There are 4 pairs of unclaimed wellingtons from the above excursion in our Lost Property area.   Could those who participated in the trip please check that they have all their belongings and that these wellingtons are not theirs!!   Thank you.

Stirling High Press Release

SHS Spring Clean

On Friday 20 April, as part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign Stirling High embarked on a very energetic Spring Clean of the school and the surrounding areas. This year three 1st year classes led by Head Teacher Mrs Scullion, Technicians and PE staff all took a group and went to different areas to see how much rubbish could be found. On the way round some pupils observed birds going into bins and pulling out rubbish. Some pupils saw quite a few broken glass bottles and quite a lot a general household waste. All in all they managed to collect over 10 bin bags of rubbish from our lanes and hedges. Stirling High works very hard to try to minimise litter and we litter pick every Thursday with the local community. We have done this since we came to our new school over 4 years ago. Our hard work needs to continue and we are striving to improve our surroundings as much as we can.

Enterprise Day

Last Wednesday all 160 S1 pupils were off timetable for the day taking part in our 4th Annual Enterprise Day.? Pupils began the day with a series of team building challenges before visiting 4 zones – Numeracy, Literacy, Health and Wellbeing and Science – before ending the day with some reflection and a chance to view the images from the day.? A huge thanks to all our S3 helpers for taking a leading role in guiding the first years through the many challenges.

Basketball

Congratulations to Nadia Miller who has been selected for the Scotland U12 Basketball Girls Team.   At present the team are preparing to compete in Gotebert Basketball Festival this month.   Good luck and well done Nadia!!

Senior Alton Towers

All pupils who are attending the Excursion on the 8th June must attend a meeting on Wednesday 6th June at 1.20pm in the Assembly hall. ATTENDANCE IS VITAL.

UK Junior Games?

Scott MacArthur of S4 is currently on international duty with the Scottish team at the UK Junior Games in London. We are all watching the various BBC reports from the games hoping to see his performances. To be selected for this event and to compete at the Olympic venue is a fantastic achievement for Scott. We are all extremely proud of him and his achievements.

S3 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

There will be a meeting today after school to go over the FINAL details before the practise expedition this Friday.? This will be in Mrs Aiken’s room (111) at 3.30 and will finish at about 4.45pm.? It is essential that all pupils attend.? Please make sure that consent forms have been handed in by today at the latest.? Kit (that has been previously requested) will be distributed at this time.

Scottish Maths Challenge Second Round

The results are in for the two rounds of this year’s Scottish Maths Challenge.   A hearty well done to all those who took part and a special mention and big congratulations to Ailig Struthers and Elliott Lawrence both achieving a GOLD award and Rhys Houston who claimed a BRONZE.    There will be a presentation this evening for this on 6th June at 1.45pm-3.20pm at Stirling University.   Please see K Withey for further information.

Badminton

Badminton will not run for the next three Mondays but will continue with the new time table on Monday 4th June.

History Trip Wellies

All pupils who attended the History trip to Belgium and left their wellies with Mrs Abernethy, please collect them from School Office asap.

Scottish Schools’ Athletic Association?Track and Field Championships

This will take place on Friday 8th June 2012 and Saturday 9th June 2012 at Grangemouth Stadium. Could any pupils interested in competing at the championships please see Mr Sutherland in form time either tomorrow, Thursday or Friday in Room 33. It will be a great opportunity for selected pupils to compete against the very best in Scotland. SSAA medals will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed athletes in each event. Standard Badges will be awarded to all pupils who equal or better the badge standard. Good luck to you all!

Race for Life

All entries have been completed and the packs will be arriving shortly. There will be a meeting today, Wednesday at Lunchtime (16th May)?in the Dance?Studio to confirm times, meeting area and to give out the fund raising pack. It is essential that all entrants attend. Any pupil who hasn’t paid yet or if any pupil still wants to join in, please speak to Miss Dawson asap.

