Paris Trip

Three students from the Higher French class, Jade Neil, Kerry Kennedy and Stephanie Smith, accompanied by Mrs.McKenzie PT Modern Languages had a fantastic 2 days in Paris. The group visited many of the famous sights including the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and the Notre Dame. The students practised their French buying souvenirs and ordering crepes and snails. Bravo a toutes!

Ayrshire Leader Fund

Senior pupils have been discussing, with Sarah Baird from the Ayrshire Leader Fund, how to develop a number of exciting ideas relating to health, the arts and astronomy. The school staff and pupils are looking forward to seeing how these ideas can be embedded into the curriculum.

Coffee Morning

The Supported Learning Centre held a coffee morning to raise funds for Yorkhill Hospital for Children. Parents and staff were treated to a scrumptious feast of goodies whilst supporting a worthy cause.

Sailing fundraising

The Doon Academy Ocean Youth Trust Group has begun fundraising for their next trip. They are hoping to take 12 pupils sailing next June from Oban out round the islands. The trip will be open to any pupils from S3 upward who is keen to get involved with the fundraising and preparations. Previous trips have been very successful even if the weather hasn't been that good. Pupils gain a great sense of achievement from overcoming obstacles such as seasickness. They achieve success at sea from steering the boat, cooking for 18 people, hauling up the sails and tacking the boat. Their personal growth stands them in good stead when they return to school. The group are hoping that people will support their fundraising efforts.

Netball success

On Thursday 3rd December, Doon Academy notched up another netball victory. The home game against Kyle 3 was much anticipated after the previous away game against Kyle 2. Our super shooters, Jade Scott and Halle Fitzsimmons didn’t disappoint, scoring 5 in the first half. The dazzling defence unit of Claire Boyd and Lauren Shaw ensured Kyle had no chance of scoring. Varri Murdoch was a captivating centre and our wonderful wings, Paige McMahon and Annabel McTaggart, made sure there was always someone to pass to. Shannon Brown came on to play in the second half and the team scored another 3 points, making the final result 8-0. Well done to all players, particularly Claire Boyd who went home with the Player of the Match Award. This makes Doon Academy currently joint top of the league. The hard work is now paying off!

Cooking in the Kitchen

Congratulations to S3 pupil Jack Allsop who visited Ayrshire chef Rosemary Allan as part of his prize for winning the ‘Cooking in the Kitchen with Rosemary Competition’. Jack made his signature dishes; Pork Leg with sage stuffing and home made gravy followed by chocolate sponge pudding and custard. Jack accompanied by his mother had a wonderful day with Rosemary he said, “It was brilliant. I made friends with the other winners and their families. My mum also had a great time.”

Prelims

S4 pupils are currently sitting their prelim exams for their standard grade courses. They will sit their Higher Still prelims in February. The school staff and pupils extend a warm welcome to our invigilators under the leadership of our new Chief Invigilator Joyce Klimeck.

Student Teachers

Our student teachers Lyndsay Gilbertson in Biology and Dale Watt in PE have now returned to college. We thank them for all their help and wish them well in their future careers.

New Depute Head Teacher

Congratulations to Lyndsay McRoberts who was successful at interview and appointed to the post of Depute Head Teacher.

Accelerated Reader success

At an S2 pupils assembly pupils received certificates celebrating their success at moving up one or 2 levels within the Accelerated Reader programme. Three outstanding pupils, Jordan Berretti, William Paton and Mark McLean have achieved Advanced Reader and Mark is now up to the Star Reader level. Congratulations to all our readers.

Road Safely Talk

As part of National Road Safety week Strathclyde Police Officers visited the school and spoke to S1 pupils about keeping themselves safe while walking.

Statistically young people between the ages of 11 to14 are the most at risk group for getting injured whilst walking. The talk was followed up in PSE classes by lessons from a pack called “Your Call” which was developed with Road Safety Scotland.

Keep safe S1!

Alcohol awareness

S4 pupils took part in a pilot programme on Alcohol Awareness created by the British Institute of Innkeeping. The Scottish Certificate in Alcohol Awareness was developed to support government initiatives to raise awareness of alcohol issues among youths.

Most pupils were successful in passing the exam at the end of the six-week course and received the BIIAB Certificate in Alcohol Awareness at a presentation ceremony opened by Doon Valley councillor Drew Filson. Kilmarnock FC supported the event by sending two players, Cameron Bell and Lee Robinson to award the certificates.

Alice Cardwell-Hodges, International Development Director for the BIIAB said “I am delighted that pupils at Doon Academy have found the course so beneficial”. The programme has been well received by pupils, parents and teachers and will be rolled out to other secondary schools in East Ayrshire. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this worthwhile pilot.

Christmas concert

The Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday 10th December, 7pm – 9pm. Tickets cost £2.00 for adults £1.00 for children and are available from the school or various establishments in Dalmellington.

Pupils have made calendars and novelty bags as part of the school’s enterprise scheme these will be sold during the school’s Christmas Concert.

FOCUS West

As part of the FOCUS West programme senior pupils in Art will meet with tutors from Glasgow School of Art to discuss their portfolios and development needs.

Thanks

The Art Department would like to thank everyone who gave their assistance during the Doon Academy Art Exhibition. They are very grateful for the support of people in the local community and the Doon Valley Museum