Notes from the Headteacher...

2 St John’s RC Academy- Term Two Newsletter

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St John’s Academy

I can’t believe it has been a year since I introduced you to the last Christmasnewsletter. Where has 2013 gone?

Whilst I can reflect that it has been a very busy year for of all us, and therefore the timehas gone by very quickly, it has also been another great year here in St John’s at theNorth Inch Community Campus.

The usual Christmas preparations are well underway with the sound of carols andmusic throughout our corridors as we prepare for the now ‘famous’ Nativity play andconcerts and we plan the parties from Nursery through to Secondary six.

At this time of year, when small children (and not so small children and young people)are preparing lists for Santa and hinting for the latest ‘must have’ gifts, it’s always a joyto see our children and young people reaching out to others in greater need.

On Tuesday 19 November we had a bucket appeal for the Philippines SCIAF DisasterAid Fund and amazingly, in just over 1 hour, we raised over £700 – amazinggenerosity. December, as always, is full of fun filled lunchtime activities while raisingour usual thousands of pounds for SCIAF. Before we break off for Christmas we willpost off our many boxes of gifts to the abandoned children and families that the MercyProject supports in the area around Bucharest in Romania.

Huge thanks to all of you for your kindness and I ask you to keep all of the people wetry to support in your thoughts and prayers.

I hope you enjoy reading about the highlights of this year throughout this newsletter.

For me, one of the highlights will once again be when we join our Polish community intheir inspiring approach to celebrating Christmas.

Our term will finish on Friday 20 December 2013 with our Primary service at 9.30am;our Secondary service will begin at 11.20 taking us to 12 noon when we can all go offto enjoy our holidays.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the joys and blessings of Christmasand to send the very best of wishes for 2014 to all our families.

twitter:

@st_johnsacademy

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

St John’s RC Academy (along with every school in Scotland) is undergoing a time ofmajor curriculum improvement. These improvements are needed so that we can enableevery child and young person to be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.Under the title of ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ there have been significant improvementsin approaches to learning, to teaching and to how we engage children and young peoplein all aspects of the school community.

The most recent changes involve the introduction of new national qualifications in S4,which are called National 3-5. These replace Standard Grades and will also replaceAccess 3 and Intermediate 1-2 from next year. Next year also sees the introduction ofthe new Highers which will offer progression from the current National 5s.

Some of the changes are quite fundamental to how we assess our pupils. For example,qualifications at National 3 and 4 (and a few at National 5) do not require an externalexam. This allows assessment to be gathered on a day-to-day basis and will betterreflect what our pupils can actually do, without the distraction of a formal examination.This will also mean that almost all young people in S4 will have fewer exams inApril/May. We are currently looking at what this will mean for exam leave with otherPerth City schools and what alternative programmes we might be able to offer for thosewith only a few/no examinations in April/May.

Teaching staff in the school are working extremely hard to ensure that every child andyoung person achieves at every stage throughout the school. Teachers in thesecondary are working hard to deliver the new national qualifications in S4, and preparefor the new Highers in S5/6 for next year. As always, we ask our parents and carers tosupport your child and your school in every way you can so that, together, all our youngpeople can achieve or even exceed our expectations.

We would be delighted to hear your views on how the curriculum at St John’s RCAcademy is meeting the needs of your child. We would also be particularly interested atthis time to know your views on exam leave.

Curriculum Update

“young people in S4 will have fewer exams in April/May”

“progression from the current National 5s”

“all our young people can achieve”

“delighted to hear your views”

“undergoing a time of major curriculum improvement”

Please let us know in writing and address this to Mr Hagney, Depute

Headteacher, or call the office and ask for a meeting time.

Find out more at:https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/NPF/files/2013/04/npfs_learner_journey_coloured.pdf

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

In the past few weeks the Rights Respecting Schools Committee has been working hardon promoting rights throughout the primary and secondary schools. Both schools havebeen linking classroom display boards with an article that relates to the display. Theprimary school has been working on a football charter and a playground charter soanyone in those areas is aware of rights. Also a group of pupils from the secondarycommittee have been talking to library staff about getting a designated area in the libraryfor books and displays dedicated to rights. The primary committee have come up with theidea of “Right of the Fortnight” where every two weeks the classes focus on one particularright. Primary pupils who show particular respect towards that right, will receive an awardduring assembly. The secondary committee have something similar with “Article of theWeek” in the school bulletin every day with a new article being put in every Monday. Theprimary committee have also organised a competition to design a banner to be placed inthe street area of the school to promote Rights Respecting Schools.

