French Assistant

Pupils and staff say ‘Bienvenue’ to our new French Assistant Andre Valente. Andre is from Toulouse in France and he is delighted to be in Scotland and at Doon Academy assisting pupils with their knowledge of the French language and culture.

Body Attack Club

Ms Griffin is running an after-school body attack club on Thursdays after school. Parents, pupils and teachers are all welcome to attend.

Leadership course

A group of S3 pupils will be attending a leadership course in partnership with Kilmarnock College. The course will be held in Kilmarnock and will be running from the 6th to the 10th of October. The course will be Arts orientated.

Supported Study

The Maths Department will be running Supported Study sessions after school on Wednesdays. They advise all pupils to regularly attend these sessions.

Gala Concert

East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service Gala Concert will be held on Wednesday 1st October 7.30pm in the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock.

Work experience

S4 pupils are busy preparing for their work experience, which will be held the week of 6th to 10th October.

Guitar Club

Mr. Paton’s guitar club meets every Wednesday after school. All pupils interested in learning to play the guitar are welcome to attend.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award members are completing their service award and raising sponsorship by washing staff cars.

Competition Winner

Congratulations to S2 pupil Robbie Welsh who became the International Champion at the Young Handlers Sheepdog competition. Robbie with his sheepdog Maid competed against young handlers from different countries to win the trophy.

Sponsored Walk

Doon Academy’s ‘Craigengillan Estate’ sponsored walk will be held on Thursday 18th September. Pupils have their sponsorship forms and we are hoping for a record amount this year to be raised.

New Teachers

Welcome to new teachers Ms Griffin in the PE Department and Mr Richardson in Physics. We hope you enjoy working with the pupils and staff of Doon Academy.

European Day of Languages

On the 26th September all S1 pupils will be taking part in the ‘European Day of Languages’. There are many activities planned including food tasting, quizzes and learning European dances

Leadership Academy

The launch of the 08/09 Doon Academy Leadership Academy was held at the school. The Leadership Academy is cleverly structured to bring out the best in pupils, hone their leadership skills, develop self awareness and gain more confidence not only in working as part of a team but also individually. S3 pupils are given the opportunity to take part in leadership courses in Dalguise, or workshops with Kilmarnock College or on a sailing adventure with the Youth Ocean Trust.

Cricket

Cricket training will resume in school at lunch times. There will also be after school training on Mondays’ beginning in October. Alan McDonald and Robert McDowell played alongside Willie Rowan and represented Prestwick in the U18’s National cricket final. Our technician in the technical department Mr White has been re-appointed county coach for 2009 following the successful 2008 season. Thank you to Minerals Trust for their kind donation to our cricket team. The donation will help towards funds for a minibus for away games and cricketing equipment.

Competition winner

Reece Wigglesworth of S2 has won a competition for his artwork, which will be featured in a banner signifying Cumnock's heritage and history. Reece with Mrs Humes and Mr. O’Rourke attended a ceremony for the unveiling of the banner. Congratulations Reece from everyone at Doon Academy.

Higher Education Convention

Senior pupils attended a Higher Education Convention on Wednesday the 27th of August. The convention was designed to help students gain the most out of their education, whether they intend to go on to university or employment. The convention gave pupils the chance to speak to a wide range of advisors, helping them decide what path they want to take when they leave secondary school.

Sheep dog trials success

Congratulations to S2 pupil Robbie Welsh who has been selected to represent Scotland in the national sheep-dog trials. Robbie with his sheepdog, Maid, will be competing with dog handlers from across the UK. Good Luck Robbie.

European Day of Languages

S1 pupils and the Modern Languages Department are busy preparing for the European Day of Languages on the 26th September.

William Rowan

Former pupil William Rowan is being shipped off to Australia. He will be heading to the cricket academy in Sydney for three months as part of his first year of his scholarship at Edinburgh’s Telford College. We wish him well in his cricketing career.