Activity days 2012

Last day for payments is today, Wednesday 16th May! No payments will be taken after this date and any pupil who has not fully paid will be re-allocated to a free activity within the school.

Stirling High Press Release

 Battle of the Bands

Stirling High School band ’Little Men And Her’ recently won the inter Stirling Schools Battle of the Bands. The band made up of Rory Bain S6 pupil, Bridget Boswell – former pupil and Declan Corcoran former Dunblane pupil. Bands played at the Tolbooth with a guest performance from Miniature Dinosaurs. Little Men And Her recently released their first EP, available for download from iTunes!  

Lockers

Any senior pupil leaving school who has a locker should please empty it and return the key to the school office.  You will be re-imbursed with your deposit if applicable.

 S3 Reports

S3 Reports are due to go home on Wednesday 16^th May via schoolbag mail.

 SHARE Training

SHARE training for all S2 pupils takes place on Monday 14^th, Tuesday 15^th and Friday 18^th May.

 Senior Alton Towers

If you are interested in attending the excursion on Friday 8^th June, can you pop into the office to see Mrs Bolton.

 Activity Days

Activity day payments must be made either this morning during form time or next Wednesday 16^th at the latest.  Payments can only be made at this time.

 School Uniform

Letters were sent home last Wednesday via schoolbag mail regarding changes to school uniform.  If any pupil did not receive this letter please collect one from the school office.

 S5/6 Study Leave

Study leave for all S5/6 pupils began yesterday, Tuesday for all S5/6 pupils.  Any pupil who has still to hand in their study leave form please do so asap.

 Book Amnesty

Senior School Book Amnesty. Clear some space, reclaim those shelves and help us to restock ours!  The English department are holding an end of term Book Amnesty Prize Draw for S5/6 pupils. Return any English book to the English department – no questions asked! Get a free prize draw ticket with every book handed in to an English teacher. Don’t miss out on the chance to be the lucky one to win the £50 prize.

 Chess Championship

After a fantastic knock-out tournament the chess final was won by Oliver Simpson who beat Ian Brett in a close fought match.  Both boys have had encountered tough opponents throughout the competition with the chess club going from strength to strength. It will be back after the exams finish in early June.

LRC- Overdue Books

Could all 4th, 5th and 6th years please return their outstanding books to main reception if the LRC is closed.  Thank you.

U16 Basketball

A massive congratulations to the U16 Basketball Team who won the Balfron Invitational Shield. Hard fought victories over Balfron and Alva Academy in the morning secured Stirling High a place in the final. The team then faced tough competition in the final against Bearsden side Boclair Academy. Stirling played exceptionally well and cruised to a twenty point lead to take the title. Well done to Kenneth Makusha who was awarded the tournaments MVP (most valuable player). Other top individual performances came from Gregor Bain for most steals and James Lindsay for most blocks. The team is currently undefeated this season. Well done boys.  

Young Enterprise

A huge well done to our Young Enterprise team, Quill, who came second overall in this weeks’ Forth Valley Young Enterprise Finals.  Quill also picked up 2 awards for Best Business in the Community and Best Financial Report.  We are hugely proud of their successes.  Their hard work and legacy will continue next session as the school’s Fair Trade and Charity committees continue to run the successful Coffee Shop which runs in the community suite every Saturday morning.  

Senior Alton Towers

All senior pupils should make their final payment of £25 before study leave commences or you may lose your place on the bus.

 Inter-House Bake Off

A provisional date has been set for Stirling High’s first Junior (S1-S3) Inter House Bake-Off – THURSDAY 3RD MAY 2012 at 3.30pm until approximately 5pm.  Any pupil interested in baking and wants to win some points for their house please make sure they’ve signed up! Places are very limited so make sure the registration form has been filled in and handed in to Mrs Thomson’s room as soon as possible! First come first serve!”

