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

Children in Need Talent Show

Congratulations to all the acts who performed in the Children In Need Talent Show. The show was a tremendous success and collectively with the non-uniform day, baking stall and face painting it raised over £500 for this worthy cause. Well done to the two winning acts S1 pupil Nicky Fairbairn who danced her way to top, and the senior girls with their tribute to Michael Jackson. Many thanks to the school captains and prefects who organised the event.

Art Exhibition

Many local dignitaries, together with pupils, parents and staff from the school community, attended the opening of the Doon Academy Art Exhibition at the Doon Valley Museum. The visitors were all eager to see the pupils work and they were delighted at the quality of artwork on display. The exhibition is on until the 5th December and the museum is open Thurs – Sat 11am – 5pm.

Crhistmas 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. There will be refreshments, raffle and a sale of Christmas goodies.

Car Boot Sale

The Senior Prom Committee is raising money for their prom in June to be held at the Western House Hotel. They are holding a car boot sale on Sunday 6th December. Any donations of bric-a-brac would be most welcome.

FOCUS West

The FOCUS West Top-Up programme for pupils in S5/6 applying to university, for entry in 2010, will begin on Thursday 10th December. Lecture staff from the University of Glasgow will visit the school to conduct workshops and prepare students for their seminar and lecture visits at the university.

Credit Union

The S1/S2 Credit Union holds lunchtime sessions on a Thursday in GP1. Pupils are busy saving up for Christmas. The credit union will be opened up for all year groups in January.

Christmas Concert

The Art Department is busy making the scenery and props for the Christmas show. They have been making calendars and gift bags with sweets to sell at the event. Well done to Nicole McCallister whose Christmas drawing of Loch Doon has been chosen as the cover for the Concert programme.

Fantasy Football success

William Paton in S2 gained the top score during the pre-season for the Fantasy Football League run by the Maths department. He was awarded a collection of books for his management skills. Congratulations and possibly a future career as a new Scotland football manager in the making!

Christmas Concert

The Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday 10th December, 7pm – 9pm. Tickets cost £3.00 for adults £1.00 for children and are available from the school or various establishments in Dalmellington. There were be refreshments, raffle and a sale of Christmas goodies.

Prom Car boot sale

The Senior Prom Committee is raising money for their prom in June to be held at the Western House Hotel. They are holding a car boot sale on Sunday 6th December. Any donations of bric-a-brac would be most welcome.