Dear Parent/Carer,

Yet another term has flown by and as you can see from the Newsletter it has been an action packed few months in our school. The school continues to be an exciting centre of learning with pupils, staff and parents demonstrating their considerable talents in a wide range of activi- ties. In particular, the School Wind Bands and participants in sport continue to excel. We were delighted with our Christmas Market which raised over £4500 for school funds. I would like to personally thank the Parent Council for their organisation and support. This was an excellent event which was very well supported by the local community and all of the money will go to- wards enhancing the curriculum and extra-curricular experiences.

Improvement Science Project in Partnership with Scottish Government

I would like to draw your attention to our recent partnership work with Scottish Government. During the last 18 months, staff have developed, implemented and tracked the success of an Improvement Science Project to improve the reading ability of pupils. An Improvement Science Team was established and they have worked together through the 3 fundamental thinking questions of the Improvement Science Model. Mrs Robertson, English class teacher, collected data each week on the quality of teaching and pupil confidence in using the 6 Reading strate- gies and our learning was quickly spread across the school. The developments of the reading mats was then spread to our Education Group, where Primary and Early Years Practitioners developed the reading mat and strategies further. At all stages the staff were supported by Mr Johnston who is now an Improvement Science Coach.

Last year we presented to North, South & East Head Teachers and were visit- ed by many other schools. We presented at the National Children and Young Person’s Improvement Collaborative at the SECC to Head Teachers and Practitioners from across Scotland. Within the school we have further strengthened our approach to de- veloping Literacy skills by introducing the Accelerated Reader Programme to S1/2 and 1 class in S3. National Recognition Our hard work across the Education Group was recognised at the National Quality Improvement Awards in Glasgow last month. Education Group is among individuals and organisations highlighted for their work to improve services for ba- bies, children, young people and families. Stewarton Education Group picked up the top award in the Excellence for QI in Secondary Years category with the project to improve literacy using an age appropriate reading mat to support families to read together at home. The Quality Improvement Awards are designed to celebrate innovative quality im- provement work that is strengthening support and services for families across Scot- land, helping ensure every child has the best possible start in life and can reach their full potential as they grow up. The awards were open to those delivering quality improvement work through the Maternity and Children’s Quality Improvement Collaborative (MCQIC), run by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Children and Young People Improvement Collaborative (CYPIC), run by the Scottish Government. The 2017 awards attracted 140 entries across 10 categories, detailing how local people and teams have improved health, early years and family services and schools. Maree Todd, Minister for Childcare and Early Years said: “The Quality Improvement Awards provide an opportunity to showcase and share proven approaches that are making a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families. “Evidence shows that collaboration builds capacity and interventions built on collab- oration have the biggest impact. These Awards demonstrate clearly, the link be- tween collaborative working, better practice and improved outcomes and it is clear there are great examples already taking place across Scotland. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners and thank everyone who submitted an entry.” Dr Brian Robson, Medical Director, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The QI awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the enthusiasm and commit- ment demonstrated by professionals and organisations throughout the public sector.

“Their work is imperative in helping to improve the life chances for babies and young people across Scotland. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who have shown such dedication to making Scotland the best place to grow up.” Parental Engagement

Research shows that when parents and carers support their children’s learning, and when children live in a stimulating home learning environment, it improves attainment and achievement. At Stewarton Academy we encourage parents/carers and profes- sionals to work together to support learning. This includes two-way communication be- tween home and school, providing parents/carers with opportunities to lead improve- ments and using the skills of our community to enrich the curriculum.

At Parents’ Evenings parents/carers are always given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire to share views on the work of the school. I am delighted with the level of parent satisfaction so far but we must never become complacent. Last session we launched a ‘You Said, We Did’ approach and we display the comments on the boards in the Reception Area during parents’ evenings for information. This session we have fur- ther strengthened our communication with pupils and parents using GLOW. We hope to launch our new Communications Policy January 2018, making it clear to all stake- holders who to contact. There will be lots of ways to become further involved and I look forward to working in partnership in 2018.

