 26 March 3.40pm

School re-opens Monday 12 April

Parents should also note that the additional in-service allocated to Curriculum for Excellence development is scheduled for Monday 14 June 2010. Pupils will not attend school on this day. This date has been agreed with our Primary Head Teacher colleagues.

Pupil Council

Representatives joined the Senior Management Team meeting last week. This new initiative helps maintain effective links between pupils and staff, and the Senior management team seek to address issues of concern to pupils. This last meeting involved 3 S1 pupils who conducted themselves in a very professional and organised manner. A variety of topics was raised, ranging from canteen facilities, fundraising, maintenance issues, library access and concourses/ social areas. Many thanks to the S1 pupils who took time to attend the meeting – Peter Brown, Cameron Fraser and Faye McInnes.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Congratulations to Lauren Urquhart, S4, who has been achieved the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's award. To complete the award, Lauren assisted at an animal centre for the Volunteering section, looked after and rode horses for the Skills and Physical sections, and undertook two expeditions in the Highlands in June and September last year. The grueling challenges of the expedition are the current focus in pupils’ preparatory sessions, including map-reading and orientation.

Mountain Biking

The Highland Schools’ races are coming up. Anyone interested in taking part - please contact Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald (Active Schools) for more information.

Stovies

Mark Bain, S6 has organised a Stovies/Ceilidh night scheduled for Saturday 20 March at 7.30pm in the Victoria Hotel, Forres. The Morven Ceilidh band will provide the entertainment. Tickets are available from Mark at the school. Mark has organised the event to raise funds for a trip to the Amazon this summer as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. We wish Mark well with this venture.

Pupil Achievements

Congratulations from Mr Sanderson (Support for Learning Teacher) to S2 pupils Jordan Snitch and Kalum Turnbul for their excellent Geography work. The boys won prizes from South Africa, a mask and necklace, for the poster they designed on settlement sites. The project was helping to maintain the school’s link with Mount Fletcher Village Junior Secondary School, one of the two African schools linked with Nairn Academy. Mr West’s S2 class and Ms Diko’s Grade 8 class learnt about settlements using co-operative learning techniques. Ms Diko’s class thought that Jordan and Kalum produced the best poster.

British Ice Figure and Synchronised Skating Championships

Congratulations to Lesley Forbes in S4 for her success in the National Championships in Sheffield recently. Lesley won a gold medal and was also part of the best team and most enjoyable performance awards. Well done.

Summer Playscheme

Volunteers are required to help with the Summer Playscheme which runs from 5^th July to 13^th August 2010. The playscheme is for children with learning and physical disabilities and operates on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm during the summer holidays. If you are 16 years of age or over and are interested in working with children please contact Isobel Tolmie – 01667 452269 or Mabel Cameron – 01667 452303.

Tesco Vouchers

The Tesco for Schools and Clubs voucher scheme is starting up again. Please hand in your vouchers to the library: the school could benefit greatly through this scheme.

Athletics and Cross-Country

Cross Country training continues on Tuesday & Thursday lunchtimes, where a motivational PE department will guide and support your strenuous efforst towards speed and fitness through the beautiful Nairnshire country. The North of Scotland Schools’ Cross-Country Championships is scheduled for 23^rd March.

Congratulations are due to Graham Nicoll (Discus), Heather Winfield (Triple Jump)and Innes Sutherland (High Hurdles) on their selection for the Scottish Schools Athletics training day at Pitreavie, Fife on Sunday 14 March. Well done to all 3 athletes.

Fusion Remix Youth Festival

Various activities are taking place at Nairn Swimming Pool, Community Centre and Youth Café on Saturday 13^th March 2010. Doors will open at 5.00. This Youth Festival is pen to all S1 to S6 pupils. Don’t miss the NEW FUN night out for young people!