St Modan’s High School Newsletter – June 2014

SCHOOL SHOW BEAUTY AND THE BEAST More than 50 pupils took part in St Modan's annual School Show which, this year was the musical spectacular 'Beauty and the Beast'. For 3 nights the school hall was packed with hundreds of friends and family who were treated to a colourful musical display of talent.

Well done to all who took part and to those who supported this event. As always the school is hugely proud of the achievements of our young people and the many staff, especially Miss Shona Collin (Musical Director) who worked so hard to support each and every one of them. Thanks also to Tony Walker and other members of the PTA for their efforts in raising money to support similar school activities through sales of hot dogs, ice cream and raffle tickets. Raffle winners have been notified by email and should contact the school to collect prizes before the end of term. Planning for next session's show is already well underway! We are all looking forward to it

STAFFING CHANGES NEXT SESSION Several staff moving on

We bid a fond farewell to a number of staff leaving St Modan’s and wish each and every one of them all the very best for the future. Mr Breen (English Dep’t) retires after almost 30 years of hard work, dedication and commitment to serving the community of St Modan’s and for this we all say a huge thank you and hope that he enjoys his time in retirement. Mr Boyce moves on to a PT post in Dunblane and Miss Beaton moves to a Mod Lang post closer to home. Our Chaplain, Fr Kenneth is on his way too as he relocates for a short time to California and to studying there. We know that each of them will be sorely missed by the pupils, parents and staff of St Modan’s and we wish them well.

We bid farewell also to the following staff whose probationary year at St Modan’s comes to an end and who will soon take up posts in schools across , , Canada, China and elsewhere; Megan McWhinney, Julie Dalgetty, Anthony Finn, Heather Ainslie, Kirsten Stewart, Emma Hagen, Ashleigh Clark, Callum Johnson. We owe each of them an enormous debt of gratitude and thank them all for their huge contributions to the St Modan’s community over the past session.

We are also delighted to welcome back Mrs Schoenhoffen (Support for Learning), Mrs Foulser (Maths), who returned to St Modan’s recently in time for our new timetable.We look forward to welcoming our new permanent staff in August; Mrs Charlene Mitchell (PT PSD – S3) and Miss Anna Carr-Gomm (Music). We also welcome temporary teachers of English and Biology and our new probationer teachers S4 - PIONEERS FOR THE NEW NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS Congratulations and well done to our S4 pupil who were recently the first year group to sit the new National Examinations and courses. 2013-14 was a challenging year for many but none more so than for our pupils who rose to the challenge. I am delighted to report that the National 5 examinations produced very few surprises and our pupils left exam halls with confidence. We wish all of our S4-6 pupils all the very best and hope that they do well when the results come through the door. A CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE As we continue to develop our new curriculum in line with National Guidance pupils currently in our new S3 at St Modan’s continue into the third year of the Broad General Education as outlined earlier in the year at our Parent Briefings. All S3 have been timetabled for subjects across all curricular areas. By doing so pupils will not ‘drop’ subjects until end of S3 where they will choose 6 subjects for S4. In some curricular areas S3 pupils will be able to select from a menu of ‘electives’ allowing them to specialise in some areas for part of the week or year without ‘dropping’ others. Further information about our new curriculum model will be provided at our Parent Briefings early in the new session. UNIFORM A small number of pupils are still arriving to school wearing garments which do not meet the high standards of our School uniform – in particular leggings, trainers, short lycra skirts, black jeans and outdoor jackets other than the school one. We need YOUR support to ensure this does not continue.

The very high standard maintained by the school with regards to uniform directly impacts on the positive learning environment and aspirations of our young people and on this there is no compromise. Items of non-uniform will be removed and where necessary parents will be contacted so that pupils can go home and change. Parents are asked to check uniforms before children leave the home to ensure that full school uniform is worn. Your support is hugely appreciated in this regard. Please contact the school in advance if uniform is likely to be an issue for your son/daughter when returning in August. MODERN LANGUAGES 1 plus 2 Project

This session, Saint Modan’s was invited by Education Scotland to be a Pilot school for the implementation of the 1 plus 2. This was due to high uptake of Modern Languages. The 1 plus 2 is a Scottish Government initiative which aims to embed the experience of two Modern Languages plus mother tongue from Primary One to at least the end of S3. In our school, this was rolled out with an S4 class who had the opportunity to study both French and Spanish and have in fact gained an SQA qualification in doing so. In addition, Saint Modan’s is working closely with partner Primary Schools to support further implementation of this. Next session, S6 pupils will work as Language Ambassadors to support our Primary schools to embed language learning further.

Paris 2014

S2 pupils left us for France on Sunday 22nd June and are currently enjoying an unforgettable experience in Paris. Please remember to check the school website and twitter account for updates especially regarding our return journey.

Un, deux, trois, prêts, PARTEZ !