At present you can communicate with us via –

Phone – 01560 482342 Email – [email protected] (please insert name of contact into the subject)

Pupil Support Boyd House – Mrs Barbour Cunningham House – Mrs Richardson & Mr McCormack Montgomery house – Mrs Beattie Stewart House – Mrs Vallance

Year Head S1/2 – Mrs Ward S3/4 – Mr Hardie S5/6 – Mr Johnston

You can keep up to date via –

Stewarton Academy BLOG (soon to be updated) Stewarton Academy App (available on apple & android) Twitter (@stewarton_acad)

Finally, the school closes at 2.30pm on Friday the 22nd of December and we re- open at 8.45am on Monday the 8th of January 2018. I would like to wish parents, pupils and everyone associated with the school a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Yours sincerely

Katy Hegarty Head Teacher

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Achievement.

Chloe Candlish (S4) won 1st place in both Scottish Show jumping competitions at Muir Mill equestrian centre.

Zara Conroy-Rodger won 3rd place at the Summer Clear Round show jumping competition.

Youth Seas and Oceans Seminar:

S6 Geography pupils Angus Busby and Morgan Hannah have been selected to attend the prestigious Youth Seas and Oceans seminar in Hamburg Germany during the October holidays. Both students made an application to attend and were selected from entries across the UK. The seminar is part of a UK-German government initiative for young people aged 16-19. During their time in Hamburg they will work with other young people from across Germany and the UK to examine environmental issues such as ocean litter - why it matters?, rising sea levels - challenges facing us and our world and biodiversity / ocean literacy - looking at the impact on our lives and wildlife. Both students will work within Geography classes on their returns to develop pupils’ understanding of the problems facing our seas and oceans.

S4 Work Placements

Since the beginning of September we have had 128 S4 pupils complete a week on a work placement. These have been hugely varied including IT, engineering, vets, mechanics, hair- dressing, architects , care homes and Active schools to name but a few. Photos of some of our pupils have been on the school Twitter feed. Through their placements pupils have gained many employability skills and also worked to- wards a Nat4/5 SQA work placement unit qualification. Well done to our pupils who all did very well and received good feedback from employers. Huge thanks to all employers for taking our pupils and also to parents for their cooperation. Eleanor Vallance, Work placement coordinator.

Modern Languages Dept. The ML languages department would like to thank pupils and parents who contributed to the European day of languages and helped by making or buying food to raise over £160 for the SMILE charity. MERCI BEAUCOUP! I would like to also thank our Advanced Higher French class and higher Spanish for helping to organize and deliver a great day. Merci beaucoup Hannah, Jennifer, Alice, Amy, Amy, Jamie, Ben, Daniella and Emma!

Page 6 Modern Studies

'S3 Modern Studies pupils have just returned from a visit to the Sky Skills Academy in Livingston where they had the opportunity to create their own TV report. All pupils had a role, which ranged from camera operator to presenter to director, and this 'hands-on' experience saw them working with the latest technology and members of the team at Sky. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed this chance to debate the issue of votes at 16 throughout the UK and came home with their very own copy of the masterpiece they had created! Well done to all involved!

The next Modern Studies trip will be the S5/6 visit to the Scottish Parliament in November to see First Minister's Questions.'

PE Twitter Page The PE department now has its very own twitter page @stewac_pe where all information about events, extra-curricular activities and health and wellbeing information will be posted daily.

Fun Run This year’s fun run was held on the 13th September and proved to be another successful event held by the school and the Parent Council. With the weather managing to stay dry for the evening, over 80 runners participated across three events - adults 5k, pupils 5k and junior 3k. Well done to all who participated for your support and enthusiasm!! A big thank you to David Mitchell and the Parent Council for their help with organising the event. There was also a House Shield awarded to Stewart House for having the most participants on the night.

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Basketball All Basketball teams continue to work hard at lunchtime and after school sessions with the season well under way. S1 team still looking for that first win but improving all the time. S2 team have won 3 out of 3 in the Ayrshire League S3 team have only played 1 game and have been hampered by injury to key players. Hopefully after the holidays there will be an upturn in fortune and performance. Seniors have played the most games winning 2 out of 5 games in the Scottish Cup and therefore qualifying for the Scottish Plate – we have drawn Culloden Academy in the first knockout game to be played in January.

Page 8 Netball

Both our S1 and S3/4 netball teams are part of the Ayrshire Schools Netball League, competing with various Ayrshire schools over the school year. The S1 team have started the league well winning their first game against Loudoun Academy. The S3/4 team who train on Mondays afterschool competed in their first game in November, narrowly losing out to Academy. Looking into next year, each team has another 6 games to play and with both teams looking strong I'm sure they will play just as well as their first game.

