ST. PAUL’S RC ACADEMY PARENT COUNCIL DATES Chairperson - Richard White GILLBURN ROAD Secretary - Mandy McKenzie Treasurer - Natalie McKaig Parental Newsletter No. 22 - Christmas 2013 Website Address: http://st-pauls.ea.dundeecity.sch.uk/ Should you wish to raise anything with the Parent Council please contact the school or email: [email protected] ONE COMMUNITY MANY GIFTS Parent Council meetings are open to all parents and guardians/carers and Dear Parent/Carer we would encourage you to come along and support the school and our children’s education. Thank you once again for taking the time to read this term’s newsletter. As you will see from the contents of this Christmas issue that St Paul’s continues to go from strength to strength offering a modern and progressive experience to our pupils. We are very proud that our Wednesday 12th February 2014 pupils continue to excel and live up to our motto, developing their gifts for their own benefit and that of our community. GEOGRAPHERS ‘OUT AND ABOUT’ Wednesday 14th May 2014 S3 –S6 pupils enjoyed a field trip to Pitlochry in November. Pupils visit- During Advent in preparation for the Feast of Christmas our senior pupils have prepared and presented assemblies for Anti Bullying week, Wednesday 17th September 2014(AGM) ed Blair Atholl Distillery, the Queens View, Pitlochry Dam and the tourist Advent and Christmas. Many of you will also have attended our very successful and well received pantomime ”A Kirkton Carol” and our experience (gift shops!). CAREERS ADVISER THURSDAY LUNCH TIME DROP IN excellent Christmas Concert which went ahead despite Mrs Bromage losing her voice. Through these events and a number of other activities you can read about in our newsletter we have raised money for local and international charities. The school career adviser is available for quick questions or help related to St. Paul’s opened its doors to pupils in January 2009 making 2014 the 5th Anniversary of the new St. Paul’s building here being opened to careers and leaving school options for S4, 5 and 6 pupils. receive pupils. We intend to mark this occasion in 2014 in a number of ways including a Family Mass on 23rd January and an alternative MADRIGAL GROUP Located in the Careers Office in the Library from 1pm - 1:35pm every timetable for pupils on 24th January. This coincides with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Once again, the Madrigal Thursday starting from 07/11/13. No appointment required, just drop in. Group received prolonged Available on a first come, first served basis - 10 minutes max per pupil. In the new session we hope to establish a St. Paul’s Community association. The purpose of this association is to celebrate and recognise applause after its perfor- the contribution made by past and present, St. Paul’s Academy and previously St. Saviour’s High School and Lawside Academy, in serving mance in the Caird Hall at PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT our community. We hope the association will involve past pupils and others associated with St. Paul’s, St .Saviour’s and Lawside. There the CLIC Sargent concert As of August 2014 St. Paul’s RC Academy will be using a new PE kit for all will be a launch event during the last week in February where we hope to invite and involve as many past pupils and other friends associat- on Thursday evening 5th years, boys and girls. The kit will still be available from the school wear ed with our school.

December. shop at the same price but it will be dri-fit material and the colours will be The pupils decided that I hope you enjoy reading about the many pupils achievements this term. Remember that you can keep up to date with what is happening in the same for boys and girls, black shorts with t-shirt with green and white St . Paul’s on our website (http://st-pauls.ea.dundeecity.sch.uk) where you will find a good deal of useful information including our calendar they would like to do- piping. The old kit will be in the school wear shop until April 2014 but they and daily notices. Our website also has a full colour version of this newsletter. For a regular update on events and achievements you can nate their 'fee' of £150 back will no longer be selling the old PE kit after this time. also follow us on Twitter @stpaulsdundee. into the CLIC fund which is I wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas and a happy new year when it comes. a fund to support children with cancer and their families. What a wonderful gesture from the pupils after they enjoyed a wonder- S1 CEILIDH John L Carroll Head Teacher ful evening of Christmas music! The PE Department held a Christmas Ceilidh for all S1 pupils. They participated in ST. PAUL’S ACADEMY DUNDEE STEM GAMEMAKER FINAL MSP VISIT various Scottish and modern HAS TALENT - FINAL Congratulations to our two GameMaker teams; Virus Games and Jenny Marra MSP visited S1 dances, games and a raffle. A huge thank you and Laser Games Modern Studies pupils in All pupils took part with excel- congratulations on a job who won first and December. Pupils have lent spirit and made it a very well done to all pupils and second place in been learning all about de- enjoyable afternoon for eve- staff who contributed their the Dundee