newsletter december 2014 - gracemount high school...gracemount high school newsletternewsletter...
TRANSCRIPT
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Welcome!
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the Christmas Edition of our Newsletter
As I write this many of our pupils are currently rehearsing for the Christmas Show which I am sure will be a great evening of entertainment. It is an ideal opportunity for our young people to showcase their skills and talents and I very much look forward to meeting you if you are able to attend.
Since I took up post on Monday 3 November I have spent a significant amount of my time out and about around the school engaging with staff and pupils and I have been very impressed with the majority of our learners who are working hard, dressing appropriately and behaving well. This enables teachers to really focus on the learning and teaching process and benefits all members of the school community. As we progress into a new year there will be an increased focus on respect across the school and this will link closely to a review of the current positive behaviour policy. I will update the Parent Council during our January meeting on our progress and I would welcome any input from members of our community. Please continue to read the Head Teacher blog which will keep you updated. It can be accessed here.
To date the winter weather has been very kind to us, however, we are well aware that Scotland can experience all seasons in one day and we do have procedures in place if the weather takes a turn for the worst. As always the safety of our staff and students is at the heart of all our decisions and we will keep parents and students fully informed about our ability to open during poor weather via Radio Forth, our website and text alerts.
Please help us to keep in touch by ensuring we have up to date contact details, particularly mobile numbers and email addresses, so that we can contact you at all times.
The article continues…
PAGES 1 & 2• Welcome
PAGE 3• S4-S6 Prelims (Jan 2015)
PAGE 4• Senior Cake Decoration
Show Their Colours
• Congratulations to Science Student Ryan Ferguson
PAGE 5• Christmas Cakes
• Question Time Debate
PAGE 6• Gracie’s Got Talent 2014
• Happy Hens Volunteering
PAGE 7• Business Eduction Coca-
Cola Trip
• John Muir Discovery Award
PAGE 8• Careers Academy Course
PAGE 9• Photography Trip
• Cute Pets Competition
PAGES 10 - 12• News from Drama
• Theatre Trip to Wicked
PAGE 13• Numbers Day
• Subscribe to our Calendars
PAGES 14 &15• Parental Support for
School Uniform
PAGE 16• Parental E-Mail Contact
PAGE 17• Sixty-Second Interview
PAGE 18• News from Modern
Languages
PAGE 19• News from Music
PAGES 20-22• News from P.E.
PAGE 23• Holyrood Apple Day
PAGE 24• Hour of Code
• Charity Committee Update
PAGES 25 & 26• School Term Dates
PAGE 27• Contact Details
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Get all our latest updates here.
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It has been an exciting few weeks in the school. First, a film maker from London has been working with the school shooting a video highlighting the sector leading practice of our 1:1 policy (iPads). We hope that this video will be available for viewing early in 2015 and I will keep you posted. We are committed to continuing with this 1:1 policy and planning ahead to ensure our new S3 cohort are provided with iPads for the start of the new session. Secondly, Mrs Semple has secured £5,000 for an Access to Education fund from Education Scotland which will be used to develop and sustain wider access opportunities in the curriculum for a number of our pupils. This is a fantastic achievement and will go a long way to support the school in continuing to provide an engaging curriculum.
Our Senior Phase students are studying hard for their prelim examinations which start on Monday 12 January. All pupils will be issued with a generic prelim timetable before the end of term and a personalised timetable when they return after the Xmas break. These examinations are very important as an indicator of individual progress. It is vital that work in school is supported by a programme of study out of school. The staff commit considerably to this and our GASS programme of supported study is ongoing. I would very much encourage all our learners to engage with the opportunity that GASS provides so they can maximise their potential and perform to a high standard in their examinations.
