15th May 2008

Mr O’Rourke is the Scottish representative presenting a School Showcase at an international conference in Belfast this week. His topic is ‘Well-being in Doon Academy.’ We are all proud that our school is being recognized for its achievements.
Some of our S3/4 leadership graduates have been asked to give a presentation to Clackmannanshire Headteachers at their conference in the Westerwoods Hotel, Cumbernauld on Thursday of this week.
Leadership graduates will also be holding workshops for our P7s during the Doon Learning Partnership Literacy & Numeracy Day next week.
The Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop is visiting the school on Monday afternoon. The focus for her visit is to discuss and view the positive changes that have been made in Doon through our participation in the Schools of Ambition and 2020 Vision programmes.
During a recent visit to the ‘U can do it 2’ Roadshow at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Ashleigh Mitchell and Jennifer Phillips together won second prize in the fashion contest competition organized by Ayr College. The competition was to dress a dummy with materials supplied by the college. The girls have been invited to the College catwalk show where they will see their garment modelled. The garment will then be available for display in the school from July. Congratulations to Ashleigh and Jennifer.
Ten S2 boys went on an Ocean Youth Trust Scotland sailing trip with Billy Tomlinson and Mrs Bax. The boat sailed from Rhu to Oban via Arran, Gigha, Jura and Tobermory. The weather was good but the wind was too gentle and they had to motor a great deal. Everyone had a great time though cooking and cleaning for themselves as well sailing the yacht.
The Barcelona Trip information evening for parents will be held on Wednesday 21st May in the school library.
The Art Department staff is excited that the mobile art gallery exhibition ‘Re/trato’ will be visiting the school on the 4th June. Pupils and staff will be able to board the bus to view and admire the exhibits.
S2 pupils took part in the Maths examinations for the Scottish Programme of Achievement. This programme records how results from East Ayrshire compare to other areas in Scotland.
7 staff and 15 pupils are presently attending the Leadership Academy at Dalguise. More news on this event in next week.
The Doon Academy cricket teams won both their matches against Wellington School. The S1/2 team won by 6 wickets and the 3rd year team by 5 wickets. Man of the Match in 3rd year game was Cameron McCrorie. Well done boys and good luck for the summer season.
The staff in the French department have taken advantage of the good weather to teach pupils the art of petanque (French bowls). Also Majorie Kippert the French Assistante has been teaching pupils the ‘Hokey Cokey’ in French!
Pupils and staff from the Support for Learning Base visited the Glasgow Museum of Transport. They sat in Harry Potter’s car and the Balamory minibus, and saw the flight deck of Concorde. Everyone had a really great day.