St. Mary’s School Melrose 2017 - 2018

Equipping young people for lifelong journeys

CONTENTS

page

Headmaster’s Prize Giving Speech 3 Valete List 2018 9 Prize Giving 11

Form News Form 8 12 Form 7 14 Form 6 16 Form 5 18 Form 4 20 Form 3 22 page 30 Form 2 24 Form 1 26 Reception 28 Kindergarten 30

Life at St. Mary’s Boarding 32 Form 8 Camp Trip 37 Farr Out Challenge 39 Music & Drama 40 Squad Singing 43 Art 44 Design & Technology 48 Mathematics 50 page 32 page 40 Languages 52 English 54 Poetry & Lecture 56 Staff News 58 Activities 59 Debating 60 Squad Day 61

Articles Friends of St. Mary’s 62 Bang Goes the Borders 64 Charities supported this year 68 Outside Clubs 69 page 62 Remembering St. Mary’s in your Will 69 Former Pupils 70

Sport 1st Team Photos 73 Athletics & Day 74 Cross Country 78 Rugby 79 83 Swimming & Tennis 87 Clay Pigeon 88 89 95 page 44 page 77 100 st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 CONTENTS 1 St. Mary’s School Melrose Melrose Roxburghshire TD6 9LN Tel: 01896 822517 Fax: 01896 823550 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk

The Governors Mrs Linda Forbes, BSc, HNC Childcare Secretary Gareth Baird, Esq (Kindergarten & Classroom Assistant, Ms Julie Birdsall (Chairman, FP) SpLD) Mrs Sonya Edwardson Mrs Sarah Fresle, BA (Hons), PGCE Estates Manager (Parent Governor) (Form 2 Class Teacher) Mr Alistair Bell Andrew Fleck, Esq, BSc, MA Mrs Anne-Marie Gordon NNEB, Dip Mod (Headmaster, Sedbergh) Montessori Kitchen Staff Mrs Caroline Grant (Kindergarten Assistant) Mr Robert Sinclair (Chef) (Former Parent Governor) Mrs Marnie Harvey Mr Bruce Hughes (Assistant Chef) Dr Rachel Mollart (Website Design, ICT Forms 5 & 6, Miss Emma Douglas (Former Parent Governor) Classroom Assistant) Mrs Angie Lawrie Nigel Pollock, Esq, WS Mrs Lorna Hutchison, MA, PGCE Miss Sarah Logan (Retired Solicitor) (Junior Languages) John Robertson, Esq Miss Lesley Kerr, HNC Early Education & School Matron (Former Rector, Dollar Academy) Childcare Mrs Pam Gordon David Sturrock, Esq, TD, WS (Maternity Cover Kindergarten) (Retired Solicitor) Mr Jonathon Key, BA (Hons) Domestic Staff Mrs Ann Wright (Latin Forms 7 & 8) Ms Helen McSorley (FP/Parent Governor) Mrs Jennifer Kirkness, BEd (Hons), MEd Mrs Rita Redpath (Form 3 Class Teacher - Tues & Thur) Headmaster Mrs Vicky Lewington, MA, PG Cert Friends of St. Mary’s Mr William J Harvey, BEd (Hons) (Classroom Assistant and SpLD) Mr Alan Mathieson Mr Pablo Mateos (Chairperson) School Management Team (House Tutor, Classroom Assistant, Mrs Fiona Bell, BSc (Joint Hons), Cert Ed Assistant Form 5 Tutor, Spanish Form 6, Former Pupils Association (Deputy Head - PE, Games, Geography Latin Forms 4 & 5) Mr Billy Hamilton Form 6, Latin Form 5) Mr Ian Millar (President) Mr Ian Purvis, BEd (Hons) (Classroom Assistant, Games) (Assistant Head - Form 8 Tutor, Mrs Emma Rawson, MA Hons, PGCE GAP Students Maths Form 6, Geography Forms (Head of Boarding) Mr Stefan Rooney 7 & 8, Games) Mr Tom Rawson Miss Madeline Hall Mrs Penny Hardie, BSc (Hons), Dip SpLD (House Parent, Assistant Form 7 Tutor, (Form 7 Tutor & Learning Support, PHSE, English, D&T, RS, Games, Latin) Visiting Music Teachers Debating) Mrs Catherine Redmond, BA (Hons) Mr Stuart Black (Brass) Miss Kirsty McRae, BEd (Hons) (Classroom Assistant and SpLD) Mr John Bryden (Piano) (Form 6 Tutor, Director of Music and Miss Joanna Renwick, BEd (Hons) Mr Gordon Campbell (Chanter/ Drama, Form 8 ICT) (Form 1 Class Teacher, Early Years Co- Bagpipes) ordinator) Mrs Claire Davis (Cello and Piano) School Academic Team Mrs Pippa Routledge, BSc (Hons), PGCE Miss Lena Ewan (Woodwind) Dr Keith Morgan MA (Cantab), DPhil, (Classroom Assistant Maths & Games) Mr Iain Fraser (Violin) PGCE Mr Andrew Rutherford, BEd Mr Andy Gray (Guitar) (Director of Studies, Maths Forms 5, 7 and (Games) Mr Scott Jamieson (Drums) 8) Mrs Jo Scott Aiton, BA (Hons) PGCE Mrs Jessica Leary (Singing) Mrs Linda Runciman, BEd (Form 4 Class Teacher, Games, Boarding) Mr Tomlin Leckie (Guitar) (Middle School Curriculum Mrs Linda Simpson, BA (Hons) PGCE Mr Ross Markham (Piano) Co-ordinator, Form 5 Tutor, Games) (Classics Form 8) Mrs Christine Smith (Flute) Miss Ellen Simpson, BA (Hons) MA, CELTA, Mrs Mwara Stuart, BSc (Hons) PGCE Mr Norman Smith (Chanter/ PGCE (Science Forms 5 - 8, Games, Boarding) Bagpipes) (English Forms 6 - 8, Form 8 Assistant Tutor) Mrs Gillian Townsend, SVQ 3 Childcare Mrs Sarah Syme, MA (Hons), PGCE (Kindergarten Assistant - Maternity Leave) Visiting Staff (French Forms 6 - 8) Mr Andrew Whitelaw (HND) Mrs Rosie Letts, SpLD, Marketing (House Tutor, Assistant Form 5 Tutor, Teaching Staff Games) Magazine Editors Mrs Louise Berni, NNEB, PDA Mr Andrew Whitelaw, HND Mrs Fiona Bell (Head of Kindergarten) (House Tutor, Assistant Form 5 Tutor, Miss Kirsty McRae Mr James Brown, MA (Hons), PGCE Games) (History, Geography, RS, Games, Assistant Mrs Zoe Wright BA (Hons), PGCE Magazine Marketing Form 6 Tutor, Boarding) (Form 3 Class Teacher, Mon, Wed & Fri, Mrs Fiona Tait Mrs Alison Brown, BEd Games, Form 7 ICT) (Classroom Assistant and SpLD) Miss Deborah Wood, BA (Hons), PGCE School Officers Mrs Abbie Burke, SVQ 3 Childcare (Head of Art, D&T) Antony de Gier (Head Boy) (Kindergarten Assistant) Iona Salvesen (Head Girl) Mrs Christine Currie, BEd School Administrator Oliver Carrick (Deputy Head) (Reception Class Teacher) Mrs Fiona Tait Jessica Wright (Deputy Head)

Front cover features: School image by Amanda Phillips Magazine design by Individual Design Melrose 07767235109 email: [email protected] 2 STAFF www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk HEADMASTERS SPEECH 2018

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you will note the We would all be lost without you Julie, we know you care as gorgeous flowers decorating the marquee this evening. deeply about our pupils as anyone, and on behalf of all of us These have been arranged by two people who give hugely here at St. Mary’s, – happy birthday and thank you! to St. Mary’s in their capacities as tireless members of the Friends of St. Mary’s. Thank you to Lorna Blunt and Sophie We have had many visitors to St. Mary’s these past Scott for all you do on behalf of the school, including months. Former Chairman of the Board and FP, Lord Russell arranging these flowers for tonight’s celebrations. Sanderson and his wife Liz, attended Squad Singing back in September. Their presence at this event is always a treat As some of you might know, two weeks ago I gave the as the squads compete for the Andrew Sanderson Salver. address at the Crowning and Installation Ceremony in Andy would have loved the sense of fun that surrounds Melrose Abbey as part of Melrose Festival week. this singing competition, where the dedicated staff and pupils of the four squads put on a show. It is Lord and Lady For inspiration earlier that day, I had turned to a drawer in Sanderson’s Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary today my desk in which sits a copy of a newspaper article written and, though they are not here to join us, we wish them many about my late father - Dr Bill Harvey - when he retired from congratulations, and we thank them for their endless support General Practice in Coldstream twenty-four years ago. I of the school. dug it out and started to read of his respect for the hard- working, honest people in his care, their adaptability as times Less welcome was the visit from the “Beast from the East” changed and the community spirit, which saw them through in February of this year. The heavy snowfall meant roads good times and bad. It did not pass me by, that he could so became impassable and Police Scotland deemed it easily have been talking about this unique, wonderful and irresponsible, if people attempted to venture out in their very special community we call St. Mary’s School. vehicles. This gave us no choice but to close school for two separate three-day spells. However, Mrs Rawson and I would like you to consider identifying a common theme her dedicated team of boarding staff rallied to the call as that I believe stands St. Mary’s apart. several pupils became “stranded” here at school. True to the superb boarding provision throughout the year, fun activities One of the most dedicated were organised as staff cooked meals for the twenty plus staff in the school has given number and supervised study sessions were provided for me strict instructions not our Form 8s. It was incredible how, within an hour of a to mention that today is Latin revision session taking place in the Hamilton building, a special birthday for her; Jessica’s mum, Ann, appeared in a huge four wheel drive and that is Miss Birdsall, tractor to rescue her stranded, and suddenly very relieved or “Julie” as the Pre Prep daughter. A mercy mission of almighty proportions given the pupils love to call her, as ten feet snowdrifts on the road down from Synton Mill! they peek over the hatch Thanks too, go to Mr Jonnie Gordon, Mr Paul Rooney’s estate at the office, or poke staff and Mr George Fuller who all turned up in tractors to stones through the office help clear the drive and the car park. letter box from outside and run off giggling. Therefore, And if that was not enough to test the brilliance and neither will I mention the endurance of the Mrs Rawson’s boarding team of Mr tireless positivity, patience, Rawson, Mr Whitelaw, Mr Brown (our “lay chaplain”), and kindness she shows to Mrs Scott Aiton, Mrs Stuart, Mr Mateos, Pam, Stefan and anyone who comes to the Maddy, then in came the Care Inspectorate soon after, Julie Birdsall hatch, whether they be first in mid-March. It was clear that many of you had taken time visitors, or disorganised staff or parents who think the the time to feedback extremely positively to Mr Iain Lamb job title “School Secretary” means everyone in the school’s and his colleagues, and the popularity of boarding spoke, secretary! and continues to speak, for itself. All the same, a thorough inspection was carried out, with pupil interviews and At one time or another, many of you will have received an questionnaires featuring. Both Care Inspectors went away email or text with a photograph of your sons or daughters thoroughly impressed and probably wishing they had sent being inspired by a challenge, amused by joke or captured their children to St. Mary’s! in a moment of joy. What you do not see, is the school secretary running around to find us, demanding we look at Mrs Scott Aiton and Mrs Townsend headed off to have their the pictures on her computer as they come in, to ensure sons and add to the wider St. Mary’s community; Henry that busy schedules never result in us as staff or parents Scott Aiton and Cohen Townsend. Meanwhile Mrs Berni missing what we are all here for – to share in the joyous welcomed the lovely Lesley Kerr on to her fabulous team. An development and achievements of these young people. appreciative parent wrote this “Thank You” letter recently, and I think you will agree with the sentiments expressed - st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 HM SPEECH 3 To the Wonderful Kindy Ladies, asked for a better mentor. He is every bit as thorough and (Louise, Anne Marie, Gillian, Abbie, Linda and Lesley) meticulous as Ms Simpson, and we have every confidence I can’t believe that my youngest baby is about to move that the delivery of Latin and Ancient Greek will continue to on from the fabulous family that you are. I can’t begin to be at a very high standard. thank you all enough for all that you have done for both my children (and me!) over the years. Kindergarten is such a A third much loved character to stay far longer than special place and it genuinely does feel like a family; warm originally intended, but returns to a full-time teaching position and nurturing. in his native country of Spain, is Mr Mateos…Pablo…Manuel! You are utterly amazing and we really could not have He has introduced Spanish to the curriculum and he has wished for our children to have a better start. Thank you a been instrumental in us recruiting another Spanish Assistant, million times over. Miss Amado- Fernandez, who is a qualified teacher, to take his brilliant work forward. Spanish will be taught in Form It may not surprise you to hear, we have offered a place in 6 and 7 next year. Pablo has been “AMASING”. His fun Reception for this parent’s youngest, even if Mrs Currie has to character has been hugely popular with pupils and staff, give up her desk space and teach from a trapeze! Bear with and his presence around the place will be missed. He paid us; we are working on a solution. warm tribute to how much he has loved his five terms in our community and concluded a rather emotional speech by I know the same parent, amongst many others, feels the declaring his undying love for his mentor…Mrs Runciman. “I same about the Pre Prep, and that came across loud lab you all so much, but in particular, I lab Linda!” and clear as Mrs Currie, Mrs Fresle and the courageous Miss Renwick celebrated the busy and successful year And before we move on to our Form 8 leavers, we need to had by each of their broods, in yesterday’s lovely Pre Prep pay particular tribute to a wonderful member of staff, who Prize Giving. Many parents and grandparents took time has not only served the school superbly for eleven years, but afterwards to say how lucky they feel, to have these three has also been the heartbeat as the self-appointed “Social dedicated, skilled and nurturing figures caring for their Secretary”. Zoe Wright is one of those rare school teachers children, and we are all very aware that sound foundations that treats every child as if they were her own. She cares create the strongest structures. deeply about their physical and emotional wellbeing and, though recent involvement in our ICT programme has sent Amongst our leavers of 2014, we hear that Susannah her in search of a new challenge, she has been the most Godfrey-Faussett is to be Head Girl of Glenalmond next year, fantastic class teacher of Form 3. This is best illustrated in the Christopher Bell has been selected as Deputy Head Boy at fact that parents have organised their own leaving gift for Merchiston, and Elizabeth Morgan will be Deputy Head of Zoe, and I would like to invite her to come up to receive this School at Sedbergh. All three started at Kindergarten and as a show of their gratitude. worked their way up through St. Mary’s to leave a Form 8 class that totalled 16 pupils. It speaks for itself that they were We wish Zoe, Barry, Archie and Ollie all the very best with well equipped to tackle the challenges of senior school. their new chapter.

But sadly, circumstances sometimes dictate that leaving And now for this wonderful bunch. Mr Purvis, Mrs Bell and Mrs before the end of Form 8 is a necessity, and we have six Lewington had the privilege of taking them on camp to the pupils heading off to different school communities at the Activity Centre, then across to The College Valley. end of this term. The five days of activities had been painstakingly organised by the ever loyal and industrious Mr P and boy was his hard We wish Archie Wright, Bee Smyly, Elsa Scott (with an 11+ work repaid. In fact, every member of staff has contributed sports scholarship), Emily Dolby (with an 11+ art scholarship), in one way or another to the success of this group and rarely Archie Macdonell and Molly Currie all the very best, as has the blossom bloomed so fully and comprehensively all at they head off in different routes. You have all given hugely the same time. in a range of ways to St. Mary’s and we thank you for your positive contributions. Matt Ballantyne Started in Form 6 Scott Squad Leader

We have also had the privilege of borrowing Mr Whitelaw STANDOUT MOMENTS from his studies, and as he aims to return to University after • Awarded a Sports Exhibition to Loretto. five hugely productive terms with us; we wish him the • Fun moment was when Mr H put a chair up on a desk to very best of luck. University courses seem to come in all have a bird’s eye view of us doing a test…the desk cracked! shapes and sizes these days, and if some refereeing here • Brilliant performance as Bill in, “Me and My Girl” (Brave at St. Mary’s can be fitted in between his commitments to choice by the insightful Kirsty McRae). …“Clash of Clans”…oops, I mean his studies, then we may • Looked after a very upset Form 5 girl one break time. have the pleasure of his company for a bit longer. Matt’s caring nature has resulted in many random acts of kindness mentioned in this morning’s assembly. Ms Simpson our Classics specialist has acquired the nickname “Boomerang” on the basis that she has retired Comment from family; twice already. Reluctantly, I have accepted her latest Matt’s dedication to learning his lines for, “Me and My Girl”. recycled letter of resignation, but only because she has His performances made us so proud! the greatest of faith in Mr Key. There can be no better endorsement and we know that Mr Key could not have

4 HM SPEECH www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Dicken Blunt Started in Form 3 Boarding Prefect Comment from family; Freya working so hard to turn her bird paintings into beautiful STANDOUT MOMENTS cards to sell for such a worthwhile charity. Gaining an Art • Being selected for National Youth Choir of Scotland two Exhibition Award for her super art portfolio and her unique years in a row. individual style and pride in herself. • “A” in Latin! • Progressing on to bagpipes. Isla Darling Started in Form 4 Home Squad Leader • His timing as “Charles” the Butler in, “Me and My Girl”, was hugely entertaining and illustrated a talent, not even Dicken STANDOUT MOMENTS knew he had. • Hockey and Rounders Caps for the Dandylions. • Being awarded the English Prize in Form 7. Comment from family; • Very strong grades right across the board at CE. His two wonderful solo performances, one as a soprano • Loved her time with her entire class particularly at Form 7 and the following year as a baritone, your mum and dad and 8 camp. were unaware you were singing these and you did so with • Paul McCartney’s story surrounding the writing of “Let It consummate ease and enjoyment on both occasions. Be”. He learned not to over think things. • A real talent for the future. A very able young lady indeed. Phoebe Briggs Started in Upper Kindergarten Douglas Squad Leader Comment from family; STANDOUT MOMENTS Overcoming hidden personal challenges, which has seen • Strong results in CE. her excel academically and in . • Singing a solo in front of the whole school in the summer concert. • Conquering the climbing wall at Form 8 camp. Antony de Gier Started in Upper Kindergarten Head Boy • Apparent shyness belies a steely highly principled sense of direction. STANDOUT MOMENTS • Becoming Head Boy. Playing Parchester in, “Me and My Comment from family; Girl”. Getting into Eton with good results. Phoebe’s kind and cheerful approach to her friendship • Antony sited a favourite moment as Phoebe conquering group, her solo in the summer concert and her strong CE the climbing wall at Galloway Activity Centre and getting all performance all made us very proud. the way to the top. • In the Accelerated Reader programme, Antony reached Geoffrey Oliver Stanford Carrick Started in Form 4 Deputy Head Boy the dizzy heights of having quizzed on 5.2 million words. He is one of 30 Accelerated Reader millionaires, but has been STANDOUT MOMENTS out-quizzed by Christian Gordon in Form 4 (5.6 million!). • Academic Scholarship and Classics Award to Fettes • Eton recognised Antony’s achievements with a starred College. (News came via a telephone call from Fettes new award (top 20%) despite being one of the youngest in an Headmaster, Geoffrey Stanford! intake chosen from an unprecedented 1,500 applications • First place in the Lecture Final 2016 with his lecture on his with 130 sitting Common Entrance. Great Uncle and international stuntman “Joe Powell“. • Severe risk taking must run in the family as Ollie was Comment from family; recently playing truth or dare. He stepped into the front hall For being consistently kind and fair as Head Boy and for of the Headmaster’s House and proceeded to sing, “it’s navigating the indecision of the secondary school process. getting hot in here” with some nonsense line to follow that (Hans and Antonia knew just as well as the Headmaster did that refers to the removal of one’s clothes. The jug of ice-cold Eton should have snapped him up at the very first opportunity!). water hidden behind HM’s back, seemed to cool him down rather quickly, however! Tommy Dundas-Bekker Started in Form 2 Sports Prefect

Comment from family; STANDOUT MOMENTS His exceptional hard work for CE despite having gained a • Passing CE. scholarship already. Delivering with great aplomb the line • Playing rugby for the 1st XV, the Dandylions and the “good god man, you have short arms” And bringing all his kit Scottish Prep Schools. and clothes back from Form 8 camp! All these were proud • Brilliant performance as The Lion in “Wizard of Oz”. moments. • I found Tommy’s revision timetable, which read “10 minutes Maths, 10 minutes History, 10 minutes Geography and an Freya Darling Started in Form 4 Art and Debating Prefect hour playing Fortnite”! • Tommy told the story of him and his granny gathering some STANDOUT MOMENTS cricket gear together in Form 5. Tommy notified granny • Raising money for charity (CHAS) by selling hand painted cards. he needed a box and she returned from the attic with a • Gaining a merit in flute exam. cardboard grocery container! • Coping with stepping out of her comfort zone particularly when ducking attacking birds on the Farne Islands. Comment from family; • A gentle, easy presence around school, with a warm Reading a mention of Tommy scoring a goal for Arniston and a fun personality. Loved by all. Rangers during an exhibition match at half time at Tynecastle when Hearts were playing Hibs. Tommy had only joined St. Mary’s very recently. st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 HM SPEECH 5 Jamie Francis Started in Form 6 Squad Leader Percy & Sports Prefect Maria Imray Started in Form 2 Music Prefect and Scott Squad Leader

STANDOUT MOMENTS STANDOUT MOMENTS • Getting five ‘A’s in CE. • Getting a General Scholarship to Oundle. • Winning Cross Country. Selection for the Scottish Prep • Gaining Grade 2 Piano and Grade 6 Fiddle. Schools XV. • Raising £400 for British Red Cross. • Gaining the senior boys’ 1500m record in Athletics. • Jumping together with Ruby off the 5 metre jump when • The elastic band antics with Fergus Hawson in History coasteering in Form 7. lessons and the questionable but amusing scenario that • Genuine kind support of others enjoyed as much as by followed. Maria as by those she helps along the way.

Comment from family; Comment from family; Hearing of Jamie breaking the 1500m record by 7 seconds. Incredibly proud seeing Maria collect her class prize the first He showed the courage to go out strongly and give it his all. year she joined St.Mary’s. We knew this is where she would flourish and achieve whatever she put her mind to. The same approach to life at Senior School will see this (And she has!). young man excel, his Headmaster is certain of it. William Macpherson Started in Lower Kindergarten Sports Prefect Alexander Fraser Started in Form 4 Drama Prefect and Percy Squad Leader

STANDOUT MOMENTS STANDOUT MOMENTS • Being selected for National Youth Choir of Scotland. • Getting into the Dandylions rugby Team. • Completing Grade 4 singing exam. • Graduating onto Bagpipes. • Being chosen as captain. • Beating Merchiston in the last ever rugby match. • Watching Mr Harvey singing ‘I’m a little teapot’? • A fabulous boarder, great company, tremendous sense of • He played Oliver in Captive8 Fringe Festival production. humour, kind hearted and a thoroughly decent individual – • Stunning rendition of ‘Colours of the Wind’ from everybody’s mate. Pocahontas. One of the stand out moments of the year. Comment from family; Comment from family; When taking a great catch in the Fathers v Sons cricket Watching Alexander sing ‘never smile at a crocodile’ when match and hearing the cheers of Big Mac resounding playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan. It was the moment we around the grounds of St. Mary’s. Too many proud moments realised he could stand on a stage. Alexander’s squad; to mention. Scott’s victory in Squad Singing for the first time last year. Rowan Mitchell Started in Form 3 Hamilton Prefect Ruby Harvey Started in Form 1 Sanderson Prefect STANDOUT MOMENTS STANDOUT MOMENTS • Achieving pleasing marks at CE. A*s in maths and Greek. • Performing her first ever solo for the summer concert. • Being chosen as netball captain. • Giving everything a go on camp week. • “Accidentally” throwing her cardigan on to the roof of the • Gaining an excellent grade in her French CE exam. staff room. • Her memorable moment was the truth or dare incident • Has cartwheeled her way around break times and with Ollie, Dicken, Jess, Iona and Maria. Typical! lunchtimes both in and out of the building. Great sense of fun, bursting with potential. Comment from family; The giggle, the sense of humour, the kindness, the unswerving Comment from family; compassion that is her very being. She has never said a nasty Watching her receive CE Results and the dawning of self- word to or about anyone (apart from Donald Trump!), and belief washing over her. she genuinely loves every one of her classmates. Hamish Ross Started in Form 4 Kindergarten and Pre-Prep Prefect Fergus Hawson Started in Form 4 D&T and Outdoor Learning Prefect STANDOUT MOMENTS STANDOUT MOMENTS • Pleasing grades in his academic scholarship papers to • Winning the Poetry Final with ‘Merlin and the Gleam’ . Fettes. • Coming second in the Lecture Final in Form 5 when talking • Silver award in UK Maths Challenge. about ‘Sailing on Chuckle on the Forth’. • Handling being dive bombed by birds on the Farne Islands. • Getting 96% in History CE. • Seeks reassurance in a very mature and endearing way. • Teaching Oscar Platt how to sail. This will serve him well at his next school. • Complete lack of dress sense, possibly hereditary! Free spirit. Comment from family; Comment from family; We are so incredibly proud of how hard Hamish worked in Fergus finding his confidence just after he arrived and he the run up towards his scholarship attempt. recognised his oratory skills literally mid lecture, in the 2014 Lecture final.

