KANewsletter Christmas 2020 Many Thanks to the KAM Team for their help in putting this Newsletter together. Keep an eye open for information on the publication of our yearly magazine. Last year was the first time we were not able to publish since World War 2. KAM Team this Year: Tessa Hall - Editor Liam McNicholas Hogg & Alix Parker - Photography Samantha Oliver, Kai Connor, Josephine Pallinder, Erin Findlay 2 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter Message from the Rector Dear Parents and Carers, I am writing as we end another term and prepare to move on from 2020. This year has been a year like no other and while there is clearly a light at the end of the Coronavirus tunnel, with vaccination pro- grammes being rolled out, there is still a long way to go and the after effects of the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come in schools. We are getting used to the changes to our daily routines in school and everyone is trying to make learning as normal as possible. However, for our exam students and their teachers the cancellation of exams has placed them under massive stress and a huge burden of work to be able to meet the requirements of evidence based grade estimates for the SQA. The SQA has just given schools a bit more information about how National 5 grades will be estimated but we are waiting for information on the Higher and Advanced Higher grades. It is, however, certain that estimates will be based on a range of pieces of evidence including, but not limited to, formal assessments or school ex- ams. It is crucial that students realise that all of their work has the potential to influence their final grade and they apply themselves fully to their studies and assessments. When we have more information we will be in touch to let you know. Next term is always an incredibly busy and pressurised one with practice exams, formal assessments and for pupils in S2 and above, making subject choices for the future. It is possible that as new information and instructions are received from Education Scotland and the SQA, we may have to change some of our plans but we are hopeful that we have everything in place and any changes to our normal routine will be minimal. As we are currently unable to host Parents’ Evenings, where these have been cancelled we have replaced them with an additional, snapshot report. There have been many good news stories this term too, with some of our after-school and lunchtime clubs starting up – namely: Athletics, Netball, Basketball, Choir (outside, weather permitting), Ceilidh band and subject Study classes, albeit with some restrictions. Outwith school some of our pupils are continuing great successes in their own spheres too, notably Rose Foley with her pony Cordici K, who continues to achieve at the very highest levels in dressage and is on the fringes of GB selection! There will be many others that we haven’t been made aware of too. In the build up to Christmas the S6s have been busy with their sponsored, socially-distanced charity run – which has raised nearly £500 to date – and the Music department with pupils in Music and Music Technol- ogy classes have been busy recording and producing a Christmas CD and their outdoor, drive-in concert to bring some festive cheer to the community. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday period and I look forward to welcoming pupils back on Wednesday, January 6th. 3 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter Prefects irkcudbright Academy Prefect Team has a strong tradition with- Kin the Academy and Community, it is something we are very proud of. This Team of young people volunteer their time and skills to play a crucial role in our school community, and they truly rise to that challenge. The students take on a specific Leadership role and use their individual strengths to complement the positive work around the school. The key is to offer that unique support to young people when they need it, in all its forms. The prefect team at Kirkcudbright Academy play an important role in the everyday, and wider image of the school. They are the face of Kirkcudbright Academy and often the first students visitors meet when attending the Academy. The Prefect System is highly respected by our students and they wear their blazers and badges with pride. Our Prefects are positive role models and help to promote the ethos of the school by supporting both staff and students in everyday tasks, events and initiatives. It is a real privilege to be elect- ed by their peers and staff to represent the school in such a position which also places a great deal of responsibility on the individuals elected. 4 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter Life as Head Girl Uplifting, stressful, full on. These are just some of the many words I would use to describe my time being head girl at Kirkcudbright academy however I would not have changed it for anything. I have learned so much about myself from taking on this important role and I know it has helped me grow as a person. It has tested my organisa- tional skills, time management and my creativity through coming up with covid friendly fundraisers and events. I remember being a little S1 starting the academy and thinking the head boy and girl were so grown up and I knew straight away I want- ed to put myself forward for it and I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to do so. The Head Boy Following elections involving the Senior Students and Staff at the I am grateful to have the opportunity to be this year’s Head Boy of Kirkcudbright Academy. It has given me the chance to work in a year Academy the following Students possibly more difficult than any other which I accept as a challenge have been elected as Prefects rather than a setback. for session 2020-21: My responsibilities include representing the school, overseeing the prefect team and committees, and helping wherever it is needed • Maya Johnston (Head Girl) around the school. One of my main roles is to ensure we are all • Douglas Copeman (Head working as a team. As a team we are motivated and hard working. Boy) One thing life as head boy has taught me so far is how to work in and manage teams of people. • Jemima Grounsell • Rosie Norman Congratulations to Liam McNicholas Hogg • Samantha Oliver who has joined the Prefect Team following • Karolina Szafer the departure from the school of Jemima and Paddy. • Paddy Traynor Liam has proved to be a valuable addition with his energetic enthusiasm. 5 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter S6 Activities 6- This year has been a very challenging one for our S6 as we have had to scrap the traditional Sfundraising methods and come up with new, fun, COVID friendly ways of raising money for our chosen charity this year; the Scottish Association for mental health (SAMH). With a delayed start to the academic year, this already put us at a disadvantage to previous years despite the obvious circumstanc- es. However, as an S6 we have put together a number of exciting and fun fundraisers. We’ve had several non-school uniform days, festive fundraisers such as pumpkin carving competitions and the Christmas post box. While these fundraisers were highly successful, we wanted to do something new and exciting especially for the S1s as their introduction to high school has been very different and they have not got to experience all the fundraisers we have had in previous years. The S6 charity committee have been working tirelessly to put together a ‘Santa dash’ where the S1 and S6 collectively run/walk 200 miles in aid of our charity. We also had a festive fancy dress day where everyone dressed up in Christmas themed outfits, including the teachers. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we have obviously not been able to run our traditional dances. However, so as not to lose the tradition this year and provide entertainment we are running a Candlemas day. The idea behind this is for the pupils to be given a chance to dress in what they would have worn to Candle- mas. This school year has certainly hasn’t been easy and it still isn’t over, but we plan to continue being cre- ative with our ideas and make it the best year we possibly can. We also have plans to continue to raise awareness for mental health through the rest of the school year. Presentations and virtual assemblies on different aspects of metal health will allow us to do this. Despite not getting to do all of the activities we had hoped for, we are still pushing through and trying to bring some joy and laugher to this year. 6 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter 7 Kirkcudbright Academy Newsletter Staff Changes With the school lockdown between March and August we were deprived the opportunity to say a formal goodbye to staff leaving the school, many with many years of service and dedication to the life of the Academy. Below are those staff members that have left the school since March of this year: Judith McMillan (Retired)– Biology & Science. Judith joined the Academy in August of 2004 and quickly became a popular member of staff in the school, with her quick wit and sense of humour. Although mainly being part time she was always involved in the wider life of the school and will be remembered for her Craft Workshops during activities week and her enthusiasm on the dance floor at the Christmas Dances and Candlemas.