On a personal note it has been a delight to have joined the Gracemount High School community and I am thoroughly enjoying my time at the school. As each day and week passes I am feeling more at home and I am continuing to work hard to get to know the staff, young people, parents and partners. As a school we will be revisiting our vision, values and aims and will be engaging our pupils, parents/carers and partners in this process. It is an exciting time for the school as we continue our journey to excellence and I am keen to work with staff and our partner agencies to ensure the best outcomes for every young person that attends this school. It is a privilege to work at Gracemount High School and to serve the community. I very much look forward to building on the success of the school in the years to come.
Finally, I would like to wish you all Seasons Greetings and a Prosperous New Year.
Pupils will be released from school at 12:35pm on Friday 19th December 2014 and they will resume on Tuesday 6 January 2015.
Mr Ross HunterHeadteacher
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Prelims will take place 12th-20th January 2015. The prelim timetable can be downloaded here.
Please find below some guidelines for prelims.
S4-6 pupils should check the prelim timetable to make sure you do not have any examinations that clash with each other. If you have a clash, see Mr Mackenzie (Business Manager) immediately. Pupils will also get a personal prelim timetable after the holidays.
School uniform must be worn as normal.
Please report for each exam 10 minutes before the start time.
You must attend school as normal and you will be released from classes to sit exams. You should return to class after your exam unless it is break, lunch or the end of the school day.
You will be allocated seat numbers for each exam. These will be on the Drama Studio door and your personal prelim timetable. Make sure you know your seat number before entering the exam room. You must sit in this seat – this is so we can check you are present.
Be polite and follow the instructions of the Invigilators. They will tell you when you can leave the exam room.
Bring all the equipment you will need. All exams must be written in black or blue pen unless you are told otherwise.
NO MOBILE PHONES, iPADS OR MP3 PLAYERS SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO THE EXAM ROOM – IF YOU DO THEN THEY MUST BE SWITCHED OFF, IN YOUR BAGS OR
HANDED IN TO THE INVIGILATORS.
BAGS SHOULD BE LEFT AT THE FRONT OF THE EXAM ROOM.
Good luck!
By,
Mr S. MacKenzieBusiness Manager
Important information about…
Prelims in 2015 for S4-S6 Students
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The senior Cake Production class were asked to design and make a cake to show their house colour.
House points were awarded so the competition was fierce. The winner this year was Tiree with the Beehive cake. Well done Tiree!
Thanks to Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Brown and Mr McKenzie for their unbiased judging. Unlike The Great British Bake Off there was no tasting.
Article by,
Ms GillanTeacher of Home Economics
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Senior Cake Decoration class…
Show Their House Colours
We are absolutely delighted to report that Ryan Ferguson, our Head Boy has got through to the finals
in the National Science and Engineering Competition. Ryan has been invited down to Birmingham in
March to present the findings from the project he carried out in the summer at The Roslin Institute.
Ryan worked very hard in the laboratory doing research work on bone development in mice and
writing up his findings. He produced a poster which is currently on display in the Science corridor.
We would like to congratulate him on reaching this far in this very demanding national competition
and wish him luck in the finals.
Article By,
Dr. Burt
Curricular Leader of Science
Congratulations to Senior Student…
Ryan Ferguson
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This has been one of my favourite classes this year, I have enjoyed making all the cakes and coming up with different ideas with the fondant icing and type of cake I want to make.
The latest thing we had been making has been a Christmas Gingerbread house, this was one of my favourite bakes as this had been quite challenging as all the shaped of each wall and roof had to be exact, and I enjoyed working on my house with royal icing and making small snowmen and Santa's feet from the chimney made out of fondant icing.
Article by,Jack LaneCake Decoration Student
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Senior Cake Decoration class…
Create Christmas Cakes
The seniors attended a Question Time debate featuring our elected MSPs
and MP who discussed the Independence Referendum. Our Business
Manager Mr Mackenzie chaired the event. Many thanks to Ian Murray (MP),
Alison Johnstone (MSP), Kenny MacAskill (MSP) and Gavin Brown (MSP) for
participating.