6 HM SPEECH www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Iona Salvesen Started in Lower Kindergarten Head Girl Tegan Taylor Started in Form 5 Percy Squad Leader

STANDOUT MOMENTS STANDOUT MOMENTS • Getting straight As across the board at Common Entrance. • Winning a solo competition in Squad Singing and gaining a • Gaining Grade 2 flute and performing, “Loch Lomond”, at solo in our last summer concert. this year’s summer concert. • Getting into the Dandys for Netball and Hockey. • Persuading Mr P and Ruby to join her on the Giant Swing • Playing “Annie” in Form 6. at the Galloway Activity Centre. Mr P swore (mildly – do not • Trying to teach Mr P to do a “burst” on his phone at Form 8 worry). camp while waiting for the giant swing. • Won the Poetry Final by reciting “At Euston“ by A M • Tegan gave the most wonderful rendition of ‘On My Own’ Harbord”, a poem about someone watching and enjoying in the summer concert in front of her proud and composed others about to go on holiday. Very Iona! parents, but then looked decidedly put out when her mum, • Born leader. Genuine, kind and gentled. Basked in the Mary, cried during Lucy Macpherson’s ‘I dreamed a dream’! happiness of others. A big sister to all. Comment from family; Comment from family; Hearing Tegan sing properly for the first time in the Squad Iona’s appointment as Head Girl. Her strength and fortitude Singing competition and Tegan playing “Annie” and in dealing with adversity. She is unstoppable. Now I repaying the faith Miss McRae showed her when selecting remember in Form 6 when you were teaching her History, Mr her in that part. Harvey, you said that when you realised she was going to be in your class, you‘d need to be extra prepared or she would Lucy Wallace Started in Form 6 Library Prefect pull you up on it. You said if Julie was ever absent, Iona could run the school in her place. STANDOUT MOMENTS • Qualifying for the UK Maths Kangaroo stage. Will Stephen Started in Form 2 Home Squad Leader • Gaining 6 x As and 4 A*s in CE exams. • The most moving lecture I have heard in my 8 years as STANDOUT MOMENTS Head on Lucy’s family circumstances. She had the audience • Gaining a gold in the UK Maths Challenge. captivated. Brilliant. Simply brilliant! • Selected for Scottish Prep Schools rugby. • Performing in the RS Play directed by Mr Brown. Comment from family; • Getting an A in RS CE. The proudest moments surrounded Lucy’s preparation of her • Scored 50 against the Dads until “the ball of the year”, an lecture. This provided us with the platform to discuss in more in-swinging yorker took out his middle and leg stumps. Who detail Lucy’s adoption and she developed the confidence bowled it again, Will? to write, talk and answer questions about her life.

Comment from family; Jessica Wright Started in Upper Kindergarten Deputy Head Girl Whilst we have been immensely proud of Will’s sporting achievements, we think his Gold award in the UK Maths STANDOUT MOMENTS Challenge has to be one of our greatest highlights. Mr Mill • Being selected for the A’s Dandylions Hockey Team as used to quote Babe Ruth the legendary New York Yankees Captain. professional player “you can’t beat someone who • Being selected into the South of Scotland U14 Hockey Squad. never gives up!” • Getting 3 x As at CE. • Great fun, positive, kind, honest and everything a proud William Tweedie Started in Form 7 Douglas Squad Leader mum and dad could hope for in a daughter.

STANDOUT MOMENTS Comment from family; • Being awarded Man of the match in the Scottish Prep We were so proud of Jessica’s scholarship and exam results Schools match against Schools. but her support of a close friend who faced adversity • Being selected as rugby captain. brought a side out of Jessica we have never seen before. It • Getting an A in RS despite Mr Brown fooling about so was genuine and remarkable. much! • Williams’ obsession with farming and his response to And so, we wish them all the smoothest transition to the mention of my harvest work which included asking if the thirteen different schools they are about to bless with their tractors had cabs in those days! attendance and fabulous personalities. These communities • The rescue of Bill Elliot’s sheep whilst on camp. will feel very different, for a while, but our latest batch of • Water shortage at Buchtrig recently. Bad luck if you are talented, well-rounded, superb ambassadors for St. Mary’s sitting next to Peter! will call upon their ups and downs within this fabulous school to help them on their way. Comment from family; When William was awarded man of the match having come Take with you the words of a Cheyenne Indian Chief, on as a replacement in the SPS game. “Be strong enough to stand alone, be yourself enough to stand apart, but be wise enough to stand together when the need arises”.

Headmaster 2018 st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 HM SPEECH 7 8 VALETE LIST www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk VALETE LIST

Form 8 Leavers

M.K. Ballantyne Sports Exhibition Loretto D.A. Blunt Uppingham P.J. Briggs Loretto G.O.S. Carrick Academic Scholarship F.M. Darling Fettes College I.R. Darling Fettes College A.H.G. de Gier Eton College T.D. Dundas-Bekker Merchiston Castle J.L.D. Francis Headmaster’s Award for Sport Sedbergh A.L. Fraser Fettes College R.I. Harvey Longridge Towers School F.E. Hawson Gordonstoun M.A. Imray General Scholarship Oundle W.T. Macpherson Fettes College R.E. Mitchell George Watson’s H.F.M. Ross Fettes College I.S.E. Salvesen Oundle W.G. Stephen Sports Scholarship Merchiston Castle T.M. Taylor George Heriot’s W.R. Tweedie Sports Scholarship Merchiston Castle L.F. Wallace St. George’s J.A.A. Wright Outstanding Talent Award Glenalmond

10 Scholarships awarded; 7 taken up

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 VALETE LIST 9 Scottish Charity No: SC012632

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10 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk PRIZEGIVING

FORM 3: Prize for Achievement: 1. Lily Weir 2. Barney Oakes 3. Beatrice Church Melrose Literary Society Junior Prize for Poetry: Angus Macpherson FORM 4: Prize for Achievement: 1. Freya Millar 2. Beatrice Smyly 3. Mahi Das FORM 5: Prize for Achievement: 1. Tiggy Mathieson 2. Henry Salvesen 3. John Imray Andrew Garman Junior Lecture Prize: Josh Cully Melrose Literary Society Intermediate Prize for Poetry: Isaac Stuart Junior Art Prize: Isaac Buchanan Junior Musician: Emily Lewington Junior Design and Technology Prize: Henry Salvesen FORM 6: Prize for Achievement: 1. Geordie Maclay 2. Imogen Blunt 3. Elsa Scott FORM 7: Prize for Achievement: 1. Eliza Maclay 2. Oliver Earnshaw 3. Mhairi Buchanan Mackintosh Memorial Prize for English AND THE McDougall Memorial Prize for Mathematics: Eliza Maclay Andrew Garman Senior Lecture Prize: Hannah Francis School Debating Prize: Eliza Maclay & Lara Jeffrey FORM 8: Melrose Rotary Society Citizen Award: Ruby Harvey & Matt Ballantyne Melrose Literary Society Senior Prize for Poetry: Iona Salvesen Hamilton Centenary Quaich for achievement in Music: Maria Imray Watt Cup for Drama: Alexander Fraser Massey Cup for Performing Arts: Tegan Taylor Prize for Choral Singing: Dicken Blunt The Sanderson Plate for Acting: Oliver Carrick Senior Art Prize: Freya Darling Senior Design and Technology Prize: Fergus Hawson The Hardie Cup for Athletics: Will Stephen Robertson Cup for All-round Sportsman: Jamie Francis The Evans Quaich for All-Round Sports Woman: Jessica Wright Henderson Prize for service to the school : Iona Salvesen & Antony de Gier Prize for Contribution to Boarding: Tommy Dundas-Bekker Literary Prize for Creative Writing Prize: Isla Darling Prize for Academic Endeavour: Hamish Ross From top: Form 8 Prizewinners, Headmaster’s Prize: William Tweedie 2018 Prizewinners & William Macpherson Leslie Boyd Prize for French: Oliver Carrick & Antony de Gier School Latin Prize AND THE McIntosh Memorial Prize for English AND THE School Biology Prize: Maria Imray McDougall Memorial Prize for Mathematics AND THE School History Prize: Oliver Carrick School Religious Studies Prize: Phoebe Briggs School Geography Prize AND THE School Chemistry Prize: Lucy Wallace School Physics Prize AND THE School Greek Prize: Rowan Mitchell Godfrey-Faussett Plate for outstanding service to the School: Iona Salvesen PROXIME ACCESSERUNT: Maria Imray & Oliver Carrick DUX 2017: Antony de Gier Calistri Cup for Squad Work: Scott

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 PRIZEGIVING 11 FORM 8 Lucy Wallace Phoebe Briggs Jessica Wright Nickname: Luce / Nickname: Phoebs/ Nickname: Jess / Wally Hawk eye Snakebite Wright Senior School: Senior School: Senior School: St. George’s Loretto Glenalmond Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: College 2015-2018 2008-2018 Time at St. Mary’s: 2008-2018 Best Memory/Achievement: Form 8 Best memory/Achievement: Form 8 Best Memory/Achievement: Being camp but especially going to the camp and winning squad singing, selected to captain the Dandy’s A’s waterfall & swimming in the freezing with YMCA, for the first time hockey team and being selected water Ambition: To own a bakery & to for Hockey, Netball & Rounder’s Ambition: I would like to attend travel the world Dandylions & Form 8 camp was Edinburgh University to study & amazing being with my friends, was become a vet definitely a week to remember. Ambition: To one day represent William Rowan Mitchell GB Hockey at the Olympics or play Macpherson Nickname: Mitchick hockey to the best standard I can Nickname: Big Mac Senior School: Senior School: George Watson’s Antony de Gier Fettes College College Nickname: AdG Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: Senior School: 2007-2018 2013-2018 Eton College Best Memory/Achievement: Getting Best memory/Achievement: Being Time at St.Mary’s: into Dandylions rugby & playing the selected as netball captain & the 2008-2018 bagpipes climbing wall/zip-wire at Form 8 Best memory/Achievement: Going Ambition: To become an architect camp on Form 8 camp & getting into Eton Ambition: To compete for Scotland Ambition: Getting good A-Level in gymnastics or to be an architect results

Matthew Ballantyne Iona Salvesen Oliver Carrick Nickname: Nickname: Salvo/ Nickname: Ollie Ballantyne Nona Senior School: Senior School: Senior school: Fettes College Loretto Oundle Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: 2014-2018 2015-2018 2007-2018 Best Memory/Achievement: Beating Best memory/Achievement: Getting Best memory/Achievement: Merchiston at rugby after losing the a Sports Exhibition & a main role in Persuading Mr.P to do the giant first match & getting an Academic the play ‘Me and My Girl’ swing in Form 8 camp & going to the Scholarship to Fettes Ambition: To play position number 8 hockey and netball Dandylion trials Ambition: To get into Oxford for the Scotland rugby team Ambition: To be an entrepreneur University & study science or maths

Tommy Dundas- Maria Imray Jamie Francis Bekker Nickname: Mimray/ Nickname: Francis Nickname: TDB Mar One Eye Senior School: Senior School: Senior School: Merchiston Oundle Sedbergh Time at St.Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: 2011-2018 2013-2018 2015-2018 Best memory/Achievement: Form Best memory/Achievement: Form Best Memory/Achievement: Form 8 camp & playing for the St. Mary’s 8 camp & getting a general 8 camp when we went swimming 1st Team scholarship to Oundle at Hethpool & winning the cross- Ambition: To play rugby forever Ambition: To be an architect or a country (to be the oldest man ever to play physiotherapist Ambition: to play rugby for Scotland rugby)

12 FORM 8 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Hamish Ross Freya Darling William Tweedie Nickname: Rossy Nickname: Frez Nickname: Tweeds Senior School: Senior School: Senior School: Fettes College Fettes College Merchiston Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: Time at St. Mary’s: 2014-2018 2014-2018 2016-2018 Best Memory/Achievement: Form Best Memory/Achievement: Form 8 Best Memory/Achievement: Beating 8 camp & getting good marks in Camp & getting an art exhibition Merchiston in rugby & doing the RS scholarship Ambition: To design movie sets or to play with Mr Brown Ambition: Work in international be working in the movie industry Ambition: To be a successful farmer finance

Tegan Taylor Dicken Blunt Isla Darling Nickname: Teags Nickname: The Nickname: Darling Senior School: Titanabown Senior School: George Heriots Senior School: Fettes College Time at St. Mary’s: Uppingham Time at St. Mary’s: 2014-2018 Time at St. Mary’s: 2014-2018 Best Memory/Achievement: Finding 2012-2018 Best memory/Achievement: Form out I got a role in Annie (Form 6), Best memory/Achievement: Getting 8 camp, being selected for the Form 8 camp & winning squad the solo for ‘Once in Royal David’s Dandylions hockey and rounders & singing in Form 8 with ‘I Dreamed a City’ in Form 7 playing with my class Dream’ from Les Miserables Ambition: To work in a recording Ambition: To travel the world and to Ambition: To be an actress in a studio or as a mechanic for McLaren study law at university movie or on the West End stage

Fergus Hawson Will Stephen Ruby Harvey Nickname: Ferg Nickname: Patches Nickname: Rubes Senior school: o’ Hoolihan Senior School: Gordonstoun Senior School: Longridge Time at St. Marys: Merchiston Time at St. Mary’s: 2014-2018 Time at St. Mary’s: 2010-2018 Best memory/Achievement: Winning 2011-2018 Best Memory/Achievement: Form the poetry competition in Form 7 Best Memory/Achievement: Doing 8 camp – going on the giant swing with ‘Merlin and the Gleam by Alfred the RS play with Mr Brown, playing with Mr P & Iona Lord Tennyson & coming second in good rugby with my friends & also Ambition: To become a singer & my first lecture competition in Form 4 getting into SPS to play on the have a shot at Britain’s Got Talent Ambition: To win the Golden Globe Greenyards around the world sailing race Ambition: To be a rugby player for Scotland st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FORM 8 13 playing for tennis clubs, parents would Doddie Weir by Mhairi Buchanan complain about her skin colour and say Doddie Weir is a former rugby player FORM 7 that she shouldn’t be playing. who was diagnosed with motor neuron Serena fought harder than an average disease (MND). He announced he Once again, I have enjoyed a great tennis player to reach the top. At the has the disease so that he could raise year with Form 7. They have thrown age of 16 she was told to give up on her awareness of the condition. MND is a themselves into all activities, challenges dreams because she was black. I admire disease that occurs when specialist nerve and situations with such enthusiasm, her for her amazing determination and cells in the brain and spinal cord stop energy and good humour. the fact she has never given up on functioning properly. Our school trips have been an absolute herself. I find Doddie Weir inspirational because joy whether to the Art Gallery, Camera he never gives up and tries to raise Obscura, Torness Power Station or our Aly Raisman By Molly Currie money and help others with this disease. camp in . Complete involvement, Aly Raisman (full name Alexandra total focus, not one moan or complaint Raisman) is a gymnast that in September Bear Grylls By Emma Scott Watson and a great laugh. (post Olympics) of 2012 fell on the Bear Grylls is my hero because he is very We have also had the highest turnout uneven bars. She was told that her injuries resilient and determined to survive. He from a class for debating, to say this would mean she would never be able has done many inspirational things in his group like an argument would be an to compete again. This didn’t stop Aly lifetime such as climbing Everest walking understatement! It really has been a though and in 2015 she won gold at over the Himalayas and crossing the fabulous year. I wish you all the very best competitions across the world and in North Atlantic. He also holds the world as you move into Form 8 and trust you will 2016 she went to the Olympics and won record for the highest indoor freefall. I am continue to aspire towards those that you gold for all around team gymnastics and also inspired by what he did during his have chosen as your heroes. silvers for all around individual gymnastics. time in the Special Air Services (SAS). Mrs P Hardie His will to survive is remarkable and I want Doddie Weir by Libby Barr to be like him one day. In June 2017 he was diagnosed with Emily Pankhurst by Molly Scott Kathy Weir by Hannah Cully motor neuron disease (MND), when he was just 47. This is a quote of something I have chosen Emily Pankhurst as Kathy Weir is married to Doddie Weir, that he said: my hero, because I feel that she has she is a very brave woman because “I will devote my time towards assisting changed the lives for women not only Doddie was diagnosed with motor research... to help my fellow sufferers.” in her lifetime but in ours and for years neuron disease on the 21st of June 2017, This is why he is my hero because when to come. I admire her because she was This disease causes weakness in the he was diagnosed with MND he didn’t the leader of the Suffragette movement. body and also affects speech. Kathy is just give up, he has kept going since then She kept on protesting even though most an inspiration and I will look up to her in and helped everybody else that has the people were against what the suffragette future years. Kathy and Doddie have 3 disease. movement stood for. I appreciate Emily sons Hamish, Angus and Ben. Doddie Pankhurst because she kept fighting is famous for his rugby and his attitude Taylor Swift by Lucy Macpherson for what she believed in. It has had an to life. Doddie and Kathy have raised Taylor swift is such an inspiration because impact so many people, not just women. the profile of MND. “We must be willing she was bullied at school for loving to let go of the life we planned, so as country music, her friends thought that Megan Markle by Amelie Gibson to accept the life that is waiting for us”, was weird and they didn’t think that On the 19th of May, 2018 Megan Markle Doddie Weir she was cool or pretty enough, so they made history becoming the first black Tupac Shakur by Archie Morris stopped talking to her and didn’t want American to join the Royal Family. She to be her friend anymore. She is such an has worked hard and made a name for 2pac was an American rapper in the inspiration this is why I want to be like her. herself. She did not let the breakdown of 1980s he was falsely prosecuted on her first marriage get her down. multiple occasions and ended up in David Attenborough By Oliver Earnshaw prison. Just last year he was picked for the I have chosen him as my hero because Angus Young By Archie Macdonell Hall of Fame. The reason I have picked of his work with animals and his eco work. Angus Young was / still is one of the 2pac is because he has shown resilience I love his speeches about plastic, they most legendary rock gods of all time. to a corrupt police force and has not are really inspiring and make you want He was rated 24th in the ‘Rolling Stones’ been afraid to air his political opinions. to make a change. Even though he is 92 magazine for the best ever rock and Serena Williams by Eliza Maclay years old he still makes an impact on the roll guitarist. He regards solos as one of world with his work. His work with animals the easiest parts of playing and I find Serena Williams is not only the most has taken him everywhere to observe him inspirational because he is just so successful female tennis player of all time different species. determined and does what he does with but she has also stood up against racism so much passion. One day I would like to and sexism. From a young age racism be as good at the guitar as Angus Young. was around Serena and her sister. When

14 FORM 7 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk RAFAEL (RAFA) NADAL! By Callum life. Unfortunately my grandad died in Adamson 1998. I am fascinated by all the stories Born in Spain in 1986, Rafael Nadal began about him that my dad told me. playing tennis at age 3 and turned pro at 15. Known for his topspin-heavy shots and Johnny Wilkinson by Caelan Ballantyne tenacity, he claimed the first of a record He is my hero because he showed nine French Open singles titles in 2005, resilience when he had to get a nerve and competed his career Golden Slam operation in his neck and if he didn’t by winning the U.S. Open in 2010. he would not be able to play rugby He has always shared the bond of tennis again but if it went wrong he would be with his uncle, who coached him until paralysed. I admire his courage. 2017. Queen Elizabeth II by Lara Jeffrey Steph Curry by Mac Rutherfod I have chosen her Majesty The Queen Steph Curry is a player. He as my hero, because I feel throughout is hated by a lot of people! He is my all the problems she has faced she has inspiration because he ignored all his stood strong and done what was right teammates when they said he would not for the country not just herself. When in succeed - but he did! He now plays for December 1936 her uncle, King Edward the Golden State Warriors and is probably VIII died her father became King leaving the best point guard at this time. her next in line to the throne at the age People dislike him because they are of 10. She became our Queen in 1952 jealous of him, but I find him an inspiration. and was crowned in 1953. She was 25 years old and now in 2018 is the longest Lindsey Vonn by Anna Murray reigning monarch. She is a world cup alpine ski racer for the She has led The Commonwealth and the US team. She is my hero because she British Empire through the post war years is persevering and brave. She tore her into the 21st century and this is why she is anterior cruciate ligament and medial my hero. collateral ligament in her right knee, with a tibial plateau fracture in the 2013 Peter Mulholland by Jake Mulholland world championships. In November she He is my hero because he is extremely decided to compete again, however, kind and a great businessman he has in training she re-injured her right knee taught me everything I know; fly fishing; straining it and partially tearing her right driving; spin fishing and most important ACL. This just shows how determined she shooting and much more I would love was. to end up like him and I often try. He takes me to lots of shooting trips. He often Margo Hayes By Rosie Platt teaches me about his business and I From a young age, Margo showed an would like to take it over some day. incredible talent for athletics. She began to compete nationally in gymnastics at J. K. Rowling by Hannah Francis the age of 8. At the age of 10, Margo I find her very inspirational because started climbing and joined Team she has come from nowhere and has ABC. The sport quickly became much a sad background – a miscarriage, an more than a hobby for her; it became abusive marriage and had to drop out of a passion. She excelled at the sport school at 16 due to bullying and money and now competes nationally and shortages. internationally as part of the US National Since then she has worked her way to the team being only 19, Margo was the first top. She is one of our most celebrated woman to complete a 5.15 graded authors. She has written 15 books under climb. 2 different names. She went from relying on support of others to being a multi- My hero by Thomas Elliot millionaire in 5 years. My hero is Tom Elliot my grandad, She has given lots of money to charity as although I never got to meet him. He is well as starting her own charity LUMOS my hero because he was really resilient, (WAND LIGHTING SPELL) which is a charity he was diagnosed with motor neuron for orphans. disease but just went on with his normal st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FORM 7 15 Archie Where: Australia Why: I have family there FORM 6 Feature: Uluru Flag: Red, white, blue This Form 6 year group have been a fantastic group of Fact: Australia is surrounded by children to guide through their first year in the Upper more than 8000 smaller islands School. Their energy and enthusiasm for all that they do has been palpable and it has been a real pleasure to witness them turning into the young adults they are. Their skills are wide and varied from the classroom Geordie to the sports field, the art studio and stage. They are Where: Papua New Guinea resourceful, respectful, resilient, but most of all they are Why: It has amazing wildlife kind and considerate and a joy to be around. It has Feature: It is a mountainous been my privilege to have been their Form Tutor. country Flag: Black, white, red, yellow Form 6 have enjoyed learning about Global Fact: The world’s only Locations through their work in Geography and about poisonous bird is native to Papua communities, identities and relationships in PSHE. Here New Guinea are some of their thoughts about their favourite places in the world. Libby Where: New York Miss K McRae Why: There is so much to do Feature: Central Park Flag: Red, white, blue Fact: 1 out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire

Oliver Stewart Where: New Zealand Where: Spain Why: It is an amazing country Why: There are lots of good for teams Feature: Stewart Island Feature: It is the second largest Flag: Red, white, blue country in the European Union Fact: There are giant Flag: Red and yellow carnivorous snails living in New Fact: The U.S.A. has more Zealand Spanish speakers than Spain

Ted Imo Where: Belgium Where: India Why: A lot of my family live Why: They mix religion with there creativity and it is very colourful Feature: It is very flat Feature: Taj Mahal Flag: Black, yellow, red Flag: Orange, white, green, blue Fact: The official name of Fact: India has 454 living Belgium is ‘The Kingdom of languages and 16 official ones Belgium’

Kiki Freyja Where: South Africa Where: Australia Why: I grew up there and Why: They have clear water have lots of friends there and it is good for sailing Feature: Table Mountain in Feature: The Great Barrier Reef Cape Town and Uluru Flag: Red, white, green, Flag: Red, white, blue yellow, black, blue Fact: There are more Fact: It is known as the kangaroos than people rainbow nation as it has 11 official languages 16 FORM 6 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Alexander Ed Where: Hollywood Hills Where: New Zealand Why: The view Why: They have a good Feature: Mount Lee where the rugby team Hollywood sign is Feature: There are a lot of Flag: Red, white, blue small islands around it Fact: The Hollywood sign used Flag: Red, white, blue to say ‘Hollywood Land’ Fact: They have the best rugby team in the world

Elsa George Where: Home Where: England Why: I love the nature and the Why: The great rugby team countryside Feature: The hills of the Lake Feature: Ben Nevis District Flag: White and blue Flag: Red and white Fact: The Scots are more likely Fact: More people speak to have blue eyes than any English in Nigeria than the UK other people in the UK

Emily Daisy Where: Portugal Where: Barbados Why: My cousins live there Why: The warm seas Feature: The University of Feature: Highest point is 1120 Coimbra is one of the oldest feet universities in Europe Flag: Black, blue, yellow Flag: Green, red, yellow, blue Fact: In 1780 a hurricane killed Fact: Portugal is the oldest 4000 people country in Europe

Mitchell Emma Where: Canada Where: New York Why: It has good weather and Why: It has amazing Toronto sits on the shore of attractions and history Lake Ontario Feature: East River Feature: Niagara Falls Flag: Red, white, blue Flag: Red and white Fact: Central Park is larger Fact: Canada has more lakes than the two smallest than any country countries in the world

Willa Elena Where: Majorca Where: France Why: I have friends there Why: I love visiting France and Feature: Two mountain regions it is really hot and sunny Flag: Yellow, red, purple, white Feature: French alps Fact: Nearly half of Majorca’s Flag: Red, white, blue population lives in Palma Fact: There’s only one stop sign in the entire city of Paris

John Where: New Zealand Why: There is good farming land and their rugby team is also great Feature: Mountains Flag: Red, white, blue Fact: During WW1, New Zealand raised an army of 10000 men st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FORM 6 17 It has been a busy, fun-filled year with this enthusiastic, curious and active group of children. Whatever challenge was put in front of them they worked together with a FORM 5 very positive attitude. As I write this article I am wondering how there was time for all the classroom learning that was achieved as we have done so much out-with the classroom, but the Form 5 room has reverberated with a wonderful buzz all year. The year was started with a focus on PSHE issues of what makes a good friend. We started our poetry writing using the metaphor of building a box of friendship and the children demonstrated their skills in verse as well as understanding of the need to be kind, empathetic and supportive as a friend. This was a helpful start as the class adjusted to the pressures of moving around the school for their classes and the greater responsibility of being at the top of Middle School, a role which they embraced. Our first outing of the year was to the Science Day at . Mrs Lewington and myself thoroughly enjoyed watching the children participating enthusiastically in all the exciting activities ranging from computer coding, building a circuit-board, breaking down light into a spectrum, blowing things up and the definite favourite of handling all the biology departments many creatures.

