All systems go in the new Belmont Academy

Oct 3 2008

AS every pupil and member of staff knows, everyone is now unpacked and all systems are go in the brilliant new school.

Everyone is delighted to be in the new school and this was echoed by parents who had a tour of the school on Tuesday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 30.

Thanks to all members of staff, sixth year students and members of the Parent Council who attended both of these evenings to show the parental community the wonderful new building.

As we look out from our new school building we can see the old school blocks being demolished and we are looking forward to seeing the all weather pitch and playing field being laid out on the former school site.

A GROUP of senior pupils led by Elaine Marrone attended the Higher Education Careers Convention at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock and saw the presentations and opportunities available in the tertiary sector.

The convention is an excellent opportunity for students to meet with representatives of universities and colleges and so help influence choices as we enter the university application process.

FIRST year pupils had the opportunity to use the new seating in the assembly hall when they attended the Cragrats Theatre Group's presentation of the Road Safety play The Six Lives of Roddy Doyle - a powerful message was relayed to pupils and thanks to the Council's Road Safety section for continuing to support this initiative.

ONCE again a team of representation from Gideons International led by Mr and Mrs Alan Matthews presented a programme to young people in first year and presented them with their New Testaments. Thanks to depute head teacher for organising the visit.

PRINCIPAL teachers met with two educational consultants Bill Clark and Ellen McBride where a number of issues were discussed with particular focus on departmental self evaluation.

This is a part of a round of engagements with colleagues on the staff for Miss McBride and Mr Clark and will continue throughout the session.

WITH Susan Mills in the chair, the Parent Council met and discussed a number of issues including their involvement in the school over the current session.

At the meeting head teacher Alan Moir presented his input in which he highlighted the success of Belmont Academy pupils in the national examinations plus of course all the other activities taking place within the school.

GEORGE McMillan of Tempest Photography was in the school recently to take photographs of first, third and fifth year students as well as a group photograph for the sixth year which will feature in the sixth year Year Book.

THE COLOURS Committee met recently and decided to award Sporting Colours to Andrew Rae for athletics and Katie and Rachel Offer for their part in the national horse riding team. Cultural Colours were also awarded to Beth Clelland for literature.

A NUMBER of departments welcomed student teachers to work in the school and we are confident that they will find their time with us a highly positive experience.

Students are: Mrs Audrey Hynd-Gaw Art & Design; Miss Annmarie Wilson Biology; Mrs Sarah Tweedie Computing; Miss Kirsty Coid English; Miss Lynne Hendry Geography; Mr Stuart Aitken Mathematics; Mr Hardip Sekhon Technology.

ORGANISED by Nan Walker, principal teacher of home economics, Sheila Hastrop made a series of presentations to S1 classes on Energy Matters where issues around the use of energy and its conservation were discussed.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Belmont Academy pupils who took part and enjoyed great success in the UK Mathematical Challenge organised by Eileen McCaughey.

The successful young people were: Craig Hogg, Emily Hunter, Hannah Knox, Ross McKelvie, Dan Maw, Fergus Hollins, Siobhan Moore, Joseph Taylor, William Russell, Scott Dooley, Caitlin Bowbeer, Lewis Finlayson, Kayleigh Harrison,Greg Telfer, Alex Mathers, Andrew Jackson, Robin Hill, Stephen Belford, Ben Taysum, Thomas Chambers, Adam Falconer, George Wylie, Elaine Gatherer, Neil Ferguson, Olivia Arthur, Claudia Rollo, Molly Jamieson, Chloe Crainie, Elliot Spiers, Grant Maxwell, Marc Gurun, Kirsty Cruickshanks, Charlie Adams, Jack, Garrett.

THE parents night for pupils in third year will take place on Tuesday, October 7. Booking sheets have been issued and we look forward to S3 parents being with us.

CONGRATULATIONS to Graeme McLean on his appointment as substantive depute head teacher.

A GROUP of pupils worked with nationally recognised poet Liz Niven to produce a piece of work which would reflect the opening of the new school building.

The visit was such a success and such a positive experience for the pupils that Mrs Niven has been engaged to return to the school to continue her work with our pupils.

CONGRATULATIONS to Findlay Rae who attended the UK Inter-Regional Triathlon Championship as part of the Scottish National Team.

As a result of Findlay's contribution the Scottish squad came second overall from eleven regions and Findlay is now the proud possessor of a silver medal as a result of the team's success.

CONGRATULATIONS to second year pupil Alice Lampard who has been selected to represent Scotland in the European Youth Chess Championships in Montenegro.

CONGRATULATIONS to S3 pupils Ciara Brady and Ruthie Kennedy for their success in the Robert Burns Federation/ASLS Short Story Competition. The girls will receive highly commended certificates for their work.

THE UNDER 13 squad beat Cumnock Academy 3-1 while the under 15s drew 3-3. Michael Ahern of the first year team was the man of the match.