Article by,
Ms Livingston
Teacher of Modern Studies
Students attend an organised…
Question Time Debate
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Pupils across the school were asked to demonstrate their talents by entering Gracies’s Got Talent 2014. There were lots of acts who were brave enough to put themselves forward and the quality of talent on show was of a very high level. There were many dancers, singers and musicians but surprisingly no comedians!
Each house’s acts went up in front of our panel of staff judges and two were picked to go forward to the semi final. The semi finals took place in the dining hall at lunch time and each house was the able to vote for the act they wanted to represent them in the final. We wait in great anticipation for the Final which will take place during the assembly on the last day of term.
Article by,
Mr GregorTeacher of Physical Education
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Pupils gear up for…
Gracie’s Got Talent 2014
Jay Watson and Destiny Duncan have been volunteering at Happy Hens in the Scottish
Borders. This is a working farm with many animals – not just hens! When at Happy Hens, Jay
and Destiny help out in all areas of farming. They have proven themselves to be hard working,
responsible and confident. Well done to both
Jay and Destiny!
Article by,
Ms Semple
Teacher of Behaviour Support
Students do a terrific job by volunteering at…
Happy Hens
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In October, 25 S3 pupils went on a Business trip to Coca Cola Enterprise in East Kilbride. This is the only plant in Scotland that makes and bottles many of Coca Cola’s products.
On arrival we had to put on high-visibility vests, then informed of the rules for being in this working plant. We were introduced to the history of Coca Cola through a brief video then we were shown (via raised, and covered walkways) the production process.
We saw the process starting up for Coca Cola 500ml plastic bottles, from the bottle being blown to the end process of them being packaged up in lots of 24. Approximately 700 bottles are produced every minute, one for every pupil in school with a few spare – if we weren’t a healthy school. Bottles flew round the production room, being filled, labelled, sealed and packaged up.
We all received a refreshing drink of either water or Capri-Sun while taking part in a brief discussion around brand labelling and product containers. On our departure all pupils received a pen. The bus journey home was a quiet one as many pupils fell asleep – recovering from a very productive morning.
Article by,
Mrs S. ValentineTeacher of Business Education
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
S3 Business pupils take part in a…
Coca-Cola Trip
Congratulations go to 7 of our S1 boys who successfully
achieved their John Muir Discovery Award.
The boys have been working hard over the past 6 weeks
discovering wild places, exploring their natural
surroundings and conserving the environment. The boys
visited Dunbar to research John Muir whom the award is
named after and volunteered at the Mansion Garden
Project, Gracemount. To recognise this marvellous
achievement a ceremony was held in school where family
and friends were invited to share in their success.
Well done Brandon Bova, Dylan Butler, Rourke McCardle, Brendan McKenna, Colin McKinnon, Dylan Redpath
and Mark Wilkinson.
Article by,Ms S. SempleTeacher of Behaviour Support
Congratulations to pupils who achieve their…
John Muir Discovery Award
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11 Gracemount pupils have embarked on a 2 year Career Academies course aimed at developing their career aspirations and employability skills.
“We applied for Career Academy to gain more confidence and experience. Another reason was to get more of an understanding of the working world and completing this course will help us find jobs in the future.”Jack and Craig
“To join Careers Academy we had to fill in an application form. We were then given an interview from Mr Gregor and a lady from the council. This let us know if we got into the Career Academy and also what would be expected of us during the course.” Jordan and Scott
“The launch event was a day to meet our mentors and talk about what the next two years hold. It was a great experience to listen to many speakers and their journey. Craig Mathieson spoke about his incredible journeys to the north and poles, which was really inspiring.”Siobhan and Amy
“We meet up with our mentors to discuss future plans and how to achieve them. My mentor helped me create a CV and educate me on the skills I need for the work environment.”Erin and Caitlyn
“We have attended a PENNA workshop in which we gained a realisation of our own personal skills and how we can promote these when going for a job. We also learned about the benefits of our internship and interview skills. We found this very useful for our entry to the world of work.”Katie and Aimee
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Gracemount High starts a new...
