Scottish Parliament visit

Our S1 BBC School News reporters had a very interesting visit to the Scottish Parliament to interview our local MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, Ms. Cathy Jamieson. Ms. Jamieson spoke to the reporters about the parliament building and her career as an MSP. Also, the reporters had the opportunity to see the debate chamber where the process of how a debate is conducted and the voting system was explained to them. Ms. Jamieson also showed the reporters behind the scenes in her office and the ‘think pod’. The reporters also met Lord Foulkes of Cumnock who spoke to them about the BBC project and their school life. Everyone really enjoyed their visit and would like to thank Ms. Jamieson and her staff for arranging the trip.

Cathy Forde

For the Spring Read programme we were delighted when the famous writer Cathy Forde, author of books Fat Boy Swim, Sugar-coated and Drowning Pond, visited the school. She spoke to our S1/2 pupils alongside pupils from Auchinleck and St. Joseph’s Academies about her work. She chatted about where she gets her ideas and how she turns them into stories. Ms. Forde then answered questions from the audience. Everyone found her a motivating speaker and the pupils are very keen to read more of her books.

S1 Netball

Doon Academy’s S1 netball team secured their first ‘non-loss’ against Ardrossan Academy! Tammy Reid and Sophie Dobbie took us sailing through the first half of the game and we were up 3-2 after 10 minutes. After a few changes to the seaside-based school in the second half, Ardrossan were beating the Doon Valley crew by 5 points to 4. With one final burst and some fantastic defending from Claire Boyd and Lauren Shaw, Jade Scott pulled another net out the bag and secured a 5-5 draw for Doon Academy. Well done to Paige McMahon and Raegan Heggie for the role they played as wings for the team. Also, special thanks to Nicola Cameron for coming along as back up for potential injury prone players. Well-done girls!

Glasgow School of Art

As part of the continuing work with the FOCUS West Project (formerly GOALS) the Art Department welcomed 5 students from the Glasgow School of Art. The students are working with pupils from all year groups and the ideas generated have already produced some really exciting artwork.

Art Club

Supported Study for all Art and Design students will take place every Wednesday and Thursday until the Easter holidays. Due to this Ms. Fuller’s Art Club has now moved to the Thursday after school. All pupils are welcome to attend.

Dalmellington Church

3 rd Year Doon Academy students in the Motor Vehicle and Fabrication Department have been working in the community at Dalmellington parish Church. The students are reinstating the gates and railings after modifications to allow disabled access to the church. Well Done boys for your community involvement.

Dalmellington Chr

3 rd Year Doon Academy students in the Motor Vehicle and Fabrication Department have been working in the community at Dalmellington parish Church. The students are reinstating the gates and railings after modifications to allow disabled access to the church. Well Done boys for your community involvement.

Burns Supper

Doon Academy’s 10th anniversary Burns Supper was attended by over 100 people and was a tremendous success. The top table guests included President of our Burns Club Lesley Baird, East Ayrshire’s Director of Education and Social Services Graham Short, Councillor Elaine and Mr Lawrie Dinwoodie, Councillor Filson, Karen McArthur and Margaret Skilling President of Alloway Burns Club. Kelsey Dunn from 5th year was an able chairperson and kept everyone in order. Piper, Ian Edgar, piped in the haggis, which was superbly addressed by 4th year pupil Sophie Murphy. Head Teacher Patrick O’Rourke gave the Selkirk Grace and everyone had a wonderful feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by steak pie, shortbread made by Mrs. McLatchie and ginger wine made by Mrs Reid. The meal was catered by Elspeth Edgar and her team and splendidly served by 1st year pupils. The entertainment was outstanding from our performers. Kyle McCormick presented an interesting and informative Immortal Memory to the Bard in this his 250th anniversary year. Burns winners Lauren Shaw and Fiona Kennedy performed their winning recitations and the 2nd year drama group gave us an amusing skit on Address to the Toothache. 6th year pupil David McLean gave us a haunting rendition on the tenor horn of My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. Graham Rowe wittily toasted the lassies and was humorously replied to by our President Lesley Baird. Lynne Gibson gave a personal and heartfelt Toast to the School. The evening would not be complete without a recitation from our Maths teacher Bryce Wilson who comically recited Holy Willie’s Prayer. Guest of Honour Margaret Skilling gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the guests. The evening ended with the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne with everyone commenting on what a wonderful night it had been.

