StranraerStranraer AcademyAcademy NewsletterNewsletter All the latest news from in and around the school... Issue 41 www.stranraeracademy.org.uk October 2017

S6 Girls vs Mr Hyslop Great Scottish Run 10K Challenge!

Mr Hyslop of Modern Studies was recently challenged to a 10k race by S6 girls Katie Macmillan and Ellen Watt with the aim of raising funds for the family of Academy Network Technician Mr Andrew Glasgow, who sadly passed away on 28th August after a battle with cancer.

The girls did very well and put in a great level of effort, but Mr Hyslop ended up with the fastest time of 00:49:59 with a pace of 05:00 min/km!

The plan was for the girls to directly compete against Mr Hyslop at the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow but Katie was unable to take part in that event and therefore completed her 10k at another race in Musselburgh - with former pupil Duncan Anderson stepping in as her pacemaker. She finished her race in a great time of 01:04:26.

Ellen enlisted the help of classmate Chloe Laverie to act as a pacemaker for her event and the girls did very well, finishing in a good time of 01:33:22.

The trio set a target of raising £1000 for the Glasgow family and we are happy to announce that they surpassed that amount recently. Well done everyone! Donations are still being accepted from the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mrhyslopellenandkatie?utm_term=QAmEB48wE

Well done to everyone who took part!

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Lessons from Auschwitz - Successful Applicants The school have been lucky enough to be awarded two pupil and one teacher place on the Lessons from Auschwitz project this year. Seven S6 pupils applied to take part in the project with Adam Dickson and Ruairidh Howatson being selected to represent the school.

The boys will head to Glasgow next week accompanied by Miss Moffat for an orientation seminar before heading to Poland for a one day trip on the 3rd of October. They will then attend a second seminar to reflect on the visit to Auschwitz and on return to school will act as ambassadors for the project and pass on the lessons learned to the wider school and community.

For more information on the Lessons from Auschwitz programme, please click on the following link: https://www.het.org.uk/lessons-from-auschwitz-programme

Oyster Festival Presentation - S5/6 Business Management Last week, as part of the first ever Stranraer Oyster Festival, senior business management pupils took part in a presentation centred around the popular seafood delicacy. With Loch Ryan being the last remaining native Oyster bed in the country, the pupils learned a lot from local businesses involved in the seafood industry who harvest, process and sell local Oysters. The presentation was very informative and the pupils enjoyed taking part - even having the chance to sample Oysters for themselves!

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Stranraer Academy Attends “Disability Confident” Scheme Today Stranraer Academy attended the launch of "Disability Confident". This is a scheme that encourages a new way of think- ing, a new way of recruiting and a new way of supporting employers to help young people with disabilities and additional support needs get into work. The Rt. Honourable David Mundell MP said he saw himself as "an ambassador for people with a disability to be part of the workplace" he highlighted the needs in Dumfries and Galloway to "support small businesses in employing people with disabilities." In discussion with the Better Lives Partnership today, Mrs McClelland has secured a working relationship to support young people with Additional Support Needs in Stranraer Academy with employability. Additionally, Access To Work provides independent special advisers assist young people into employment or work experience with the support they require. If you would further information on the Disability Confident scheme, please contact Mrs McClelland, Principal Teacher of Additional Support for Needs at the school.

Non-Uniform Day - Jeans for Genes & Glasgow Children’s Hospital

The non-uniform day on Friday 13th October raised a total of £525.30!

The funds raised will be split £275.30 to Jeans for Genes and £250 to the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fantastic sum!

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Girls Into Physics Trip Article by Jenna Hyslop, S4

“On Wednesday 4th of October, hosted a ‘Girls into Physics’ day for S3 pupils. I along with a number of other girls in S3 who have taken Physics travelled to Lockerbie Academy to attend. Firstly, we listened to an inspiring speech from a female engineer who organised the whole event with Lockerbie Academy. Afterwards we went around multiple workshops by different companies and organisations such as the RAF, where we were informed about different careers we could go in- to if we would like to continue with Physics. I enjoyed the day very much and think it was a great opportunity for all the girls who went. Hopefully this has inspired some of the girls to pursue a ca- reer in Physics and improve the gender imbalance in the UK.