Dance Our lunchtime S1 dance group, led by two senior dance leaders, Beth Dawson and Simona Marinov are perfecting their routine to perform in the upcoming S factor event. The group will then build on this routine to perform at the Dancefest event in March next year.

Gymnastics Our afterschool gymnastics club takes place every Wednesday after school and is led by Mrs Cains and two senior pupils, Katie Reid and Simona Marinov. The group recently attended Urban Gymnastics purpose built facility in Glasgow where they were coached by the clubs head coach allowing pupils to further develop their skills and confidence. The S1 pupils within the group have created a routine to perform in the S factor event at the end of term, showcasing their individual skills along with various group balances.

Sports Council Delighted to announce 2 new members representing S2 - Ewan Dunsmuir and Hannah Burn. We are sure that their enthusiasm and hard work will be a big asset to our Sports Council. Senior Ceilidh

Well done to all our senior pupils who took part in the Senior Ceilidh!!!

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Football The 2017-18 season is now underway with Stewarton Academy represented at U13, U15 and Senior level this year. The senior team have played a match against Cumnock Academy which ended in a hard fought 3-3 draw. Dates of matches at any level are posted on the PE twitter page for those who may want to come along and support the teams. Our 3 football teams continued to compete well in Ayrshire leagues and Cups. Recent results – Senior Boys won 5-3 v’s Academy – coming back from 2-0 down! Our S1 boys team lost out narrowly to a very strong Grange team 4-2

Cross Country Success Well done to S2 pupil Hannah Burn who competed in the East Ayrshire Cross Country Championships in September, Hannah won the gold medal for her age group and is looking forward to further success in the Scottish Championships later in the year!

The Ayrshire Cross Country will take place at the Kilmarnock Athletics Arena for the first time this year Tuesday 31st October. Teams will be selected after the October holidays.

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European School Sports Day Stewarton Academy was one of over 6,500 schools across Europe to take part in European School Sports Day on Friday 29th September. The event was organised by our S4 Sports Leaders class and involved S1, S2 and S3 PE Studies classes participating in a range of differ- ent activities across the day. Points were awarded and totalled to contribute towards overall House points with Montgomery House coming out on top!

Overall results

1st Montgomery (1076.18 pts)

2nd Cunningham (931.54 pts)

3rd Boyd (878.9 pts)

4th Stewart (848.7 pts)

Active Girls Day Active Girls Day took place on Friday 6th October and is a nationwide event aimed at celebrating the success and participation of girls in sport. Led by the Sports Council and run by our own female role models in S4-S6, all S1 and S2 girls were involved in dance, gymnastics, netball and football sessions. The girls all participated with enthusiasm and were hopefully encouraged to get more involved in sport and physical activity.

Page 11 Leadership Skills Trip 25 students from S2 and 3 members of staff have recently returned from a weekend away to Dalguise. This was an excellent experience for all involved and allowed pupils (and staff) to further develop leadership skills, learn about setting goals, the importance of goal mapping and having a growth mind-set and to really push themselves out of their comfort zone! Along with goal mapping activities led by Derek Gall from CANI Coaching, they also took part in raft building, a giant swing, abseiling and canoeing. All involved have identified a goal that they are now working towards and the group will be meeting again in November to find out how they are progressing!

Music New Music Makers In November, the Higher Music class were working with composer, Edwin Hillier, and three members of Red Note Ensemble on a composition project. Following the ‘10 minute compos- ing challenge’, the class worked closely with the musicians to create a piece of original music and for flute, clarinet and cello. Videos of the completed pieces are on the Music Department website.

Children In Need Ten members of the Junior Choir were selected to join the Scottish Children In Need Choir this year. They joined up with choirs from around the UK to perform Somewhere Over The Rain- bow live on television on Children In Need night.

East Ayrshire Gala Concert Well done to our senior singers and Senior Band who performed at this year’s Gala Concert in the Grand Hall.

Kilmarnock Rotary Young Musician Competition Well done to Daniel Glasswell who won the local heat of this year’s competition in the instru- mental category. He will now go forward to represent Kilmarnock in the district final next year.

Christmas Concert This year’s concert will take place on Wednesday 20th December at 7.00pm. Tickets are on sale now from StewartonAcademyMusic.weebly.com or can be bought in person at the school – parents from the office, pupils from the Music Department at interval.

