Queen Margaret Academy: 4 February 2009

Feb 6 2009

ON Monday, January 19, a group of Queen Margaret pupils were able to speak to journalist Michael Pringle about a career in journalism.

The pupils really enjoyed the discussion and are very grateful to Michael and also to Euan, who also came along to take photographs and explain what life is like as a news photographer.

ON Tuesday, January 20, principal teachers and senior managers met to discuss a variety of things, including the results of the fourth year prelims.

Discussion also took place regarding the possible introduction of period by period registration.

The group are planning to implement an experimental curriculum for first and second year during the examination period. This will allow pupils to experience cross curricular working and might serve as a model for teaching in the future.

ON Thursday, January 22, Mrs Gray was delighted by the huge turnout of parents for the Parent Council. A new chairperson has been appointed. Lavinia Stevenson agreed to take over the reins from Martin Shevlin and Stephen Harold agreed to be depute chair.

The Draft Constitution was issued to the assembly and this will be finalised, hopefully, at the next meeting which will take place in six weeks time. The group discussed the programme of events which has been drawn up by the fundraising committee.

Mrs Gray will send to all members of the Parent Council a copy of the School Improvement Plan. Any other parent who would like a copy of this can contact the school office on 01292 268379.

At the next meeting on Thursday, March 5, Mrs Gray will speak to the group about the school action plan and the implications of and planning for Curriculum for Excellence.

PLANS for the Burns Ceilidh are well under way. The ceilidh will take place on Friday, February 20. Tickets on sale soon.

AT long last the Crush Hall in Queen Margaret Academy has begun its face lift. The PE corridor is also being painted and new flooring is being laid.

Following this, renovation will take place in a variety of areas of the school.

RECENTLY the new principal teacher of art, Lesley Parham, joined the school. Mrs Parham, a former pupil, said she is delighted to be back in Queen Margaret and she is loving her new job.

ON Friday, January 23, a meeting was held of the Pupil Council. Pupils suggested ways in which their budget could be spent. There will be another meeting of the Pupil Council early this week to make a final decision on the spend.

FOR another year running, Mr Gray has organised a ski trip to Aviemore. The trip will take place from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, and the group will stay in the Carrbridge Hotel.

ON Saturday, February 28, a group of our enthusiastic staff and pupils will fly to Italy to rejoice in the powdery snow of the Italian Alps. The group will return from Pila on Saturday, March 7.

THREE pupils will be attending the indoor track and field championships on Thursday, February 5. These skilled youngsters have attained the Scottish Qualifying Standards in their events. They are: Gary McLeod – 60m, Ceara Gracie – long jump, and Sarah Cassells – 1500m.