Careers Academy Course
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Senior photography students got the chance to visit Venture Photography Studio.
The trip allowed students to learn about the business/industry and possible careers as well as looking at the professional equipment.
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Senior Students take part in a...
Photography Trip
Thank you to everyone who entered this competition.
We now have a winner and have added up all of the money. The winner is Wallace Davies, well done!
The total we have raised for Macmillan Cancer is £43.72. Here is Wallace sleeping on the trainers.
Thank you for your support. Miss Davies - your Pets at Home voucher is on its way! Tara Scott and Jay WatsonGHS Students
Gracemount students organise a charity...
Cute Pets Competition
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the...
Drama DepartmentS1s have been working hard over the last couple of
months to develop their mime skills, and have just
completed their assessments titled 'The Burglary.'
These have been very entertaining - well done S1!
Physical theatre is the unit that S3s have focussed on
over the last few weeks, and the class have created
some very visually stunning work. See photographs on
Twitter - @DramaGHS
Seniors who have chosen Acting for their performance
examination have been cast. The two N3/4/5 classes are
doing edited versions of Be My Baby by Amanda
Whittington, and Blooded by Isabel Wright. The Highers
are doing a range of extracts from Antigone, The
Importance of Being Earnest, Waiting for Godot, Men Should
Weep, Miss Julie, Hoors and Mogadishu. Holiday
homework is learning lines please! The Performance
Exam will likely take place in late February or March.
Mrs Whyte is very excited to see how our senior
students interpret these roles when we return in
January.
Article by,
Mrs Whyte
Teacher of Drama
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
More news from the...
Drama DepartmentDrama Club is open to all, but comprises mostly of
S1-3 pupils. Pupils are invited to use their
imagination and skills of improvisation, devising, and
performance every week.
The Drama Club Christmas Show on Monday 8th
December was an informal production, sharing our
recent work with friends and teachers.
This included dramas, monologues, comedies and rehearsed readings of new work the pupils had
written themselves. This event followed our hugely successful Summer Show which showed a range
of immensely high quality work, and was well attended by friends and family.
For the next few weeks, we plan to have fun workshops on a weekly basis, but we may do another
Drama Club show for the Summer - watch this space!
"Drama Club is an amazing group of about 20 people. If you like performing, Drama Club is the place - we
perform small plays for our friends and family. It helps a lot if you want to learn at bit more about Drama.
Come along and join in the fun - Mondays 3:30-4:30pm. We have a great laugh.”
Cara Wood-Conway, S3 Pupil
The Drama Committee
The Drama committee is a small group of pupils in S1-S6 who all
love Drama. We meet up once a week on a Monday lunchtime and
we plan and organise what Drama events we'd like to do e.g.
workshops for younger pupils, the Summer and Christmas Show,
and theatre trips like Wicked. If you what to get a say about the
Drama department, talk to someone has a drama badge on their
tie.
I had to do a proper application form to join the committee, and
I'm so happy I got in, because everyone that goes loves Drama. The
reason way I joined drama committee is I feel I can do more for
the drama department.
Stephen Hughes, S3 pupil
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
School trip to see...
WickedThe Drama Department organised a school trip for twenty-five S1-6 to see Wicked - The Musical. This was on Wednesday 26th November at the Playhouse Theatre.
The musical tells the untold story of The Witches of Oz. The costumes and make-up were wonderful, and the singing was simply stunning - especially local lass Ashleigh Gray performing ‘Defying Gravity’ at the end of Act 1. Themes of friendship, identity, individuality, tolerance and bullying are explored, which makes Wicked a perfect choice for a school trip. Pupils and staff loved Wicked! We’d definitely recommend it for anyone who hasn’t seen it!
Thank you to Mrs Fraser, Miss Greig, Mrs Valentine and Miss Taylor who helped supervise.