mocracy in Scotland. Pupils ryone with some brilliant time and talent (onstage, S T E M G a - asked Jenny a range of tartan and Christmas outfits. backstage and Front of meMaker final on questions about her life as House) and made ‘St Friday. Over the an MSP which may have Paul's Academy Has Tal- past two months even inspired some of our STUDY CLUBS AND SPORTS CLUBS ent Final’ such a success. our teams were young people to pursue a http://st-pauls.ea.dundeecity.sch.uk/ Please visit St. Paul’s website for information on the various clubs we run in the The fact that there are too busy designing, creating, testing and marketing their own computer career in politics. school. There are Study Support Clubs and Sports Clubs . We encourage our many names to mention proves once again that St Paul's is games during lunch and interval. The teams competed against pupils to become involved in a range of school based extra-curricular activities. indeed a community of "many gifts". schools from across the city. The three finalists were chosen last Thanks also to all of you who bought a ticket and turned up week and were invited to pitch their games to a panel of judges at HEALTH DROP-IN to support our talented finalists and to raise money for our the riverside HQ of YoYo Games. Our teams produced animations, The Health Drop-In is up and running in the Library Resource Centre. All Details of school uniform can be found on school website Mangamanuthu projects. business cards, badges, models, display boards and photostories to welcome to attend. Come along, speak to the health professionals about a And, of course, congratulations to our 2013 Winner, Annie convince the judges that their games were the best in the city. The variety of topics and get some free fruit. SCHOOL SKIRTS SHOULD BE KNEE LENGTH Petrie! teams won personal licences for professional game production soft- Look out for the posters advertising the Health Drop-In. Coming soon. http://st-pauls.ea.dundeecity.sch.uk EXPEDITION SUCCESS ware worth hundreds of pounds each, goody bags of gadgets and DIARY DATES Punctuality On September 28 S3 pupils successfully completed practice books for the school. The teams worked extremely hard and were a 20 December 2013 - End of term 2 The school day starts with registration at 8.50 am. Please ensure your expeditions towards their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. credit to the school, well done! 6 January 2014 - Pupils return for term 3 son/daughter is on time in the morning and also for afternoon classes This involved navigating a 15 mile circular walk over some 13-17 January 2014 - S3 Exam Week which begin at 1.35 pm. very challenging terrain in the Grampian mountains north of CONCERT 16 January 2014 - S2 Parent Information Evening Braemar with an St. Paul’s held a 3:30—4 pm & 6—6:30 pm and HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME overnight ’wild’ fantastic Christmas S2 Parents’ Evening 4—6 pm Any pupil taken out of school to go on holiday during term time will be camp. Valuable Concert on Monday 27 January 2014 - S4 Prelims start marked as an unauthorised absence. Providing a letter from your employer l e s s o n s w e r e 16 December which 12 February 2014 - S3 Information Evening 3:30 to in advance of any holiday stating that this holiday cannot be taken at any learned about navi- was attended by our 4pm & 6 pm to 6:30 pm other time of year or is fixed to a certain time of year is required to mark a S3 Parents’ Evening 4—6 pm holiday absence as authorised. gation, camp-craft new Bishop, Bishop 26 February 2014 - S4 Parents’ Evening 4—6 pm All absences require parent/carer to make a call to the school and the group is Robson. Everyone with reason for absence on each morning of absence now gearing up for had a wonderful the assessed expe- evening. Well done Bishop Robson, Mr Carroll ditions next Spring. to all the pupils. and Pupils

MICHELIN VISIT LAUNCH OF ST. NINIAN’S INSTITUTE HEALTHY TRANSITIONS PEER EDUCATION PROGRAMME SKILLFORCE On the 24th of October a group Well done to our Madrigal Group and senior pupils who did an outstand- The Corner is running a peer led programme in the St Paul’s cluster for A group of Skillforce of S5 and S6 pupils were ac- ing job of representing our school at the opening of the St Ninian’s Insti- the first time this academic year. Known as Healthy Transitions, the pro- pupils held a tea party in companied by Mr Harrison tute. Many of those attending took the time to tell me how they were gramme began in September recruiting S2 pupils to become Peer Educa- the garden room on from the CDT department to very impressed with our pupils and asked me to pass this message on tors. Wednesday, 4 Decem- visit the Michelin tyre factory to you. The philosophy of the work is that young people learn with and from each ber. Senior Manage- on the outskirts of Dundee. other. As a Peer Educator, the S2 pupils share their knowledge and un- ment, staff and pupils The group were given an intro- MEMORIAL GARDEN EVENT derstanding with small groups of P7 pupils within the St Paul’s cluster were present to speak to duction to the manufacturing Can I just say a BIG thank you to all the staff and students who helped primaries, and encourage