Charity Auction for Strathcarron Hospice

On Thursday 19^th April, the Charities Committee hosted an Auction for Strathcarron Hospice. The night consisted of some fantastic music from Paul McArthur and Jack Jefferson and Little Men and Her, a raffle and of course, the auction. There were a range of fabulous items including a summer picnic hamper, beauty treatments and day trips. Over £1,000 was raised with every penny going to Starthcarron and a fabulous night was created for all.  Thanks to everyone for their support!

 PLAY RUGBY

Any pupil who wants to try something new or be part of a team or just another way to get fit.  Why not come down to the rugby clubs on a Monday after school for girls and a Wednesday for boys.  Clubs are taken by experienced coaches…no specialist equipment needed…. all age groups welcome.  Go On! Give it a go!!!!

Craft Club

A reminder that S1-S3 Craft club started last  Monday 30^th April @ 1.15pm in room 110.  All interested S1-S3 pupils are more than welcome!

Public Holiday

The school will be closed on Monday 7^th May to all pupils and staff for the May Holiday.  School resumes for all S1-S3 pupils at 8.55am Tuesday 8^th May.

 Italian club

Italian Club takes place in Miss Mariani’s room (114) tomorrow, Thursday from 1.10pm.  All welcome!

Study Leave

Would all S5/S6 pupils please ensure they hand in their study leave request forms to the office by Friday. Failure to do so will result in their attendance being marked as unauthorised.

S3 DUKE OF EDINBURGH

FIRST AID TRAINING – THURSDAY 3RD MAY AT 3.30-5.30. All pupils should meet Miss Christie in the hub outside the assembly hall wearing their PE kit. Again, this training is COMPULSORY and pupils will be unable to take part in the expedition if they do not complete this training.

Activity Days 2012

Payments for Activity Days will be taken for the next 2 consecutive Wednesdays only. Payments will be taken during form time in the social area and nowhere else. No money should be given to form teachers. No payment will be taken unless pupils also return the tear off slip which is on the bottom of the letter they were allocated.

Under 14s Football

Congratulations to the Stirling High Under 14s Football team who made it to the Final of the East Stirlingshire Cup at Ochilview, which was played last Friday. The boys secured their place in the Final with a 3-1 away win against Balfron High last Wednesday night. Although the boys were beaten in the Final by Graham High from Falkirk, their effort and desire throughout the game and season has been a credit to the school and themselves. A special mention must go to Gary MacFarlane who stepped into goals at last minute for both the Semi and Final and produced some fine saves any goalkeeper would be proud of. Many thanks to all the parents and supporters who have made the effort to watch the boys this season!

StirlingHigh Press Release                                                                                                                                                                  

Egypt Trip

Late on the evening of 29^th March 2012, 34 excited pupils and 3 staff members embarked on their travels to Egypt. After a sleepless drive through the night to Manchester and 5 hour flight they arrived at the destination of Hurghada, Egypt.  During the week the group took part in snorkelling, beach kayaking and 3 scuba dives; the final dive being a boat trip into the Red Sea followed by swimming to a deserted island. Some lucky people even caught a glimpse of dolphins from the boat! All pupils had close encounters with clown fish and many other different brightly coloured fish during their individual dives.  The group also experienced a day trip to the desert which included a 4×4 ride over sand dunes, camel rides and observing the traditional way of living in the desert.  The trip included an overnight excursion to the city of Luxor. Here, they visited Karnak Temple; the River Nile; Luxor Temple and experienced the souks where many souvenirs were purchased (but no exchanges for camels went through!). The next day they walked through the Valley of the Kings and visited the Temple of Queen Hapshepsut.  The pupils aged 15-16 were a credit to the school and impressed everyone they met. From restaurants commenting on how much they smiled to the centre claiming they were “the most polite group to have worked with” and were ”a pleasure to have for the week”.

Every pupil experienced a very special week and the general comments given by the pupils were all positive….”once in a life time opportunity! I’ll never forget it” and “best week of my life”.   

SUCCESS FOR SCOTT!!!!