Wallace Monument and Bannockburn Trip In the Summer Term the class enjoyed a host of trips and activities, a wonderful reward for all their hard work during the year. As ever this class were a pleasure to be with and their manners and behaviour was very positively commented on by passing members of the public. Mr Brown organised trips to Dynamic Earth and the annual Form 5 outing to Wallace Monument and Bannockburn. Dynamic Earth gave the children a chance to bring to life aspects of geography taught during the year. Mr Brown’s enthusiasm in this subject is obvious to all and his enthusiasm was matched by the children who demonstrated their acquired understanding throughout the day. The afternoon workshop allowed for interactive exploration of how our Earth has formed as well as how natural disasters occur. Traffic caused us to arrive slightly late at the Wallace Monument and the class were ushered off the bus and marched up the steep hill to the monument at break-neck speed, only to be immediately faced with the 246 step climb to the top of the monument. There was not a single complaint – from the children at least! As I led the charge up the steps I could hear their chatter and encouragement to each other to keep going and while I was beginning to flag the children were urging me on enthusiastically. Some children were feeling unsure of the height of the monument but once up there they all looked out on the Bannockburn area as Mr Brown explained how the battle had developed in the fields right in front of them. Many of the tourists were enjoying the ‘tour guide’ we had brought along too! It is a fantastic view of the twists and turns of the river as it meanders down to the estuary. Next stage of this exciting day was the interactive Bannockburn Centre. Here, the class were right in the middle of the 3-D holographic re-enactment of the Battle. There was much ducking as the horses and arrows seemed to be flying towards us. We then had the interactive battle re-enactment when the children are each given a role and their decisions influence the outcome of their Battle. In this case Queen Kate of England and her trusty warriors changed the fortunes of the Scots and King Henry had to bow graciously to accept defeat. This activity clearly demonstrates how history and indeed our present situation could have been easily affected if the leaders had made different decisions, a very important cross-curricular link to our Middle School leadership programme.

Middle School Leadership and Outdoor Learning Programme Throughout Michaelmas and Lent Terms the Middle School staff teamed up and created a programme which concentrated on developing skills of leadership, teamwork and co-operation as well incorporating a variety of opportunities for outdoor learning. Many environmental issues were highlighted to the children through this programme. They became enthusiastic champions for becoming a ‘Plastic Free School’ as well as becoming more aware of protecting and enhancing our wonderful environment. The three classes worked in ‘Clans’ and were involved in a host of activities from games, team challenges and litter-picking down the Tweed.

18 FORM 5 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk John Muir Awards As part of the leadership programme, Form 5s were able to meet the criteria for a John Muir Discovery Award. This was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the important environmental education element of the course. It also rewarded the efforts of the Form 5 pupils as they completed 2 years of important work, ending by leading their groups through the many activities provided by the Middle School team. They had to discover and explore the natural world, through tasks such as the miniature worlds and outdoor art created with the help of Mrs Kirkness. They needed to take part in conserving nature, which fitted in perfectly with the tree nursery and bird and bee boxes that they helped Mr Rawson to create. They needed to learn about the life and work of John Muir, which was taught as part of their science curriculum, by Mrs Stuart. Finally, they had to share their learning with their community. We used the school website and social media, as well as the display areas in the Sanderson building to showcase their hard work. All pupils in Form 5 managed to complete the award successfully and we were proud to award them with a presentation of their certificates by the Headmaster in assembly.

Abbotsford Picnic As a finale for this programme we organised a picnic day at Abbotsford for the whole Middle School. What a wonderful day we all had! The weather was at its best and as soon as the briefing of safety and boundaries was over the children dispersed in all directions! The main attraction on such a hot day was, of course, the river. It became the goal to rearrange the flat river bed into an array of circles, straight dams and ‘little traps’ so the young fish could be examined in more detail! The building of these dams was very sophisticated and soon children were working together and the ‘worker ants’ were busy scampering about to collect dollops of gooey, gloopy mud which was the ‘concrete’ needed to keep the structures in place. The young civil engineers did a great job and Mrs Bell reported that the dams were all still in place in September! There were also energetic games of ‘tig’ and close examination of all the trees and the passing cloud formations. All in all, this was a very successful day and hopefully the weather will be as kind if we repeat it all next year!

Spottiswoode Camp Always a firm favourite at the end of the year and this camp did not disappoint! It was quite simply superb from start to finish. The weather was in our favour again and we had a ball. Everyone joining in and contributing to the smooth running of the camp. The ‘THING’, Wide Game, campfire, and team games were all part of this brilliant experience enjoyed by all!

Mountain Biking Adventure Day In collaboration with Borders College, Form 5 were the lucky recipients of a day learning mountain biking skills, from some of the expert college students. This was one of the most rewarding days in my teaching career. There was a wide range of experience of cycling within the class and those who were confident from the start were immediately challenged with the twists and turns of slalom races on the banking in Scott Park. This was followed by an adventure into the Gala Policies, where children who had previously expressed concern, tackled jumps and rode over some very difficult terrain. Likewise, some of the children had been very concerned about taking part in the day as they found cycling a very difficult skill to master. For these children the day started with cycling hesitantly on the paths but before long there was quite a bit of running required by staff as we tried in vain to keep up with them - they were off! All of these children had to be prised from the seat of their bikes to stop for some lunch. Their thrill at having overcome this hurdle was fantastic to witness. I feel this activity sums up many of the experiences of the year with this wonderful class. Everyone was supported or challenged at an appropriate level for their needs, by the many activities they encountered in their school year. Their first adventure towards the Senior School meant they experienced the different styles and expertise of the dedicated staff of the school. It was a pleasure to be able to work with them and observe the progress they all made in so many different areas of their lives.

Mrs L Runciman st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FORM 5 19 FORM 4 Another year has passed for this bunch of Form 4’s, With an assortment of new faces coming through the classroom’s doors. The Michaelmas Term started with lots of eagerness to learn, For the Lecture Finals Freya, Tallulah and Bee had their turn. Christian was chosen as Captain of the Form, Whilst in the Boarding Houses many enjoyed playing in dorm. Rugby and hockey were the sports of choice, Whilst in Squad Singing Celia showed she was in good voice. Rehearsals for ‘Olivia!’ began with Miss McRae, Nicole and the girls sang the songs every day. By the end of term we had gained Olivia and Rory, Excitement was growing for next term’s class story.

In the Lent Term it was Harry Potter we began to read, Creating magical potions and creatures, we followed J K Rowling’s lead. Football and Netball got the U9’s running about, Match teas were the best part of Wednesday’s, no doubt. February granted us Fergus’ arrival, The ‘Beast from the East’ proved a matter of survival. Off to we went to meet A Jacobite and a Red Coat, which was such a treat. Mahi charged towards becoming an AR millionaire, Whilst Beattie continued playing her trombone with flair. The Squad Day competition Mr Harvey had to assess, Tanya and Blair were delighted with Scott’s success. As term came to an end we each went a different way, But not before bidding farewell to our dear friend Finlay.

20 FORM 4 www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk The Summer Term arrived with trips galore, At the Countryside Day we had lots to explore. Hector joined our merry gang of twenty, And in the classroom everyone was learning plenty. Sunny Wednesday’s meant many sports matches, Spectators for rounders and cricket saw amazing catches. The Poetry Final had Ewan, Lily and Zara recite Many classic poems which we think they did just right. Nic and Tom loved Athletics with Mrs Bell, And the swimming gala also went down very well. Mr Rawson had us picking up plastic to save marine creatures, Camp at Spottiswoode was great fun thanks to our teachers. In June Mrs SA went off on maternity leave, Following performances in assessments that saw everybody achieve. Mr Brown stepped up and took charge of everyone, The rest of term was such fun, but now the year is done.

Mrs J Scott Aiton

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 FORM 4 21 My future is so bright by FORM 3

Art and history are my favourite subjects at school. I think I am really good at horse riding because My favourite thing at school I like it and I have my is art and design and own pony that I can ride technology because I love whenever I want. When I When I grow up I want to I like Warhammer, lego and design with Miss Wood. When am older, I want to become be a banker in Monte Carlo design & technology and that I am older I would like to be a showjumper because I like it because I like maths and means that I want to be an a dress designer as I love Amelia and it would be fun. this will help me do my job. architect. This is because I am designing things. Abigail In Monte Carlo, I will get to interested in drawing and in see lots of car races! Other school I am good at doing options would be for me to maths. I like times tables, be a footballer because I addition and subtraction. am good at it and it is fun! Barney Angus

Form 3 Form 3 have hadhave a busy had year a busy year To play rugby for Scotland studyingstudying lots of different lots of different topics, topics, because I think I am good visiting placesvisiting and places having and lots having of fun lots of fun I am very good at all sports. I at rugby, I like it and it is fun! learning learningnew things. new Highlights things. Highlights of the of the am very fast (I’m the fastest I am also really good at art year includedyear included our visits ourto Abbotsford visits to Abbotsford in the class!) I love playing because I can concentrate House toHouse learn toabout learn Sir about Walter Sir Scott, Walter Scott, netball and rounders too. I am in lessons and I also like creativecreative writing lessons, writing startinglessons, starting good at netball, rounders and history. Callum acceleratedaccelerated reading readingquizzes, quizzes, hockey. In the future I would like to be a teacher because I would love to teach children in the class. I would like to teach Form 3! Beatrice

I am really good at running I really like biking and I go and defending and along the River Tweed every because of this I would like day on my bike. I have lots to be a rugby player or a of fun and I would like to be football goalie! In school a professional biker when I I enjoy history because I like I like maths - it is the best! am older. If I can’t do that, At school I really like history reading about the past in Daniel I would like to be a famous and I am amazing at running! the army. I would like to go footballer. Dino I like rugby because you get into the army when I leave to knock people over. When school to protect the Queen I grow up I would like to be and country. If I joined the a farmer because it is fun to army I would get very fit and round sheep up and drive would get to travel the world. tractors. Charlie George F

22 FORM 3 www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk I am quite good at I am really good at climbing maths and I want to be a and I like history. I look at a midwife because I want lot of history in Darnick. I like to look after babies and to act on stage and I like to help to deliver them. I love play football. I really like John babies because they are Dere tractors and tidying. In so cute and small. Hannah the future, I would like to be a commentator when I am older. Henry I am excellent at running and In school I am good at maths. I usually win against other I am very good at running people in races. So when I and I would want to be a grow up I would like to be runner in the future but if I a marathon runner. I would can’t do that I would like to also like to be a Formula One be a banker in Monte Carlo. driver because I am good at This would be fun because I driving go carts. George G like maths and would like to see the Monaco Grand Prix. Gregor

our enterprise I am very good at art and I project and our muddy like colouring in on pictures. Camp Day at Spottiswood. I am good at adding little Mr Millar joined as our Classroom lines to add in lots of detail. Assistant in October and we thank When I grow up I would like him for all his support throughout the to be a vet because I like year. A wonderful year had by all. animals as they are so cute. Kira Mrs J Kirkness and Mrs Z Wright

I am very good at rounders I like history because it has at school because I am gone down in my family I like art and adding in maths. very fast at running. When I and my Uncle made I also like drawing when I do grow up I would like to be a historical models. In future art and in maths I like chimney vet because I love animals I would like to be a jockey sums and times tables. But I am very good at biking and it looks like lots of fun. because I love riding and I when I grow up I would like because I can do big jumps Mathilda do it every week. Rufus to be a vet because I love and race. In school I think I am animals. My favourite is a good at cricket and rugby. dog. I have a black lab, she is My dream job is a pro biker so called Rosie and she is my BFF! I can do super big jumps and But I love other animals too learn new tricks to become and I’ve watched vet videos the best biker in the world. and I love them. Lily William st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 FORM 3 23 OSCAR bloody ...... s c a r y . e d o g h i u f

i e r c

d o o l . . . n a e m . . . . y t s a n . . t h i r s y . FORM 2 Form 2 have had a very successful year. The boys and girls all worked with enthusiasm in every subject and worked hard to reach their individual potential. They all made excellent progress and should be very proud of their achievements. Very well done.

In History the class studied the topic Pirates. After a visit to Gunsgreen House in Eyemouth, the children designed their own pirates and worked hard describing them.

Mrs S Fresle s i c k . o l a m z n g e t FERGUS c o l . s n e a k y f GILBERT MIRANDA deadly ...... blood thirsty . g r u m p y s c a l i k e weird ....

i e r c . s t o n g

r e b b o r . . . . d a b . . . . s u o i c i v d e k o o r c . . . . . s e h t o l c y t r i d h c i r . . . s s e l h t u r . . . . y p e e r c t e h . r i f y n g a u l . b l o d t h i r s y . d i s h o n e t

. s t r i c g u m p y e l a

s t r o n g . b l d y a e v i ALESHYA dangerous LOTTIE dangerous .... MARTHA criminal ... v i c o u s . t r n g f e y a k

...... l i v e ...... t n e i c n a ...... s u o r u t n e v d a . . . . . s d i a r . . . . . y l d a e d . . . . . y p e e r c . . . . . v i c o u s . n a g t e s e r i o u . l c k y s h a r p w o d . i m t e

24 FORM 2 www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk h a u n t e d . s m l y k c r p s c a r y . m e n t d g o u SOPHIE strange ...... s n e a k y . f MEGAN creepy ...... JEMIMA fierce ......

i e r c . d a n g o u s

f e i h t . . . s u o i c o r e f . . . g n o r t s b o r . . . y p p a h n u . . . y l g u ...... s u o i c i v . . . l u f t s a o b . . . s . f r i g h t e n . f e a r s o m s c a r y . g e d s t r o n g . m a l d o l d . g r u m p y a n e s

ESMEE strange ...... OPHELIA smart ...... ANGUS dangerous ... f

i e r c . v i o u s a y d g

. . . . t n e l i o v . . . e c r e i f . . . k c i y v a e h . . . p r a h s . . . y z a r c ...... g n i l k c u b h s a w s ...... s . c o v e r d i n b l s u c r o k m e n a c . v i l

t h i r s y . c a m e l v

h i d e o u s . v c p a r k l y HETTIE happy ...... MAX bad ... sneaky .. s p e d y . b i g h a r w o ARCHIE grumpy .....

d e t n i o p . . . . . y e k t e r c e s ...... k c a l b ...... y r a c s ...... g n o r t s . . . . d e k o o r c . . . . . m u r s e k i l b e a r d n o s e . t a l c r y r o t e n h

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 FORM 2 25 A Farmhouse Breakfast FORM 1

Farmers work hard for us All the year round Raspberries from the polytunnels Milk turned into yoghurt Hot milk in the winter time with Oats made into porridge Usually fill us up until lunchtime Soldiers dipped into runny Egg yolk

I have had a great year working with a conscientious, caring and cheeky bunch of children! They have always been willing to please and have tried hard in all the different tasks we have undertaken each term. Their enthusiasm whilst out on trips to various places around the Borders has been unending and they have taken every chance to show what they have learnt whilst talking to visitors or performing on stage. Once again we have had success in the competitions we have entered with a winner in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Poster competition and another delicious farmhouse breakfast, courtesy of the Royal Highland Education Trust’s annual Farmhouse Breakfast Competition, which this year asked us to write a poem all about breakfast from the farm. We hope you enjoy our winning entry. Keep working and playing hard next year, Form 1!

Miss J Renwick

26 FORM 1 www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Bacon from the pigs is Really yummy in a roll Eggs come from chickens And eaten with some beans Kale and spinach smoothies Fresh fruit juice to drink Always picked from the farm So how lucky is it That the farmers are our friends!

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 FORM 1 27 RECEPTION It has been an amazing year in Reception. The class have learned lots of exciting new skills in the classroom. In the first term the children went to Bowhill for a most enjoyable winter walk with myself and the Countryside Ranger, sang at Priorwood Court and had a trip to Biggar Puppet Theatre to see Pips and Panda and the Magic Egg. There were trips to the police-station and the fire-station. We also enjoyed our tour of Melrose Parish Church with Reverend Frew. We rounded off the year by visiting Harestanes on our Pre-Prep summer trip. The class had great fun doing a litter-pick for Melrose In Bloom and we dressed up as our sporting heroes to raise money for Sport Relief. Back at base, Reception had great fun performing on stage. The children took part in a delightful Nativity, with Kindergarten, called, “Christmas Counts”. Later on in the Summer Term, Reception joined Forms 1 and 2 to perform the wonderful show “Dick Whittington”. One of my proudest moments was when Reception performed their assembly on Life-Cycles in front of the whole school and their parents. They loved practising outside on the grass; sitting along the goalie net while I sat on the penalty spot and listened as they each took a turn to say their lines. This really helped them to have big voices! All the class learned their words by heart, and delivered them with confidence on the day. We hope you are impressed with the butterflies we painted. Just after half-term, St. Mary’s welcomed a new addition to the class… Grace. It was a great opportunity for Grace to meet her new classmates and all the children did a super job helping her to settle in!

28 RECEPTION www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk This class have been a delight to teach and I am so pleased with how well they have taken all that goes on in Reception in their stride and with such enthusiasm. I wish them all the best in Form 1 and look forward to catching up with them around school and especially at break-times.

Mrs C Currie

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 RECEPTION 29 KINDERGARTEN

It has been such a quick and happy year in Kindergarten. The children have enjoyed new and exciting learning experiences both inside and outside, in the gym hall, with Ms Wood in the Art Studio, with Miss McRae in music and drama and even on stage. They performed a fabulous nativity along with the Reception class and performed their own assembly during the Summer Term with ‘Colours’ as our theme.

There have been many highlights in the year, including a Royal Tea Party in the woods, a trip to Duns Castle and raising funds for Borders Pet Rescue. The charity events have been successful with a Pedal Push, a Café Afternoon and a Pyjama Morning, which was lots of fun! Having these events spread throughout the year has been helpful to both parents and staff.

30 KINDERGARTEN The children and their families enjoyed our Teddy Bear’s picnic which for many years has been held in the orchard, but this year we decided to relocate to under the Oak tree within the St. Mary’s grounds. This proved to be a successful, and wonderful afternoon, in a perfect location!

The children have been a delight to have this year. They have a lot to be proud of and it has been lovely to see them laugh, make new friends and grow in confidence over the year.

Mrs L Berni

KINDERGARTEN 31 BOARDING

2017 - 2018 has been an extremely exciting year in the Boarding Houses here at St. Mary’s. We have welcomed many new faces, started new traditions, introduced occasional Friday night boarding, theme nights, excursions and the range of evening activities on offer has been bigger than ever before.

Boarders returned at the end of the summer to a newly renovated Boys’ Boarding House with improved dorms and a common room including a library of books, games and Sky TV. Under the leadership of Mrs Rawson and the support of Mr Rawson, Mr Brown, Mr Mateos, Mrs Scott Aiton, Mrs Stuart, Mr Whitelaw, Pam and the GAPs, Boarders were immersed into a busy term offering a whole host of old and new activities and opportunities. Autumn evenings were spent playing Danish longball, , basketball and capture the flag outside. Then as the evenings drew in, there was star gazing, apple picking and movie nights. German spotlight was a favourite in the orchard and Monday night glow stick treasure hunts were always popular. For those Boarders who like to spend time crafting, there was soap making, jewellery and beading, trash fashion workshops and sewing.

Highlights from the Michaelmas Term included a Harry Potter theme night with a game of Quidditch on the tennis courts, Great Boarders’ Bake Off, Hallowe’en games, bonfire night with toffee apples and sparklers, the annual Boarders’ Ceilidh and a Taekwondo taster night.

From top: Crafts, Halloween, Trash Fashion Show, Basketball, Boarders, Bake Off

32 BOARDING www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk The lead up to Christmas saw tree decorating, a gingerbread house making competition and carol singing around Melrose adorned in tinsel and Ruldoph antlers. The term finished with a bang as Max and Jessie organised a phenomenal GAP Surprise! Boarders couldn’t contain their excitement as they followed the rainbow themed clues to find glow sticks on their beds… This unforgettable night started with pizza (a Form 8 favourite) and then a giant game of laser tag around the Sanderson and Hamilton buildings followed by a silent disco in the Morrison Hall. It was a wonderful example of all the hard work, care and fun that Max and Jessie have contributed over the year as they headed back to Australia to start their next adventures.

Maddy arrived from Australia in the Lent Term at the start of a very cold January. In fact, Maddy was delighted to experience snow for the first time! Things soon warmed up, however, as the Boarders got stuck into all the amazing activities and events that make the Lent Term such an exciting and fun time.

St. Mary’s Boarding has a number of stand-out events throughout the year and the Boarders’ Dinner Dance is probably the jewel in the crown. This is the night when the boarding community comes together for a beautifully prepared candlelit meal in the dining room followed by reels, a disco in the Morrison Hall and the famous annual dance-off! The tables were decorated with snowdrops, ivy and fairy lights running from end to end. It was a delight to see the Boarders and staff so smartly dressed and enjoying each others’ company showing exactly what it means to be part of such a special community.

As well as the Boarders’ Dinner Dance we also enjoyed the Boarders’ Got Talent evening where we had dancers and singers, magicians and even a comedy act. The long dark evenings of the Lent Term are ideal for indoor activities from Warhammer to bread making and cardio workouts (amongst many others) and we also took every opportunity to get outside. In March we headed out for a Friday night at the Club International rugby match at Netherdale. A particularly chilly evening that saw Scotland beat their Irish amateur counterparts was preceded by a deliciously satisfying meal at the world famous,’ Golden Arches’ Restaurant. From top: Laser Tag, Girl Talk, Mathilda & Tiggy, Dinner Dance Dancing, Gap Surprise, Indoor Games

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 BOARDING 33 The Lent Term was packed with fun and excitement but nothing topped the raw thrill of waking up to find two feet of snow piled up outside the window and to hear the message from Mr Harvey that school was cancelled. Boarders are hardy folk and, on two occasions, we were snowed in and cut off from the World. Jigsaws, igloos, baking, sledging, snowballs, snowmen and a lot of shovelling kept everyone busy. It would be fair to say that we had so much fun in the snow that not all were keen to be rescued! It was an amazing weather event and something that we will all remember for a very long time.

