Do you mean to say it's a digitally­ driven motor And I'm thinking of having a kilt made out of it. THE STRATHALLIAN 2002·2003 The Strathallian 2002-2003 Captains of School 2 Golf 56 Staff notes 3 Rounders 57 Staff Valete 4 Cross country and Athletics 58 Speech day 6 Horse Riding 62 Riley House 8 Ski Season 63 Freeland House 10 Clay Pigeon Report 64 Nicol House 12 The abyss 66 Ruthven House 14 A bigger splash 68 Simpson House 16 Sponsored Charity Run Thornbank House 18 and Fun Day 69 Woodlands House 20 Young Enterprise 70 Music 22 W.N.S.H. 71 Headmaster's Autumn Music 24 Strathallan 1930·39 72 Headmaster's Summer Music 25 Visiting Lecturers 76 Boats, Basses and Batteries 26 VI Form Common Room 78 Pipe Band 28 Strathallian Day 79 The Importance of Being Earnest 30 Comedy Nights 79 Cabaret 32 VI Form Ball 80 Drunken behaviour and passing Biology Trip to Surgeons Hall 81 out in the blue corridor 34 Madrid 82 Inter-House drama 36 Neuerberg comes to Strathallan 83 Bugsy Malone 37 Euroscola 84 Dirt behind the daydream 38 Scottish Schools Prize Essay Scottish Woodfair 39 Competition 85 Art 40 RM Troop 86 Design & Technology 42 Naming of parts 88 Boys' hockey 44 CCF RN Section 89 Girls' Hockey 45 Duke Of Edinburgh's Award 90 Rugby 46 Chinese New Year Party 91 Leather upon willow 48 Obituary 92 Netball 51 TJM 93 Girls' Tennis 52 Prizes and Examination Results 94 Badminton 52 Valete 96 Boys' Tennis 53 Salvete IBC Beautiful game 55 Volume XX, No 3 Editor: E G Kennedy Strathallan School Photography: Special thanks for photography to I I Mcfarlane; DJ Barnes; A Watt; Forgandenny, Perth PH2 9EG www.strathallan.co.uk Design: Pointsize, 0141 429 8222 THE STRATHALLIAN 2002-2003 To begin by saying that being made Captain of School was a great honour and privilege is the customary refrain of many a Captain of School's report. However, I feel it must be said since without it this report would not reflect how grateful and how proud I am to have held the position. Captains of School aking on this role undoubtedly does me that the kind of spirit and atmosphere alter one's outlook, particularly, of required to produce an environment where T course, on how to behave, and relate to members of a community can flourish as they others, though it need not alter the character do at Strath is not necessarily a common of those who accept it. I felt very much in the occurrence in the wider world. That the summer before my final year that this was school possesses such a strong spirit is self­ perhaps the most important thing I should evident; this is to me and hopefully all keep in mind. Indeed, I think that this is the Strathallians a constant source of pride. key to fulfilling a position such as Captain of In saying this I think it important to mention School; both Amelia and I were aware that we that in the midst of taking advantage of the were given the post because of what we were "opportunities for all to excel" pupils always before, rather than what we should become. seemed to be generally happy, and this I do feel that we both were generally able to happiness is integral to the school spirit I manage this, and I say that not out of a sense speak of. I think that the fundamental secret of vanity but to highlight that this was made to ensuring this li es in a piece of advice the possible for us by the immense support and headmaster offered: "busy people are usually understanding offered to us by the staff and successful people." To this I would add that by our peers. The prefects were indispensable, those who keep busy are usually also more and the wisdom and honesty of Mr Thompson fulfilled and consequently happier people and Mr Barnes, who always all owed for the than those who succumb to the temptation to fact that we were people who were Capta ins sk ive off and not do justice to their of School rather than the other way around, capabilities. deserves special gratitude. Among the advice given to me as a result of my I tried to keep this in mind when, as we all are, appointment was: "Remember to enjoy the Upon reflection on my time at Strath, I am I was faced with things I wasn't terribly keen year." I can say unequivocally that this was always struck by how successful the school is: to tackle. Thus, as has become customary, I something I never needed to be reminded of. I Friday morning assemblies were, and I am sure wi ll pass this on as my piece of advice to Tom sincere ly h~ that the same is true