Due to a great season in the swimming pool Scott Macarthur of S4 has been selected to represent Scottish Schools at swimming in the UK Games in May. Scott will be part of a Scottish team along with athletes chosen to take part in many different events.  He will be in London for 4 days for the games (6-9th May) with the opening ceremony taking place on Sunday 6th May. On the Monday he was in the pool at a training session with his Scottish teammates and yesterday, Tuesday the swimmers got to watch athletes from the other 11 sports compete. Unfortunately for Scott he has to sit his Geography SG that day at a local high school!! The swimming takes place at the Olympic pool on the final day on the Wednesday. He is down to swim the 400m freestyle and the 1500m freestyle and also hopes to be selected for relays. Straight after the swimming finishes there is a closing ceremony at the Olympic basketball venue then he flies home that evening.  Well done Scott!   

Young Enterprise

Good luck to our Young Enterprise Company, Quill, who are competing in the Forth Valley Young Enterprise Finals at the Albert Halls inStirling tonight (Wednesday).  The 8 x S6 pupils have worked hard all year, setting up a Community Cafe in the school for parents of Active Stirling children every Saturday morning.  They are competing with schools from across Forth Valley, with the winning company going on to represent Forth Valley at the Scottish finals next month.

 China  2013

Please note that all non refundable deposits of £250 should be paid to Miss Rainey by the end of this week. If there is any problem regarding this, please contact Miss Rainey ASAP.

 Supported Study

Graphic Communication S3 Starts again this week for any S3 pupils who would like to come along.

 Senior Prizegiving

The Senior Prizegiving Ceremony took place last night.  The prizes were awarded by Dr Peter Hughes, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering.  The recipients of the Special Awards for 2012 are: THE H. W. EWING MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR CREATIVE WRITING – Connor Dawson, THE GUILDRY OF STIRLING PRIZE – Kathryn Thomas,  THE SARAH SPEAKE CUP FOR SERVICES TO MUSIC – Holley Gibson, THE DR KANAAN MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR MUSIC – Russell Campbell,  THE J & J KENNY AWARD – William Jamieson, THE J LOCKHART WHITEFORD PRIZE  – Samantha Dove, THE NATHAN MURRAY COLLIER CUP – Rachel Anderson, THE MACLEOD PRIZE FOR ENTERPRISE EDUCATION – Robbie Forsyth, THE W. G. MALCOLM PRIZES FOR SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL  AND THE COMMUNITY – Anna McDaid & Rhys McKenna, STIRLING ROUND TABLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – Madison Anderson & Holly Brown, GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP – Mark Bordeau, Dux of Stirling High School – Eilidh Candlish, Proxime  Accessit – Jamie Fitches.    Well done to all of our prizewinners!

 Climbing Success

Eilidh Vass Payne of S2 won the Scottish High Schools climbing competition last Saturday beating off stiff competition from the North.

She came first in Girls lead climbing Youth B.  The competition falls into boys and girls, youth A (oldest), B (middle), C (youngest).  Eilidh was presented with a glass award and was also given some posters of climbing heroes and heroines.

 Study Leave

S4 study leave begins today, S5/6 study leave begins on Tuesday 8^th May.  All pupils should return to school on Monday 4^th June to start the new timetable.

Activity Days 2012

Payments for Activity Days will begin next Wednesday 25th April and for the next 3 consecutive Wednesdays. Payments will be taken at form time in the Social area and nowhere else. No money should be given to form teachers. No payment will be taken from a pupil unless it is returned with the tear off slip which is on the bottom of the letter which was allocated to each pupil.

 International Cross Country

Congratulations to Sam Davidson who, on his debut, was part of the Scottish team which took part in the International Meeting during the Easter break at Strathallan in Perthshire. The team won the Bronze medal.  Sam won his place in this team after a brilliant run in the recent National Championships in Ayr.  Well done Sam. Stirling High is proud to see all your hard work and dedication being recognised internationally. 