Every year on 20 March, French speaking countries throughout the world celebrate “La Francophonie”. As part of their Global Citizenship project, every pupil in S2 was entered into an online national competition called “Vivela Francophonie” organised by the Institut Français d’Ecosse. Schools entered from all over Scotland and the highest scoring team from St Modan’s was “Les Poulets Rôtis”. Well done to Sandra Christ, Jamie O’Hare, Natalie Anderson, Thomas Abraham, Emma Cowan, Louise Alexander, Joanne Gilvear, Niamh Hardie and Emma Kennedy! Bon travail! FROM OUR AUTISM PROVISION FVD Sports

Well done to the St Modan’s pupils from the Autism Support Provision who excelled at the FVD Sports Junior Track and Field Championships held in Grangemouth Stadium on Wednesday 14th May. Gold, silver and bronze medals were proudly displayed by returning athletes. Conner Bell S3 was delighted with his 2 gold medals and Titus Salt S2 went on to win 3 gold medals.

Kids Day Out

Thank you Stirling Rotarians

Every year at the Stirling Rugby Club, pupils from St Modan’s and other schools in the district are treated to a grand array of entertainment, fun events, and goodies to eat and drink. Everything is free and Jamie Gardner S1 managed to make the most of the free burgers for lunch claiming they were ‘amazing!’ Or did he have an amazing appetite? GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND Interdisciplinary working

The Art and History departments came together to take a group of S1 pupils to visit the Great Tapestry of Scotland, which was being exhibited in Paisley. This is the longest embroidered tapestry in the world and shows 12,000 years of Scotland’s formation and history in 160 panels.

Pupils were able to look at panels related to topics studied in class, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn. They were also able to examine the intricate stitching techniques used to produce this amazing work of art.

Some pupils have now even been inspired to join Mrs McMenemy’s embroidery club after the holidays!

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR NEW "Get Raffled"

Week commencing 2nd June saw our S1, S2 and S3 pupils participate in the first ever "Get Raffled" assembly. Pupils had been working hard all term to ensure they gained enough merits to obtain a raffle ticket for the Grand Raffle. Merits were awarded to pupils who had shown consistently excellent behaviour, preparation, effort and cooperation in class. All pupils obtaining 3 or more merits were issued with certificates and 24 pupils won some superb prizes including cinema tickets, free meals at Nandos and vouchers for iTunes, JJB sports, The Thistle Centre and many more! We look forward to the next "Get Raffled" assembly just before the October holidays and hope the excellent standards of our pupils continue to rise so we can issue even more merits! CARITAS AWARDS Six pupils from S6 recently completed the Pope Benedict Caritas Award course and received their medals at a ceremony attended by over 800 other successful candidates and their families at the Clyde Auditorium in on May 31st. This award recognises work carried out in schools and local faith communities as well as reflection on faith and Liturgy.

Photographed here are the 4 candidates who attended the ceremony and are (L to R) Ellie Settery, Cathal McIver, Rachel Haxton and Colette Cooper. The other 2 candidate who could not attend were Alana Cairns and Rebecca France.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY International Science & Engineering Week

18th – 23rd March 2014

St Modan’s Science and Technology Departments celebrated International Science and Engineering week. Pupils took part in different lunchtime activities ranging from exploring new Computing technology, soldering in Electronics, discovering new novel materials in Chemistry and learning about our brilliant bodies in Biology. Everyone that took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the week was a great success!

Salters’ Festival of Chemistry

On Wednesday 21st May, St Modan’s sent our first ever team of Chemists to take part in Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at Glasgow University. The S1 pupils worked successfully in their team to perform several practical investigations involving forensic techniques. They collected accurate results and then analysed their results to draw conclusions from them. It gave the pupils involved a valuable opportunity to carry out experiments in a formal lab environment whilst furthering their enthusiasm for Chemistry

ART NEWS Tesco Bank Art Competition

Brian Robertson of S1 (new S2) achieved a merit certificate in the Tesco Bank art Competition. This competition is run in conjunction with the National Galleries in Edinburgh. There were over 7000 entries and approximately 50 prizes. This is a great achievement. Brian produced a fabulous mixed media piece on the theme of Speed". His work is currently on display in the galleries. Brian and two guests are scheduled to attend an award ceremony next week.

Fashion Success

Aimee Finlay of S3 (new S4) gained first place in the Glasgow North College fashion competition. Aimee's design responded to the theme of "nature". The winning creation was produced by the students in the college and Aimee's amazing idea opened their annual fashion show. Mrs McMenemy, Mrs Settery and members of the textile club attended the fashion show to see Aimee's dress on the catwalk. Aimee also received tickets to attend the show in the evening as a V.I.P. with her own guests.

Many thanks to the PTA who funded sketchbooks for our textile club and who also provided us with the opportunity to attend the fashion show. The pupils were inspired by the superb exhibition and show in North Glasgow College.

SPORTING SUCCESS Junior Games

Well done to the entire New S2 year group who were involved in Active Stirling's Junior Games event on Thursday 12th June. The pupils were a credit to the school in this whole day event of music, dance, culture and sporting activity in over twenty five different events. Thanks also go to the huge number of senior pupils who assisted with the running of the event. There were twenty five St Modan's Junior Games Makers, the largest number of any of the schools attending and they all made a fantastic contribution to the success of the day.