Here are some of the photographs fromour ‘One Day, One Dodge’ dodgeballtournament held in October. Each Housefrom both primary and secondarycompeted against each other to celebratethe global annual event  ‘Peace OneDay’. This was a great success and wehope this will become an annualtournament where pupils can worktogether and celebrate Peace One Day.

Peace One Day

Rights Respecting School News...

Nursery and Primary News...

Primary 3 has been learning all about Ancient Egypt. Wereally enjoyed our trip to Perth Museum. We got to see areal Egyptian mummy called Princess Takherheb! Welearned lots of interesting facts. We becamearchaeologists and took part in mummifying a mummyand found lots of amulets buried inside Ken the mummy!

We have been very busy in Nursery this term. We celebrated Halloween by coming to nurserydressed up; we dooked for apples and played games. We also invited our parents/carers in tonursery to see what we do. It was good fun showing them our folders and playing with them.We also found out about Autumn. We made a house for Percy the Park Keeper and helpedhim look for woodland animals in the nursery. Then we had a Scottish week where we foundout about Scotland; we read special stories, made tartan patterns and celebrated St Andrew’sDay by wearing something tartan, having a Scottish snack and learning some Scottish dances.We have also been very lucky as we get to work with some S3 girls who come to visit us everyweek. Some came during Book Week and read us a story. We are now finding out all aboutChristmas and are having a party and Sing Along on the 19th December (look for the postersin our cloakroom for the times).

Mummy - Visit

On Sunday 1st December, Primary5 and 6 led the 11am mass in StJohn's Church around the theme ofadvent. Thank you to all who camealong to participate in the mass or tosupport the children.

Primary 4 is learning about how toys work. First welooked at old toys and we asked our parents what toyswere like when they were young. Then we tried to workout how toys worked and explored how they moved usingmagnets, electricity and forces. We have made our ownposters, adverts and have prepared and presented toytalks. All the class was entertained by our puppet shows,which we wrote, designed the backgrounds for and actedout. Finally, we are going to design and create our owntoys using all the information we have learned.

How Toys Work

Brooke and Amy

P5 and P6 Mass

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

At the end of the October term, PrimarySeven pupils had the opportunity to attendthe Dalguise Outdoor Activity Centre. Theyhad a wonderful time, supporting one anotherto take part in activities that were challengingas well as great fun. Activities included theGiant Swing, Zip wire and Jacob's Ladder, aswell as night time fun with Cluedo, the discoand songs around the campfire. The childrenhad such a fantastic time that some of themare still singing the songs that they learnedthere - especially the Moose song!

Dalguise Trip

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

Anna Durkin, Julia Skala, JennaMartin, Kimberly Vasquez, JemmaSmith, Laura Hutchison, MairiSimmons, and Lewis Massie.

Maths News...

Maths mentoring, a truly memorable whirlwindexperience for all involved. S4, S5, and S6pupils were invited to come forward and trainas Mathematics Peer Mentors. The catch:pupils needed to be available to train for threehours after school and then commit toattending follow up training sessions; a writtenassessment and then to work with pupils for afull intensive week, followed by debriefsessions. Not everyone succeeded incompleting the course. It was a bigcommitment. This week sees the Maths PeerMentors using their newly acquired skills withS1 pupils. They showed a commitment andinterest that is wonderful to see.

If you think you have theinterest and desire to train asa Mathematics peer mentor,then please get in touch.Give your name to eitheryour maths teacher or comedirectly to Mrs Hale inFF043.

The next training sessionsfor Maths Peer Mentor are likely to start inJanuary once a week during lunchtime for12 weeks. I said it was a big commitment,but worthwhile and you will find it rewarding.

Peer Mentors

“There were moments of relaxation onthe training evening of course. Youngpeople need fuel of some kind -so, ofcourse, we had Pizza!”

Maths Peer Mentors are:Bethan Gordon, Rhea Murray,Isobel Joughin and Evie Gardiner

Orla Reid, Morgan Oates, Laura

Hennessy, Chloe Donaldson and

Emilia Kenyon

S2

S3

S5/6

“You do not need to begood at Maths, just

have an open mind toworking in a new way”

Festival of the Arts

Congratulation to S3 and S4 pupilswho successfully participated in therecent Perth & Kinross EnterprisingMaths Day and who were a credit tothe school. Many thanks also toHope Stevenson for helping out theteams on the day, and Mrs. Foley forpreparing the teams for the event.