 Basketball

Congratulations to Kenny Makusha of S4 who was selected for the U16 Scottish Basketball team. Kenny will be part of the squad to take part in the FIBA championships in Gibraltar in July.   Well done Kenneth!

 School Attendance & Welfare Officer

We are pleased to welcome Angela Takel who took up post of School Attendance Officer for SHS on Monday 16^th April.  Her role includes supporting children, young people, families and carers to ensure that all pupils gain maximum benefit from their education by helping to reduce truancy and exclusion levels.  She will liaise with relevant agencies both in and outwith school.  We hope that this proves beneficial and helps improve the service we provide for our young people.

 Charity Auction

The Charities committee is hosting a charity auction for Strathcarron  Hospice tomorrow evening, 19th April. There will be live music from local bands, a raffle, an auction with a variety of items such as day trips including go ape and bowling, meals out and a spring hamper. A variety of cake and coffee will be included.  Members have been going around form classes to sell tickets at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.    Tickets will be on sale at the door also!  Doors open at 7.15pm, the auction starts at 7.30pm prompt.  Hope to see you there!!!

 GIRLS FITNESS CLUB

Reminder to ALL girls from S1 to S6 that you are invited to be part of the all girls fitness club every Wednesday in the DANCE STUDIO from 3.40 to 4.30.  There is no cost and it restarts today.

 Heriot-Watt University Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM)  Free Summer Week

The Brightest Watt Summer Week (Monday 23^rd – Friday 27^th July 2012) aims to provide those pupils entering S5 in June an insight in to university life in the context of Science, Engineering and Technology.  The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and the emphasis is on meeting new people, trying something new and learning new skills.  Besides taking part in STEM workshops, pupils explore the campus and learn more of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of higher education.  The Brightest Watt Summer Week is non-residential and is free!!!  This includes all lunches, transport and social activities.  Places are limited.    Parental consent forms need to be completed and returned asap.

Contact:   j.craig@hw.ac.uk or 0131 451 3015 or http://www.hw.ac.uk/news-events/events/summer-week.htm to download information.  Information also displayed in the science corridor.

 Senior Prizegiving

S4/5/6 prizegiving takes place next Tuesday 24^th April at 7.15pm.  Parents of pupils who have excelled themselves this year through academic achievements or outstanding commitment will be invited to attend this year’s Senior Prizegiving.  This will be done through text message.  Tickets will be available for this enormously popular event from today onwards and will be on a first come first serve basis, tickets are free of charge.  A list of all prize winners is currently on display in school for pupils.  Congratulations to all prizewinners.

S4 SQA Examinations

The 2012 diet of exams begin next Wednesday 25^th April and every pupil has been given a personal SQA exam timetable.  Study leave begins on Wednesday 25^th April and finishes on Friday 1^st June inclusive.  Study leave request forms should be returned to the school office no later than Friday 20^th April.  Please note that full school uniform must be worn at all times either during an exam or whether a pupil is just visiting the school for any reason.  Pupils will be refused entry into the school unless full school uniform is worn.  Mobile phones are not permitted into the exam and this is a SQA rule – any pupil who needs to bring their mobile phone into school on exam days needs to make appropriate arrangements for it to be stored securely ie, leave in locker or with a friend.  Please do not hand them into the school office or to the invigilators.

 History Trip

Sixty Five pupils and 4 members of staff will be attending the Belgium History Trip this year from Tuesday 1^st May to Sunday 6^th May inclusive.  This has always been a fantastic trip for all pupils in the past, and we wish all trip goers a fabulous excursion.

SCHOOL BAGS

All pupils should ensure that they leave their schoolbags in the correct area in the dining hall or they will be removed.   DO NOT leave valuables in your school bag.