the primary pupils to contribute and learn from skillforce pupils about process followed by a tour of and supported the Memorial Garden Event on Friday 1st Nov. The event each other. their achievements . The the factory including presentations from employees in a variety of differ- provided students and staff with an opportunity to give thanks for the To date, 12 pupils have taken part in the weekly training, committing two pupils did a PowerPoint ent roles. Michelin provided lots of information about the types of jobs lives of loved ones whom they miss greatly. The event can only happen hours every Wednesday, learning about risks, drugs and alcohol, internet presentation detailing achievements/qualifications already gained and available at the factory and the multitude of career pathways that could with the support of staff and students and we am extremely grateful to safety, friendships and moving up to high school. They have recently visit- what projects they would be working on in the future. Everyone had a take you there. those who helped in any way! ed St Andrew’s RC Primary and St Fergus’ RC Primary Schools and deliv- wonderful time. ered 4 educational sessions around the transition to high school and the NETWORKING TASTER SESSION AT DUNDEE new responsibilities and challenges which may come with it. THE COCA-COLA REAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE 2013 COLLEGE SHOE BOX APPEAL Review of a Peer Educators experience The Real Business Challenge is a national competition set by Coca- Four of our Advanced Higher and Higher Computing The shoeboxes have been col- ‘I worked hard to keep everybody on track and keep the discussion Cola Enterprises for students who were in S3 in September 2013. class visited Dundee College yesterday afternoon lected in and Santa's little helpers going. I enjoyed working with everybody and being in charge. I Teachers run the Real Business Challenge in school using a download- where they were given a tour of the Gardyne Road have been organising them for learned sometimes it’s hard to keep every- body ed resource pack. The first part of the challenge pupils to form a Social campus and took part in a practical networking les- distribution. St. Paul’s would like working together. It was good when Enterprise company and develop a new sustainable healthy juice brand. son. As part of the lesson pupils had to produce their to say, once again, a HUGE everybody was giving ideas and join- The pupil’s company needed to present its brand on PowerPoint and own working network cable, which we all soon dis- thank you to all who have partici- ing in.’ Melissa complete some other key documents. Pupils also made and tasted their covered was harder than it looks! The boys all pated and contributed in any way! drinks in Home Economics as well as designing the bottle & label using

looked great in their school uniform, representing the Feedback from P7 pupils showed that skills learned in CDT. school in fine fashion. The trip hopefully opened the S4 LIFT OFF they have enjoyed the interactive This year’s event has been run with the S3 ICT Business and Admin- pupils minds to different career paths and education 20 of our S4 pupils were stu- games and activities, have increased their istration classes. The entries were judged by Mr Crosbie (CDT), Mrs options when they leave St Paul's. dents for the day, attending awareness of how to assess risky situations and Lough (HE) and Mr Christie (PT Computing). There were 9 entries made Dundee and Angus college, know where to get help or support, and they feel less anxious about mov- from teams of 5-8 members. The judges were impressed by the stand- Gardyne campus on 20th No- S1/S2 NETBALL ing to high school. ard and quality of all the entries received. vember with LIFT OFF. The S1/S2 Netball team have played fantastically this term. During After the Christmas break, the Peer Educators will move on to work with After a close contest the results were announced: Round 2 of the Netball tournament in November they beat Grove Acade- As well as experiencing a lec- P7 pupils in St Vincent’s RC Primary and St Pius RC Primary in January First – 229 points – Bazinga Impact (Toni Anderson, Brionny Archibald, ture on Social Media, they also and then St Clements RC Primary and St Luke & St Matthews RC Primary Charlie Small, Darren Thomson & Kieran Ward) my’s S1 team 7—4, beat Morgan Academy 13—0 and then beat Craigie had a tutorial and the opportuni- High School 9—2. Well done to the girls. Their commitment and enthusi- in February. Second – 213 points – Summer Breeze (Caitlin Barbour, Daniel Barile, ty to ask some ‘real life’ students The Corner staff leading the programme, Laura McGregor and Fiona asm is a credit to them. about what life in Higher educa- Alexandra Barr, Iona Jackson, Caitlin Smith, Chelsea Phillips) tion was really like! Mack, have been supported by Miss Selvey. The team are delighted with Third – 200 points – Bright Eyes (Christopher Anderson, Caitlin Baines, the response from the Peer Educators in their commitment and enthusi- GIRLS UNDER 15 FOOT- The photo shows the panel of students answering questions. Abbie Cassidy, Seonaid Cassidy, Mateusz Garas, Daniel Wilson) BALL asm, and appreciate the whole school support in making the first year of Bazinga Impact’s winning entry idea has been submitted as St Paul’s