Article by,
Mrs WhyteTeacher of Drama
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Subscribe to our instantly updating whole school and subject based
calendars by clicking on the links below:
GHS Calendars
Ms Purdie and the rest of the Maths Department organised a Numbers Day in order to raise funds for NSPCC on Friday 5th December 2014.
Activities included lessons across the school were numeracy related and included a Maths Fight on the iPads. Students battled against each other to try to get 10 maths questions correct. Chloe Eaton in S3 remained unbeaten in Computing Science until James Malone finally managed to beat her at the game just before the bell.
Other activities included a student question race which involved students answering maths questions by looking at teacher number badges.
A dress down day which involved students wearing clothes which had numbers on them allowed us to raise £350 for NSPCC Well done to all involved!
The Maths Department organise a...
Numbers Day
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Parental Support for....
School Uniform
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
With the continued support of parents and carers our pupils continue to maintain a high
standard of uniform.
The following points will clarify queries:
A school tie must be worn.A sky blue shirt must be
worn
Legg ings – p la in b lack
leggings can be worn to
school if a skirt / tunic is
worn on top. All skirts
must be to the knee.
Black “cottons” / jogging
bottoms are not school
uniform and should not be
worn.
Tops or jumpers should
be plain black with a
neckline or zip style that
allows the school tie to
be clearly seen.
A pupil who wears a hijab
is asked to wear one in
school uniform colours.
No shorts are allowed to
be worn unless it is for
P.E.
Black trousers or a
skirt can be worn.
No jeans can be worn
although combats are okay
but with no buckles.
Polo-shirts are not school
uniform and should not be
worn.
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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Parental Support for....
School Footwear
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
Put your best foot forward in August! Make sure you buy the right shoes for the
new term. Acceptable footwear is plain black shoes, i.e. plimsolls/rubbers, leather shoes,
trainers, etc. See below for what’s acceptable and not acceptable at Gracemount High School:
NOT ACCEPTABLEMust be plain blackNo white rims
NOT ACCEPTABLEMust be plain blackNo white rims
NOT ACCEPTABLENo logos
NOT ACCEPTABLEMust be plain blackNo white rims
NOT ACCEPTABLENo StripesACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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Keeping in touch through...
Parental Email ContactGracemount High School is committed to ensuring that you are kept informed about school developments and
initiatives which affect your child. Through effective communication we aim to further develop the partnership
approach between parents and the school.
We would like to develop the use of email communication as an alternative to providing paper copies of the
type of information currently sent home by pupil post. The type of information would include the parent
newsletter, target setting records and routine information letters. Formal information about progress, such as
year reports, would continue to be sent home by conventional means. Email could also be used to update
parents in the event of an emergency school closure or if a school trip was delayed.
In order to receive email communication with the school, you are asked to register your e-mail address with us.
This will allow the school to improve the effectiveness of our regular communications and to ensure that you
are kept up-to-date with all news, views and developments. Parents who do not wish to use email will continue
to receive paper copies of all school communications.
If you wish to receive email updates from Gracemount High School please complete the form below and return
it to the school office.
I consent to receiving information from Gracemount High School by email. If I wish at any time to stop
receiving communications I understand I can contact the school and have my email address removed from the
contact list.
Contact Name:
Pupil Name:
Tutor Group:
Email Address:
Gracemount High School
Parental Communication by Email
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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Q&A Sixty-Second Interview
elcome to our sixty-second interview for the Christmas newsletter. This interview is with Modern Languages Teacher Mr Cardiet.
Here is what he had to say to our questions.
Catch the full podcast on our website here!
W
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
What is your favourite animal?
My favourite animal is the dolphin.
What is your favourite country?
I’m going to say two countries. The first is France as that’s where my family are and also Scotland because of the wilderness and the waves in the North Coast.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
When I was at university, I missed my bus for an important exam. When I eventually got to the exam, I tripped when entering the classroom. and everyone saw it and laughed.