for Tom will continue to be testament to the breadth and Becky, and indeed to all pupils, for within and Becky B'l and genuine high standard of our collective that maxim I believe lies a large part of why and individual achievements. It is apparent to Strath is such an outstanding place. Calum Emslie Being head girl at Strathallan is an experience I will always treasure in my memory. It has given me personally so much; confidence in public speaking, a great deal of insight into what it takes to run an institution like Strathallan and a wealth of happy memories. I will never forget the fear I experienced on the we received from those around us, I will always days leading up to Speech Day, nor wi ll I forget be grateful to Mr Barnes and the Headmaster how it turned out to be one of the most and to Mr Fleming who was particularly rewarding experiences of my life. Sitting writing supportive. All the staff and pupils were very this in an internet cafe in Sri Lanka, I very kind and helpful to us throughout the year and much doubt if I would have the confidence to I want to thank everyone for their help. be here now were it not for the experiences I I am certain that Tom and Becky will do a superb had at Strathallan. Playing a part in the job and bring alot to the school this year. running of the school this last year has been wonderful since, I hope, Calum and I were able Good luck to you both, and take Calum's to give something back to the school that truly advice! ifl gave us so much. As for the help and support Amelia Lane --~- ---- - - . t' THE STRATHALLIAN 2002-2003 Staff notes After a number of changes last year, movement to and from the Strathallan Common Room has this year been comparatively limited. After four years in charge of Woodlands, Mark and Lynne Evans leave for Sussex where Mark has been appointed as Assistant Head/Pastoral at St Leonards-Mayfield. heir total commitment both in terms of time and energy to the teaching German and Latin. She will be supported by Peter Fialek who girls in their care has been evident to all and much appreciated will spend one year with us as a teaching assistant. He is a graduate of T by girls and parents alike. Mark has also helped with Games and the University of Matej Bel Slovakia and also has interests in Philosophy. taught History and English to pupils in Riley. Family commitments have He will be resident in Simpson House. Finally, in the absence of a resident necessitated Paul Shields' move to Glasgow and he leaves us having Chaplain, R.E. teaching will be undertaken by Daniel Goodey who has a established Spanish as an integral part of the Modern Languages Philosophy background and a wide range of teaching experience at provision at Strathallan. During his tenure as senior Spanish teacher, the university prior to specialising in R.E. We welcome them all and trust that subject has been introduced at all levels and numbers have increased they will be very happy with us II steadily. Results have been excellent in line with those achieved by the BKT department as a whole and his contribution particularly to Football and as a tutor in Ruthven have also been highly valued. The central importance of Chapel in the life of a boarding school is sometimes underestimated but there is no doubt that Robert Pickles' commitment and determination to ensure that the service was moved to the middle of the week in order that everyone have the opportunity to attend ensured that the full involvement of all. His sympathy and understanding in times of trouble were greatly appreciated by a number of the members of the community and the large group of pupils who attended Alpha was testament to the interest raised in that quarter. He leaves us to take over the Parish of Portmoak but remains with us for the winter term to take services prior to the appointment of a new Chaplain. With the slight increase in the number of pupils whose first language is not English, has come the introduction of specialist teachers of English as an Additional Language. We have been very fortunate to welcome Katerina Vosmekova for two years and Jan Klapis for one. Both have worked tirelessly to support individuals and groups as they undertake the difficult task of operating fully in another language. There is no doubt of the high calibre of both as teachers and their commitment and scholarship were evident to all, as was their commitment to the wider aspects of life at the school.