The pupils from Stranraer Academy who attended are all also very grateful to Miss Burgess for organising this trip.”

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S5 MVP Training On Friday 22nd September all S5 pupils took part in an induction day to the MVP programme which Stranraer Academy has embarked upon this session. The programme was delivered by an experienced team of external presenters.

This is a nation wide initiative being evolved across all authorities with the ambition to promote tolerance, respect and responsible citizenship. Embedded at the core of this programme is the notion that we can all make a difference and there is no room for silent bystanders. The pro- gramme will ultimately result in a cohort of our S5 pupils being trained to deliver lessons to our S1 pupils; this peer education we hope will be mutually beneficial to senior and S1 pupils.

Please see the following link for more information: http://www.mvpscotland.org.uk/

Accelerated Reader Programme Launched! Stranraer Academy have introduced the Accelerated Reader programme in S1, S2 and S3. This literacy programme will raise reading skills at every level - supporting developing readers where needed, and challenging good readers to become even better. It provides pupils with immediate feedback on their reading through its popular book quizzes. It helps them choose books they enjoy and understand, and encourages them to keep aiming higher. Accelerated Reader helps English teachers set individual reading targets and monitor pupil progress at regular intervals. You will also be able to follow your child's progress through Home Connect - details to follow shortly. The Parent's Guide to the programme is available to view / download online from the following links: App: More > Files > Literacy > Accelerated Reading Programme

Website (Curriculum tab): http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/s1-3-accelerated-reader- programme.html

S2 Teenage Cancer Trust Presentation The Teenage Cancer Trust were in school to deliver their annual presentation to all S2 pupils on Thursday 28th September. This has been a feature of the Health & Wellbeing S2 calendar for several years now and the presentation is always highly regarded and well received by the students. The pupils were no exception this year and found the presentation very informative.

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AIRD Refurbishment - Amey PLC Amey PLC and contracting staff have been in school today working on planned refurbishments to AIRD.

Amey operate the school building and have been very supportive of the refurbishment programme for AIRD. Amey will be replacing all flooring and refreshing the paint work which will enhance the learning environ- ment for young people.

Further improvements are also scheduled that involve AIRD staff working with Higher Art and Design students to create a purposeful engaging physiotherapy area.

Macmillan Coffee Morning The Macmillan Coffee morning that took place on Friday 29th September raised a fantastic £335, which is the highest amount we have raised for a number of years. Thanks go to Miss Irvine and Laura McClymont for allowing the Charities Committee to use the Breakfast Club. This definitely contributed to the overall success, as well as all the books kindly donated.

On behalf of the Charities Committee, thank you so much to everyone - including all our excellent bakers!

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SportsSports NewsNews

S1/2 Mini Triathlon Event Pupils took part in a Mini-Triathlon event organised by Triathlon Scotland / Triathlon Trust and Wigtownshire Active Schools on Monday 11th September 2017. Despite windy weather, the pupils took part with great effort and motivation to ensure the event was a success! All pupils who took part in the mini-triathlon received a medal and gift bag at the end!

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Female Staff Defeat S6 Girls In Charity Netball Match! Yesterday, the S6 girls took on female staff members in a charity netball match. The match was very close but the staff team edged a narrow victory by 2 points as the game finished 21-19! A total of £65.28 was raised for charity. Well done all who were involved!

Photos of the game were taken by S6 digital photography student Ross Plant and can be viewed on the school website and facebook page from the following links:

Website (Photo Galleries > Fundraising & Charity Events tab): http:// www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/charity-netball-2017---s6-girls-vs-female-staff.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StranraerAcademy/posts/1342090669193882

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SportsSports NewsNews

Netball Results - Stranraer Academy vs Douglas Ewart High School The girls netball season is well underway and the Stranraer Academy teams recently travelled to Douglas Ewart High School to play their away league fixtures. The results were as follows:

Juniors: SA A 10 v 9 DEHS A SA B 10 v 7 DEHS B SA A 16 v 5 DEHS B SA B 5 v 21 DEHS A Seniors: SA A 9 v 37 DEHS A

Congratulations to Molly McLean, Susannah Service, Ellie Arnott and Anna Ramsay for being se- lected to represent Dumfries & Galloway Schools. The girls are pictured (in blue from the link be- low) with some of their Regional teammates from Douglas Ewart High School. Well done girls!

