Children In Need Talent Show

Congratulations to our own Oasis tribute band, Gavin McFadzean, Darren McLelland and Connor Adam, who were the winners of the Children in Need Talent Show. The show featured some very talented pupils and we were delighted that Elvis, also known as guidance teacher Steven Kelly, was in the building and available to compere the event. The tremendous sum of £388.55 was raised at the show. The staff versus pupils football match was closely contested by all taking part with the final score 6-3 to staff. Well done to everyone who took part in our Children in Need activities.

Chef's Demonstration

S5/6 Hospitality pupils were delighted that John Fowler the Head Chef of the Horizon Hotel in Ayr visited the school. The pupils worked with John to make Béchamel sauce, chicken and fish veloute sauces. John brought in a range of equipment from the hotel to show the pupils what he used in the kitchen. He also did a demonstration of cutting up vegetables using different cuts; these are skills the students will have to use in their exam. John finished off by cooking a smoked fish dish and a chicken dish, using the sauces the students had prepared. He plated the food up to showing the students how to make the food look attractive by using different cuts of vegetables, and different garnish techniques. John will be returning to the school in a few weeks.

Higher Photography

Mr MacKenzie’s Higher Photography class enjoyed a visit from Ayr photographer, Mr Graham Pollock. Mr Pollock spent time with the photography students and gave advice on camera techniques and studio lighting. Several of the students also had their work reviewed by our expert visitor. The event was arranged through Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce who is supporting improvements to the school's links with employers and businesses. We look forward to Graham's next visit, later in the course.

Poppy Collection

All pupils in the SLC have been very busy over the remembrance period distributing and collecting Poppy Scotland collection cans to local business and community venues throughout the Doon Valley area. Pupils and staff would like to express their thanks to the outlets that have helped us to raise money through Poppy Scotland. Thank you as well to all the local residents who donated so generously especially those who frequent Drongan Spar who raised the single highest amount in excess of £150. The SLC pupils have been learning about enterprise and community participation during this project and have worked well with Mr. Ellis recording and counting the £1300 that has been raised. Well done to all staff and pupils involved in this worthy cause.

Shoebox Appeal

S3 Asdan pupils, Zoe Gibson, Demi McCreadie, Amy Fulton and Rachel Maxey together with Mrs Woods delivered 18 shoe boxes to St Leonard’s Church in Ayr for the Operation Child Appeal. The area coordinator, Anne Parnaby, told them some very interesting information about the recipient countries for the shoe boxes and how much they are appreciated by the children who receive them.

Employability Group

The S4 Employability Group working with Tammy Borthwick had a visit from Lynsay Hewittson, Wedding Coordinator, from Lochside House Hotel, New Cumnock. Lynsay spoke to the group about her role within the busy hotel and then answered the many questions put to her concerning her career.

Christmas Concert

Doon Academy’s Christmas Concert will be held in the school hall on Thursday 9th December from 7pm. Tickets are priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children and are available from the school office or Ms. McClue in the Maths department. The evening promises to be a splendid occasion with music, singing, dancing, Christmas raffle and a pantomime.

Assemblies

Our pupils were pleased to listen to assembly addresses from Mrs Stewart and Mr Ellis. Mrs Stewart's topic was an inspiring person, Nick Vujicic. Pupils watched a brief and touching DVD sequence about this young Australian who has overcome severe disabilities to become an amazing role model for young people - and everyone. Naomi Allan (S2) said, "Even though Nick doesn't have arms or legs he still lives his life as best he can". Alistair Paton of S4 thought that Nick's example "makes you realise that your life is really good when he [Nick] can be so positive despite his disabilities".

Mr Ellis led our assemblies in the week leading up to Remembrance Day. As a sailor in the Royal Naval Reserve Mr Ellis has recently served as a driver, attached to the Royal Marines, in Iraq and Afghanistan. His presentations highlighted the effects of these conflicts on the lives of ordinary people and especially the injured servicemen who require care and support for the rest of their lives. Kirsty McCormick (S2) said, "Mr Ellis described an incident that he witnessed and which affected his friends. It was quite upsetting". Dillan Dunn (S4) said of the assembly, "It makes you think about the folk that are over there - especially when you know some of them". Collections for Poppy Scotland were supported by pupils and staff after the assemblies.

Netball success

S3 netball team played against Kyle Academy. Having been beaten to the cup by Kyle at the end of last season, Doon was fired up and ready to go on their rival’s arrival. The game got off to a flying start with both teams scoring quickly after the first whistle. Paige McMahon showed great skill by getting in front of her opposition and intercepting several passes. Claire Boyd also showed talent and enthusiasm by preventing several of Kyle’s attackers getting to a position to score. Sophie Dobbie and Jade Scott managed to get several more shots on target and took our team to a 5-4 win at half time. With Annabel McTaggart taking Tammy Reid’s bib and Lauren Shaw moving into Goal Keeper, the second half saw Kyle quickly draw. Varri Murdoch did a sterling job of controlling play in her centre position and managed to get the ball to our attackers allowing them to score twice. Kyle made an attempt to catch up by scoring another goal but could not get any more. Final score ended at 7-6 to Doon. Well done to all.