What is your favourite movie?
My favourite movie is a film called Blade Runner. It is a Science Fiction movie.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food has to be Crepes as I come from Brittany and this is a traditional food here.
What would you do with one million pounds?
I would probably do a grand tour of the world finding out lots of new places.
I would also go surfing around the world and do some charity work along the way.
What is your favourite sport?
My favourite sport has to be surfing.
What was your first pet?
When I was a kid, I had a rabbit called Zu Zu. It was a small rabbit at first but it ended up being absolutely massive!
What was your favourite subject at school?
P.E, Languages and English were my favourite subjects.
What is your favouritelanguage?
My favourite language would be between French and English, I can’t decide.
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the...
Modern Languages Department
International Languages Day
On September 26 it was European International Languages Day.
At Gracemount we took it a stage further and made it last a whole week! We gave The Junior Phase
the opportunity to learn German , Chinese and Swedish. We also had a visit from some Chinese
students so they too had a chance to watch our lessons, learn a little French and help out a bit with
the Mandarin Chinese lessons. The school canteen put on a matching menu for us and the pupils had
a taster of some Bockwurst mit Pommes , Swedish meatballs or Chinese curry. A very busy but
successful week for all.
Boules
The S2 class had a good time playing the French games Boules
with Mr Cardiet and Mr Gregor from P.E. Mr Cardiet
certainly had the edge but then he is French! It was not quite
Cannes in the heat but everyone had fun!
Cinema Trip
Speaking of Cannes, we have had a couple of trips to the
cinema to see the French film "Belle and Sebastian" and the
Spanish film "Quince Anos y un dia." Both M.Cardiet and Ms
Davies said how much they and our pupils enjoyed the films .
Gracemount pupils were also a credit to our school in terms
of behaviour so well done on that front!
Exciting times ahead….
We have recently begun communications with a school in Lyon, France. In May a group of pupils will
visit Gracemount High with their teacher Mme Ferriol and then they will head off to Loch Lomond
and the Trossachs for a few days. Some of our S3 and perhaps the French Higher Class ( SQA exam
revision comes first though!) will join them for a day and an evening where we will get to know our
new French friends. Mme Ferriol came to visit Gracemount last year and she was so impressed she
has set up this exciting new project. Long live the Auld Alliance.
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the...
Music Department
GHS Christmas Concert.
The lights went down and the audience relaxed as they enjoyed some festive refreshments and a wide variety of performances from Gracie pupils from S1 to S6. Mr Stephen Callaghan, our percussion teacher and Master of Ceremonies for the evening entertained us with his ‘cracker’ jokes between acts which were so popular that our new Head Teacher, Ross Hunter was taking note of them to use over the holidays!
The audience was entertained by dancers, the Junior Band, flute, guitar and vocal ensembles, a variety of soloists and duets and the evening was completed by a raffle draw, a vote of thanks by Ross Hunter and the final Christmas item from the Senior Band.
ABRSM exam results
The following pupils achieved their grade exams in music recently. They are:
Esme Page Grade 1 piano
Murray Scott Grade 1 piano and Grade 4 tenor horn
Congratulations to them both and good luck for their next set of exams in the New Year!
Articles by,
Ms Kerr
Teacher of Music
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the...
P.E. Department
News from the Court
Basketball is continuing to grow in numbers, with
teams playing across all levels.
Our senior boys won their final group game against
Holyrood. For boys like Brian Aquino and Jenken
Kwok this was their first victory in 6 years of
school Basketball! The commitment and effort
shown with Alex Forster at training on Thursdays is
finally starting to pay off. Well done boys!
Our S2 girls have had a tough season, as the
restructuring of the competitions meant they had
to play against teams a year older. However this
has not dampened their enthusiasm towards the
team, and Kirstie Cook is doing a great job
motivating the girls.