We dived into the Summer Term with weekly trips to Galashiels swimming pool on Tuesday evenings and the most was made of the hot, sunny evenings with rounders, cricket and tennis matches taking place outside every evening. There were BBQ teas, walks down to the River Tweed for river beach yoga, stone skimming and damning, trips to Melrose play park and an inaugural walk up the Eildons for everyone at the end of term.

From top: Fun in the Snow, School Closed, Sledging, Swimming, Play Park, Skimming Stones, Barbeque

34 BOARDING www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk There was the opportunity for Boarders to take part in a mountain biking activity, run by World Champion mountain bikers from Borders College. The young cyclists were put through their paces learning new skills and taking part in a series of exciting races and challenges. Themes included a Spanish night with tapas and an international football match, the Royal Wedding Tea Party and a fantastic fun night hosted by the Form 8s on the front pitch. They organised team challenges with colour runs, obstacle courses, an egg lottery and paddling pool bingo, an unforgettable night and so an exciting new tradition began. With the seniors away at camp, Form 2 and 3 were invited for a boarding taster night, taking part in a nature scavenger hunt and talent show outside. The Form 8s enjoyed their final farewell with pizza around Mr and Mrs Harvey’s fire pit and a water balloon fight after setting about the Hamilton Building with some mischievous leaver’s dares ready to be discovered next year…

Mrs E Rawson

From top: Mountain Biking, Cricket, Form 8 Fun Night, Form 6 Girls

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 BOARDING 35 St Mary's Ad Nov18 OL.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2018 14:08 Page 1 FORM 8 CAMP

Excitement for this trip started brewing back in March when I first met with the children to discuss our programme. The week was shaping up quite similar to last year’s trip, but some changes to the latter part of the week I hoped would make it unique; and it did! We had the most marvellous week possible. We again started across at the

Galloway Activity Centre by Castle Douglas on the Monday and Tuesday. The weather stayed fair for us and of all the activities, the giant swing, the wobbly water park and the lazer tag proved the most popular. Mounthhooly in the College

Valley, Wooler provided our base for the remainder of the week and a perfect base it was too; very comfortable and in the most gorgeous setting. The Wednesday saw us embark on an expedition lead by Jenny

Isherwood and despite the persistent rain, spirits remained high and we concluded the day with a bracing swim in the College river. Thursday saw us head for the coast to Bamburgh and Seahouses, for rounders and rugby on the beach, followed by a trip to the Farne Islands in Billy Shiel’s boat, Glad Tidings. The wind nearly put pay to our Farne Islands visit, but the boat sailed in what can only be described as choppy conditions, just ask Mrs Lewington! Neptune’s fish & chips (a must for anyone visiting Seahouses) and another dip in the river on our return to base, finished off another exhausting day. On the Friday we said goodbye to Mounthooly and the College Valley and set for Fox Lake in Dunbar. Although many of the group knew Fox Lake well, it proved a very popular choice. Our week concluded with a delicious afternoon meal at the Carfraemill Lodge on our way home. I have been running camps at St. Mary’s now for quite a few years and this one would rank among the best, for many reasons. Primarily though because the group were such good company. Happy to roll their sleeves up and muck in, considerate and so polite; it was an absolute pleasure to spend the week with them all. To Mrs Bell & Mrs Lewington, thank you for your support and enormous sense of fun and to all the activity staff for their enthusiasm and for helping to make the week so very special, a true celebration of the children’s time at St. Mary’s.

Mr I Purvis st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FORM 8 CAMP 37 “AMPLEFORTH IS A BOARDING SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHER” Mia Lacoste, Old Amplefordian

www.ampleforth.org.uk/college Open Morning Saturday 23rd March 2019 FARR OUT CHALLENGE sponsored by Laser Vision Scotland

Our 9th Farr Out Challenge was once again a fabulous event and we were delighted to welcome teams from across the Borders, Edinburgh and North Northumberland. The weather also played its part, after a bracing morning, the afternoon was blessed with a cloudless sky. This year’s teams included Melrose Primary, Longridge Towers, St. Michael’s Primary (Alnwick), Lilliesleaf Primary, Fettes Prep, St. Peter’s Primary, Morebattle Primary, Ednam Primary, St. Mary’s Green & Gold, Stow Primary A & B, Channelkirk Primary, Tweedbank Primary and The Compass School. The day took similar shape to last year. I was thrilled to welcome back the climbing wall from AR Entertainment and the izorbs but the children also enjoyed designing and creating their own totem poles in the art studio, casting and performing a scene from a news reel in drama and the ‘torture chamber’, a skills and orienteering based activity. The selection of activities really did call upon the children’s team work, resolve and endurance and year on year they never fail to impress. In addition we were amazed by some moments of individual brilliance which included Angus from Morebattle winning the climbing wall activity, Lyall from Longridge accumulating the most points in the skills activity and Matthew from Ednam zorbing faster than anyone else! As always the finale saw all teams assemble on the school’s front field and this year’s objective was to transport a beaker of water across an obstacle course (including sacks, hurdles, ropes, hoops and crawling), with any unspilt water being decanted into a giant test tube. This was a spectacle and a half and was extremely close, the St. Mary’s Gold team tipping 75cm of water into their tube, ahead of Longridge’s 73cm. With all scores collated, for the 9th consecutive year, we had 13 teams in joint 3rd place! St. Michael’s managed to claim the runners up shield but this year’s winners, by some 5 points, were St. Mary’s Gold. Once again the good nature and dedication of both the St. Mary’s staff and the Form 7 & 8 pupils, ensured the day ran smoothly. Many congratulations to the St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s teams but also to all the pupils for their good sportsmanship and encompassing the spirit of the Farr Out. Finally, my thanks to the professional team at Laser Vision Scotland, for their kind and generous support, without which today would not have been possible.

From top: Art, Hockey, Finale, Zorbs, Mr I Purvis Totem Pole, Climbing Wall

From left: Prizegiving, Winners St. Mary’s Gold, Runners Up St. Michael’s

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FARR OUT CHALLENGE 39 MUSIC & DRAMA

Life in the Music and Drama Department was as busy as ever this year. In early October, Pre-Prep visited their friends at Priorwood Court to sing some harvest songs for them and to deliver harvest baskets. We have a long tradition of visiting the residents of Priorwood Court and have built up many friendships with them over the years. This was closely followed by the much anticipated Squad Singing just before half-term. There were some superb solo and group performances with everyone leaving on a high note for the holiday.

Christmas comes early in the Music Department and so the end of October brought the start of Christmas for some! The Orchestra, Junior Choir and Senior Choir could be heard practising for several weeks for the many events they took part in in December. These included our annual Carol Service, the lighting of the Christmas Tree (accompanied by Jedforest Instrumental Band), songs at Priorwood Court, Melrose Parish Church Christmas lunch and the Clic Sargent Nativity at Monteviot Riding School.

40 MUSIC & DRAMA www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk With rehearsals underway from October, show season arrived after Christmas. First to tread the boards were the Middle School with their excellent production of ‘Olivia’. Many of our younger pupils were able to display their emerging talents in a variety of roles. In March, the Upper School presented ‘Me and My Girl’ and thoroughly impressed their audiences with the considerable talent they had. It’s always a delight to see regular performers progressing on stage and to see new talent emerging.

The Summer Term brought the annual ABRSM exams which saw our highest number of pupils yet taking their music exams. We are very proud of the results achieved and of the skills our pupils have gained. Special thanks must go to the team of dedicated instrument teaching staff we are fortunate enough to have at St. Mary’s. The year concluded with Pre-Prep staging their production of Dick Whittington and our annual Summer Concert which displayed some of the superb musical talent across the school.

Miss K McRae and Mrs C Davis

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 MUSIC & DRAMA 41 ARTS SPORT

LIFE LEARNING CO-CURRICULAR

Full Boarding Ethos

100 acre campus in Edinburgh

Co-educational - 13-18

Excellent IB, A Level & GCSE results

‘Sector leading’ pastoral care

A strong foundation for the future, a family for life

To arrange a visit, please call our Registrar on 0131 311 6744 [email protected] www.fettes.com

Fettes St Mary's School advert NOV 18.indd 1 02/11/2018 16:20 SQUAD SINGING

Our annual Squad Singing event took place on Thursday, 12th October 2017. This well-established feature of the musical calendar is greatly looked forward to by pupils, parents and staff alike. During assembly on September 8th, representatives from Form 8 selected a song from an envelope which their squad would then spend the next few weeks preparing – under the expert guidance of their highly trained and talented squad staff!

Some much-loved classics from Miss McRae’s vinyl collection were revealed as the envelopes were opened and the squads discovered their musical challenge for this year.

Douglas: Walking on Sunshine Home: Uptown Girl Percy: I Say A Little Prayer Scott: St. Elmo’s Fire

As the children left assembly looking bewildered at these strange songs they had never heard of, there was a buzz amongst the staff. Mrs Hardie was seen to be googling yellow wigs, Mrs Bell already had the Home costume letter written and ready to go, Dr Morgan was indeed saying a little prayer and Mr Brown was left wondering who on earth Elmo was.

Weekly rehearsals then ensued and the sounds floating down the corridor from squad rooms became more tuneful and recognisable by the week.

We were delighted to welcome Mrs Sarah Massey, the newly appointed Director of Music at Loretto School, as our adjudicator for the evening. We were also thrilled that Lord and Lady Sanderson were able to join us, the Squad Singing Trophy being in memory of their son, Andrew. It is fitting that such an enjoyable evening is held in his name each year and Mr Harvey was able to recount some tales of Andrew when speaking to the audience during the interval.

The evening started with the more serious and refined performances from our Squad soloists. Representing Douglas were Isaac Stuart and Molly Currie. Stepping up for Home were Celia Scott and Amelie Gibson. Percy were represented by Ollie de Gier and Tegan Taylor while Scott chose Zara Mulholland and Dicken Blunt. All of the children were to be commended for their fantastic performances, with some particularly mature and impressive recitals in the senior competition. After much deliberation Mrs Massey awarded the Zara Findlay From top: Prize for Junior Squad Singing to Ollie de Gier who sang a very characterful Scott - St. Elmo’s Fire, Percy - I version of ‘Under The Sea’. The deserving winner of the Leonie Findlay Prize Say A Little Prayer, Douglas - Walking on for Senior Squad Singing was given to Tegan Taylor who sang an emotive and Sunshine, Home - Uptown Girl accomplished version of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’.

After a short break the four Squads took turns to perform their chosen songs. As has become custom we were treated to a marvellous display of colour, costumes and choreography to rival the West End! The enthusiasm and energy of the children and staff could not be faulted and they did justice to the ethos of the evening, which is to enjoy group music-making and performance. For the second year in a row, Scott were announced as winners of the competition with their excellent performance of ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’.

And so we left the Morrison hall happy and pondering that moment you wake up, when you can see a new horizon underneath the blazing sky, where the uptown girl has been walking on sunshine.

Miss K McRae st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SQUAD SINGING 43 ART

This year has been a wonderfully industrious year in the Art Studio with Abigail Kindergarten to Form 8 producing a massive body of vibrant work.

Emile Zola once said “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud”. St. Mary’s artists have taken this very much to heart and have created work that speaks volumes about the creativity that we hold central to our development.

Portfolios contain little gems that have led to personal satisfaction. A sense of achievement is paramount and every young artist has at least one piece to reflect upon with a little pride. Beatrice Scholarship attempts have led to seniors extending their ambitions and abilities; Fergus and Freya, in Form 8, built strong portfolios that will serve them well in their senior schools.

Our endeavours have caught a few eyes this year Ally and St. Mary’s have been well represented in National Competitions.

Hannah Gregor

Henry Tallulah Mabel

Isaac B Rory Isaac S

Form 3: Makers of Magic

44 ART www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Beattie

Lucy - Art Matilda, in Form 1, was the junior winner in this year’s Fringe Poster competition whilst the designs of Lily W, Sophie E and Eliza were included for exhibition.

Lucy M gained 3rd place in the secondary 1-3 category of the Tesco Bank Schools Art Competition which is run by the National Galleries of Scotland.

St. Mary’s was recognised as a Great Tapestry of Scotland Design finalist. The wonderful designs which Eliza Martha came from a highly productive squad day were enlarged upon by a smaller group of children to produce our ideas for a panel depicting Melrose. We presented our ideas to a panel which included the historian, Alistair Moffat and the artist, Andrew Crummy. Tapestry Geordie and Imogen in Form 6 gave a fluent presentation Matilda - Fringe Winner and were ably assisted by Ollie D, Mahi, Beattie and Aleshya.

Matilda Sophie Tapestry All in all a fabulous year, well done to all our artists.

Ms D Wood

Ollie

Lily

Megan Zara

Examples of our work: Tesco Bank Art, Fringe Poster Competition Entries and Great Tapestry of Scotland Design st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 ART 45 Angus Bene Robert

Will William Aleshya

Esmee Ruben

John Meisha Blair

Oliver Ted Phoebe

Lottie Hal Anna

Caelan Imogen Libby

Mhairi

46 ART www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Lucy Isla Jessica Stella Alex

Ollie Tegan Torquil Ruby Tristan

Bee Skye Iona

Freya

Self portraits

Tenement children: Inspired by Joan Eardley

Nicole Mahi Tanya

Christian

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 ART 47 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

In a world which seems to have an app for every activity it has been wonderful to see Form 3, 4 and 5 engage with their hands.

Dexterity and an ability to manipulate materials has been at the core of the projects undertaken by our young designers. We have considered design problems and looked for a successful answer both in terms of function and aesthetics.

Fundamental skills such as measuring and following a structured set of instructions have Tallulah - Form 4 helped us to construct 3-D projects that answer the design brief beautifully. The anticipated opening of the V&A Design Museum in Dundee has been a super stimulus for many of our projects. The middle school’s concern for our environment has been a focus both in class and in DT sessions where we designed posters to highlight our desire to reduce single use plastics such as straws.

This has been a super year where the junior DT classes have come to appreciate the importance of well- made objects. The quote “Good design is obvious but great design is invisible” has come to resonate with our young designers.

Ms D Wood

Nicole - Form 4

48 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk This year has seen an expansion of the school’s Design & Technology department to encompass the outdoor environment. To that we end we have set about drawing up plans, building models and collecting materials to build a hut/cabin at the centre of our planned Outdoor Learning area.

The Form 7s and 8s were fully involved in collecting the necessary scrap wood (in the form of pallets) and processing them into useable timber. They also dug the foundations pit in the Middle Field and levelled it carefully to receive the blocks and frame.

We are excited to see how this develops as part of the new Environmental Science syllabus.

Mr T Rawson

st. mary’sst. mary’s magazine magazine 2017 2017 - 2018 - 2018 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 49 MATHS

Our middle school mathematicians have been very For an “away fixture” this year, two teams from Form busy on SumDog. This popular educational website 5 had an exciting visit to the Merchiston Maths Fun allows pupils to practise their fundamental times tables Day, accompanied by Dr Morgan and Mrs Routledge. and number bonds and runs termly Scottish Borders Despite an initial postponement due to the snow earlier competitions. Every single member of the class is in the year, 30 teams composed of the brightest young included, as the questions are automatically tailored mathematicians from Edinburgh and the surrounding to the ability of the child. In the first competition of area gathered at Merchiston Castle School for a day the year, Form 5 were leading right up to the final of fierce puzzles, questions and problems. As usual, day, where they were pipped to the post! However, our small band really enjoyed themselves and I was six of them earned certificates for appearing in the delighted with their excellent manners and teamwork top ten in the whole competition, in which 310 pupils on the day. Our two teams finished a very creditable competed from around the Borders. Well done to 8th and 17th overall, so we were the top placed prep Robbie, Oliver, Kate, Josh, John and Henry. In the school this year, behind significantly larger schools. Lent Term, Form 3 competed and not only were they Very well done to Henry, Tiggy, John, Sophie, Mabel, victorious as a class, but Barney had the third highest Kate, Ollie and Isaac B. individual score in the whole competition. In our final SumDog competition of the year, Form 3 again did In February, eight Form 8 pupils travelled up to Fettes well to finish second overall, andKira was the highest to attend their Codebreaking Day. This was introduced scoring individual in the whole competition, with Dino, by a talk on codes and codebreaking from the well- Henry, Barney and Abigail also appearing in the top known mathematician, Dr James Grime. He had ten. Well done to all our young maths enthusiasts in an original WWII Enigma machine with him, which is the middle school! still in working order as he demonstrated! The rest of

50 MATHS www.stmarysmelrose.org.ukwww.stmarysmelrose.org.uk the day involved maths and code breaking challenges which were greatly enjoyed by Maria, Iona, Rowan, Lucy, Dicken, Ollie, Antony and Hamish.

Forms 7 and 8 once again took part in a rather more serious national competition organised by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT), based at the University of Leeds. Their annual Junior Challenge is a significant event in the mathematics calendar. The paper received over three hundred thousand entries and only the top 6% gained a gold certificate of achievement, then the next 14% silver and the next 20% bronze. As the name suggests, this paper certainly is a challenge! But it is great preparation for pupils working towards Common Entrance as well as the trials of senior school mathematics that follows. This year we were delighted to secure our largest ever haul of certificates, with four Gold Ollie,( Lucy W, Maria and Will) seven Silver (Dicken, Isla, Antony, Rowan, Hamish, Iona, Eliza) and seven Bronze (Freya, Alex, Mhairi, Rosie, Emma, Archie Mac., plus one visiting pupil: Owen). Ollie and Lucy also qualified for the follow-on “Kangaroo” round and came in to school during the half term holidays, after their Common Entrance examinations, in order to compete in this elite competition. Well done to everyone who took part, some of whom narrowly missed out on certificates, but particular congratulations to all 18 named above, who were drawn from all sets in both our final two years.

Dr K Morgan

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 MATHS 51 FRENCH NEWS

Au mois de mars… classe Au mois de sept a fait une dégustation de mai… nous fromages. On a gouté le Brie, avons essayé de le Camembert, le Roquefort deviner ce que et un fromage de chèvre Harry et Meghan accompagné d’un bon jus de allaient porter pour raisin! On a donné une note sur le marriage royal et dix pur chaque fromage et on a nous avons dessiné parlé des régions de France qui des robes de fabriquent les fromages. mariage.

Santé!! FELICITATIONS!

Au mois de juin… les élèves de classe sept ont travaillé comme serveurs dans leur café. On a préparé des gateaux et des biscuits et on a chanté pour les invités. Nous avons réussi à collecter £700 pour la fondation SMILE TRAIN.

Félicitations à classe sept et merci à tous!

52 LANGUAGES www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk JUNIOR LANGUAGES

Another year – another language! “ Magnífica.“ What great fun I have had with the Junior Languages classes learning Spanish in addition to our staple diet of French this year. Spanish was introduced in the Lent Term across Forms 1 to 5 to allow a natural continuity and progression into Form 6 and 7 where Spanish features weekly in the senior timetable with Mr Mateos. The children have responded so enthusiastically to the challenge, with lots of speaking practice (especially in Form 5 where we had our native Mr Mateos join in with one of our lessons each week). Form 2 also linked up with a Spanish class in Zaragosa where a friend of Mrs Runciman works and we exchanged video clips of Spanish and English speaking and songs with them. From introductions, numbers and colours to months and seasons and mastering the weather the pupils have all gained some basic foundations and sentence structures to build on in the coming years. French featured largely again in the Michaelmas and Summer Terms with the pupils in Forms 3, 4 and 5 completing spoken and written assessments at the end of each of these terms. We have been fortunate to use language apps on the ipads frequently and this has proved to be a good way of reinforcing our French and Spanish. Schoolshape has developed its website over the year and we have continued to use this, mainly as a tool for making sure of vocabulary and completing prep at home. Form 5 took part in the European Day of Languages last September, completing various number challenges in French with prizes and bookmarks for their efforts. They were also equally proud of their café menus, produced for Kith ‘n Kin day. It has been refreshing and invigorating to add another Language to the portfolio and to experience the positive and receptive response from the pupils.

Mrs LM Hutchison

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 LANGUAGES 53 Revenge by Lucy W I grip my father’s strong arm, pleading him to let them be. My raven hair clings to my newly wet face as I produce one of my legendary tantrums. Flinging me over his broad shoulder, my ENGLISH father carries me, his raging daughter, to the rusty old cruiser. All of dad’s “friends” pile in beside me. Jason, my dad’s closest colleague, begins teasing me, saying that I was no daughter of a This year in the English classroom has been all about reading. poacher, but a coward and a cry-baby. Dad orders him to shut We embarked on our usual journey through class texts, poems, his mouth, but he carries on. Right on cue, we hit a jarring bump on the dirt track. magazine and newspaper articles, speeches, letters, and literary extracts, but we also introduced the Accelerated I didn’t fully understand what dad’s job was until about a year Reader scheme in Forms 3 – 8. ago. It’s ruthless and cruel. Even if the pandas do have luxurious fur that gains us a massive profit every time dad has a kill, it’s still wrong. They’re so vulnerable and oblivious when it comes This clever bit of software changed the way we organised to hunting. Dad pulls guns out of the boot when we reach our our stock of books in the library and in classrooms, and also destination. I cower next to the guns, especially when Jason transformed the way children in the prep school approached pretends to aim at me. their personal reading. After an initial assessment had determined the optimal ‘zone’ of reading difficulty for each I was always told to wait in the cruiser, but I always managed to sneak out. I watch to see if the black and white animals were individual, off they went: choosing suitable novels and non- starting to learn, but they are as stupid as ever. Aiming has always fiction books, reading them carefully, and then logging back been my father’s advantageous point: when the gunshot rings into the system to take quick quizzes that proved their reading in my ears, I know he has another kill. White begins to transform comprehension. The system also tallies books – and indeed into red as the innocent panda crashes to the ground. I let out a words – read. mighty cry and sprint into the dense forest.

Greens, pinks, purples, browns. They fly past me at great speed. When we started out with the scheme, we weren’t sure how They begin to change. I do too. My skin begins to peel away, many ‘Millionaires’ (readers of more than a million words in letting me breathe as my fur grows in once more. My fingers a year) we would see, but the tally of thirty such achievers recede, forming delicate paws, and my nails grow to deadly was beyond all expectation. It’s not all about these headline- claws, easing my grip. Now on all fours, I sprint deeper into the green. Stopping and looking in a new puddle, amber eyes glow grabbers, though. For the academic team, the in-depth back at me. My distinct black stripes paint me with a web of weekly data was invaluable for planning English sessions and camouflage. targeting interventions, and the measure of reading age improvement – on average, reading age grew by 16.5 months I sprint back to the cruiser, still in my new form. They might not be satisfied with one kill. Jason would want his own. I fly through the in the 8 months we ran the program – was seriously exciting. forest, sunlight occasionally shining a spotlight on me. I feel like I’m in hyperspace: I haven’t run this fast before. Mr Harvey was a little disturbed to find children tucked into odd corners of the school reading during break-times to begin with, Seeing Jason aiming in the distance, I pounce on him. I roar out, but we all got used to it after a while! I’ve been thrilled with losing my calm. This stuns the remaining pandas, who waddle away into the distance. the scheme’s popularity across genders, ages, and reading abilities, and can’t wait to see where it takes us next year. I lose it. I’m sick and tired of Jason, so I plunge my teeth – sharp as needles – into his forearm. He screams. My mouth floods with his Of course, there’s a much-loved quotation on my classroom worthless blood as I swing him from side to side. Then, seeing that wall that says, “Who often reads will sometimes wish to write,” I’m as valuable as a panda, I sprint back to the forest. and I saw this truth much in evidence as AR took off. I’ve read Father comes rushing back to the cruiser just as I clean up. Jason countless fantastic compositions this year, but particularly from is unconscious. The rest of the crew are left behind as we speed amongst our talented and enthusiastic Form 8 group. On to the nearest hospital. I nearly lost it fully. I was close to killing these pages are some examples of their shape-shifter stories to him. I need to gain control of my abilities if I’m going to stop these capture your imaginations. poachers, and protect the pandas.

Until next time – keep reading!