Keep up to date… Follow us on Twitter (@StewAcadMusic) to keep up to date with all that is happening in the Music Department. Please also check out our new SoundCloud stream – find us at SoundCloud.com/StewAcadMusic.

Page 12 Wind Bands

On Saturday and Sunday, our 4 wind bands represented the school, the Education Group and East Ayrshire at the Scottish Concert Band Festival Regionals in Livingston. On the Saturday, the Primary 7 Learning Community Wind Band conducted by Miss Gillian Craven took part in the Development Section and received a GOLD Award. The P7 band comprises of the Academy's associated primaries Dunlop Primary, Primary, Lainshaw Primary and Nether Robertland Primary. The band played three pieces; Festival Fanfare, Bugler’s Dream & Fanfare & March. This was quite a unique achievement since the band only started playing in May of this year! Adjudicators Donald Finlayson & Paul Michael highly praised the young band for their amazing efforts. Also taking part on the Saturday was the Stewarton Academy Junior Wind Band who competed in the Achieving School Band Class. Mr Brian Keachie was the MD and the band played Eagle Crest March, As Twilight Falls and Quantum Mission completing their programme. The relatively young band played extremely well and were delighted to hear they had received a Silver Plus Award. On Sunday, first onto the stage were the Stewarton Academy Intermediate Wind Band under the baton of Mr Gregor Keachie, a final year student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Conducting the Intermediate Band is a joint venture in partnership with the RCS and the Stewarton Bands Support Group. Mr Keachie is doing a conducting module as part of his final year Bachelor Education Degree. The band played Canticum, Knights of Destiny and finished their programme with A Hero’s Return. An excellent all round performance and received numerous constructive comments from the adjudicators Chris Bradley and John Mabon who awarded the band a Silver Plus. The band and MD were delighted with their result.

The last band on to the stage representing the School was the Senior Wind Band conducted by their MD Mr Brian Keachie, also taking part in the Achieving School Band Class. The programme included Choreography, The Seal Lullaby and The King Across The Water. Their difficult programme featured many of the band’s soloists who performed admirably. The adjudicators once again gave positive comments on a well-polished band performance and the Senior Wind Band received a Gold Plus Award.

The Scottish Concert Band Festival Awards are made on an ascending seven point scale - Bronze, Bronze Plus, Silver, Silver Plus, Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum. Bands who were awarded a Silver Plus and above all received an invitation to the SCBF Finals. This means that all 4 bands from the same school received an invitation to the Finals in March 2018. An unprecedented achievement from any school in Scotland.

All bands will start work on their new programmes the first week back after the Christmas Holidays – well done to all involved!

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Shoebox Appeal 2017 There was a fantastic response to the Shoebox Appeal this year. Pupils and staff were very generous in donating shoeboxes, wrapping paper and small gifts. The school donated over 20 filled and wrapped shoeboxes to Blythswood Care who will distribute them to adults and children in Eastern Europe and Asia this Christmas. Well done to the pupils in Mrs Wilson’s S5 and S6 skills classes who organised and wrapped the shoeboxes as part of their SQA Personal Development Award.

Page 14 RMPS Trip

On Thursday 30 November, pupils studying Higher and National 5 RMPS visited the Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery to consolidate their knowledge of Buddhism. In a very interesting day pupils had a tour of the monastery led by Buddhist nun, Ani Dolkar, witnessed very colourful and musical Buddhist worship and experienced what life is like for Buddhist monks and nuns.

Modern Studies

'The Higher Modern Studies class had a surprise visitor during their trip to the Scottish Parliament in November when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined the group for a quick Q&A. A tweet to the First Minister proved to be very successful and the class thoroughly enjoyed the chance to meet her and discuss current issues like Brexit. We were also lucky to meet with 4 other MSPs who represent the constituency or region and pupils benefited from hearing different party perspectives on the topics we have discussed in class. First Minister's Questions was once again a very effective way for the class to learn about parliament and the role of MSPs and as always, they did themselves and the school proud with their behaviour and engagement.'