Finally our under 15s boys also managed a win in their last group game, hopefully some of the
footballers can attend more regularly to develop their skills.
Staff -v- Pupil Sport Activities
Over the last few weeks of term the pupils at Gracemount have challenged staff to matches in
various sports. In some close and entertaining ties in Football, Basketball and Badminton – the staff
emerged victorious with a 3-0 clean sweep. All games have been played with great attitude, effort
and sportsmanship. These will be repeated in the
summer term and are a great way for pupils to
build relationships with staff by seeing them out
with the comfort zone of their classroom.
Articles by,
Mr Gregor
Teacher of Physical Education
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the Higher P.E. Class
Some of the Higher P.E. Pupils enjoyed a day at the Emirates Area, Glasgow for a BBC Get Inspired
event. After a question and answer session with Commonwealth medal winners Euan Burton,
Kimberley and Louise Renicks the pupils took part in some different activities.
As well as a highlight of meeting Grado a professional Scottish Wrestler!
SKIING
Skiing has gone from strength to strength in the PE Department. Look out for more session in 2015.
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
News from the GHS - School Football Teams
Under 13’s (S1)
The under 13s have had a good start to the season. Ex Gracemount pupil Ross Dray coaches the team every Wednesday after school and the team have played several games so far this season. They currently sit 4th in the league with a couple of games in hand over the team above them so hopefully a good run of results in the New Year will see the boys climb up
the table. S1 practice will start back on Wednesday 7th January 3.30 –
4.30pm.
Under 14’s (S2)
The under 14s have also had a good start to the season. Having moved up from the B division to the A division this season the S2’s have come up against some stronger teams. The boys have risen to the challenge and they currently sit 3rd in the league. S2 practice will start back on
Tuesday 6th January 3.30 – 4.30pm.
Under 15’s (S3)
The under 15s have had a mixed start to the season. They have not managed to play many games due to a number of other schools cancelling last minute. Despite this the boys continue to work hard at practice and will go in to the New Year hoping they can get a run of games together and start climbing the league.
S3 practice will start back on Wednesday 7th January 3.30 – 4.30pm.
S1 – S3 Girls Football
The girl’s football team took part in the Games @ The Hub Football competition back in October where they finished 2nd out of 10 schools. More recently the girls played a friendly match against Liberton High which the girls performed excellent at and deservedly won the game.
Miss Neill is keen to get girls along to practice after school on a Wednesday and is hoping to get a game organised against Holy Rood in January. Information about the start date for practice and the game will be in the bulletin.
Article by,
Mr Kidd
Active Sports Coordinator
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Pupils and staff attend the..
Holyrood Apple Day (26th September 2014)
Last session Mr Mackenzie and Mr Patterson collaborated with groups of pupils to design, lay
out and plant a mixed-fruit orchard in our grounds. As a result of our involvement in this
project several of us were invited, along with Mr Patterson, to attend this year’s Holyrood
Apple Day in the Scottish Parliament. This annual event, organised by John Hancox, founder
of the Fruitful Schools project and sponsored by several MSPs, celebrates the planting of
orchards and the growing of different varieties of fruit across Scotland.
As well as an amazing range of apples – many of which we had never seen or even heard of
before – there were some fruit-based cakes and dishes such as quince jam. Amy hadn’t tasted
anything like it before; but Sean and Emmanuel really enjoyed the completely fresh
unprocessed apple juice being squeezed by the press in the corner!
Apple and fruit projects from all over Scotland were there – apples from Clyde Valley, the
Borders and even Shetland. A number of awards were made and Gracemount High collected
the secondary Wee Apple Award for our orchard planting. Our presentation was made by
Alison Johnstone the Green MSP for Lothian.
A really unusual day and event – we look forward to when our orchard bears its own fruit
and we can enjoy tasting it!
Article by,
Amy Drysdale, Sean O’Brien and Emmanuel Ogayemi
Senior Students
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
Computing Science students take part in the...