Miss E Simpson

From left: Eliza - First Millionaire, Anthony, Mahi, Dicken

54 ENGLISH www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Shape Shifter by Iona S Shifting to Escape by Antony My cheeks reflected the heat of the stagnant room. Taking a slurp Yet again, like a tidal wave, the scummy water flew up from of water, I typed onto the glowering computer screen. My eyes the slick tyres of the bus and coated me. I spied people inside, fluttered closed. The day dragged on unbearably. The rhythmic sniggering and pointing at my misfortune. Three days in one week tapping of the computer’s keys was a tedious lullaby as my the bus had soaked me, and I was starting to think the driver was thoughts wandered towards flying. doing it on purpose. I saw the malevolent look in his eyes; I was not fooled. Cars inching through the town, I trudged away from the office. I knew better than to drive to and from my monotonous job. I slumped in my office chair, dismayed at another boring day, Walking was faster than the unendurable congestion. Sour tapping at the computer. At least it was Friday, and I would smog clouded my vision. I hurried along faster, my expression be able to go home and not come back until Monday. Like a acidic. Turning the corner, I began to approach my cramped colossal bull, the boss charged out of his office and careered apartment. towards me.

The lift was full. Excitement began to engulf me, and I raced the “Where’s that report I asked for?” he bellowed at the top of his lift upstairs. Like an excited child, I yanked my door open before voice. slamming it behind me. I chucked my midnight polyester jacket to the other side of the room, and then skipped towards my large “Un… I haven’t finished it yet,” I stuttered meekly. window. Looking down, I saw cars moving forward sluggishly, forty metres below. Clearing my mind, I jumped. With that, he let out a scream of rage and pounded away. “In on Monday or you’re fired!” he called over his shoulder. Flipping like a diver, I cascaded towards the oblivious pedestrians. The build-up of boredom and weariness plunged to the ground The lemon yellow taxi trundled along the rapidly filling up road. I as my thick ebony hair converted into soft feathers. My wings didn’t want to take the bus for a long time. Angrily shouting, the were dipped in frosted marble and my jade eyes caught sight driver confronted another cab as I sat in the back, just waiting to of a rodent. My buttercup beak snapped for it, but I spread my get back to my apartment. Finally, he pulled up, and I hopped wings, just before I hit the inky sidewalk. out.

My skin was pricked by thousands of onyx feathers. Almost springing, I entered the lift and pressed Floor 38. Low humming filled my ears as the lift started its monotonous climb. I soared above the city and perched on an aerial. The sunset Then the tinny music that every inhabitant complained about was a canvas of colour: lavender, indigo, mint, blush, and saffron started to blast out of the speakers. ribbons of light. Above the smog, the sky was stunning. Away from the traffic, with no doubts of where to go, I dived off the roof, into I shoved open my door and was greeted by my messy the unknown. apartment. Hand grenades of socks littered the floor, and grimy mugs sat next to the sink, waiting expectantly to be washed. I crashed onto my bed and thought. Shape Shifter by Ollie C I sat in the shadows, down in the swirling, whirling haze of smog, “I hate my job,” I muttered out loud. choking on stale air. I eyeballed an upper class fellow, swishing his smart, dark hair and smoothing the crinkle in his suit. I looked In an instant, I knew what I had to do. Springing to attention, a up at my shelter, a mangled, iron bus stop, spindly like a witch’s warm tingling spread through my body, and I started to shrink. finger. Although exhausted and hungry, I managed a croaky cry. Hair sprouted all over me, a dirty grey. Then a baby pink tail shot out of my behind and I dropped to the floor – a rat – my clothes “Water.” piled next to me.

This barely audible noise was ignored by passers-by. My throat I scuttled through people’s legs. Occasionally they shrieked, but was raw as I coughed up some ash. I could not wait to leave the most were too engrossed by their phones to notice me. I picked scraps of my livelihood and be free once more. out a manhole and scurried down, into the slimy, stinking depths of the sewers. Other rats, darker and dirtier than me, padded In the dead of night, in the eerie silence, I lifted my head. Then, around. Alarm bells rang in my head as two men carrying torches back muscles bulging, eyes straining, I began to change. placed rat poison for my fellow creatures.

My nose became a snout with ruby red eyes behind it. It Managing to disappear further into the sewer undetected, I stretched on while my skin peeled off and became scaly and dry. heard squeals and knew some others had not been so fortunate. Spitting out my teeth, I grew talons. The feeling was like breaking free of chains and escaping from Bedlam. Euphoria surged as I I poked my head out of the manhole and saw New York in a new lurched into the sky. light. Towering skyscrapers shrouded the city in shadow, blocking out the sun. Unbelievable numbers of people hurried by, always My wings whistled songs of joy; I danced through the clouds on their way somewhere, having to do something. Like droning ecstatically, soaring and swerving above the monstrous shadows flies, planes and helicopters whizzed through the sky. Abruptly, of buildings. Above the smog, the stars twinkled gold, and the as I was admiring the city, a young child shrieked and pointed horizon a royal blue. a finger at me, their mother trying to shield them. To see what kind of mischief I could cause, I lunged towards them, but an I swooped lower, swaggering in flight past the windows of the interfering businessman aimed a kick at me, so I turned and fled. posh penthouses. I looked down. Now, they were the poor. I slid through the lobby of the apartment block and launched Lower and lower I went, down into the shadows and the swirling, myself into the lift, scurrying up someone’s leg to press Floor 38. whirling haze. I landed, my claws retracted, scales shredded off, Once I’d slipped out of the lift and through the crack of the door tail shrank back into me like a fox into its den. I was back. This I’d left open, I changed back into a human, and collapsed, time, however, I was content. exhausted, onto my bed.

I strolled to my palace, where my shredded blanket of rags lay waiting close to my heart. st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 ENGLISH 55 POETRY COMPETITION Melrose Literary Society

We were delighted to welcome a long-time friend of the school, Mrs Susie Walker, as our poetry judge this year. As ever, the task of picking out first, second, and third from each of our competitions was unenviable. Finalists arrived full of excitement to deliver their selected piece, be that a funny poem or a sad one, a dramatic imprecation or a thoughtful evocation of time and place. They were fantastic, and congratulations go to all children in the prep school for creating the fierce competition in the heats phase that forges such finalists.

Junior Competition The bold Angus Mac took the stage first, and seemed thoroughly to enjoy his cheeky delivery of Jack Prelutsky’s “I Made A Noise This Morning”. The smile on his face as he received his applause gave the afternoon a bright and cheerful beginning. Barney was having a ball too, relishing the humour in Shelby Greer’s Results “The Life of a Cupcake”, and reciting it with excellent flair.Lily W brought a more JUNIOR serious tone, with the mature and lovely “Foreign Lands”, by RL Stevenson. This 1st Angus Ma: I Made A Noise This was an ambitious choice, and Lily recited it beautifully. Zara was first up from Morning, Jack Prelutsky Form 4, bringing all the requisite energy to Brian Patton’s “Dear Mum”. Lots 2nd Barney: The Life Of A Cupcake, more RL Stevenson awaited us: Ewan used his voice wonderfully to project “My Shelby Greer Shadow”, whilst Lily T took us on a dreamy journey through “The Moon”. 2rd Lily W: Foreign Lands, Robert Louis Stevenson Intermediate Competition There are a lot of comedians in Forms 4 and 5, with Josh foremost amongst INTERMEDIATE them! True to form, he had the anonymous “Rab o’ Shanter” prepared, and – as 1st Isaac S: Have A Nice Day, Spike in previous years! – delighted with his willingness to take on some super Scots. Milligan Tiggy took a serious but no less Caledonian tack with Robert Burns’ “A Man’s A 2nd Oliver L: Television, Roald Dahl Man For A’ That”. Burns’ songs can be tricky to recite as poetry, but Tiggy did a 3rd Josh C: Rab o’ Shanter, fantastic job conveying the message and spirit of this piece, a favourite of Mr Anonymous Harvey. Back to amusement with Isaac S, with whom I suspect Spike Milligan would have been pals, were they at school together. Isaac did the great SENIOR man’s “Have A Nice Day proud”. Oliver L was up next, tackling the work of 1st Iona S: At Euston, A M Harbord another great comic, Roald Dahl. Who could fail to agree with the sentiment of 2nd Archie Mo: If, Rudyard Kipling “Television”? No one, after hearing Oliver’s measured, clear performance. It was 3rd Dicken: Once More Unto great to hear Elena recite a piece of war poetry as we reflect on the centenary The Breach, Dear Friends, William years of the Great War, and Jodie Johnson’s “Who Are These Men?” was Shakespeare very thought-provoking. Finally, Imo, replete with props and a knowing smile, delivered Charlotte Mitchell’s “I’m Going Away For The Weekend”. An eye-opening glimpse into the task of holiday packing in the B household, this recital had huge charm and verve.

Senior Competition Amelie opened the senior competition with a clear and ominous “Law of the Jungle” by Rudyard Kipling. This poem is not at all simple to memorise: an impressive feat. Lucy M kept up the national pride with “Dear Old Scotland” by Charles Nichol, tugging the meaning from each line and imbuing it with real feeling. Archie Mo had mastered another challenge of memory, Kipling’s “If”. We’ve seen this poem in many a final, andArchie ’s performance was up amongst the best of them. Maria was the first Form 8 reciter: I loved the rich poetic techniques in Rainer Rilker’s“Spanish Dancer”, and Maria – a star English pupil – delivered all of them with sophisticated understanding. Mr P and I had been very taken with Iona S’s choice of poem in the heats stage. AM Harbord’s “At Euston” was new to both of us, but its sweetly poignant description of a fellow off on a journey was made even more enjoyable by Iona’s warm, confident delivery. Dicken closed the competition, and if anyone had dozed off, his rousing, energetic performance of “Once More Unto The Breach, Dear Friends” from Henry V would have terrified them back to consciousness. What a speech, what a boy.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s battle! A huge thanks go to Mrs Walker for her superb judging and feedback.

Miss E Simpson

56 POETRY COMPETITION www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk LECTURE COMPETITION Andrew Garman

Mrs Jo Harrington came to judge our lecture competition this year from Downe House, and we were very grateful to her for making the lengthy trip. It was wonderful for me to be able to spend a couple of hours in advance of the Final discussing the St. Mary’s English syllabus with Mrs Harrington. We found we had many favourite poets in common, but informative oration was the business for the afternoon, and in the hall, fifteen competitors were poised to deliver lectures for the judge, school, and parents.

Junior Competition Tallulah was the first presenter. Over the half-term break she had conducted a sticky science experiment to determine if sugar content correlated with bubble-blowing potential when it came to gum. A clear style and excellent visuals meant the audience could follow every step of the process and results. Results Freya M made very appropriate use of pictures too, as she explained how the JUNIOR adventurer Ernest Shackleton used dogs and other creatures during his polar 1st Josh: What Should I Do My exploration. Bee had one canine in particular to tell us about: the pug. Her Lecture On? informative and engaging lecture style left all of us understanding the charm 2nd Freya M: Shackleton and his of these diminutive snufflers. Animals 3rd Tallulah: My Big Bubble Josh went a bit ‘meta’ with his contribution, a lecture on lectures! This Experiment presentation was clever and funny, and delivered all the while with a grin. Kate did well to narrow down the vast topic of World War I by focusing on her great- SENIORS grandpa’s experiences. It was an honour to hear about them, and to see 1st Hannah F: Mary Berry photos and personal effects from that time. Concluding the junior competition 2nd Geordie: Sir David Attenborough was Isaac S. Having last year wowed us with his enthusiasm for sharks, this time 3rd Lucy W: Adoption around Isaac demonstrated the maturation of his scientific interests, explaining why insects should be humans’ primary food source.

Senior Competition Willa kicked off the seniors with a thoughtful and knowledgeable lecture about Van Gogh and his paintings. Geordie told us all about the life and work of Sir David Attenborough, conveying the importance of that great man’s environmental campaigning. Elsa told us the history of the Winter Olympics, pulling together facts and anecdotes to great effect. Perhaps we’ll see her in the giant slalom one day.

Molly C was the first Form 7 presenter, and gave a very well-organised lecture on the history of the Eiffel Tower. Many of the audience will have learned something new about this famous landmark. Hannah F was up next, apron- clad and raring to tell us about her culinary heroine, Mary Berry. This was a cheerful and personal reflection on Mary’s appeal, and I think that I would trust Hannah in the kitchen with a mixing bowl. Eliza followed, with another distinctly personal topic: she explained what a cleft palate was, but also shared her experiences of having been born with such a condition. Brave and very interesting.

Maria’s lecture shared a theme with Isaac’s earlier in the afternoon, and between them they convinced us all to chow down on bug burgers. Maria integrated a lot of scientific fact into her calm, engaging lecture. Iona S had perhaps the more appetising topic, delivering a presentation of chocolate. History, manufacture, varieties: we learned about it all, and were left with mouths watering. I’d already heard Lucy W’s lecture in the heats stage, and I still wasn’t prepared for how amazingly brave and personal it was. Lucy told us the story of her adoption from China, and the journey to settling into her new home here in Scotland. It was a lecture I will remember for many years to come.

A hearty well done to all finalists, and congratulations to those placed in each group. The standard of presentations was pleasingly high this year, and form tutors reported being similarly informed, entertained, moved, and stunned in the heats. We look forward to next year’s instalment of this enjoyable event.

Miss E Simpson st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 LECTURE COMPETITION 57 STAFF NEWS

Baby News We were delighted to hear of the safe arrival of Cohen Townsend on the 24th of April; the children and staff have enjoyed welcoming Cohen into Kindergarten; our congratulations to Gillian and her husband Darren. Only six weeks later there was great excitement in the Middle School as Mr Harvey announced to staff and pupils on the 8th of June that Henry Jonathan James Scott Aiton had made his entrance into the world. Henry is a popular distraction, with his impeccable behaviour, when Mrs Scott Aiton pops in to catch up; congratulations to Mrs Scott Aiton and her husband Peter.

Goodbye! In September 2017 Kayleigh Young and Sarah Douglas, both from the catering staff left us for pastures new and in October, Mrs Heather Rhodes who had so ably coached the U8 and U9 girls games, left St. Mary’s to teach PE in the Kelso cluster primary schools. Our Assistant Chef, Caitlin Dunbar was offered a place at College to further her interest in environmental studies and departed at Easter. In December 2017 we bid a fond farewell to the wonderful GAP duo of Jessie and Max; they threw themselves into life at St. Mary’s and we hope they gained as much from their Scottish experience as the school did from them, our Australian visitors. At the end of the Summer Term we said goodbye to some well-kent faces. Mrs Linda Simpson who has served us so well, over many years, has handed in her final letter of resignation – retirement is well deserved and we hope Linda will pop in during her spare time and will no doubt gloat when she hears ‘first bell’ being announced to the staff at snack time! Mr Andrew Whitelaw, who added greatly to the boarding team and to boys sport, in particular the 1st XV, is returning to university. The ever chilled but very talented Mr Mateos headed back to sunny Spain leaving his newly formed Spanish Department in very good shape. After 11 years of sterling service to St. Mary’s Mrs Zoe Wright swapped handing out calpol and arnica for fake tan and slug eyebrows! Zoe was a very popular member of the staff common room and our dedicated social secretary. We wish Zoe all the best teaching Business Studies at Earlston High School. Good luck, Archie and Ollie, at Earlston Primary School.

Hello! In August 2017 we were joined by Mr Jonathan Key as he embarked on a change in career; his passion for Classics is catching, with Room 1 on the veranda now being a classroom of choice, and ‘last man standing’ in Latin a firm favourite with the senior pupils. We were delighted to have Mr Ian Millar re-join the ranks after some time working for the SRU; not only coaching his beloved rugby, Ian is now also a fabulous addition to the ASL department in the Middle School. In January our newest Gappy, Maddy Hall, arrived to not a flurry of snowflakes but a ton load From top: Gillian & Cohen of the white stuff! As Miss Gillian headed off on Maternity leave, we secured the Townsend, Joanna, Peter services of a very competent ex-work placement student, Lesley Kerr! Lesley has & Henry Scott Aiton, Zoe, thrown herself into Kindergarten life and her ready smile is much appreciated. Archie & Ollie Wright Over in the kitchen, we welcomed Sarah Logan, Bruce Hughes and Kerry McGurk all of whom have added hugely to this vital cog in our daily machine.

Mrs FK Bell

58 STAFF NEWS www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME

In September and October our activities programme kicked off with aplomb. As always, the children chose from a fantastic array of activities, ranging from the active and adventurous fell runners, to the more serene and relaxing singers. Sit & Sing, Willow Withies, Clay pigeon shooting, Trash Fashion, Mindfulness & Relaxation, Chess, War Hammer, Bike Ability, Fly Fishing, Cooking, The Great Outdoors, Playground Games, Fell Running and Garden Mosaics kept the children enthralled and provided opportunities for them to try something new, or perhaps pursue a passion.

Thank you to all the staff, in particular Mr Jackson and Mr Gibson, for their time and energy in once again providing a stimulating and thoroughly entertaining programme.

Mr I Purvis

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 ACTIVITIES 59 DEBATING

This year has seen an exceptionally large gathering of debaters on a Monday lunchtime. We have held civilised arguments on a wide range of topical issues including euthanasia, Catalonian independence, animal drug testing, Russians and the Olympics, the impact of hurricanes in America, should cabinet ministers be allowed to resign when it all goes wrong, and many more. In March Thomas Elliot, Hannah Francis, Lara Jeffrey and Eliza Maclay travelled to Cargilfield for the IAPS Debating Competition. We had been given one debate to prepare before the event, ‘This House would support the introduction of Congestion Charges in Edinburgh’, we were in support of the motion. On arrival at Cargilfield we were advised that one team had pulled out so without any fuss Hannah and Thomas stepped into the breach, arguing AGAINST congestion charges. Staff from all schools present were very impressed at the level of skill and enthusiasm they showed. The motion for the Plate Final was in support of the elimination of homework, Eliza and Lara argued in support of retaining homework and won hands down. Congratulations to not only the Plate winners, Eliza and Lara, but also to Hannah and Thomas for showing such courage and enthusiasm. Looking at Form 6, I have spotted a number of pupils who I trust will join the throng on a Monday. The level of interest and the quality of independent and stimulating thought shown by the current group has been most gratifying. I predict that Monday lunchtimes at St. Mary’s, during the 2018/19 academic year, will be in need of additional oxygen! Well done to all!

Mrs P Hardie, Chair of the Debating Society

It’s not just a fire helmet.

It’s a beacon of responsibility. It’s facing life’s challenges head-on. And it’s putting others before yourself. At Gordonstoun, our students’ experience of learning goes way beyond the classroom. Being of service to the community has been part of our unique curriculum from day one. So it’s not your average school uniform. But, then, there’s nothing average about Gordonstoun.

Year 9 Scholarship and GORDONSTOUN Taster Weekend Broader experiences, (for entry in Autumn 2020) broader minds. gordonstoun.org.uk 30 August - 1 September 2019 Gordonstoun Schools Ltd. Scottish Charity No: SC037867

60 DEBATING www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk SQUAD DAY

Any passers by to school on Thursday 22nd March Results would have been suitably impressed by the levels of enthusiasm and activity going on throughout 1st Scott 25 Points the school from Reception right up to Form 8 as 2nd Home 23 Points part of our annual Squad Day. 3rd Percy 19 Points 4th Douglas 16 Points The General knowledge quiz offered a variety of topics and Caelan Ballantyne and Eliza Maclay came out as Senior winners with John Imray and Skye McIntosh as Junior winners. In Pre Prep, Home secured top position in both their Quiz and sport activities.

The new format of shuttle activities with running, hockey dribbling, rugby passing and basketball saw the pupils all active and highly engaged. A special mention has to be made of their effort, stamina and positive attitudes – they certainly gave their very best. Our inspirational artwork took on the theme of “The Great Tapestry of Melrose” while the Design and Technology task involved the Form 6, 7 and 8 pupils’ brain cells to work together to make a glider.

This day is always so enjoyable for staff and pupils alike at the end of the busy Lent Term. It could not operate as smoothly or efficiently without the positive contributions, commitment and enthusiasm of the staff and indeed the pupils and I pass on my heartfelt thanks to them all for creating a closely fought, yet fun competition. It is a pleasure to be a part of something so wonderful.

Mrs LM Hutchison

A mixture of events

From left: Scott Squad Leaders and Individual Prize Winners, Testing the Gliders

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SQUAD DAY 61 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S

At the beginning of the academic year we thank the pupils for their help in organizing and working at the Summer Fayre by distributing the takings to each Form. This year we went round to see the classes and explained a little of what we do. The response, as usual, was heartening and it’s especially gratifying for us to get that sort of feedback direct from the children – a timely reminder at the start of the year of why we are here. The feedback varies from class to class but I’d like at this point to thank Miss Renwick and the Form 1 pupils who always send us a wonderful pictorial thanks and to Mrs Wright who used the money for mini ‘Apprentice’ style endeavors.

We continued with our varied support for the school; supplying finances to Mr Bell to update his leaf hoover and other tools. The minibuses arrived and I finally got to have a look at the new common room in the girls boarding house.

Historically the Friends of St. Mary’s has supported a wide range of charities, however, this year we made the decision to channel much of our charitable giving to Hazel’s Footprint Trust. This has proved to be well supported from pupils, parents and staff alike and we wish the charity every future success.

Last year the core of the committee comprised of some long serving stalwarts whose children have now moved on to senior schools around the UK. A massive thanks to Claire Briggs (Secretary) and to Mary Young who will be badly missed not only for their help at the events but as level-headed voices around the committee table. As an ever evolving committee it was good to see some new faces join and we look forward to even more new arrivals this year.

Mr A Mathieson From top: Summer Fayre, Cupcake Decoration Winner, Cupcake Winning Entry, Minature Garden Competition

62 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S EVENTS

Cake Sale for Hazel’s Footprint Trust – Friday 6th October In total we raised over £1,600 over the year for this fabulous charity.

Christmas Bauble Decoration Competition - Friday 8th December Won by Archie W, Pre-Prep, Celia, Middle School, Anna M, Senior School and looked fantastic, thank you everyone who entered for your hard work, we took great pride in displaying them in the Morrison Hall for Christmas.

Winter Wonderland – Friday 8th December Our usual fun-filled afternoon, our special thanks to all that helped on what was a very Christmassy day.

Easter Egg Decoration Competition – Friday 16th March Won by Eva, Kindergarten, Angus K , Prep-Prep, Sophie, Middle School and Senior School, Rosie – thanks again to all this time we decorated the Sanderson building.

Cake Sale – Wednesday 21st March A great afternoon in the Art room sharing our sale with the entrepreneurs in the 3rd form under the commercial eye of Mrs Wright.

Swish – Wednesday 30th May A chance to support our causes and re-jig the wardrobe! Our thanks to Tania Helm and Sarah Mathieson for spending the time and energy to transform the Morrison Hall.

Summer Fayre – Friday 29th June At last we got outside! A fabulous day in the sun for us all and a record breaking day for the Friends where we broke the £2000 mark for a single day’s event. Well done to all our supporters and all the competition winners. Alexander NN for the mini garden, Tegan Taylor for the photography competition and Someone Little for the cupcake decoration.

Sports Day – 5th July Last day of the school year for most of the school and a chance for us to help everyone enjoy a day in the sun with some teas, coffees and cakes. The Friends will always be more than happy to help the staff with some liquid From top: Cake Sale, Winter refreshment on the busiest of days! Wonderland, Easter Egg Decoration Competition, Swish

From left: Photography Winner, Minature Garden Winning Entry, Minature Garden Winner, Summer Fayre

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 FRIENDS OF ST. MARY’S 63 64 BANGBANG GOES GOES THE THE BORDERS BORDERS www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Now very much a firm fixture in the St. Mary’s school calendar, Bang Goes the Borders is a fantastic opportunity to open our doors to talented scientists from across the UK and budding young scientists-in- training from across the Borders! This year we hosted over 80 scientists running more than 30 workshops and welcomed 1500 visitors, all here to share in the excitement that comes with new learning and to bring themselves up to date with some of the interesting work being done in universities and schools nationwide. The classrooms were packed with people of all ages enjoying hands on workshops that ranged from extracting DNA from strawberries with Glenalmond College to learning about the freshwater ecology of rivers with the Tweed Foundation. Cues formed outside Oundle’s Cold Science workshop on the science of dry ice and people once again loved making a scab in a cup with . Edinburgh University were showing visitors how to design an aircraft wing using supercomputers, while teachers from Merchiston Castle School helped us to construct a simple electronic circuit. St. Mary’s own Cheeky Science workshop saw our Form 8 pupils teaching others to collect and prepare cheek cells to be viewed under a light microscope. Selkirk High School returned with their popular ‘Science in your Pocket’ – a busy workshop which gave tips on science you can do at home. They were joined in a focus on home science by Heriot Watt University who used a simple red cabbage indicator to test vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, all to be found in the kitchen cupboard. The Science Grrls from focused on bringing to light some of the unsung heroines of science innovation with their engaging workshop, so apt as we looked towards the celebration of the anniversary of women’s suffrage in 2018. Outside, in grounds and marquees, Scottish Borders College brought Olivia the peregrine and a Harris Hawk to delight us – these birds of prey sensibly choosing not to battle for airspace with a superfast drone. Children were also able to build their own rocket cars again this year and race them along the school drive. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland brought their ‘Wild About st.st. mary’smary’s magazinemagazine 20172017 -- 20182018 BANG GOES THE BORDERS 65 Scotland’ bus to the campus and Loretto delighted some of our younger scientists with giant bubbles and colourful science. As this wonderful festival goes from strength to strength each year, it is important to remember the hardworking people behind the scenes that give up so much of their time to ensure the event is a success. I must firstly thank our sponsors, Rathbones Investment Management and Heriot Watt University, whose contributions enable us to keep BGTB free to all who attend. I would also like to thank the dedicated committee, Dr Sara Shinton, Miranda Weir and Rebecca Fraser, ably led by Kirsty McRae, for all their efforts throughout the year. Bang Goes the Borders simply would not happen without them. Finally, a big thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time on the day to set up, break down, tidy, make tea, help with presenter lunches, hand out goodie bags and all the other small jobs that are so essential to the smooth running of the event.