Enterprising Maths

We have had an amazing term. 2 groups of S1 and S2 pupilshave now completed the first part of the Mathematicschallenge. The challenge is all about thinking of Mathematicsand how we do Mathematics in a completely different way.Right back to basics. Asking the question “Why?” “How?” it ischallenging. How DO YOU show a simple sum such as 6 add5 on an empty number line? Not as easy as it sounds!! Theyhave attended Maths Challenge sessions every day for 1week and worked on this question on a 1 to 1 basis with aspecially trained Maths Peer Mentor.

SO a tremendous achievement by Cohort 1who succeeded in the first part of thechallenge in September.

Congratulations go to: Olivia Bannaghan,Caitlin Millar, Leah Connor, Tommy McKinlay,Jamie McLeod, Charlene McKay, TiaThompson, Nicole Kerr, Linzi Henderson-McAll,Owen Evan, Shannon Begley, Zoe Evans, AnyaLeckie, Thomas Lewry and Brandon McLean.

Bernadette MaloneChief Executive

All pupils were presented with certifcates and badges torecognise this significant achievement. We were lucky enoughto have Bernadette Malone, Chief Executive of Perth andKinross Council, attend the final session, she gave a lovelyinspirational short speech to the pupils and presented them withtheir certificates and badges.

Just recently, in November, Cohort 2 succeeded in completingthe first part of the challenge. Some of the pupils had heard howhelpful the challenge had been and had made a specific requestto join the challenge and so it is particularly wonderful to seetheir success.

Congratulations go to: Jonathon Kennedy, Lauryn Spark,Sophie Camilleri, Shaun Lamb, Genna Given, Jacob Dewar,Adam Lewington, Oliver Hamilton, Owen Evans, Ben

Mathematics challenge

Pictured: Mrs Foley, David Morgan, Caleb Jack and FionaghMcFarlane. Other team members - Morgan Oates, DavidHarrow,Rosa Alexander, Iona Lang and Michael Rimmer.

S1 Retreats...Music News...

The Music Department held their annual Instrumental Evening on Wednesday6 November in the Assembly Hall. This was an opportunity for families andfriends to come along and hear performances from pupils in the school who arelearning an instrument.

There was a wide range of musical styles and instruments, and our music instructors were thereto meet with parents, answer questions and comment on progress the students had made.

The evening was a great success and we collected over £200 for Rachel House in Kinross.

Christmas Show

This will take place on Wednesday 18thDecember at 7pm in the Assembly Hall.It allows pupils to showcase their talentsin playing, singing, dance and drama,and students are encouraged to comealong to auditions; these will beadvertised in the daily bulletin.

We Will Rock You

We are very excited about this session'sshow - We Will Rock You - which isrunning from 10 to 12 June 2014.Rehearsals will begin after theChristmas holidays and we would like toencourage everybody to get involved,either on stage, backstage, front ofhouse or in one of the many roles thatwill be needed.

Instrumental Evening£200Raised

Modern Language News...

S1 pupils have beenexploring life in Rwanda anddiscussing aspects of FairTrade. They were given theopportunity to design a FairTrade chocolate bar labelwhich encouraged them toincorporate French language.

Social Subjects News...

In celebration of TheEuropean Day of Languages2013 on 26th September, S1pupils participated in a newE-Twinning project. Pupilsdesigned postcards torepresent their country and aselection of them were thensent by post to schools acrossEurope. They were veryexcited when they receivedlots of postcards from a rangeof countries such as Spain,France, Croatia, Romania,Sweden and Norway.

European Day of Languages

“E-Twinning project”

Julia Skala and Mark Rimmer are the new YoungAmbassadors for Sport this year.  They have been busyhelping support the extra-curricular activities at St John’sAcademy.  Mark coaches the S1 football team and helpsweekly with the P6 & P7 school football.  Julia umpiresgames  in the S1-S3 netball league.

Both attended the School Sport Coaching Project in Junethis year where Julia achieved netball coaching awardsand Mark football coaching awards.  They are currentlyworking with other senior pupils on ideas for St John’sAcademy to celebrate the Commonwealth Games comingto Glasgow next year.  They are pictured here withcertificates for attending a Young Leaders Workshop inCoaching and achieving 10 hours of volunteering.