Hour of Code 2014
There has been a lot going on since our return from the Summer holidays. Here’s what the Charity
Committee has been up to:
Our staff raised £130.22 for Macmillan Coffee Morning. Thanks to Mrs Gillan, Miss Campbell and
Charities Committee helpers for organising.
'Dance for Drain' raised £145.50 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Well done to Kirsty Farmer for
organising the event.
The Shorts and T-Shirt Dress Down Day raised £406 towards Mr Drain's memorial bench.
Drum off from Clinton and Emmanuel raised £23 for Marie Curie.
Cute Pets Competition led by Tara Scott and Jay Watson raised £52.00 for Macmillan.
Numbers Day raised £350 for NSPCC- thank you to Maths Department for organising this.
Exciting news from the...
Charity Committee
S3 Students in Computing Science took part in an hour of code. This is a worldwide event which
raises awareness of the importance of being able to code.
Both classes worked hard to produce a program as part of
Numbers Day. The program asked the user some simple,
medium and difficult addition and multiplication questions and
then let the user how many of these questions they got
correct.
After creating this program they created an attractive user
interface and then deployed it to their own iPad Mini as a
working app. Well done to all who took part!
Article by,
Mr Whyte
CL Technologies
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
Dates for your diary...
School Term Dates (January 2014 - February 2014)
Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1
5th Jan 6th Jan 7th Jan 8th Jan 9th Jan
Staff Resume
Inservice DayPupils Resume
2
12th Jan 13th Jan 14th Jan 15th Jan 16th Jan
S4-S6 Prelims S4-S6 Prelims S4-S6 Prelims S4-S6 Prelims S4-S6 Prelims
3
19th Jan 20th Jan 21st Jan 22nd Jan 23rd Jan
S2 Parent
Consultation
Evening
S3 Tracking
Reports Issued
4
26th Jan 27th Jan 28th Jan 29th Jan 30th Jan
Parent Council
Meeting
19:00 - 21:00
HPV
Immunisations
S3 Parent
Consultation
Evening
Instrumental
Parents
Evening
52nd Feb 3rd Feb 4th Feb 5th Feb 6th Feb
6
9th Feb 10th Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 13th Feb
February
Holidays
Commences
at 12:35pm
Parents/Guardians can pass on information about pupil attendance when the school is closed – just leave a message on the answer phone
(0131) 664 7440 and it will be picked up on the next working day.
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007
Dates for your diary...
School Term Dates (February 2014 - March 2014)
Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1
16th Feb 17th Feb 18th Feb 19th Feb 20th Feb
Holiday Holiday Holiday Holiday Holiday
2
23rd Feb 24th Feb 25th Feb 26th Feb 27th Feb
All Resume
3
2nd March 3rd March 4th March 5th March 6th March
8 Weeks Until
SQA Exams
Commence
49th March 10th March 11th March 12th March 13th March
Final Dates for Course Choice
Forms
5
16th March 17th March 18th March 19th March 20th March
Vote For Your
School
Prefects
6
23rd March 24th March 25th March 26th March 27th March
7
30th March 31st March 1st April 2nd April 3rd April
Swim
Awareness
Week
(S1, S5 & S6)
Swim
Awareness
Week
(S1, S5 & S6)
Swim
Awareness
Week
(S1, S5 & S6)
Swim
Awareness
Week
(S1, S5 & S6)
Easter
Holidays
Commences
at 12:35pm
GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERS
Conlan Robertson Interviewer
Mr S. Whyte Editor and Designer
Mrs E. Whyte Proofreader
How to contact the school:
Gracemount High School Lasswade Road Edinburgh EH16 6TZ
Tel:
(0131) 664 7440
Fax:
(0131) 664 3902
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: gracemounthighschool.co.uk
Follow Us On Twitter: @GracemountHigh
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO.1 DECEMBER 2007 GRACEMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
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