Athletics

Congratulations to brothers Liam & Kieran Halliday who both medalled in the recent Scottish Schools Athletics Championships held for this year only at Hampden Park. Liam set a new PB in winning a silver in the 400m hurdles, whilst Kieran who competed in the won bronze in the 400m and Silver in the Triple Jump.

Football

Stenhousemuir Shield Winners

Congratulations to our U15 footballers who finished the season on a high by winning the Stenhousemuir U15 Shield with a fantastic 4-0 victory against league winners Alva Academy. This is the 3rd year in a row that St Modan's have won this competition and capped

off another very successful season for football in St Modan's.

Olympic Triathlon

Jack races for Great Britain!

Well done to Jack Kerr who was recently selected to represent Great Britain in the Youth Olympics Triathlon qualifier in Weert, Netherlands. This was Jack's first race for GB and he raced up an age group and distance competing over the sprint distance of 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run.

Jack also achieved 3rd place Bronze medal in the British duathlon and has been selected as part of the Achieve 2014 programme. 'Achieve 2014' will mentor promising young athletes, using the Glasgow 2014 as a learning experience and a springboard for their emerging talent.

Very well done to Jack on his enormous achievements to date, we are sure that there are many more to come. Watch this space!

Swimming

Scottish Schools Swimming Team Championships

Congratulations to our St Modan's Swim Team who competed in the Scottish Schools Swimming Team Championship through at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. The team of Cara Smith, Ella Shilladay, Erin Iffla, Rebecca Mathewson, Luke Mathewson, Benedict Tortolano, Callum Hope and Jack Kerr performed exceptionally well, setting a few personal best times throughout the event. The Swim Team are always looking for new members so please let the PE Department know if you would like to participate.

Queen’s Commonwealth Baton Relay

Congratulations to Chloe MacLean (new S4) who was selected to represent St Modan’s High School in the Queen’s Baton Relay in Stirling on 6th July. We wish her all the very best on this special day and know that she will do us all proud!. Congratulations too to Miss Dalgetty (PE) who too was selected for the relay and who did so, in Bothwell earlier this week.

Rugby – Player of the Year

Congratulations to Mark Alexander (New S5) who has had a fantastic season playing for Bannockburn Rugby Club (also known as St Modans Club). Mark was selected as Player of the Year 2013/14 Under 16 at the recent club annual prize giving and was also selected to play for Central Crusaders, a first-ever for Bannockburn Rugby Club. Well done Mark! What a great achievement.

ENGLISH - WAR MEMORIAL S2 SMART Day

To commemorate the centenary of World War One, S2 spent their SMART Day with the English department exploring the topic of war. Each class designed a war memorial, and the Pupil Council chose a winning design to be created for the school.

The winning submission was an amalgamation of the work produced by 2A and 2E: a remembrance tree where pupils can add tags for those they have lost; and a marble cross with a soldier's helmet, boots and rifle - representing those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

S2 pupils are now working hard to have their ideas become reality - they will be planning and fundraising for this worthwhile project over the coming months. Any help from our school community in sourcing materials would be greatly appreciated by all involved: please contact Mrs Easson in the English department for further information.

SQA EXAMINATIONS 2014 IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT SQA

SQA Results Day is Tuesday 5th August

SQA no longer operate an Appeals process but have introduced only a basic service of clerical checks and marker reviews for use in exceptional circumstances only. This means that the school is no longer able to appeal for pupils who have under-performed in exams by sending samples of their work. For further information please log on to the SQA website or our own school website.

Good luck to all of our SQA exam candidates. We wish them all the very best for 5th August.

MySQA for Pupils

MySQA is a web service that offers you secure and unique access to your results.

Don’t wait for your results envelope to drop through the mailbox. SQA candidates should sign up by Tuesday 8 July, and activate their account by Wednesday 16 July. By doing so candidates are able to choose to have their results sent by e-mail or text on TUESDAY 5 AUGUST. Even if candidates are away from home, they won’t have to wait or get someone else to open the results envelope for them. Find out how to activate an SQA account at www.mysqa.info

Unexpected SQA results?

On Tuesday 5th August pupils across Scotland will receive their SQA exam results in the post, or by email and text if they sign up to this on MySQA. The S5/6 PSD Team have kindly agreed to make themselves available to pupils in the new S5/6 year groups on Thursday 14th August should they need to reconsider course choice for next session. Letters will be posted out during the Summer with more detail. In the meantime please pencil this date into the diary in case it’s needed. All pupils entering S5 in August are advised to choose their 5 best subjects where their attainment is highest to ensure maximum success in S5. S5 pupils should avoid ‘crashing’ subjects where possible. Where places in classes are limited, priority, in most cases, will be given to those who have experience in the subject in S4. Pupils should come along on the 14th August if unsure. Any pupil requiring a change to course choice must attend an interview on this date as timetables will be confirmed early in the new term.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Day Date Event Tuesday 5th August SQA Results Monday 18th August INSET Day – Teachers only Tuesday 19th August Pupil return to school – 8.30am

The staff and pupils of St Modan’s High School would like to wish you all a great Summer. Happy holidays!