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FUND-RAISING Thanks to everyone that supported the Christmas Market. It was another fantastic night and as well as raising almost £4,500 it was great to have the Academy pupils showcase their talents across several areas including raising funds for their projects on stalls, performing with the choir and band and displaying their art. A massive thanks in particular to Elaine Smith and her team for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. If you are interested in helping with fund-raising email Elaine at [email protected]. Every single penny raised goes directly to benefit the young people of Stewarton Academy. FACILITIES SUB-GROUP There are lots of exciting new developments planned for Stewarton Academy including a flood- light all weather pitch. We have a sub-group chaired by David Clark and all PC meetings in- clude an update on progress. Please get in touch if you would like more information. David’s email address is [email protected]. TWITTER The Parent Council Twitter feed is - @Stewac_PCouncil and we would really like to hear from you on everything Stewarton Academy. Please follow the school’s twitter account as well - @Stewarton_Acad ACADEMY PARENTS Could all parents / carers please email us at [email protected] with your name and contact details as well as, the year(s) your child(ren) are in? The Parent Council are trying to build a complete database of parents to allow us to distribute information relevant to Parents and the Parent Council. We will blind copy when distributing information, will only be sent by the Parent Council Chair or Secretary and will not be passed to any other organisation. PARENT COUNCIL SUPPORT SUMMARY 2016-17 The fund-raising sub group of the Parent Council works to raise funds to benefit the entire school community. A summary of the various projects and causes supported is below. The ac- counting is included in the monthly meeting minutes and the year end accounts. More details of each can be obtained from the Parent Council or the Head Teacher. Each Department sub- mits their ‘bid for support’ through the Head Teacher and is then reviewed at the Parent Coun- cil meetings. To date over £10,000 has been provided to directly benefit the young people of Stewarton Academy. This figure includes grants successfully applied for as well as fund-raising activities by the Parent Council.

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DEPARTMENT SUPPORT BENEFIT

LIBRARY Purchase of e-books and the To enhance and increase accessibility to online relevant license. (annual cost) reading for pupil’s. Enables pupils to access 32,000 online books. PE Purchase of Table Tennis and New equipment to assist in extra curricular activi- shuttlecock equipment. ties.

MUSIC Purchase of specific music sup- Provide additional support. port books 2016/17.

HISTORY Purchased books and games. Supported lunchtime club and BGE.

PE Green gym kit purchased. Support for new project.

PE Volunteer support for 5k fun 2016 and 2017 fun-runs. Pupil, staff and commu- runs and financial support nity involvement. providing income. SCHOOL CURL- Purchase team sweatshirts. Enhance School Curling team and support at na- ING CLUB tional competition.

STAFF AWARDS Part purchase staff awards. Recognise exceptional support given to pupils. (annual award) Nominated by the pupils. SCHOOL Show My Homework software Recommended by the HT, parents and pupils to license. (annual cost) significantly enhance visibility of homework. SUPPORT FOR Fund Dyslexia Drama Work- Provide different opportunities for learning and LEARNING shops. support Dyslexia Friendly school initiatives.

WIDER Purchase JASS (junior award Provide opportunities in wider achievement to ACHIEVEMENT scheme for schools) awards benefit S1 and S2 pupils. licenses. MUSIC Purchase of specific music sup- Provide additional support for musical attainment. port books 2017/18. PUPIL SUPPORT BOARDWORKS software for Provide additional support tools. S1-S6 PSE.

The Parent Council has also successfully applied for the following, ‘Stewarton Decides’ PB funding secured in conjunction with Stewarton Junior Netball to enable grass roots support and growth within the community. Local new home builder funding secured to enable support for a Literacy Focus Group by S2 pupils. GSK ‘making a difference’ funding secured to enable support for various bids. Arnold Clark Landrover Engineering challenge funding secured supporting STEM projects.

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Parents / Carers views are welcomed on suitable departments to support and on identification of new projects. Please get in touch if you have any questions to any member of the Parent Council.

2018 PC MEETINGS The Parent Council meeting schedule for 2017/18 is copied below.

Parent Council Meeting Schedule 2018 2nd Term Monday 5th February Monday 12th March 3rd Term Monday 14th May Monday 11th June (AGM) All meetings 1900hrs – 2030hrs in Stewarton Academy.

The meetings start at 1900hrs and all parents / carers are welcome to attend. If you have any questions relating to the Parent Council or are interested in getting involved, please get in touch. We currently have two vacancies for S6 year group parent representatives.

On behalf of everyone involved with the Parent Council we wish you all a Merry Christmas and have a great New Year.

David Mitchell Chair Stewarton Academy Parent Council [email protected] 07910814975

Page 19 STEWARTON

Cairnduff Place Stewarton

Phone: 01560 482342 Twitter: @stewarton_Acad

Stewarton Blog https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ea/STEWARTONACADEMYBLOG/