Young Ambassadors

On the 31st of October, the Sports Comprehensive team took onGlenrothes in a heated basketball game. Despite the spookyoccasion, the team (which consists of pupils from both St John'sAcademy and Perth Grammar School) kept their cool and won74-36. Mr Marshall, who refereed the game, said the SportsComprehensive team displayed a

“great team performance and we

hope the success continues!”

74-36winHalloween Basketball

-David Morgan

Congratulations to St John’s owndinner lady Jackie Clephane for winning thenational stage of the annual School Chef of the Year competition! 1 of 4school chefs from all over Tayside competing at the Dundee College on Wednesday 30th October,Jackie had to prepare a Commonwealth Games-themed meal with a budget of only £1.60 per head.Jackie took the gold, successfully blowing away the judges – and taste testers from St John’sprimary seven class! – with her “Champion Chicken” main course – chicken and haggis roulade withcreamy mustard sauce – and her “Sweet Success” dessert – blueberry and raspberry bonnets withfruit garnish and butterscotch sauce. All the meals were assessed on their nutritional value.

We all wish Jackie the best of luck for the Regional stage of the competition, which will take place inNewcastle in February and see Jackie competing against chefs from all over Scotland and NorthernEngland. If successful at Regionals, Jackie will go on to London for the UK Final of the competition.

-AnnaDurkin

On October 11th, St John’s Academyheld its annual MacMillan CoffeeMorning, and yet again it was a hugesuccess. Over £400 was raised for agreat cause, through the coffeemorning over interval, the raffle andselling cakes over lunchtime. Wewould like to thank everyone whodonated, cash or cakes, as well asMrs Sandilands and Mrs Golder forarranging the event, and to all thesixth year pupils who volunteered,setting up, serving and clearing up.

MacMillan Coffee MorningThis year pupils of St John's RC Academy,Perth, have come together once again to fillshoe boxes for the orphans in Romania. Theschool has sent 26 large boxes to children inhospital, local orphanages and familiessupported by The Mercy Project in Romania.The boxes have been sent with donations ofnappies, clothes, toys, knittedgoods, blankets and a variety ofChristmas gifts.

Pupils and Staff of St John’s RCAcademy have also raised moneyto support The Mercy Project andto pay for the transportation of the gifts. Toraise money, the school came t ogetherthrough fundraising activities including afancy dress, games night, sponsoredsilence, a kitchen raffle, events in theEnglish Department and also in our localparish youth group, raising an incredibletotal of £1500.

£400Raised

Recently, both the primary andsecondary school took part in'Hi-Viz Day' to promote safetywhilst cycling. The event, whichtook place on the 13th ofNovember, involved pupilswearing brightly coloured clothingto demonstrate the importance ofbeing seen whilst out and about.Now that winter is in full swingand the evenings are gettingdarker earlier, it is crucial to staysafe when cycling or walking toor from school.

Jackie takes

gold

- David Morgan

Hi-Viz Day

Romanian Shoe Box Appeal

Primary 5

£1500Raised

-Laura Hutchison

“We are very pleased that our community

here in Scotland have been so kind”

Kimberly Vasquez, S6 pupil of St John’s RC Academy, Perth and parishioner of St John’s,reflects on Typoon Haiyan’s impact on her own community:

When Typhoon Haiyan (called Yolanda in the Philippines) struck my home country on Friday,November 8, I couldn’t help but worry about family members back home. It was so devastatingto know, through news reports, that many Filipinoslost their lives, loved ones and property.

Some family members of the Filipino-Britishcommunity studying in St John’s RC Academy as wellas former students were directly affected by theirhorrifying stories as we managed to get in touch withour loved ones. It was so heartening to hear theirepic tales of struggles and survival while TyphoonHaiyan was making its presence felt in thePhilippines’ archipelago.

However, we never felt alone and helpless about thisrecent test of faith in God and the resiliency of ourFilipino brothers and sisters. Teachers and staffmembers of St John’s RC Academy (as well as Fr.Tom and parishioners in St John’s, Perth) showedgenuine concern and overwhelming love wheneverthey chanced upon us either along the schoolcorridors or in Church.

St John’s RC Academy launched a “Bucket Appeal”on November 19, during tutor group and breaks.Pupils throughout the nursery, primary andsecondary joined in by donating bags of pennies,loose change and pocket money and raised £700 for SCIAF’s Emergency Appeal for victims ofTyphoon Haiyan.

Pupils and staff also celebrated a special mass led by Fr. Colin at lunch time to pray for thepeople of the Philippines.