SLC Coffe Morning

The Supported Learning Centre is hosting a Community Coffee Morning on Friday 3rd December 10am – 12 noon. There will be a nearly new sale, arts and crafts, raffle and a game of Bingo at 11.15am. All are welcome to attend and entry is by donation.

Parent's evening

Parents evening for S4/5/6 pupils will be held on Wednesday 1st December 5pm to 7.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to visit class teachers and discuss their child’s progress before prelim examinations for some Standard Grades in December and Intermediates/Highers beginning at the end of January. If you wish to make an appointment please contact the school office 01292 – 550521.

Scholar sessions for S5/6

Brian Dickson from Scholar visited the school and presented an introduction to Scholar to S5 and a more advanced session to S6 pupils. Scholar is an online revision programme which is very relevant to pupils undertaking Highers in Art and Design, Business Management, French, Maths and all the Sciences.

Art Gallery Bus

The travelling art gallery bus and artists visited the school and was an outstanding success. Classes from Art and Social Subjects boarded the bus and everyone enjoyed viewing the exhibition which was very bright and colourful. Meanwhile, 14 senior pupils worked in the Art department with Rabi, one of the featured artists. Their work was influenced by what they had seen on board the gallery and at the end of the day everyone had produced a very individual piece of work.

Christmas Concert

Doon Academy’s Christmas Concert will be held in the school hall on Thursday 9th December from 7pm. Tickets are priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children and are available from the school office or Ms. McClue in the Maths department. The evening promises to be a jubilant occasion with music, singing, dancing, Christmas raffle and a pantomime.

Supported study

Supported study for S4/5/6 pupils is on Wednesday and Thursday after school and some lunchtimes. Please see class teachers for details.

Shoebox Appeal

The shoeboxes for the Christmas appeal have now been completed and will be delivered to St. Leonard’s church. Thank you to everyone who supported this worthwhile appeal and to Mrs. Wood, Ms. McClue, Mrs Murray and the S3 Asdan group for organising the boxes.

Netball against Cumnock

Doon kicked off their netball season with two games against Cumnock 1 and Cumnock 2. Our girls started off strong against Cumnock 1, with Sophie Dobbie scoring 2 amazing points from the circle edge. Jade Scott helped with another few points and together they had earned Doon 6 points against Cumnock 1’s 4 points. Our girls came back on to court in high spirits but unfortunately our defence system consisting of Claire Boyd, Lauren Shaw and Paige McMahon were unable to stop 8 more goals coming in from the opposition. With the help of Annabel McTaggart and Tammy Reid, our attackers, managed to score another two nets, which brought our final score to 12-8. A narrow defeat but a well played game. With only 5 minutes rest, our girls were back on court for their second game that day against Cumnock 2. The game started off in a scrappy manner, and even resulted in an injury that meant Reagan Heggie had to come on as a substitute. Fortunately our girls were in the way of the game by this time and Sophie and Jade scored several nets in quick succession, taking the score to 7-3 by the first half. By the second half, our girls were on fire, scoring goal after goal. Cumnock managed another goal but this could not hold against Doon’s 13 points. Final score ended at 13-4 to Doon. Special thanks go to Tammy Reid and Raegan Heggie for standing in at the last minute and congratulations goes to Lauren Shaw and Jade Scott for receiving Players of the Match!

Art Exhibition

The opening of the school’s annual art exhibition at the Doon Valley Museum will be held on the evening of the 16th December although the exhibition may be viewed from the 9th December.

S5/6 Parents' Evening

Parents evening for S4/5/6 pupils will be held on Wednesday 1st December 5pm to 7.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to visit class teachers and discuss their child’s progress before prelim examinations for some Standard Grades in December and Intermediates/Highers beginning at the end of January. If you wish to make an appointment please contact the school office 01292 – 550521.

Cricket training

Cricket winter training is now in session every Monday evening 6.30pm to 8pm with coach Mr. White. All pupils are welcome to attend.

Chef visit

John Fowler the Head Chef of the Horizon Hotel in Ayr will be visiting the school on Tuesday 23rd November to demonstrate cooking skills to S5/6 Hospitality students.

Skills Scotland

80 S4-S6 pupils attended the Skills Scotland Careers Event at the SECC Glasgow. Pupils had the opportunity to research and explore over 150 career areas and participated in interactive workshops. The event proved to be very successful and a worthwhile experience for the pupils.