Mrs M Stuart

66 BANG GOES THE BORDERS www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk st.st. mary’smary’s magazinemagazine 20172017 -- 20182018 BANG GOES THE BORDERS 67 CHARITIES SUPPORTED

Macmillan Cancer Support Thursday 28th September 2017 As in previous years, Pre-Prep rose to the challenge of being a part of Macmillan’s World greatest Coffee Morning. We designed and sent invitations, made bunting to decorate the classroom and baked over six dozen fairy cakes, with Chef, in order to prepare. On the day guests were welcomed into the classrooms by strict, smiling doormen shaking money boxes before being ushered to seats and offered tea, coffee, cakes and a chance to natter with friends. Competitions circulated with visitors being encouraged to guess cake heights and children playing ‘Cake Bingo’. Congratulations must go to Mrs Rawson from the Form 1 classroom and Mrs Stuart from the Form 2 classroom for correctly guessing the height of the cake. In total we raised £233.42.

Makerstoun Church November 2017 Our Form 6 Choir performed at Makerstoun Church. They sang Rhythm of Life (soloist, Imo Blunt), “Amazing Grace” (soloist, Willa Hamilton), “When I Grow Up”, “Lambeth Walk” and “Believe”. Lucy Macpherson also sang and played, “Hallelujah”, while Maria Imray performed two Scottish melodies on violin. Mosaic Choir also sang at the concert and together the two groups managed to raise £650.00 for church funds.

Alzheimer’s UK Friday 3rd November 2017 £284.41 raised by Form 7 for Alzheimer’s UK during a cake sale organised by Hannah F, Molly C and Amelie.

Doddie Weir Foundation and Doddie Weir Trust Sunday 19th November 2017 Scottish Prep Schools v Edinburgh Select Rugby Match raised £140.60

MND and My Name’5 Doddie Friday 15th December 2017 School Carol Service raised £697.00

Borders Pet Rescue (Kindergarten) Monies raised from Café Afternoon, Pedal Push and Teddy Bear’s Picnic totalled £392.90 and were handed over to Borders Pet Rescue.

Rowan Boland Trust Senior Show, “Me and My Girl”, raised £1098.00 for local charity, the Rowan Boland Trust

Mountain Rescue Service Musicians played at service supported by the Order of St. John, raising £600.00

Clic Sargent Nativity Play £3000.00 was raised when our pupils were involved in the Live Nativity at Monteviot.

Sport Relief Friday 9th March 2018 Many thanks to all pupils and staff who participated in raising money for Sport Relief - we had an array of sporting idols in school today and are so grateful for the wonderful efforts made. £229.32 was raised.

Radio Borders Cash for Kids Friday 4th May 2018 Superhero Day! Raising money to make a difference to the lives of local disabled and disadvantaged children. £24.50 was raised.

68 CHARITIES www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk OUTSIDE CLUBS

From top, left to right: Scottish Tetrathlon, Football, Veledrome Cycling, Rugby, Hockey, Judo, Horse Riding, , U14 Interdistrict Hockey

Remembering St. Mary’s in your Will Much of the essence of St. Mary’s School exists as the result of the generosity and foresight of previous School benefactors.

Through their gifts and legacies we are able to continue the vision of our Founder, John Hamilton, to offer children an excellent well-rounded education. We, and future generations of St. Mary’s pupils would be most grateful if you would consider remembering St. Mary’s School in your Will.

We are especially keen to further develop our School Bursary Fund which allows children who would otherwise be unable to attend St. Mary’s to benefit from the invaluable education enjoyed by our pupils.

Leaving a legacy to the School is straight forward and may take a number of forms including the donation of a cash sum or gift of shares. As an added bonus any sum left to the School is exempt from Inheritance Tax. Please contact the School Administrator, Fiona Tait, in confidence, for further information on remembering St. Mary’s in your Will.

You should contact your Solicitor to make or amend your Will to remember the School.

St. Mary’s is a Registered Charity no. SC009352

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 OUTSIDE CLUBS 69 FORMER PUPILS DINNER

Our annual dinner was rescheduled due to the Beast made reference to some old boys, getting themselves from the East, and was subsequently held rather late, into trouble etc. on the 27th April at the Buccleuch Arms. A fantastic Well, I had an email from Lindsay Buchan who left turnout of old boys and girls, friends and family school in 1976 and he states, I haven’t been to an old attended the postponed event. boys’ dinner since about 1980 where he remembers Many of the assembled company had dragged getting very drunk indeed and causing mischief. He themselves out of Melrose for the night, as for so goes on and with his research states… many years we have enjoyed the surroundings of the 1981 school magazine the minutes of the 62nd AGM Townhouse in Melrose. Unfortunately neither Nick or of the Former Pupils includes this: James Henderson could make the dinner, although “It was felt by the members that boys still at Public the Godfrey-Faussett’s hadn’t checked their diaries School should NOT attend the dinner” correctly and arrived at the Townhouse rather than Buccleuch Arms! Pretty ironic given that the guys who bought us all the Jack Clark and Ian Gibson had scooped up Tom drinks were both on the board of governors! Douglas on returning from their capers at Punchestown It turns out that Gareth Baird hadn’t yet become a racecourse during the week. Thanks to Jack for hosting governor. the very successful auction held on the night, our A special mention must go to our latest Former Pupils bidders and winners, and congratulations to Ian in who left the school in the summer of 2018. In my winning £100 in the spring draw of the 100 Club. address to the pupils I referred to the school being The furthest travelled that week was Erik Sandeman, like the Greatest Showman with the Headmaster as my father’s best man, making the journey from the ringmaster, the performers are the staff and the Norway. This was Erik’s last journey as he passed away audience are the pupils. The higher up the school you from a lengthy illness in September of this year. The get, the better the seat in the house you get. Nothing shortest travelled for the night included Colin Hogg at all can take away the experience of and Chris McQueen, (the latest hoi polloi to move into St. Mary’s and leavers go as ambassadors in all that Bowden village!) we stand for and all that an individual achieves. We Liam Harvey made a very relaxed Headmaster’s hope you will return to the school at some point and report of the school, making reference to the multiple be proud in the future to wear that tie or brooch. minibuses, the school projects around the Borders and Finally, some special notes of thanks to Martin Baird beyond. who had served tirelessly on this committee for 20 plus Our guests listened with intent to the years, but has now passed on the infamous black bag legendary Charlie Rutherford who of documents. kept everyone’s attention, including Thank you to past members and our latest committee, his Mother Jan, who had come along Alexander Brownlie, Ian Purvis, Katie Francis, Ailsa especially to hear about his days at St. Tweedie and Ann Wright. Mary’s! Cameron Crawford seemed In Autumn 2018 we elected and welcomed Peter to come in for some stick as usual, but Gibson onto the committee. gave as good as he got. Finally a thanks to Julie Birdsall and Fiona Tait at Our raison d’être, of course, is to St. Mary’s for their help in facilitating our events. keep the FP Club going and it’s about FP’s past, present and future. Mr W Hamilton We raise funds for the boys and girls, Charlie Rutherford and our most recent projects have and Billy Hamilton seen non essential improvements For FP Club information or to keep us up to date on to the refurbishment of the boys and girls boarding your news of FPs old and new, contact us: houses. I invite anyone to book in and see round the Website: school, who might not have been for some time, and www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk see what’s happened over the years as it really has Email: [email protected] changed. There’s even a building called The Hamilton and the new girls boarding house called New Twitter: @SchoolMarys Buccleuch, which I thought were delightful names! At the dinner in 2017 I referenced the raucous days of Facebook: St Mary’s Melrose Former Pupils old when the dinner was held in up-market hotels in central Edinburgh prior to a rugby international and I

70 FORMER PUPILS www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk FORMER PUPILS DINNER FORMER PUPILS NEWS

The following former pupils have made contact with the outlook on anything you do. I think this is one of school to update us on some of their news in the past year. the most important aspects I learnt there. Now at Glenalmond, I am currently Head Girl in my final year. Hugo Lee 1995-1996 Looking back at St. Mary’s with lots of fond memories, Hugo has just moved back to the Borders with his wife I can safely say it puts you in a great position for life at and two children to take over the family farm. He any Senior School! currently has a daughter at St. Mary’s. Elizabeth Morgan 2002-2014 Drew Mole 1953-1958 I had been at St. Mary’s right from After 72 years living on the farm, 51 at Ruthven, Kindergarten. I will carry the memories I Coldstream, Drew and his wife, Kate have built and made during those years for the rest of my moved into a new house in Coldstream. They both life. From Cheffy’s BBQs by the big tree on play golf at the Hirsel on a regular basis, and now the hottest days of summer, to drinking hot enjoy being members of a few of the many clubs and chocolate in our pjs before bed at boarding, associations in Coldstream. to inspirational school trips. St. Mary’s was great preparation for my life at senior school, Russell Sanderson 1940-1946 as it made me hard working and enthusiastic about both Lord Sanderson presented The Sanderson Salver to academics and sports. St. Mary’s also helped me to be a the school for Best Actor/Actress in the School Senior confident individual, for instance the debating and lectures Production. that we prepared helped me to successfully compete in our 6th form debating competition at Sedbergh where I Michael Graham Kidd Staff 1969-71; 1976-85 helped to secure second place from an intense series of Michael is still keeping a straight bat to the debates against all the other boarding houses throughout and watching for googlies! the year. I am currently in the process of applying to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, as well as fulfilling the role News from Head Boy, Head Girl and Dux 2014 of Deputy Head of School, and I strongly believe that my years at St. Mary’s helped me to be successful at Senior Christopher Bell 2002-2014 School. I joined St. Mary’s in Lower Kindergarten and progressed right through to Form 8 - 12 years at St. Mary’s. The aspects The St. Mary’s Community were saddened to hear of I enjoyed most were all the sports on the deaths of three former pupils over the past year. offer, especially rugby training with Mr Harvey, boarding and Ready, Steady, Sir Peter Burt November 28th 2017 Cook which Mrs Harvey judged and Charlie Campbell, Peter Alexander Burt was born in Nairobi, the younger Harry Letts and I won! A favourite memory is captaining of two sons. He boarded at St. Mary’s and made the Scottish Prep Schools in 2013, we played on the regular trips between Scotland and Africa. On leaving Greenyards and beat the Edinburgh Select team - St. Mary’s he attended Merchiston Castle School many of whom I have played alongside at Merchiston. and St. Andrews University where he studies Modern I joined Merchiston in 2014 and have loved all aspects History and Political Economy. Further studies saw him of it; I am now in UVI and Deputy Head of School. The complete an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania. basic values I learnt at St. Mary’s certainly paved the In 1972 he married Alison Turner, an artist. She survives way for life at Senior School. Peter along with their sons Michael, Hamish and Angus.

Susannah Godfrey-Faussett 2005-2014 Malcolm Rainy Brown December 26th 2017 Joining the Kindergarten at St. Mary’s in Spring 2005, I have many memories of fun Sir Ian Denholm May 15th 2018 times from Miss Renwick’s golden time Sir Ian Denholm, born John Fergus Denholm, was a in Pre-Prep to Wednesday Sport fixtures leading figure in shipping and considered to be the father and not to forget Cheffy’s amazing of the ship management industry by many. He was born match teas! With Mr P’s undeniably fun- in Kilmacolm and educated at St. Mary’s and Loretto filled Hockey sessions and Mrs Bell’s muddy lunchtime School. After leaving school in 1944 he served aboard X-Country Club there was no question that I loved all the Ocean Strength and completed one Arctic and one the sport on offer. The musicals and plays where always Atlantic convoy before the war ended. After returning to a highlight too, my favourite being “Oklahoma” where Glasgow in 1951 and joining the board of J&J Denholm I remember many rehearsals full of fun with friends. St. he married Elizabeth Murray Stephen. Together they Mary’s really does allow you to throw yourself into any had 4 children; Jane, John, Katy and David. Sir Ian was opportunity and to have a positive and enthusiastic predeceased by his wife and his daughter Katy.

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72 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk 1ST TEAM PHOTOS

1st Rugby 1st Football Back Row: Mr T Rawson, Thomas Elliot, Archie Macdonell, Back Row: Archie Macdonell, Jamie Francis, Oliver Carrick, Mac Rutherford, Dicken Blunt, William Macpherson, Oliver Carrick, Mr A Whitelaw Jake Mulholland Middle Row: Thomas Elliot, Oliver Earnshaw, Middle Row: Callum Adamson, Alexander Fraser, Oliver Earnshaw, Matthew Ballantyne, Archie Morris Matthew Ballantyne, Hamish Ross, Fergus Hawson, Mr A Whitelaw Front Row: Tommy Dundas-Bekker, Will Stephen, Front Row: Caelan Ballantyne, Tommy Dundas-Bekker, Will Stephen, Alexander Fraser, William Tweedie, Caelan Ballantyne William Tweedie, Jamie Francis, Antony de Gier, Archie Morris

1st Hockey 1st Netball Back Row: Maria Imray, Freya Darling, Hannah Cully, Back Row: Mr Purvis, Rosie Platt, Maria Imray, Tegan Taylor, Rowan Mitchell, Iona Salvesen, Mr Purvis Iona Salvesen, Jessica Wright Front Row: Phoebe Briggs, Mhairi Buchanan, Jessica Wright, Front Row: Mhairi Buchanan, Eliza Maclay, Rowan Mitchell, Isla Darling, Tegan Taylor Molly Scott, Isla Darling

1st Cricket 1st Rounders Back Row: Matt Ballantyne, Oliver Carrick, William Macpherson, Back Row: Rosie Platt, Maria Imray, Rowan Mitchell, Mac Rutherford, Jamie Francis, Jake Mulholland, Mr Purvis Freya Darling, Iona Salvesen, Molly Scott, Mrs Bell Front Row: Thomas Elliot, Fergus Hawson, Will Stephen, Front Row: Eliza Maclay, Lucy Wallace, Isla Darling, Tommy Dundas-Bekker, Alexander Fraser Tegan Taylor, Jessica Wright, Mhairi Buchanan st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 73 PREP SPORTS

EVENT NO 1st 2nd 3rd 1a Form 3/4 girls 75m* O Richards 12.90 B Church C Little b Form 3/4 girls Race 1 A Callaghan 13.20 H Laker L Taddei c Form 3/4 girls Race 2 Z Mulholland 13.24 F Millar A Kirkness d Form 3/4 boys 75m* N Jackson 11.59 T Dolby E Gibson e Form 3/4 Boys Race 1 G Gruber 13.05 G Adamson H Carrick f Form 3/4 Boys Race 2 R Stewart 13.03 F Younger C Francis g Form 5/6 girls 80m* D Scott-Watson 11.53 T Mathieson E Scott h Form 5/6 girls Race 1 F Hawson 11.73 K Younger C Ferguson i Form 5/6 girls Race 2 E Dolby 13.18 K Jeffrey A Barr j Form 5/6 boys 80m* O Little 11.10 E Stephen J Tweedie k Form 5/6 boys Race 1 G Richards 12.60 T Miers G Maclay l Form 5/6 boys Race 2 A Jackson 12.64 S Mitchell M Clark m Form 7/8 girls 100m* M Scott 13.67 I Darling J Wright (Hannah Lousada Cup) n Form 7/8 girls Race 1 M Imray 15.24 A Gibson R Mitchell o Form 7/8 girls Race 2 H Cully 15.45 L Wallace L Macpherson p Form 7/8 girls Race 3 E Maclay 15.00 T Taylor L Jeffrey q Form 7/8 boys 100m* W Stephen 13.00 A Fraser J Francis (Camran Lindsay Cup) r Form 7/8 boys Race 1 M Ballantyne 14.75 W Macpherson O Carrick s Form 7/8 boys Race 2 C Ballantyne 15.25 A Macdonell A Morris

2a Form 3/4 girls 150m* O Richards 25.64 B Church T Kemp b Form 3 /4 girls Race 1 H Laker 28.60 A Callaghan K Poe c Form 3/4 girls Race 2 F Millar 27.90 A Kirkness Z Mulholland d Form 3/4 boys 150m* N Jackson 24.20 T Dolby E Gibson e Form 3/4 boys Race 1 B Oakes 27.84 G Adamson H Carrick f Form 3/4 boys Race 2 R Stewart 28.03 C Francis F Younger g Form 5/6 girls 150m* D Scott-Watson 22.59 T Mathieson E Scott h Form 5/6 girls Race 1 F Hawson 25.15 K Younger I Blunt i Form 5/6 girls Race 2 E Dolby 25.75 A Barr K Jeffrey j Form 5/6 boys 150m* O Little 22.28 J Cully J Tweedie k Forms 5/6 boys Race 1 T Miers 25.45 G Maclay G Richards l Form 5/6 boys Race 2 A Jackson 25.45 S Mitchell M Clark m Forms 7/8 girls 200m* I Darling 30.64 M Scott J Wright n Forms 7/8 girls Race 1 R Platt 32.99 M Imray P Briggs o Forms 7/8 girls Race 2 H Cully 34.73 L Wallace L Macpherson p Forms 7/8 girls Race 3 L Barr 33.12 M Buchanan M Currie q Forms 7/8 boys 200m* W Stephen 28.73 A Fraser J Francis r Forms 7/8 boys Race 1 M Ballantyne 33.34 O Carrick W Macpherson s Forms 7/8 boys Race 2 C Ballantyne 33.15 A Macdonell A Morris

3a Visitors U8 (G) A Ballantyne M Little A Maclay 3b Visitors U8 (B) A Smyly M Church O Platt

4a FP Ladies N/A 4b FP Gents C Bell S Rooney S Fraser

5a Mothers and guests beanbag Race Team Ballantyne 5b Fathers and guests beanbag Race Team Poe

6a F3/4 girls Obstacle Race 1 B Church H Laker A Kirkness b F3/4 girls Obstacle Race 2 F Millar B Morgan O Richards c F3/4 boys Obstacle Race 1 B Oakes D Lewis G Adamson d F3/4 boys Obstacle Race 2 E Gibson N Jackson H Carrick e F5/6 girls Obstacle Race 1 T Mathieson A Barr I Wishart f F5/6 girls Obstacle Race 2 F Hawson E Scott E Dolby g F5/6 boys Obstacle Race 1 J Cully H Salvesen R Lewis h F5/6 boys Obstacle Race 2 J Tweedie O Little T Miers I F7/8 girls Obstacle Race Heat 1 J Wright E Scott-Watson M Buchanan j F7/8 girls Obstacle Race Heat 2 E Maclay I Darling A Gibson k F7/8 boys Obstacle Race 1 C Ballantyne T Elliot O Earnshaw l F7/8 boys Obstacle Race 2 A Fraser F Hawson O Carrick m F7/8 girls Final (Aline Gibson Cup) E Maclay I Darling J Wright

7a Pre Junior girls Bell Quiach 3 x100m Scott 58.09 Douglas Home 7b Pre Junior boys Purvis Tankard 4 x100m Home 1.15.75 Percy Scott 7c Junior girls Langlands Cup 4 x100m Home 1.08.15 Scott Percy 7d Junior boys Hogg Cup4 x100m Scott 1.09.95 Percy Douglas 7e Senior girls, Ann Amos Cup 4 x100m Douglas 1.02.30 Home Percy 7f Senior boys Sproat Cup 4 x100m Scott 1.02.45 Douglas Percy

*Championship Final

74 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk PRE PREP & KINDERGARTEN SPORTS DAY

It was such a relief to waken up to sun shine and know that, for once, Sports Class Winner Day would go ahead without difficult decisions having to be made. And what Reception Magnus Church a day it was - energetic children, parents and staff all on back field to support a Form 1 Matilda Little common cause. Running, jumping, balancing and cooperation from all, ensured Form 2 girls Miranda Reid a successful event was completed. Form 2 boys Fergus Cameron Squad winners Home Congratulations to all athletes, and in particular to our class champions.

Mrs FK Bell

Events completed before Prep School Sports Day

400m: High Jump: Open (G) E. Scott-Watson (S) 74.62s F3/4 (G) O. Richards (S) 90cm Open (B) J. Francis (P) 67.01s F3/4 (B) N. Jackson (P) 1.00m F5/6 (G) D. Scott-Watson (S) 1m 10cm 600m: F5/6 (B) J. Imray 1m 10cm F3/4 (G) O. Richards (S) 2m 29.30s N. Jackson F3/4 (B) (P) 2m 19.22s Open (G) J. Wright (H) (Emma Bruce Cup) 1m 10cm Open (B) W. Stephen (H) (Adam Leighton Cup) 1m 25cm F5/6 (G) D. Scott-Watson (S) 2m 06.06s F5/6 (B) J. Imray (S) 2m 02.12s Javelin: Open (G) T. Taylor (P) 15m 82cm 800m: Open (B) D. Blunt (S) 24m 40cm Open G) L. Barr (P) 2m 55.12s Open (B) J. Francis (P) 2m 44.16s Long Jump: F3/4 (G) O. Richards (S) 2m 54cm 1500m F3/4 (B) C. Francis (P) 2m 95cm Open (G) L. Barr (P) 6m 16.16s F5/6 (G) E. Scott (H) 3m 45cm Open (B) J. Francis(P) New Record 5m 08.58s F5/6 (B) O. Little (D) 3m 60cm

Cricket Ball: Open (G) J. Wright (H) (Douglas LJ Cup) 3m 65cm O. Richards F3/4 (G) (S) 21m 90cm Open (B) W. Stephen (H) (Morgan White Quaich) 4m 50cm F3/4 (B) E .Gibson (H) 29m 10cm F5/6 (G) F. Hawson (H) 32m 60cm F5/6 (B) J. Imray (S) 40m 44cm

Shot Putt: Open (G) M. Imray (S) 7m 08cm Open (B) D. Blunt (S) 8m 23cm

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 75 Free mortgage and insurance advice for parents, alumni and associates of St Mary’s School

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St Marys.indd 1 02/11/2018 09:38:28 76 www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk ATHLETICS & SPORTS DAY

It was a joy to coach athletics during the summer of 2018 - rarely a cloud in the sky, we were treated to a season of sun. Rather than reminding children to bring waterproofs, we were ensuring supplies of sun cream, water and hats were at the ready. Club members worked towards, and competed in, two events hosted by Fettes College; an informal evening of athletics in mid-May and then the ‘main’ event, IAPS athletics at the end of June. Thirty four athletes were proud to represent St. Mary’s and whatever the event, they performed their best, in a highly competitive field.

Sports Day, for once, dawned bright and clear with the track in immaculate condition, back fields were bathed in glorious sunshine. The competition at the top end of the school was wide open and results were dependent on how athletes were placed in the sprints. Jamie Francis was the deserved Victor Ludorum having performed superbly in all middle distance runs - his 1500m race was an example of pure grit and determination - he was aiming to break the record, and he did just that, taking 8 seconds off the previous 2014 record. Senior Girls’ Champion went down to the wire, and with Jessica Wright just piping Emma Scott-Watson on the line, Jessica took gold. The Junior competition was incredibly tight and with just 4 points between 1st and 3rd place, John Imray eventually took the spoils; Daisy Scott-Watson, winning 4/6 events was crowned Junior Girls’ Champion. The Pre -Junior winners were well ahead of their rivals as we headed in to Sports Day - well done to Nik Jackson and Olivia Richards.