Football Results! - U16’s Advance in Scottish Cup! Well done to the boys U16 football team who defeated Lanark High School 3-0 on Monday 9th October in the Scottish Cup.

Goalscorers were Zaac Forsyth, Josh Rennie and Liam Garrett.

Man of the Match was Liam Garrett (pictured) after yet another stunning display! Well done boys! Page - 9 -

WiderWider AchievementAchievement

Laura Irvine (S6) - 3rd in Solway Highland Dancing Championship Well done to Laura Irvine (S6) who was 3rd overall in the Adults section, making her reserve representative for Dumfries and Galloway in the Scottish Area Finals at Oban in May 2018.

Niall Ryder (S4) - Kinross Junior Classic Champion 2017-18 Well done to Niall Ryder (far left) of Team Craik who defeated Team Kinnear to lift the Kinross Junior Classic Trophy and win their first Asham U21 Slam.

If you have a Wider Achivement to share, please contact the school and let us know!

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DevelopingDeveloping thethe YoungYoung WorkforceWorkforce

S4 Planning for the Future New S4 students took part in the Planning for the Future 3 day Residential event which was held at the Barony campus and Dumfries College.

They received a great deal of valuable information about a wide range of ca- reers and were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

All of the pupils who attended were a credit to themselves and the school.

S3 Crest Awards S3 pupils have started to work towards their Crest Awards. The programme is being delivered in partner- ship with Stranraer College and Loreburn Housing As- sociation. The first group were due to go on their Construction site visit on the last Thursday before the October holi- days.

Pupils have been working extremely hard on their building designs which they will unveil at the start of next term.

Stranraer Academy DYW Facebook Page... The school now has its very own DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) Facebook page which regularly includes information regarding apprenticeships, job vacancies (full & part time), DYW work experience opportunities, business presentations due to take place in Stranraer Academy and the forthcoming DYW Stranraer Acade- my Roadshow. FEEL FREE TO LIKE AND SHARE THIS PAGE and help us to raise awareness about the opportunities which we are trying to create for the young people in our com- munity. Any local businesses who would like to work alongside the school on the DYW initiative can e-mail: [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/DYWStranraerAcademy/

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InformationInformation forfor Pupils,Pupils, ParentsParents && CarersCarers

Stranraer Academy Social Media Pages Stranraer Academy has a popular presence on Social Media which has proved to be very popular over the last few years. The school has it’s own dedicated Official Facebook and Twitter feed but in recent years, there have been offshoot pages that are run with a specific group in mind. These further channels provide more detailed and focused information away from the main school page. We have compiled a list for you below so that you can find and follow them: Official Stranraer Academy Duke of Edinburgh @StranraerAcademy @DofeStranraerAcademy

PE Department Exchange Project @StranraerPE Search: Stranraer Academy Exchange Project

Battlefields Trip Developing the Young Workforce @StranraerAcademyBattlefields @DYWStranraerAcademy

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InformationInformation forfor ParentsParents // CarersCarers

Attendance & Absence Procedures - A Reminder

Parents and carers are reminded that it is imperative they contact school when their child/ward is absent – on each day of absence or, with specific dates of expected absence. There are various methods by which you can account for your child’s absences:

1. Note ( brought to register teacher then sent to the office) OR 2. Phone call by parent/ carer on each day of absence OR 3. Email to PT Pupil Support OR 4. Reply to group call text that is sent to the parent/carer mobile.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with your child/wards Principal Teach- ers of Pupil Support via email:

Ms Livingstone: [email protected] Miss Irvine: [email protected] Mrs Dougan: [email protected] Ms McCulloch: [email protected] Miss Dalrymple: [email protected] Mr Moffat: [email protected] Mrs Whalen: [email protected]

Child Protection Information All children have the right to be protected from neglect, harm and abuse. In Scotland every adult has a responsibility to ensure that our children and young people live life safely, without fear and achieve their full potential. Our vision in Dumfries and Galloway is that every child should be safe, nurtured, healthy, achieving, active, respected, responsible and included.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or young person you should call the Duty Officer at Children and Families Social Work or contact Mrs HM Bradley, who is the Child Protection officer for Stranraer Academy.