East Ayrshire Learning Festival

Six of our senior pupils attended the East Ayrshire Learning Festival at Cumnock Academy on Saturday 1 November Nathan Gilmore and Jordan Kane of S4 manned a display which featured pupils' involvement in leadership activities such as the Ocean Youth Trust and the Citizenship programme. They also spoke to visitors about their work in the school's engineering department. Heather Dunn of S4 and Leanne Waugh of S5 delivered a presentation to the audience on the Dark Skies observatory project at Craigengillan Estate. Doon pupils have been involved in planning and securing funding for this exciting project which will attract star gazers to a new visitor centre and educational facility near Loch Doon. The area is officially classified as one of the best places in the world for studying planets in the night sky. Doon pupils are also developing the area’s reputation as a centre for art lovers. The school and working artists are creating an art trail which will link existing and new sculptures at the school, the town and in Craigengillan Estate. This project was presented to the audience by Megan McCleary of S4 and Gordon Copeland of S6. The pupils said the project would soon be attracting art lovers, families and walkers to the lovely landscape in and around Dalmellington.
The pupils were accompanied by DHT Mr MacKenzie, Mr Ellis, and Mr Tomlinson who is a Kilmarnock College engineering lecturer.

Asdan Bronze Awards

Congratulations to S4 pupils Dara Murphy and Craig McInnes who have completed their Bronze Awards for Asdan. They will receive their awards in December.

Match Fit 2010

Congratulations to S2 pupils who completed Match Fit 2010 with Kilmarnock Football Club. The pupils attended the club every Monday for 6 weeks and completed activities designed around Health and Well-Being.

MicMacs

S3 and S4 French pupils visited the Odeon Cinema Ayr to see a free showing of the film MicMacs as part of Film Education Week. The film is a satire on the world arms trade and was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Although the film deals with a serious issue, the story has many hilarious and bizarre episodes. The visit was a great success and enjoyed very much by pupils and staff.

Remembrance Day Assemblies

Mr. Ellis has been holding year group assemblies to inform pupils about the significance of Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal.

Marines visit

The Royal Marines Commando Unit was in the school working with pupils on team building exercises. Amongst the many activities was bridge building and rugby.

Love Music

Pupils in S3 to S6 music classes visited the Love Music event at the Grand Hall Kilmarnock for the Electric Loops concert.

SkillsScotland visit

S4/5/6 pupils will be visiting the Skills Scotland careers event at the SECC in Glasgow. There will be hands on interactive features to give pupils a taste of different future career options.

"Routes for All" workshops

S6 pupils took part in the FOCUS West ‘Routes for all’ workshops. The activities are designed to be challenging but fun and they provide pupils with important skills for education and employment. Lecturers and university students from the University of Strathclyde also gave information; advice and guidance on practical issues relating to Further and Higher Education. The pupils really enjoyed their day and found it very interesting and informative.

Halloween Disco

The Halloween Disco was a raving success with pupils and staff dressed in an eclectic range of outfits from Dracula to Snow White. Well done to the 6th year prefects and school captains for arranging the event.

Cricket success

Congratulations to the Doon Academy Cricket Team who are the winners of the West of Scotland Schools Plate competition with their victory over Alloa Academy. Well done and thank you to Mr. White for his coaching of the team. The trophy will be presented to the cricket team captain S5 pupil Robert McDowall at a prize giving event at the Ayr Cricket Club on Thursday 2nd December.

Toy Story 3

All S1 pupils visited the Odeon Cinema in Ayr to see Toy Story 3 as part of the Film Education week. The film reinforces the themes of friendship and belonging which have been the focus of their PSE classes.

S5 Routes for All workshop

S5 pupils took part in the FOCUS West ‘Routes for all’ workshops. The activities are designed to be challenging but fun and they provide pupils with important skills for education and employment. Lecturers and university students from the University of Strathclyde also gave information; advice and guidance on practical issues relating to Further and Higher Education. The pupils really enjoyed their day and found it very interesting and informative.

S3 Campus Day

The FOCUS West Campus Day for S3 pupils will be held on 7th December at the University of West of Scotland (Paisley Campus). 30 S3 pupils will tour the campus and learn about life at university.

Christmas

The Christmas Concert will be held on the evening of Thursday 16th December. More details in the coming weeks.

Burns Competition

S1/2 pupils are busy learning their Burns poems for the Burns Verse Speaking Competition. The Grand Final will take place in the school in December. Good Luck to everyone taking part.

Shoebox Appeal

Thank you to everyone who has donated items for the Shoebox Appeal. Ms. McClue and Mrs Woods still need stationery items, hats, scarves and gloves, non-chocolate sweets, soap, facecloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes and toys. Pupils may give donated items to maths teachers at the start of their lessons.

Willow Workshops

Local artist Geoff Forrest has been teaching pupils the art of willow weaving during workshops in the school. The pupils’ designs will be used as part of the ‘Art Trail’ to be established in Dalmellington.

Ayrshire Netball success

Congratulations to S3 pupil Lauren Shaw who was selected to play for the Ayrshire Netball Team and has played in 4 games for the team. Lauren helped the team to winning success in 3 of the games.

New Chemistry teacher

Doon Academy staff and pupils bid a warm welcome to our new chemistry teacher Mrs Grey.

Travelling Art Gallery

The travelling Art Gallery will be visiting the school on Thursday 11th November. Alongside other activities there will be a workshop for senior pupils with one of the visiting artists.