We are very pleased that our community here in Scotland have been so kindand have reached out to our community in the Philippines at this time ofdesperate need.

“epic tales of struggles

and survival”

Bucket Appeal

£700Raised

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

Spirit of Youth Award

Abbie Scrimgeour is one of our S2 pupils.  She is a Young Carer for her twoyounger brothers who both have autism.  Despite being so young, Abbie is aremarkable girl as she has played an important role in  highlighting the workof a Young Carer and the daily challenges she faces.  Abbie has givenpresentations to health groups, local GPs and PKAVS. She even appearedon television when she was  interviewed by Reporting Scotland. However,the biggest challenge was to give a presentation to her peers duringassembly.  Abbie was not daunted by this at all; supported by RaymondJamieson (PKAVS) she spoke about her daily routine as a Young Carer forher brothers.  Abbie was very positive about the role she plays at home. Shetold her peers that she doesn’t have some of the opportunities that they maytake for granted such as spending time with friends after school or at theweekend because of her Young Carer commitments.  She also highlightedthe fact that she is often very tired in school due to being kept awake atnight by her brothers.

However, the school has made arrangements for Abbie to have a sleep tore-charge her batteries when necessary.  Abbie uses this wisely; she goesto the room, has a sleep, then takes herself back to class to carry on withher lessons. Our school community is extremely proud of Abbie andcelebrated her recent success in winning the overall Spirit of Youth Award.Abbie was presented with the award by the Depute Lord Provost, Bob Band,who commented on “her clear commitment to raising awareness about therole of Young Carers”.  Abbie also won the Spirit of Youth Award for hercontribution to Health and Wellbeing.

“clear commitment to raising awareness

about the role of Young Carers”

Info:Abbie’s interview on Reporting Scotland can be viewed online on:http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JOjQzN5YU2k

Congratulations to all our St John’s RC Academyaward winners and nominees!

Well done to:� Abbie Scrimgeour (pictured)� Morgan Oates and Eve Barnett (winner) –

Individual Sporting Achievement Award, 12-15yrs.� Abbie Scrimgeour (winners) – Individual Award

for Heath & Wellbeing, 12-15yrs.� Shanagh Campbell – Individual Community

Involvement Award, 16-25yrs.� S3 Silversurfers (winner) – Active Citizen Group Award.� Sports Comprehensive S1/2 S3/4 – Sporting Achievement Group Award.� Tobacco and Safe Choices (winner) – Health & Wellbeing Group Award.� St John’s RC Academy S1 Buddies and St John’s RC Academy Rights

Respecting Schools Group (winner) – Best Secondary Group Award.

It was great to see so many individuals and groupsbeing recognised for their hard work, commitments,volunteering and personal achievements.

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

ShanaghCampbell

MorganOates

EveBarnett

Winners

Overall Award Winner

Abbie Scrimgeour

Overall Winner

Info:

Former pupil’s success

Perth College student, Natalia Konopka, was the winnerof the Community Involvement (16-25 year olds) awardat the Spirit of Youth in Perth Concert Hall on Fridayevening (29th November).

In a ceremony recognising the efforts of some of Perthand Kinross’ most determined and committed youngvolunteers, 20 year old Natalia collected the award forher work with young people as well as with the widerPolish community in the city.

A former pupil at St John’s RC Academy, Natalia wasinvited in to become a leader with the Perth CatholicYouth Project which supports all three local Catholicparishes, successfully helping to integrate Polish andlocal young people.

It was community link worker Dorota Marciniec whonominated Natalia for the award.

Says Dorota, “Natalia has generously given her time and effort to serving others. She hashad to overcome a lot of personal hardship but continues to demonstrate a strong spirit. Onarrival in Scotland from Rawicz, Poland in 2009, Natalia spoke very little English but went onto gain success in Technological Studies at school, continuing her studies at DundeeCollege and is now studying for her HND in Visual Communications at Perth College.”

“Through her voluntary work in the youth project Natalia has worked hard to learn thelanguage of her adopted country. Her talents are put to good use within the Polishcommunity where appointments with banks, doctors, dentists and solictors needed herinterpretation skills.”

Our Rights Respecting School committee for primary and secondary have just won the Spiritof Youth Award for best school group. This was a fantastic achievement and will hopefullyprovide us with a platform to build on when we go for our level 1 accreditation for the RightsRespecting School Award next year.

Best School Group

Well done to all involved!

Criminology lecture

Home Economics News....