On a wonderfully warm and sunny day, our Sports Finals took place; the following pupils were our 2018 Champions:

Pre Junior girls Olivia Richards, Beatrice Church Charlotte Little Pre Junior boys Nic Jackson Ewan Gibson Tom Dolby Junior Victor Ludorum John Imray John Tweedie Oliver Little Junior girls Daisy Scott-Watson Elsa Scott Tiggy Mathieson Senior girls Jessica Wright Emma Scott-Watson Eliza Maclay Victor Ludorum Jamie Francis Will Stephen Alexander Fraser Sports Champions Scott Home Percy Sloan Cup Scott Home Percy

One athletics record was broken this year - Jamie Francis in the senior boys 1500m (5m 08.58s)

Mrs FK Bell Coaches: Mrs FK Bell, Mr A Whitelaw and Mr P Mateos Captains: Isla Darling, Jamie Francis, Will Stephen and Jessica Wright Colours: Matt Ballantyne, Isla Darling, Jamie Francis, Alexander Fraser, Will Stephen, Jessica Wright Half-Colours: Caelan Ballantyne, Libby Barr, Oliver Earnshaw, Eliza Maclay, Rosie Platt, Molly Scott, Emma Scott-Watson Hardie Cup for Athletics: Will Stephen st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 77 CROSS COUNTRY

A season dictated by the weather which put paid to the dedicated training put in by seniors and juniors alike. It was desperately disappointing for us all, runners and coaches, as these youngsters were possibly the strongest group we have had for quite some time. We had been invited to the Rawthey Run at Sedbergh for the first time and were keen to test ourselves against different competition, this event was postponed and then cancelled…and running at Sedbergh is rarely cancelled! The decision to cancel this year’s Scottish IAPS Championships was not taken lightly but ‘The Beast from the East’ was not relenting and even ‘Sunny Dunny’ was hit by heavy snow. At least we were blessed with dry weather for our own Squad Cross Country and those who love to run were allowed to shine; those who don’t love to run as always gave it their all and we had a thoroughly Coaches: Mrs FK Bell and enjoyable afternoon with 120 children pounding around the backfields and Stefan Rooney riverside. Captain: Jamie Francis Colours: Matt Ballantyne, 1st 2nd 3rd Fergus Hawson, William Tweedie and Jamie Francis Senior Boys Jamie Francis Matt Ballantyne Caelan Ballanytne Half-Colours: Caelan Ballantyne, Eliza Maclay, Senior Girls Libby Barr Emma Scott-Watson Jessica Wright Libby Barr, Emma Scott- Watson and Callum Junior Boys John Tweedie Ed Stephen Geordie Maclay Adamson

Junior Girls Daisy Scott-Watson Freyja Hawson Elsa Scott

Pre - Junior Boys Nic Jackson Tom Dolby Gregor Adamson

Pre - Junior Girls Olivia Richards Mathilda Hutchinson Abigail Kirkness

Squad Scott Home

With grateful thanks to Stefan for his unending enthusiasm and his’tunes!’

Mrs FK Bell

78 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk 1ST XV RUGBY

This season we had the honour of coaching a super group of senior boys. There has Played Won Drew Lost been a fine mix of skill and aggression and youth and experience throughout the squad. 10 6 0 4 As well as outstanding natural talent and flair, the squad developed a gritty backbone of diehard stoicism. The season began with a very encouraging training day at Merchiston Castle School. The entire squad took part and came out on top of their pool before drawing a tense final with the hosts. With an excellent squad performance under their belts the boys ran away to a big win, at home,against a green Earlston side before battling to a very tense win against Loretto in Musselburgh. Belhaven matches in recent years have proven to be very tense affairs and the first fixture was not without drama. Our visitors proved to be too strong this year and won the match. We followed this defeat with a narrow loss against Merchiston and a resounding win over Cargilfield. Such victories do not happen very often and all enjoyed the occasion. A St. Mary’s “A” team beat Longridge over the border before narrowly losing to Belhaven in Dunbar in a thumping match. The tempo and skill of the St. Mary’s play showed just how far this group had come since the first game. With Mowden Hall ducking the fixture we were left with a fantastic encounter against Ardvreck down on the bottom field to round out the Michaelmas Term. St. Mary’s just came out on top but both sides had enjoyed a particularly muddy and frenetic contest. The Michaelmas Term was punctuated by 7s tournaments at Loretto and Ardvreck. We lost out in the Plate Final of the former against Ardvreck but overcame the same opponents on their home ground in their Plate Final. A St. Mary’s try in the last few Coaches: Mr T Rawson and Mr seconds sealed a thrilling contest when a squad reduced by illness, some looking and A Whitelaw sounding very peely-wally, played like lions throughout a long and tiring day. They were Captain: William Tweedie superb and epitomised the spirit of this group of boys and of this school. Colours: William Tweedie, Lent Term fixtures were largely obliterated under a deluge of snow as the Beast from the Tommy Dundas-Bekker, Matt East struck the Borders. However, we did manage one thumping win over Merchiston. Ballantyne, Will Stephen, Everything clicked on the day, and all the boys knew their respective roles and all played Jamie Francis, William them superbly. The result was never in doubt and, at the final whistle, the boys carried Macpherson, Alexander Fraser, one of their own from the pitch in tribute to a loyal servant of the team. Oliver Carrick,Thomas Elliot Captain, William Tweedie, William Macpherson, Tommy Dundas-Bekker, Will Stephen Half Colours: Dicken Blunt, and Jamie Francis were all selected for the Dandylions (a select side made up of Archie Macdonnell, Archie five IAPS teams from south of the River Forth) to play the WOSPS in a resounding 32-14 Morris, Oliver Earnshaw, Mac victory. William, Tommy, Will and Jamie gained further selection honours for the Scottish Rutherford Prep Schools against the Edinburgh Barbarians at the Greenyards. The SPS side won Abbey Park Cup for Senior comfortably and Captain Tweedie was picked as the man-of-the-match. This was a Player of the Year: remarkable achievement for a boy who had narrowly scraped into the Dandylions side Will Stephen as a substitute. However, any follower of St. Mary’s rugby would not be surprised to see Peter Baker Cup for the best this raging bull of a player come out on top in any contest where the odds were stacked performing forward: Matt against him. Ballantyne Overall, this has been a special season where the squad has matured from a disparate Senior Tackling Quaich: group of strong characters into a cohesive and mutually supportive team of skilled William Tweedie players. The vastly improved performances against both Belhaven and Merchiston, Dandylions: William which effectively bookended the season, showed just how far the squad had come. Macpherson, William Tweedie, Those boys that move on to senior schools next year will be sorely missed but their effort Will Stephen, Tommy Dundas- and flair will be long remembered. Those that remain at our great wee school will go on Bekker, Jamie Francis to next season with a clear understanding of what can be achieved when everyone Scottish Prep Schools: Jamie gives their all to pull in the same direction. Well done to you all. Francis, William Tweedie, Will Stephen, Tommy Dundas- Matt Ballantyne: Matt has developed into an outstanding loose forward. Utterly fearless in Bekker the tackle and a wolverine on the deck, Matt was the standout forward in a number of games this season. st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 79 Dicken Blunt: By the end of the season, Dicken had harnessed his immense strength and coupled it to good hands to score a crucial belter of a try against Merchiston. Dicken was a pillar of the pack throughout the season. Oliver Carrick: Regardless of the opponents, Ollie’s standards never dropped. He proved to be a solid tackler and an elusive runner in an outstanding back row. Antony de Gier: Antony worked hard on his handling and developed into a dependable defender with the courage to face up to far bigger boys. Tommy Dundas-Bekker: Tommy is a rare talent and became a robust tackler with the skills to unpick an opposition defence as well as the strength to rip the ball free from attackers. Jamie Francis: Jamie is a real athlete with the beef and balance to stay on his feet and stride out of tackles. Jamie’s remarkable strength, agility and raw power saw him score some amazing tries that no other boy on the circuit could have scored. Alexander Fraser: If there were a prize for “Most Determined Boy” then this honey badger of a player would win it. Alex was safe under the high ball, a rock in defence and had the pace and footwork to counterattack with real venom. The sort of player who gives everything to the cause. Fergus Hawson: Fergus worked hard in training and gave his all in matches. Fergus continually improved throughout the season and can be very proud of the progress that he has made. William Macpherson: To be carried from the field by his teammates was no less than this stalwart deserved. Big Mack has been an outstanding team member and everything that this Coach and this school could want from a prep school rugby player. Hamish Ross: Hamish has been a loyal servant to the 1st XV for the last two seasons. He has worked hard in training and given his all in matches. His performance against Fettes was fantastic. Will Stephen: Will is an outstanding athlete and memories from his final season at St. Mary’s roll like a highlights reel. He has scored some ridiculous tries and, as one of the staunchest defenders, has saved many more. Will has a rosy future in the game and can be very proud of all that he has achieved thus far. William Tweedie: No team can do without a William Tweedie; a brutal tackler and bullocking runner with a powerful fend and a good pass off both hands. William has won every accolade that a prep school boy can win, and thoroughly deserved them all. Callum Adamson: This boy has a good step, some real pace and has worked hard on his defending. With a little more confidence he could be an important player next season. Caelan Ballantyne: Caelan worked hard on his defence and played a crucial role for the 1st XV. He is an excellent prospect for next season. Oliver Earnshaw: Oliver was a little surprised to find himself at hooker this season. However, he proved to be an excellent lynchpin of the pack with plenty of opportunity to show his gas in attack and strong tackling in defence. Will dominate next season – wherever he plays. Thomas Elliot: Thomas is some player; he has pace, vision, bravery and strength and is equally at home in the backs or forwards. Thomas is never beaten and refuses to ever take a backward step. He shows with every game what it really means to be a St. Mary’s 1st XV rugby player. Archie Macdonnell: Archie has improved more than any other player this season. He developed from a 2nd XV squad player into one of the 1st XV’s most dependable defenders for every match thereafter. Archie Morris: This boy is a rabid terrier of a player. Pound for pound he was the most ferocious defender on the park in any match he played. He will be an outstanding backline player next season. Jake Mulholland: Jake worked hard on his defending and ball retention this season and developed into a solid and dependable front rower. As the season progressed, he became more assertive and will be a key player next year. Mac Rutherford: Mac grew into himself this season. He was a little tentative to start with but really threw himself about in the latter stages where he proved to be a wrecking ball with ball in hand with a great offloading game. Mac will be a real force next year.

Mr T Rawson

80 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk U11 RUGBY

Under 11 rugby proves to be a significant step up from the Under 9 level not just in Played Won Drew Lost For Against terms of physicality and speed but the general skill levels required. In general the 13 6 2 5 57 43 Prep School sides tend to come closer together in ability and strength, therefore the win to lose margins are much smaller. As can be seen from the table below this season proved to be tough one with a good spread of victories and defeats. Over the course of the season the lads bonded well as a side and by the final fixture were playing some stunning phase rugby. The boys took to their positions well and demonstrated some outstanding skills, stoic tenacity and resilience in defeat whilst maintaining a stout level of humility in success.

The big highlight of the season for many was at the start of the season by winning the Merchiston tournament, where every player contributed to fantastic hard fought victories over many other Prep Schools without conceding a single try. Overall it has been a very entertaining and exciting season with the boys playing some outstanding rugby and showing significant potential going forward into young adulthood.

Mr J Brown

Coach: Mr J Brown

It has been a successful season for our under 11B’s in 2017-18. Played Won Drew Lost For Against 12 6 2 4 80 62 Winning half of our matches and drawing two meant we only lost four. We started off in September with the traditional season opener against Merchiston which resulted in an excellent win for us. Then later in the month a big highlight for us was winning a “B” triangular against Belhaven and Fettes, at Belhaven. Then, at the end of the Michaelmas Term, we played our best rugby in terms of cohesion, enjoyment and results. We went unbeaten in the term’s final three matches with a convincing win against Ardvreck, and two creditable draws against Craigclowan and Fettes.

Playing decent team rugby doesn’t just happen, so the “B”’s are to be commended for their positive attitude. They have worked hard, tried their best and played with passion. In Games time they have been keen to improve their Coach: Mr A Rutherford skills and understanding of the game. All of them have become better players over the season, learning from the inevitable mistakes they will make and then working on them.

Overall the season has been a very enjoyable one, and hopefully the boys will continue with their enthusiasm, willingness to learn and sense of fun!

Mr A Rutherford

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 81 U9 & U8 RUGBY

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been part of the U8 and 9 coaching team this season, along with Mr Mateos and Stefan; I’d like to thank St. Mary’s for giving me the opportunity, once again, to be involved in what is a fine, fun sporting environment - it was a very easy decision to make to re-join the team. Due to the weather being fairly kind to us, both squads managed to play many games prior to the Christmas break, along with the odd game in February with some fine individual, and more importantly, team performances, all boys working very well together.

The Under 8s played which is a great way to introduce players to the game and enables them to build on their confidence while introducing them to the basic skills of running forward, passing backwards, tag(tackle), scoring points but most Coach: Mr IG Millar importantly having fun and enjoyment while doing so. Winning most of their games all boys have progressed well and we are looking forward to working with them when they get to play real rugby next year.

Our Under 9 squad have also had a good season with all the boys playing their part in some fine performances, the standards have steadily progressed due to their commitment and concentration at our games sessions. Some of the tackling has been the best I’ve seen at this age group for a long time along with good support play and communication they played some very entertaining rugby. A pleasing aspect was that we managed to include all the players on a regular basis during the season.

Well done to all the players on their hard work during games sessions and matches if they continue in this manner the future of St. Mary’s on the rugby field is looking good, other schools are now taking notice and look forward to playing us because they know they will get a good hard sporting game of rugby. Thank you also to the loyal band of parents and grandparents who regularly came along to support these fine young players, your support is very much appreciated by everyone here at the school.

Mr IG Millar

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82 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk 1ST XI CRICKET

In all my years coaching cricket, I cannot remember a season that started so Played Won Drew Lost wet, yet finished so dry. Fabulous for cricket as we didn’t lose any fixtures to the 12 4 0 8 elements. This season saw a fairly inexperienced 1st XI squad take to the wicket. A mix of keen and talented players but also those eager to learn. At first glance, the stats may suggest a disappointing season, however, a number of the losses were by only a handful of runs, or a single wicket. Matches against Fettes, Merchiston, Loretto and Cargilfield were all close run encounters, with perhaps our best afternoon being on the glorious Mowden wicket. During the term there were many individual highlights, the top of the list being Will Stephen’s unbeaten 96, in our Squad cricket match.

The season concluded with our Fathers’ v Sons’ match, played in baking sunshine, under a cloudless sky. As always, the game was played in tremendous spirit with some notable performances from Mr Macpherson and Mrs Francis in particular, so good in fact, that the Fathers’ edged a narrow, 1 wicket win.

Congratulations to the whole 1st XI squad, 14 different boys in total, for an exciting and productive season. To those heading for pastures new, play straight! To those returning, keep those pads handy and your whites clean!

Will Stephen: what a fantastic season, leading by example. Your 96 not out was a master class in ball striking. You have a bright future in the game. Tommy Dundas-Bekker: your fabulous eye for the ball saw you score many vital runs this season. You were equally as reliable with the ball too – an exciting natural talent! Mac Rutherford: opening the batting and bowling for the 1st XI in Form 7- That says it all! You grew in confidence this season and are a very exciting prospect for 2019. William Macpherson: steady, reliable, technically strong and a tremendous asset to the team. Your innings against Fettes would rank among the best all season. Jamie Francis: few were as keen as you, Jamie, and no one had safer hands. A pleasure to watch your confidence grow throughout the season with the bat and the ball. Coach: Mr I Purvis William Tweedie: I couldn’t have asked anything more of you; 100% at all times, Captain: Will Stephen no matter how huge the task. A pleasure to coach; well done for the progress Vice-captain: Tommy you made in all areas of the game. Dundas-Bekker Alexander Fraser: left arm over and not slow! I feel we may only have scratched Colours: Matt Ballantyne, the surface of your cricketing career. Keep at your bowling – lovely technique Jamie Francis, Oliver Carrick, and bursting with potential. William Macpherson, Oliver Carrick: few could better your straight bat and defensive prowess. Your Alexander Fraser, Mac shot range developed during the season and your energy for the game never Rutherford. relented. Half colours: Dicken Blunt, Matt Ballantyne: I could not fault your desire to succeed. So enthusiastic and full William Tweedie of determination. You made such progress with the ball, so much so you ended Batting prize: Will Stephen up opening the bowling! Fielding Prize: Alexander Thomas Elliot: having made a number of runs for the 2nds, you thoroughly Fraser & Tommy Dundas- deserved your selection for the 1sts. Play straight and keep your head down. A Bekker great season all round. Bowling prize: Mac Rutherford Dicken Blunt: a powerful cricketer with a very strong arm. Top scorer in the game Squad winners: Home & Percy against Belhaven with a lovely batting technique to match. Keep that arm straight when bowling!

Mr I Purvis st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 83 2ND XI CRICKET

This year, on the eve of the cricket season, the boys were talking about its start Played Won Drew Lost with eager anticipation. We weren’t disappointed as the weather played such 5 1 1 3 a massive part in making it a very enjoyable term. Very little match, or games time was lost to poor weather, and it was a novelty to play on firm pitches and outfields! We started the season at home with a practise ‘pair’s match’ against Merchiston. This was invaluable to blow away the cobwebs, and boy did they get blown away! As we started we got high wind, heavy rain, then hail, as we made our way back to school for shelter. Thankfully though, it was only a delay to the practise match, as we soon got back out again. We then played 5 full matches which resulted in only one heavy defeat, which was to Belhaven. The others were close and exciting affairs, as first we lost to Cargilfield by 1 run, then drew with Fettes. We went on to beat Ardvreck, kindly hosted by Merchiston, and then finished with a loss to Loretto. It was good to see all boys making significant contributions at some point in matches over the season, and working on skills and game management outwith match days, to improve their performance.

Callum Adamson: often opened both our batting and bowling this season. Has a good arm from deep in the field and was an enthusiastic team member in the field.

Caelan Ballantyne: made real progress this year. A very effective close-in fielder with good hands, agility and reactions. Has added to his array of shots when batting which made him a higher run scorer.

Oliver Earnshaw: superb hands in the field and takes catches. Shows a good arm when fielding on the boundary. In batting, Ollie times a ball so well and plays some majestic shots!

Archie Morris: has been very agile for us behind the stumps where he makes good stops. Batting has really improved and is capable of scoring ‘big’. An excellent boundary fielder, with his speed and arm.

Jake Mulholland: a very keen cricketer! with genuine pace, and is a wicker taker. Can also make runs when he comes in at the top order. Jake is an excellent Coach: Mrs A Rutherford ground fielder who regularly runs out opponents with a direct to the stumps. Captains: William Tweedie and Antony de Gier Antony de Gier: an enthusiastic player. Antony is consistently accurate with the ball when bowling. Timing of the ball with bat in hand has really improved which has allowed him to get the ball away and make more runs. Led the team well during the 2nd half of the season.

Fergus Hawson: such a reliable, accurate bowler which made him one of our front line bowlers. His bowling precision meant he got A team matches as well!

Hamish Ross: likes very much to bowl and can open the bowling for us in matches with his consistent line and length. Can strike a ball well, bat in hand.

Archie Macdonnel: a very secure taker behind the stumps, and often opening the batting innings for us. He gained his reward for good steady performances by laterally getting into the A’s!

Mr A Rutherford

84 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk U11 & U9 CRICKET

Played Won Drew Lost This season has been the first that I can recall in many years when not a single Played Won Drew Lost 5 1 1 3 fixture was lost to bad weather. The first game against Merchiston was a very 7 4 0 3 close run affair, however, and parents watching the match from their cars with wipers on, was a first for me!

This season has first and foremost been about the development of an extremely efficient and effective cricket team. Superbly captained byMitchell Clark, they have proved to be a tough and skilled squad of players. There was plenty of depth in the side whether we were batting, bowling or fielding and I never felt like we would be anything other than very tough cookies for our opponents to crack. Throughout the season, each boy had a number of individual highlights that he (and myself) will remember for a very long time. However, the thing that will really stick in the mind of this Coach is the journey that each boy took to improve his skills in training and to apply them in matches. There was also never any question that this was a team effort.

With warm afternoons of bright sunshine for nearly all of the Summer Term, some really good cricket and some fantastic St. Mary’s ‘Undies’ performance, this was a massively successful season in every respect.

Mr T Rawson

Coach: Mr T Rawson Captain: Mitchell Clark

The U9 squad this year had a greater number of players from Form 3, which was Played Won Drew Lost by no means a disadvantage. We had a number of capable, big hitting batsman 5 2 0 3 and some lads with outstanding catching ability. In pretty much every fixture this season the scores were very close, with outstanding cricket across the board. In line with this, we were blessed by fantastic sunshine which made for a very pleasant cricketing experience for all the boys involved. Furthermore, the high level of enthusiasm and effort meant the Squad fixture was a very close fought affair, with some absolutely top cricket!

Over the course of the season we focussed heavily on batting and bowling, which progressed well over the summer months, culminating in some outstanding displays of athleticism.

Mr J Brown Coach: Mr J Brown

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Super, stylish swimming, combined with enthusiasm, concentration and hard work ensured another successful block of lessons and coaching was completed. Congratulations to all, be they beginners or members of the Borders Elite Swim Team.

Mrs FK Bell

Swimming Gala 2018 1st 2nd 3rd

Pre Junior Blair Adamson 15 Fergus Younger 13 Ewan Gibson 11 Zara Mullholland (School Cup) Coaches: Mrs FK Bell, Mr I Purvis and Mrs E Rawson Junior (Watt Cup) Kiki Younger 19 Daisy Scott-Watson Tiggy Mathieson 13

Senior(Rae Trophy) Emma Archie Will Stephen 10 Scott-Watson 18 Macdonnell 13

Squad relays Scott 10 Home 8 Douglas 7 (Mc Alpine Cup)

Squad Winners Scott 158 Home 89 Percy 85

This summer proved an exceptional one for tennis at St. Mary’s. Rarely have the children enjoyed such a spell of fine weather, all of which saw almost every pupil at school take part in either school tennis lessons, our school tennis competitions or more often than not, both.

A number of pupils also play Club tennis, so the standard at school seems to grow each year. It was no surprise therefore, that the competitions were very competitive and the winners were as follows:

Julie Hunter Cup for senior girls singles Mhairi Buchanan Leslie Morton Cup for senior boys singles William Tweedie Coaches: Mr R Ward, Mrs H Pre Junior mixed singles Olivia Richards Ward and Mrs R Letts Lorna Stewart Cup for Junior mixed singles John Tweedie The Rosie Grant cup for girls doubles Olivia Richards & Hannah Cully The Lorne Forsyth Cup for boys doubles Matt Ballantyne & Callum Barr

Mr Richard Ward took charge of our school tennis lessons again this year, assisted Mrs Hazel Ward and Mrs Rosie Letts. My thanks to them all for their time and expertise and for providing such a superb opportunity for the children.

Mr I Purvis

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 87 CLAY PIGEON

Jake, having won the ‘Top Gun’ trophy at last year’s event, was hoping to Scottish Prep School’s Clay Pigeon emulate his success this year and Archie and Freyja, although less experienced, Championships Thursday 3rd May were equally as keen to learn a trick or two! This year we were very pleased to Venue: Strathallan have been sponsored by Bisley at Braidwood, who very kindly gave the team The team: Jake M, Archie Mac & Freyja some caps and badges to wear on the day.

As the children worked their way around the stands, three of them began to gain the upper hand; boys from Adrvreck and Riley, and Jake. When they had finished their 25 clays, Jake and Fin from Ardvreck had indeed both finished with 18, so had to have a shoot off!

Jake hit his first three but then missed the next pair; Fin shot two of the first three and one of the next pair; a dead heat and so to sudden death! The next single target was shot by both boys. Jake then hit one of the following pair, as did Fin. The next pair were sent on report and Jake shot both of them which piled the pressure onto Fin, who hit the first but missed his second; it really couldn’t have been any closer! Well done, Jake for retaining the Barrack De Cefco trophy for Top Gun.

The team event was won by Ardvreck and we came 3rd, just three clays behind the winners!

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88 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk 1ST VIII HOCKEY

Reminiscing back over this past season, once again, the girls have proven an Played Won Drew Lost For Against enthusiastic and talented squad. Early season wins against Gala Academy, 21 13 3 5 58 37 Kilgraston and Cargilfield set the girls up perfectly for the Loretto tournament in early October, which the girls won for the first time, in my tenure, at least. Other highlights for the team were wins over Belhaven and an excellent day at the Fettes tournament, where we didn’t win but played some superb hockey.

Sadly, the weather blighted the tail end of the season. We lost games in November and December due to flooding and all fixtures scheduled for Lent 2018 were cancelled due to snow. The WOSPS v Dandylions fixture in November was very well contested and our three representatives, Tegan, Jessica and Isla all played superbly and thoroughly warranted their selection. With so many of this season’s key players returning next season, I have every reason to believe that our 2018/19 season will be as successful as this one.