Congratulations to the u15 Healthy Transitions such a success. S2 Peer Educators are: representative in the national Coca-Cola competition. This will judged by girl’s football team who went SAFE DRIVE STAY ALIVE a panel including representatives from Coca-Cola Enterprises & Edex- up to Inverurie and won a very On Tuesday 20 November all of our S5 cohort, accompanied by the Lewis Cassells Kian Dulley Shannon Henderson cel. The top 10 teams from each region will be invited to a regional tough Scottish cup match. The guidance Team attended “Safe Drive, Stay Alive” at the Caird Hall. This Abbey Hosie David Low Dionne Mudie final where they will take part in a new challenge with support from Coca is an event which is aimed at 16 year olds as young drivers and their Leigha McCafferty John McCafferty Chantel McGurty -Cola Enterprises business mentors. girls finally won the game on passengers remain a vulnerable group when it comes to crashes, inju- penalties 3-1. All players Melissa Reilly Kennedy Thomson Paige Warden ries and fatalities across Scotland. Between April 2010 and March worked really hard as a team 2011, 18 people were killed and 200 injured on Tayside roads. Many of DUNDEE UNIVERSITY CHRISTMAS LECTURE and were a credit to the them included young people in the 17 to 25 age group. “Safe Drive, Stay ‘Dundee—A City in Transition’. Pupils listened to experts talking about school. The next round will Alive” aims to make young people more aware of the factors which DUNDEE INTER-SCHOOLS LITERACY the Vision for Dundee and the progress of the Waterfront Development. take place in January 2014. make them more at risk, including inexperience, lack of awareness, QUIZ Senior pupils who attended found the lecture very informative and inter- Well done girls! distraction, peer pressure and over confidence. A team from second year from St Paul’s esting. joined all the other Dundee secondary schools in a competition to find out who NURSERY READING YOUNG CONSUMER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2013 ABERTAY UNIVERSITY CHRIST- PROJECT knew the most about young people’s MAS LECTURE The Trading Standards Section of the Environment Department has books and reading. This event was part of Senior Modern Studies pupils attend- St Paul’s were invited by Scottish Book Trust to participate in a project to invited St Paul’s to compete in The Young Consumer of the Year Com- the Book Week Scotland activities and ed the annual Abertay University help select the winner for the 3-7 year old category in their book awards petition. The competition tests students on a wide range of issues in- teams from eight of the nine Dundee sec- Christmas Lecture. The motion was (The Bookbug Award). One boy and one girl was selected from S1 cluding: through to S4 and they were trained by Elaine Hallyburton from the ondaries were there. St Paul’s came in a ‘Welfare, Dependence—Skivers or Consumers and law very commendable third place in a very closely fought competition. The school library service. We also had a memorable visit from a drama spe- Food and health Strivers’? A high quality lively debate cialist who helped the pupils bring the stories to life. team comprised Abbey Hosie, Amy Bruce, Dione Mudie and Katy Hutton- which enthused pupils and staff alike. Safety and the environment Ross. Our pupils all loved going out to the nurseries and the nursery children Managing money, finance and credit S2 ACHIEVEMENTS IN HOME ECONOMICS seemed to enjoy it too! Hopefully this will encourage them when they The European dimension. Our S2 pupils recently took part in a ‘Design and Make’ challenge. This S2 INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT - HE AND CDT have their own children, or babysit or have little brothers and sisters that reading to them can be fun and rewarding, as well as one of the was part of the ‘Active Kids Get Cooking’ Award Scheme which is Pupils in S2 recently took part in an interdisciplinary project in Dundee Schools will initially compete in the local heat in Decem- sponsored by Sainsbury’s. The challenge this year was to design Home Economics and Craft and Design. In CDT pupils designed best starts to literacy and language that the youngsters could possi- ber, with the winners going forward to the Scottish Final held in and make a Savoury Scone. All pupils took part and an impressive and made a packaging box for chocolate truffles which they then bly have. March. The winners of the Scottish final then go through to the 79 of our S2 pupils passed the challenge and received a 1 star made in Home Economics. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed this The pupils were Liam Robertson and Jade Higgins (S1), Kian Dul- National Final. Not only are there team prizes awarded but the ley and Lauryn Houston (S2), Jay Edwards (S3) and Matthew Chef award with 10 of these pupils receiving a merit award. Well project and it was important for them to see the link between de- overall winners of both Scottish and National Finals will be award- done to everyone involved. Greene and Taylor Devine (S4) partments. ed prizes for their schools.