Our Advanced Higher Modern Studies pupilsrecently visited Glasgow to attend aCriminology lecture. Pupils from Perth CityCampus had the opportunity to listen to variousexperts from across the UK discussing keyelements of our criminal law system. The daywas a great success and in particular the pupilsthoroughly enjoyed the final talk provided byNoel 'Razor' Smith, an ex-bank robber and nowjournalist. The day was a great success and allpupils gained valuable knowledge which willhelp with their Advanced Higher coursework.

The Home Economics department have resumedthe chef club that was started last session. Pupilsin S1 - S3 have made a selection of itemsincluding Italian pasta and chocolate chip cookies.They also had an opportunity to design a newflavour of scone and Ethan Longhorn (S1) tried outhis "Chocolate Scones" at the primary 7 parents’information evening.

S4 and S5/6 Hospitality class produced a variety of Fair-trade baking which wasserved at the Family Mass earlier in the session. This activity contributed towards ourRights Respecting School Status by encouraging the pupils to think about Article 24"You have the right to good quality health care and to clean water, nutritious food anda clean environment so that you can stay healthy. Rich countries must help poorercountries achieve this." They discussed how using Fair-trade products helps to meetthe rights of children in other countries and considered their own role in helping otherchildren achieve these rights.

Family Mass

Social Subjects News...

New website - www.st-johnsacademy.org.uk

Football

S1 took part in hands-on activities whenChemBus visited the school. ChemBus isrun by St Andrew’s University and takeschemistry experiments and demonstrationsdesigned for S1 and S2 pupils out toschools. The activities included makinginvisible inks, gold coins and slime.S2 had a similar experience when AbertayContemporary Science Road Show visited.They got the chance to try out a series ofexperiments linked to biology, chemistry andforensic science. The pupils found out howscientists test athletes for performance-en-hancing drugs, how exercise affects thebody, and how the police can use forensicscience to identify a criminal.

As part of the National Physics and Biology coursesSTEM speakers were invited to give specialistpresentations. Pupils were engaged by these talksfrom experts in their respective fields of Science andtook the opportunity to have their questions answered.

As part of Perth City Campus the department are delivering AHBiology for students coming from the other Perth City schools.The class delivered presentations to peers and members ofstaff, including senior management, to demonstrate theirknowledge of a curricular area.

STEM speakers

ChemBus

Perth City Campus

Science News...

Outdoor Education News...

Surrounded as it is by the most beautifulcountryside you might find anywhere in theworld, St John’s RC Academy’s appointmentof Miss Eleanor Brown as an OutdoorEducation Instructor has turned out to be theperfect match. Miss Brown’s previousexperience included working with children onresidential courses. Most recently, before herappointment to St John’s RC Academy,Eleanor was involved with setting up aprogramme of activities for children withsevere and complex additional needs atFalkirk’s Carrongrange School.

Eleanor says that she particularly enjoysworking in schools: “Every day is sodifferent, and it is especially rewarding towatch young people grow in confidence”.

Two S2 groups were among the first tobenefit from the enhanced curriculumexperiences now on offer. This year 12pupils gained a John Muir Award bykayaking, canoeing, hillwalking, biking anddeveloping bush craft skills.

“The John Muir Award is an environmentalaward scheme focusing on the wild places,”explains Miss Brown. “It involves a spirit offun, adventure and exploration.”

Pupils, staff and parents were able to geta flavour of the fun when the pupils gave apresentation of their experiences, at the school.

Another bonus of the new appointment hasbeen that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Awardis now a timetabled subject in the school.Although most of the work is done in their owntime, pupils are able to complete a BronzeNational Navigation Award and a John MuirAward in school time.

“There is a great deal of excitement about theschool’s renewed support for the Duke ofEdinburgh’s Award Scheme,” said Miss Brown.“It has remained popular with young people forover 50 years and this year about thirty S3pupils have begun the Bronze Award, promisingwell for the future.”

Working closely with the Support for Pupilsdepartment and the PE department, MissBrown is supported by Ruth Wallace who worksas a young Modern Apprentice. Ruth hasgained experience working in many aspects ofthe school’s work with pupils: providing trainingfor the senior prefect leadership team,enhanced curriculum programmes, the DynamicYouth Award in S1 and the P7 teambuilding andleadership course.