RagBag Collection

The Eco Group, chaired by Mrs. Elder, would like to thank all pupils and staff who participated in the recent Rag Bag collection. We have received a cheque for £52.80 for collecting 176 kilograms of textiles. This money will be invested in future eco projects within the school. The next Rag Bag collection will take place in six months time.

PE Pupils of the month

In PE, S1 pupils of the month are Jade Scott and Mark McLean. Both received sporting gifts and a certificate. Congratulations to both of them.

Valentine's Roses

The ASDAN group have been raising funds by selling roses for Valentine’s Day. They have sold over 50 which just goes to show romance is alive and well at Doon Academy!

Art Trip

The Art Department is busy arranging a trip for senior pupils to see a fashion show at the Glasgow School of Art. This will assist the pupils in helping them create their designs for our forthcoming fashion show.

Mardi Gras

Pupils in French celebrated Madri Gras Pancake Day by making and tasting French crepes spread with either chocolate, jam or sugar and lemon juice. Everyone really enjoyed their pancakes.

U Can Do It 2!

All S2 attended the U Can Do It 2! Roadshow at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. There were many displays and demonstrations from various companies and organisations including the Fire Brigade, Royal Navy and Kilmarnock College. Everyone had a great time learning about the different careers.

Are you stressed?

Nurse Karen Egan is holding lunchtime drop-in sessions. If anyone is feeling down or stressed about anything please pop in to see her in her room.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award pupils attended an outdoor day, which involved walking, expedition training and first aid.
Robert McDowall and Gavin McFadzean are busy helping Dalmellington Primary Football Team as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. Well Done boys!

Dog sledging

The Motor Vehicle and Fabrication Department has a world famous new member of staff. Keith Johnstone is 3 times world champion at dog sledge racing. Keith is helping pupils in their current project, which is to fabricate a single dog sledge; this will allow pupils to have the opportunity to try dog musshing. We will keep you posted on their progess!

Burns Art Competition

Congratulations to the winners of the Burns art competition, S2 pupil Jack Allsop and S3 pupil Nicole McAllister. Lesley Baird, President of Doon’s Burns Club judged the competition and was very impressed with the quality of the art designs. Nicole’s design will be on the front cover of the Burns Supper programme. Well Done to everyone who took part in the competition.

Student Teachers

We wish a warm welcome to our student teachers Ms. Eibhlin Corrigan in English, Ms. Shade Smith in PE and Dr. Misbah Nur in Biology. They will be in school from 2nd February to the Friday 13th March.

Cragrats

The theatre group Cragrats were in school to perform their alcohol awareness play ‘Wasted’ to all S1 pupils. The actors then held workshops to reinforce the message of the play. The BBC School News Reporters interviewed Mike Ward one of the actors and he spoke to them about his life and work.

Burns Supper Tickets

Tickets are selling fast for the school’s annual Burns Supper, which will take place on Thursday 12th February. This year’s Address to the Haggis will be presented by Sophie Murphy and our MC is 5th year pupil Kelsey Dunn. Also, there will be musical interlude from the choir. Tickets are £5.00 and available from Mrs. Cassidy 01292 550521.

Fashion Show

FOCUS West Students from Glasgow School of Art visited the Art Department to meet staff and pupils. The students will be working with Doon’s pupils on coursework and with planning the fashion show.

Red Nose Day

For Red Nose Day in March, Doon Academy teachers will play Dalmellington Primary teachers at netball. Team players are still to be confirmed. Watch this space.

Drama

Community Link Worker, Ciss McCreadie is in school working on a drama project with pupils in S1 and S2. Ciss is hoping the pupils will be able to perform a skit to primary pupils.

Stained Glass

Miss Fuller’s 2R Art class are going to be creating decorative stained glass panels for the window on the art staircase in the school.

Construction Work Experience

S4 pupils, Jordan McCrone, Nicky Dobson, Aaron Wigglesworth, Tazmyn Hearton, participated in the Construction Work Experience week based at the Cumnock Campus of Kilmarnock College. The pupils enjoyed their week and learned many new skills.

Business Education Roadshow

Pupils from S2 recently attended a Business Education and Computing Roadshow in the Community Centre. Various businesses and organisations from the local area attended and pupils were involved in workshop activities. The day was designed to give pupils a taste of skills required and jobs which would be available with those skills in the world of Business and Computing. Thanks to all businesses and organizations that readily agreed to take part. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils. Mrs Stewart, Mrs MacKenzie and Mr Power of the Business Education and ICT Department accompanied pupils.