 Trash Fashion:

 Stirling High School’s Trash Fashion Show was again a huge success in its fourth year of running. Organised by the SHS pupil and teacher lead production group, the show boasted a vast range of innovative designs showcased by S4, S5 and S6 pupils. The winning designs were: Runner up male design – Megan Brown (S4), Runner up female design – Taylor Stillie (S6) and Overall winning design – Sophie McGlynn (S5). The pupils also doubled up as confident models who wowed the 350 strong audience. Where models were concerned the winners were: Runner up male model – Paul McArthur (S6), Runner up female model – Jeraldine Camilo (S5) and Overall winning model Amy Kennedy (S4). A fantastic night was had by all.

Sponsored Silence for Sports Relief :

Congratulations to Liam Mathers of 1R2 who raised £46.02 for Sports Relief last Friday. Also a big thank you to his friend Declan Wood, also of 1R2 who was Liam’s ‘voice’ for the day. Well done boys!

 Rugby:

 Two S5 Stirling High School pupils, Kathryn Evans and Molly Tweedle, are part of the U18 Girls rugby team at Stirling County and have been competing in the National Bowl, having won in the previous stages (Ellon 49-0, Granton 39-0) to reach the SRU Brewin Dolphin Bowl final. The final was against Glasgow, at Murrayfield at the weekend and the Stirling County Girls won 69-7. Well done to all the girls. 

 CHINA 2013:

 ART and DESIGN Trip: All parent/carers of S3-S5 youngsters who showed an interest in the China trip have been issued letters regarding an informal information evening on Thursday 29th March at 6.15pm in the Art Department. This meeting will give you an opportunity to see and hear what the plans are and give you a chance to ask all the questions you want to ask. Even if you are unsure it is best to come along and find out everything before you make the decision!!!!! See you there.

 GIRLS FITNESS CLUB:

 THE GIRLS FITNESS CLUB WILL NOT BE ON TODAY. CLASSES WILL RESUME THE FIRST WEDNESDAY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.

 Swimming Club: There is no swimming tomorrow morning. The Club will resume after the Easter Holidays.

 Egypt Trip:

 The final meeting for Egypt will be today, Wednesday, at break in the assembly hall. Attendance is vital! Pupils will be picking up their t-shirts, luggage labels and last minute details.

 Football Final:

 Two of our teams reached the finals for the Forth Valley Cup. The finals were held last Friday afternoon. Despite the fact that both teams were runners up, it was a tremendous achievement to reach the finals and our pupils were sporting and dignified in defeat. Many thanks to Matt Hooper and Neil Durno for their management of the teams. Thanks also to all the staff who turned up at Ochilview Stadium to cheer them on. Once again well done to all the boys!

Race for Life:

 Training for the charity event will begin after the Easter holidays on a Tuesday afternoon. Miss Dawson is looking to get as many girls taking part as possible!

 S2 Pupil Consultants – Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

 Seventeen S2 pupils worked for 4 days last week with the Social Enterprise company, Space Unlimited, and staff from SEPA (the Scottish Environmental Agency). SEPA and its partners are designing a new website called SEW EB and were looking for young people to give them advice and ideas. Stirling High was recommended to Space Unlimited because of our work on Eco Schools. Working at the MacRobert with the project manager Owen, our pupils engaged in a range of activities which generated many brilliant ideas for SEPA. The project handover was on Thursday and the pupils presented their ideas including a phone app, a ‘Defend the Wildlife’ game, a Facebook page, a totally redesigned website – following excellent research on good vs bad websites – and a quiz. SEPA were delighted with the creativity and innovation shown by the pupils. The pupils really enjoyed their experience and all felt they had learned a great deal.

 Activity Days 2012:  Pupils who have chosen Dounans, please see Ms Harrower in the Pupil Support office as soon as possible.

 Easter Holidays:

 School closes to all pupils on Friday at 3.30pm and resumes on Monday 16th April at 8.55am. Hope you all have a wonderful Easter Holidays

Unfortunately, the Stirling Observer have printed the wrong date  and time for our Car Boot Sale.   To clarify, our Car Boot Sale is taking place on Saturday 24 March 2012 from 10.00am till 1pm.   See you there!!!