“My determinationgot me to the top

of the hill”

“It was an

experience that’ll

change me”

“it’s easy to get a feeling

of accomplishment”

“Gorge Walking

is learning

about trust”

SECONDARY� Black dress trousers or skirt� A white school shirt� A plain black jumper which allows the school tie to be seen� A school tie for pupils S1-3� A senior tie for pupils S4-6� Plain black shoes or trainers with black laces� A school blazer is compulsory for S4/5/6 pupils but optional for pupils in S1-S3� The PE kit is a plain white t-shirt/ polo shirt, dark shorts and trainers

PRIMARY� Black dress trousers or skirt� A white school shirt� A plain (or school branded) grey jumper/cardigan which allows the school tie to be seen� A school tie� Plain black shoes or trainers with black laces� Purple and white summer dress during summer months� Purple or black school branded jackets are available� The PE kit is a plain white t-shirt/ polo shirt, dark shorts and trainers

I would also like to remind parents that the following items of clothing are NOT acceptable toour dress code and so should not be worn to school – jeans, tracksuit bottoms (except for PE),white trainers (except for PE), football tops, tops with offensive slogans, low-cut tops, largehoop earrings, large necklaces, facial piercing jewellery, brightly coloured shoes, scarves,basketball style boots (converse), leggings, lace jumpers/tops, leather or denim jacket.

School Uniform Reminder

School uniform can be purchased from Academy Uniforms, Tel: 01355 244879 or http://www.academyuniformsltd.co.uk . School ties can be

purchased from the school office.

“We are very proud of our school uniform and appreciate

your support in ensuring children wear it.”

A mention must be made of the Seniors vs Staff netball match on the last day of term inOctober in memory of former pupil Megan Black. The match was watched by staff andpupils of all ages, and was enjoyed by all. Although the Seniors suffered a heavy defeat,their competitive edge may just show through in the rematch they have demanded. Theevent was a huge success, raising money for Megan’s memorial garden and allowing staffand pupils to have fun in her memory, as well.

Megan Black Memorial Netball Game

-Ross Gardiner

Families were invited to take part in a series ofcraft workshops making festive decorations.Drawing together children and their parents,some who have very recently arrived in Scotland,they had a chance to meet and share skills,traditions and culture. Slovak and Polish parents taught theparticipants how to make imaginative Christmas decorations frominexpensive materials like twisted aluminium foil and a washing peg orbake traditional Christmas biscuits.

People of four nationalities took part and produced some lovely pieces.They were so engrossed in their creative work that the time passedreally quickly. A final workshop celebrated the Feast of St Nicholas onThursday 6th December. St Nicholas' Day is significant to manyEuropean countries for spiritual and cultural reasons. Biscuits in theshape of the great saint were baked and decorated with support ofexperienced bakers. Tips and ideas were exchanged. Somecomments: “It was fun and I enjoyed spending quality time with mychild!” “I liked putting the icing on the biscuits.”

Feast of St Nicholas

This week sees the start of a new venture forover 30 of the Polish students who attend StJohn’s RC Academy in Perth. For the first timethey are able to study for a GCSE in their ownlanguage. Mrs Audrey May, Headteacher of StJohn’s Academy, has secured support from MrsWioletta Hass-Lipinska, headteacher of thePolish Saturday school, who will teach andsupport the pupils through to sitting their GCSEnext summer. The pupils are so excited by thisopportunity that they are happy to attend forthese classes in the evening at St John’s. Thisopportunity has been extended to Polishstudents in other Perth secondary schools and8 have already taken up the opportunity.

For more information please call 07547365353

W tym tygodniu rozpoczęliśmy zajęciaprzygotowujące do egzaminu GCSE zjęzyka polskiego jako języka obcego. Jestto nowa inicjatywa skierowana do polskichuczniów uczęszczajacych do St. John'sAcademy. Dzięki wspόłpracy dyr.St.John'sAcademy Mrs.Audrey May i dyr.PolskiejSzkoły Sobotniej w Perth p.Wioletty Hass­Lipińskej udało się zrealizować toprzedsięwzięcie. Zajęcia przygotowujące dow/w egzaminu odbywają w każdy czwarteko godz.16.00 i 17.30.Możliwość przygotowania się iprzystąpienia do tego egzaminu dajeuczniom okazję do  podniesienia kwalifikacjii dodatkowe punkty w ogόlnych wynikachnauczania.Oferta jest skierowana do wszystkichuczniόw szkόł średnich znajdujących się naterenie Perth & Kinross.W celu uzyskania szczegółowych informacjiprosimy o kontakt tel.07547365353

Polish GCSE

Another first for St John’s

The School Christmas Card Competition is now in its second year. Pupils worked at home, inTutor Groups, in the Art Department and produced some fantastic work. All year groupscontributed. Some super work did not make the final cut as pupils missed the hand in datebut the best of these will be on show outside the office in the run up to the Christmas break.