Tegan Taylor: such great progress this season, capped by your selection for the Dandylions. Your agility and strength in goal have perhaps seen the most improvement.

Isla Darling: fabulous to watch your confidence on the ball blossom this season. You have excellent perception of the game and a work rate to match.

Iona Salvesen: committed and eager to learn, this has been your best season by far. The timing of your tackles was key this season and you thoroughly deserved your place in this very competitive squad.

Jessica Wright: undoubtedly, you were central to all our successes this season. Your outstanding work rate added strength in all areas of the pitch and your achievements out with school, prove what a capable and driven player you are.

Rowan Mitchell: what progress this season! Your stick skills in particular have seen such improvement and, coupled with your work rate on the pitch, your selection for this team was thoroughly merited. Coach: Mr I Purvis Maria Imray: you earned your place in this team through hard work both on and Captain: Jessica Wright off the ball. Your stick skills have seen huge progress too. Dandylions: Jessica Wright, Tegan Taylor, Isla Darling Freya Darling: it was great to watch your progress this season, in all aspects of Colours: Isla Darling, Iona the game. Your increasing strength on the ball and work rate off it, merited your Salvesen, Tegan Taylor, appearances for the 1sts. Hannah Cully Half Colours: Phoebe Briggs, Hannah Cully: it was fabulous to watch your confidence on the ball grow so Freya Darling, Ruby Harvey, much this season. Your stick skills could breech most defences; what a great Rowan Mitchell, Maria Imray, prospect for next season! Mhairi Buchanan, Lucy Wallace Mhairi Buchanan: your ability to pop up in the right place at the right time, has Cup/Trophy winners: Winners been key to our successes this season. A number of goals to your name and your of the U13 Loretto hockey growing confidence on the ball, warrants every ounce of praise you’ve received! tournament Squad Winners: Douglas Phoebe Briggs: what fantastic progress this season in goal. Your agility and speed Regional/National have seen superb improvement, as has your shot stopping ability. You thoroughly recognition: Jessica Wright merited your appearances for the team. (Captain) and Hannah Cully: both selected for the South of Mr I Purvis Scotland U14 squad st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 89 2ND & 3RD VIII HOCKEY

This season was a mixed bag for the 2nd and 3rd VIII hockey teams. It was 2nd Played Won Drew Lost For Against comprised of some strong wins against the likes of Belhaven, Mowden Hall and 10 6 0 4 35 26 Riley House, alongside some excitingly close matches against Loretto, Kilgraston, Dollar Academy and Earlston High School. With so many girls in the top two forms this year, we were able to get five 3rds matches during the season, which meant all 23 girls were playing a full competitive match on those Wednesdays, which is absolutely excellent. On other weeks, as many girls as possible played for the 2nd VIII, although on a couple of occasions matches had to be cancelled due to low numbers in the opposition team or bad weather. Nevertheless, some great hockey was played over the 14 week season and the improvement from the girls was colossal. Well done!

Libby Barr: Libby has come on leaps and bounds this season, particularly with her stick skills. She uses her speed to her advantage playing on the wing as a midfield and has grown in her ability to read the game during matches.

Molly Currie: Molly’s confidence as a defender has improved so much this season. Her courage to go in for tackles has had no limits in the latter stages of the season. She is an incredibly positive member of the squad and sees the good in all situations – win, lose or draw!

Hannah Francis: Hannah’s boundless energy has served her well this season. She covers a lot of ground on the pitch and honed her skills as a forward in the D by focusing on her positioning on the posts, to tap the ball over the line.

Amelie Gibson: Amelie has worked so hard to improve her skills as a defender. She is careful and composed in her position and has taken on board tips and hints to further her understanding of defending. She can confidently make tackles and clear the ball wide under pressure.

Ruby Harvey: Ruby’s real triumph this season came from scoring twice in the final match again Riley House. She’s always so positive towards her teammates and locates herself well on the attacking posts to try and tap the ball into the goal Coach: Mrs J Scott Aiton behind the goalie.

Lara Jeffrey: Lara has a fantastic ability to read the game and exactly where and who to pass the ball to, even when under pressure. Her skills have come on massively, and her confidence too. A super forward in the making.

Eliza Maclay: Eliza’s tenacity on the hockey pitch has made her a very exciting player to watch this season. Her skills are improving as she focuses on matching her speed with her ball control. She is a great asset to the squad’s midfield.

Lucy Macpherson: Lucy has really come on with her defending. She now has guts and determination in her tackling and has tried hard to work on controlling the ball when put under pressure. Her focus in match situations has also great improved and she supports her teammates well.

Anna Murray: Our feisty wee goalie! Anna has worked so hard this season to improve her goalie technique (and her fearlessness!), whilst always smiling and being a positive presence on the pitch for her teammates.

90 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Rosie Platt: Rosie has been a stalwart to the 2nd VIII and even played for the 3rd Played Won Drew Lost For Against 1st VIII on occasions. She has some super skills and works tirelessly on the pitch 5 2 0 3 11 9 to always play to her very best. Her tenacity on the pitch has made her an invaluable forward.

Molly Scott: Molly’s confidence has gone from strength to strength this season and she has brought great strength to the 2nds defensive line. Reliable in her tackles, not a lot gets past Molly, and she will always endeavour to do her absolute best all the time.

Emma Scott-Watson: New to hockey, Emma has put 100% in to all coaching sessions and matches. Being fit and energetic meant she slotted into a midfield position with ease and ran up and down the wings like a tireless gazelle. She has been quick to learn and hone her skills. Coach: Mrs J Scott Aiton

Lucy Wallace: An experienced Form 8 who brought a lot to the squad this season. Her skills in midfield have come on considerably and she works hard to improve her execution of skills and strength of passes.

Mrs J Scott Aiton

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st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 91 U11 & U10 HOCKEY

‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow’, a proverb which sums up this group of girls U11 Played Won Drew Lost For Against beautifully. They arrived, fairly raw, after a long summer holiday but what struck 11 6 1 4 29 23 me was the enthusiasm they oozed. Out of 10 girls we had two experienced players from the Borders U12 Development Squad, two who were completely new to the game, but desperate to learn, and six who were keen to improve their skills but equally keen to assist the newcomers - what a great mix and what a challenge! We thoroughly enjoyed our training sessions, frequently playing alongside an able U10 squad but we learnt most from playing our attack against our defence-the drop pass, double teaming, sticks low, scanning and communication were vital components; the girls also learnt a great deal from being taken out of their comfort zone and playing in a different position-it is vital the girls are not ‘pigeon holed’ at a young age. With a mix of wins, losses and draws the best advice I can offer the emerging talent goes back to the proverb above-it takes time to develop and grow, be patient, keep working hard and have fun.

Mrs FK Bell

Coach: Mrs FK Bell Aird Smith Cup for the most promising junior hockey player: Freyja Hawson and Elsa Scott Borders U12 Development Squad: Freyja Hawson and Elsa Scott

U10 Played Won Drew Lost For Against This very enthusiastic squad impressed me from the start with their enthusiasm 13 7 2 6 43 30 and competitiveness. I was impressed with the versatility of players in differing positions, and commitment to the team, even when some were not chosen every week as we had a squad of 14 to choose from.

Playing a staggering 13 matches, and winning just over half, with a huge number of winning goals is a great credit to the team. There was some great play against Loretto, Compass, Belhaven, Longridge, Mowden and Riley House where we enjoyed winning scores. The team had a try at playing on grass against Clifton Hall and had a few afternoons where things just didn’t go to plan at the matches against Cargilfield and Fettes. All in all, I was delighted with the progress made during the season and look forward to hearing of their successes next year as the Under 11 squad.

Mrs Z Wright

Coach: Mrs Z Wright

92 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk U9 HOCKEY A Played Won Drew Lost For Against 9 5 0 4 19 16

It was a mixed season for the U9 girls who played 8 matches and 1 tournament. B Played Won Drew Lost For Against The season started with a training session at Loretto allowing the U8 girls to 4 2 0 2 3 2 practice their newly learnt basic hockey skills and the U9 girls to utilise and refresh skills from previous year. The U9A started the season well, winning their first fixture against Clifton Hall, however lost against Cargilfield 1 – 9. Our next fixture was a round robin with Compass U9 A and B teams where we had mixed results. We went to Fettes, taking two teams to play in a tournament, and after a number of closely fought matches, St. Mary’s came out the winners 18 points to 14. We narrowly lost against Loretto but finished the season with 2 convincing wins against Longridge and Mowden Hall

We have appreciated having the opportunity to work with the Form 3 and 4 girls this season and team selection was not always easy, with a number of players vying for positions, in the A team. Although all the girls have certainly enjoyed the hockey this term, the mini bus journeys and match tea for the away matches have, at times, been the highlight!

Mrs P Routledge and Mrs L Runciman

Coaches: Mrs P Routledge and Mrs L Runciman

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Our season got off to a flying start in early January with a good win at Loretto. Played Won Drew Lost For Against Little did we know then that the season was going to be so badly affected by 7 3 0 4 39 41 the weather, more so than ever before. With a full diary of fixtures it became increasingly frustrating for all concerned when week upon week, if it wasn’t floods closing roads, it was snow blocking them. We did manage to get to Dunbar in late January but that game with Belhaven was to be the last until March. An exceptionally competitive Dandylions trial in early March, saw Jessica, Tegan and Molly S earn a place in the squad and I was delighted at the trial that we got the better of the Cargilfield, Belhaven and Loretto teams, in the three short matches we played. The games against the WOSPS were again very well contested, the As in particular but the Dandylions emerged victors in both. With a number of our squad in Form 7, prospects for next season are very encouraging and surely we are due a little more luck with the weather?

Rowan Mitchell: agile, reliable as GA and a good role model for the younger players, you’ve had a super season as captain of this team. Your progress and ability, in my opinion, undoubtedly merited a Dandylions cap.

Tegan Taylor: your versatility as a player is a major strength. On your day as GS your hit rate is impressive but latterly, as GK, your defending was brilliant and thoroughly deserving of your Dandylions cap.

Iona Salvesen: your movement improved tremendously as the season progressed. You too have proven very effective in offensive and defensive roles and you earned your place in this highly competitive team.

Isla Darling: perhaps the most improved of all the 1st team players! Your movement off the ball was fantastic and your ability to shadow your opposite number was instrumental this season.

Jessica Wright: as Centre, you managed to control games very effectively. Great hands, incredible work rate and a bullet pass; you would be an asset in most teams! Coach: Mr I Purvis Molly Scott: watching your confidence grow this season has been a privilege. Captain: Rowan Mitchell Only a few earn a Dandylions cap a year early but your selection to the Dandylions: Jessica Wright, Dandylions reflects not only your ability and perception, but also your potential. Tegan Taylor and Molly Scott Colours: Jessica Wright, Rosie Platt: your appearances for the 1sts this season were thoroughly deserved. Tegan Taylor, Rowan Mitchell, You use your height to excellent advantage and are a great prospect for the Iona Salvesen, Isla Darling, future. Molly Scott Half Colours: Phoebe Briggs, Mhairi Buchanan: your hand-eye coordination is superb, as is your work off the Freya Darling, Ruby Harvey, ball. Your appearances for this team have been thoroughly deserved. Maria Imray and Lucy Wallace Eliza Maclay: your turn of speed and defensive qualities have been a huge Squad Winners: Percy and benefit this season. Careful with your contact, but you are undoubtedly an Home exciting prospect for the future!

Maria Imray: this perhaps has been one of the most competitive 1st teams in recent years so you should be extremely proud that you were part of it. Work hard on your speed and change of direction. Good vision and a safe pair of hands.

Mr I Purvis st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 95 2ND & 3RD VII NETBALL

A season peppered with bad weather meant at times it felt like there were 2nd Played Won Drew Lost For Against weeks when no netball was played. However, that led to there being great 7 5 0 2 89 47 delight and enthusiasm each time we could go out to practise netball, or indeed play our scheduled matches. Sadly we lost out on 3 fixtures due to the bad weather which was a pity, but the girls made the most of the ones that did go ahead. With so many girls, it was great to be able to get 3 senior teams out on some weeks, playing against other schools with equally large numbers like Loretto, Belhaven and Fettes. Other schools we faced this season were Cargilfield, Craigclowan and Riley House, with many matches being very close and ending with just a point between the two teams. This always makes for a great atmosphere and often brings out the best in the girls, which is not always easy on the shooters in particular, as they can often feel the pressure the most. However, there has been some fantastic progress with the shooting this season with quite a number of the girls being keen to have a go. The impressive 2nds ‘Goals For’ total is worth noting, in comparison to the number scored against them. Well done, to all girls in the 2nds and 3rds for a short but sweet season!

Libby Barr: Libby has worked really hard this season to improve her skills as a Centre. She keeps focused and always tries her hardest, which is the perfect attitude to have. Her overall progress this season has been fantastic.

Phoebe Briggs: Phoebe’s height has been a great asset to her time on the netball court and she has perfected the ‘block’ in order to catch as many rebounds as possible. Her ability to read the game has also improved well.

Hannah Cully: Hannah’s shooting has been fantastic this season and she has impressed across the Prep School circuit. She has been an asset to the squad and should keep her practise up before the season comes round again next year.

Molly Currie: A budding shooter, Molly has improved her movement in the D markedly, which has enabled her to get herself into the best positions possible to take a shot. She has also played well in more central areas of the court too.

Freya Darling: Freya has worked hard on her movement around the court this season and she has represented the 2nds well, and with much enthusiasm as their captain. Her shooting prowess as a GS has continued to grow too. Coach: Mrs J Scott Aiton Hannah Francis: Always a bagful of energy and enthusiasm, Hannah has brought a real spark to all netball sessions and matches this season. Her skills are continuing to develop nicely and her height has aided her well for playing both GS and GK.

Amelie Gibson: Amelie has come on with her netball skills this season and has been tenacious in every training session and match. She has learnt how to become a reliable Wing player and always give 100% in order to do her very best.

Ruby Harvey: Ruby’s catching has progressed really nicely to become very reliable on the court. Teamed with her sunny persona, she is a great team member and always gives 100% when representing the school.

Lara Jeffrey: Lara has strengths in many areas of the netball court. She is keen on her shooting, whilst also showing sound skills as a Wing player. Her ability to read game play has really aided her and her teammates this season.

96 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk Lucy Macpherson: A keen wing player, Lucy has worked on her catching and 3rd Played Won Drew Lost For Against strength in throwing the ball this season. Her movement around the court has 3 1 0 2 17 29 also improved markedly and she always brings a smile to the court, come rain or shine.

Anna Murray: Anna is regularly seen out practising her shooting and has done well in matches when being marked by much taller defenders. Her determination to work hard and improve has no bounds and is a great asset to her development.

Emma Scott-Watson: As a first timer, Emma has done so well to get to grips with the layout of a netball court and the rules of the sport. Speed and agility are her greatest assets and as she gets more experience she will do well.

Lucy Wallace: Lucy has developed into a sound GK this season and has learnt the importance of correct positioning when defending a shot, as well as taking confident control of the ball when it goes off the back line.

Mrs J Scott Aiton

Coach: Mrs J Scott Aiton

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 97 U11 & U10 NETBALL

In our first training session of the year we set a target - to have an unbeaten Played Won Drew Lost For Against season and to win the IAPS championships - a mountain to climb but great to 8 8 0 0 101 45 have a goal. I impressed on the girls that should they wish to fulfil their potential then they would have to put in work outside scheduled games sessions-this is what separates the good from the very good. I never doubted this group of girls for they did indeed work themselves, and were seen almost daily, practising drills, set moves and shooting…and shooting…and shooting! Each member of the squad worked tirelessly during games sessions and they soon realised that if they did not move after passing, they would spend 20 secs in the’ time out ‘zone, before re-joining their team, and no one wanted to let their team down. Natural ability helped but what stood out for me, was the willingness to fight for the cause, work rate off the ball, and sheer determination to reach the target they set-and they did! The Under 11s were IAPS Champions and had an unbeaten season to boot!

Mrs FK Bell

Coach: Mrs FK Bell U11 Scottish IAPS champions

The girls had a mixed season which was jinxed with snow and bad weather. We Played Won Drew Lost For Against had so many matches cancelled and only had fixtures on three match days in 6 3 2 1 45 15 the season with each one allowing us to have an A and B team.

With an early January fixture against Loretto As and Bs we were used the opportunity as a match/training session with some lovely play from all players. A win for the A team 11-0 and a closely fought battle for the Bs, ending in a 1-1 draw was a great way to start our season. Later that month we played against Belhaven as a triangular as we entered our A and B teams. Two terrific wins kept our spirits high but with more snow forecast, other matches were postponed. Our final matches in late February against Fettes meant we had one game at home (Bs) and one away (As). The As had a very closely fought fixture on their hands and were lucky to leave with a 6-6 draw. The Bs hosted, and after lots of unsuccessful chances at the net, ended the day with a 5-7 loss.

We were disappointed to miss matches against Cargilfield, Mowden Hall, Longridge Towers and Ardvreck but sure we will get to play against them next year.

Coach: Mrs Z Wright Mrs Z Wright

98 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk U9 NETBALL A Played Won Drew Lost For Against 3 2 0 1 16 17

Due to the extreme weather conditions this term, the U9 Netball teams have only B Played Won Drew Lost For Against had 3 fixtures. Following a successful training session at Loretto to start the season, 2 0 0 2 0 9 the girls were looking forward to putting their newly found skills into practice.

Matches against Cargilfield and Mowden Hall were cancelled; however, the match against Belhaven went ahead and they arrived at St. Mary’s on a bitterly cold day ready to do battle. The girls were wearing thermals, hoodies, and tracksuits to keep warm and keen to volunteer to be a reserve for part of the game, not because of the cold, but due to the provision of new down filled sub suits. We travelled to Loretto for our final fixture playing Ardvreck who had travelled down from Perthshire.

At the beginning of the season the girls struggled to utilise the whole court and hold their positions however as the term progressed it was pleasing to see the girls remembering their positions and roles and picking up their opposite numbers quickly. Their movement of the ball down the court became fast and accurate. Conditions during the Lent Term haven’t been ideal and catching the ball and remaining motivated wasn’t easy due to the very cold conditions. However all the girls have played well and remained positive throughout training and matches.

Mrs P Routledge and Mrs L Runciman

Coaches: Mrs P Routledge and Mrs L Runciman

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(606$'[LQGG  st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 99 1ST IX ROUNDERS Inter School Fixtures Played Won Drew Lost For Against 8 3 0 5 80 87.5

A term of much learning and laughter; we were ready for anything that that IAPS Tournament elements, or the opposition, threw at us. We were nearly beaten by the weather Played Won Drew Lost For Against on more than one occasion-the first game of the season, against Fettes, saw 3 1 1 1 25.5 30 both teams abandoning back field and sprinting for the shelter of The Hamilton Building, as we were caught in a storm; the last game of the season, against Loretto, was played in glorious sunshine with sunhats and sun cream the order of the day. Despite the extreme conditions encountered, this team never gave up, they supported one another and their attitude was exemplary.

Mhairi Buchanan: Dandylion B, Weston Cup for Batting: The ‘pocket powerhouse’, our opposition feared this able all-rounder-what a hit and what a throw! Freya Darling: Consistent and reliable, a pivotal team member when both batting and fielding. Isla Darling: Dandylion A, Anderson Prize for fielding: Excellent knowledge of the game with very astute fielding skills. Eliza Maclay: Dandylion B: Alert and agile at 1st post, Eliza was a vital cog in our aim to put out non-hitters. Rowan Mitchell: An adaptable player with clever interpretation of the game, never afraid to take risks. Rosie Platt: Grew in confidence as she realised her place in the team was entirely justified-a fantastic hit! Molly Scott: Used her speed to great effect, when on a mission, around the posts, little would stop her! Emma Scott-Watson: Brought in to the Squad to replace an injured player, Emma’s combination of strong hitting and rapid running ensured she kept this place! Tegan Taylor: Toms Cup for most improved player. Consistently strong hits combined with determined running and sound fielding. Coach: Mrs FK Bell Jessica Wright: Dandylion B - our secret weapon, with her strong left-handed Captain: Isla Darling strike, Jessica was utterly reliable with bat in hand. Weston Cup for rounders batting: Mrs FK Bell Mhairi Buchanan Toms Cup for most improved senior player: Tegan Taylor Anderson Prize for fielding:Isla Darling Hogg Cup for Squad rounders: Douglas and Scott Colours: Mhairi Buchanan, Freya Darling, Isla Darling, Eliza Maclay, Rowan Mitchell, Rosie Platt, Molly Scott, Emma Scott- Watson, Tegan Taylor, Jessica Wright Half Colours: Libby Barr, Phoebe Briggs, Hannah Cully, Molly Currie, Hannah Francis, Amelie Gibson, Ruby Harvey, Maria Imray, Lara Jeffrey, Lucy Macpherson, Anna Murray, Iona Salvesen, Lucy Wallace Dandylions: (A) Isla Darling, (B) Mhairi Buchanan, Eliza Maclay, Jessica Wright

100 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk 2ND & U11 ROUNDERS

The 2nd XI was ably captained and organised by Phoebe Briggs, with her right Played Won Drew Lost For Against hand woman and Vice-Captain, Ruby Harvey, instructing and calling the shots ? ? ? ? ? ? at 1st Deep. Iona Salvesen, Maria Imray and Lucy Wallace, also in Form 8, added strength and depth to this young team and led by example. Many thanks to Maddie for looking after the 2nds-never having watched or played rounders before, she embraced the game and took to it like a duck to water!

Mrs FK Bell

Coach: Mrs FK Bell and Maddie Hall Captain: Phoebe Briggs

It has been such an enjoyable season with the U11 girls this year and despite the Played Won Drew Lost For Against stats not being in their favour, every week there has been positive participation 8 2 0 6 86 79 from all. Rounders is certainly a well-loved sport amongst the group and come rain/hail storms (like our match against Fettes) or shine (like our match over in ‘Sunny Dunny’ against Belhaven) the girls have represented St. Mary’s superbly. The team’s wins were against Craigclowan, with a couple of close losses against Belhaven, Fettes and Cargilfield. The closeness of these is reflected in the rounders the U11’s scored across the season and the girls should be proud of having scored more than they had scored against them. As ever, match teas have featured highly each week and especially when hosting at home, the girls have thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and getting to know their peers from other schools. They have also been incredibly kind and patient to their coach and her rapidly growing bump! Well done, team!

Mrs J Scott Aiton

Coach: Mrs J Scott Aiton

st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 SPORT 101 U10 & U9 ROUNDERS

Our season was sunny and successful as we played various schools over a Played Won Drew Lost For Against glorious season. The first match against Fettes was just a week after our Easter 9 6 1 2 97 69 holidays and we were pleased with the 14½ draw. As we became stronger in fielding and more accurate with throwing and catching, we were delighted to return to school with many winning scores against Loretto, Belhaven and Cargilfield. Our first match against Cargilfield resulted in a 5-7 loss to us but we returned for a victorious match later in the season, winning 17-7. With various matches against Loretto both home and away this season, we were keen to ensure our winning streak continued. After three wins, the last match of the season up at Loretto in June was so unbelievably close with the hosts taking the lead by only ½ a rounder.

The girls were tremendous all season and should be congratulated on their commitment, versatility and enthusiasm. I look forward to hearing of more success next year as they move on to represent the U11 squad.

Mrs Z Wright

Coach: Mrs Z Wright

The U9As played matches against Loretto, Cargilfield, Belhaven, Fettes, U9A Played Won Drew Lost For Against Mowden and Ardveck. The first match was away against Mowden Hall and 8 2 1 5 46.5 60 after a closely fought match the girls won by 1½ rounders. The following U9B Played Won Drew Lost For Against week saw them playing Loretto and Belhaven in a Triangular and where they 4 3 1 0 28.5 26 struggled to score and lost both matches. Throughout the rest of the summer term, they failed to hit the ball consistently and score rounders, though they fielding improved considerable as the weeks went by.

The U9B team was a combination of Form 4 and 3 girls, a number who until this term had not played rounders before. Their batting and fielding skills improved throughout the term and this was apparent during their later matches where they demonstrated a greater understanding of tactical play. They showed lots of potential for next year.

All the girls should be proud of their improvement this season. However, the girls all agree that they still need to focus on improving their batting averages and Coach: Mrs P Routledge and accuracy when throwing. Mrs L Runciman

Mrs P Routledge and Mrs L Runciman

102 SPORT www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk st. mary’s magazine 2017 - 2018 103 We Can, We Will ... Because We Care

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