Fore more information on Child Protection, please click on the following Links: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15775/Child-protection https://beta.gov.scot/policies/child-protection/

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InformationInformation forfor ParentsParents // CarersCarers

Free School Meals - Important Information Research in 2009 showed that a healthy school lunch improved educational outcomes particularly in English and Science, it also showed a 15% reduction in absence due to sickness. (Healthy School Meals and Educational Outcomes: Institute for Social and Economic Research: January 2009)

As well as a hot meal in the canteen, young people can also pre-order their (cold) lunch at interval and simply collect it to allow them to attend clubs or sports with their friend at lunch.

The uptake of Free School meals also helps your school: the more pupils who have Free School Meals the greater our funding becomes and it also increases our staffing. It’s a win – win situation for us all.

Lunch menus, downloadable pre-order forms and information on Café DG can be found at: http://www.dumfriesandgalloway.scottishschoolmeals.co.uk/sample-page/

Stranraer Academy operates a cashless catering system where students can add money to their Young Scot cards and use these in the canteen. This means that any free school meal allowance is added to the card meaning the young people do not feel self-conscious about their entitlement.

Many eligible people are missing out on free school meals.

If you receive any of the following, you may be eligible for free school meals:

· Income Support · Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) · Employment and Support Allowance (Income based) · Child Tax Credit on its own, with an annual taxable income of less than £16,105 (subject to change) · Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable income of less than £6,420 (subject to change) · Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 · Universal Credit

There is more information at http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2233 or you can download an application form at http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/ CHttpHandler.ashx?id=748&p=0

If you would prefer to talk to someone in person please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pupil Support Teacher.

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InformationInformation forfor ParentsParents // CarersCarers Contacting the School…. Can I remind parents/carers that they can contact the school in different ways: * By phoning 01776 706484 * By e-mailing [email protected] The e-mail account is checked at least twice a day and any e-mail will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff. Usually, when contacting the school with any issue concerning your child you should ask to speak to their Pupil Support teacher – don’t worry if you don’t know who that is, just give the office staff the pupil’s name and they will get the correct person. As all teachers, Pupil Support included, have a teaching commitment they may not be available Instantly. It is also possible they are not in school. They should, however, get back to you as soon as possible. If the Pupil Support teacher is not available when you phone and the matter is urgent, please ask for the duty manager – that will be one of the Depute Headteachers or myself. We will try to take the call immediately, but will certainly get back to you as quickly as we possibly can. Mr N. Dawson Headteacher

Parent Council Meeting Dates Please note that dates for future Parent Council Meeting have now been published. They are available to view on the left and also on the school web- site and Parent Council Facebook page.

The next meeting of the Parent Council will be on Tuesday 8th November from 7pm to 9pm in the school conference room. The Parent Council would like to thank everyone for their support so far and hope you all have a great October holiday!

https://www.facebook.com/Stranraer-Academy-Parent-Council-

1488869841366102 2nd Tuesday of each month each 2ndTuesday of

School App & Social Media The Stranraer Academy school App is completely FREE to download. It works on all Apple iOS and Android Phone de- vices. Please search for Stranraer Academy in your App store or visit the school website for details.

Our Social Media Pages...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StranraerAcademy Twitter: @StranraerAcad

Change of address or Phone STRANRAER ACADEMY All newsletters are available in colour Number? McMasters Road from our archive on the school website. Please remember to notify us if you move Stranraer They can be viewed / downloaded house or change phone number. DG9 8BY from the Information menu tab. Please also notify us of any other changes, such as for Emergency Phone: 01776 706484 Newsletters from May 2014 onwards Contact Information. Fax: 01776 704748 are also available on the school App E-mail: [email protected] files section. www.stranraeracademy.org.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR SOME EXCITING NEWS RELATED TO THE SCHOOL? PLEASE LET US KNOW! WE’D LOVE TO PUT IT ON THE APP & SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

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