Mrs May will be giving out prizes to the winners at a future assembly.

Christmas Card Competition

Art and Design News...

Winners 2013

Lucia McLaren S3Miranda Hutton S2

Lauren Ferrier S6

Maja Mlynarczyk S5

“on show

outside the

office”

Brajan Barszczynski S2

S2 pupils have been working on a Rights RespectingBanner within the Art Department. Big thanks to:

Eilidh McKenzieDio PaderogWeronika BernatLynsey DavidsonSean MontillaAnn FernandezGina Grossi

for all their hardwork andcontributions.

“I think the best things about Animal Magic were when we sanded and measured things.”

Charleen McKay 1.7

“I really enjoyed using the machines. I felt abit nervous using them at the start but nowI’m confident with the tools and machines.”

Katie Menzies 1.7

“I enjoyed drilling the holes for the pencils. It was great funand a fantastic experience.” Szymon Klus and Jeffery the pig.

“I really enjoyed making my wooden penguin

and using the different machines. It has been

a very enjoyable and unforgettable term.”

Lyall MacDonald 1.7

“I think the best thing aboutAnimal Magic was getting touse the machines and doing

it by ourselves.”Lauren Corcoran and

Geoffrey the giraffe 1.7

Design, Engineering & Technology News...

S1 pupils have been designing and making theirAnimal Magic pencil holders this term. Theproject is designed to develop confidence,numercy, creative thinking and to let pupils seethere are alternative ways of communicatingideas through sketching and modelling.

“I really enjoyed Animal Magic because we got to

be very creative with our animals.”

Jodie Cameron 1.7

“I enjoyed cutting out Stu’s limbs with the Fret Saw and I

was amazed at how all the animals worked. I now feel

confident at using equipment in the wood workshop.”

Col Young and Stu the stag -

don’t talk about the hunting accident!

As part of their National 4/5 Graphic Communication Course this year pupils, have redesignedcertificates to help raise funds for The Sisters of Mercy Romanian Project.

- Steven Netherington

- Anna Suchanek

Brodie Smith -

Romanian Project

Tom Clark, Alex Ralston and Jennifer Mclaughlin recentlyattended a conference at Gleneagles golf resort. This was acelebration event on their return from a trip to Hong Kong inOctober this year. The pupils took part in a team marathonacross Hong Kong and raised money for a local charity. It wasa great experience for them and they are now sharing theirexperiences with other pupils in the school. Thanks to theparent council for their financial support

Our fantastic gymnastics team represented the school atthe recent Perth and Kinross Championships. This was thefirst tournament that the girls had been involved in and theydid themselves and the school proud. Thanks to Mrs Tomband Morgan Oates for coaching the teams. They look greatin their new leotards!

The girls have formed a great team together with the help of Mrs Marshalland Lauren McDonald. So far they are unbeaten having beaten PerthGrammar and Kinross in recent matches. There is a tournament coming upin the New Year and coach McDonald is hopeful of a trophy! This would bethe first one for girls’ football in about 5 years! No pressure coach!

Senior pupils Mark Rimmer and DaleMurray show their leadership skillsby helping out with the girls’ footballby using their refereeing expertise!

SCEN China Youth Summit at Gleneagles

Gymnastics

U/18 Perthshire Select Football Team- Steven Jarvie, Dale Murray andArtur Brodlo have recentlyrepresented the authority in thePerthshire select football squad. Theyplayed games against Aberdeen andFife and although were narrowly defeated in both games,performed exceptionally well. The coach of the team, Mr Boag, ateacher at Perth High, made a point of e-mailing the school tosay how impressed he was with the boys’ attitude, effort andtimekeeping throughout. Well done to you all!

Girls’ Football Team

Refereeing Expertise

Perthshire select squad

PE News...

Senior PE Baton Twirling - Senior PEon a Friday afternoon has taken onnew activities to help meet the needsof all the pupils. Shanagh Campbellhas run a very successful BatonTwirling class this term which hasbeen a new experience for theparticipating pupils. Great to see suchvariety. Well done and thanks toShanagh for her dedication.

Remember that teachers are always available to help and support pupils to attain the bestgrade possible in their SQA exams, as well as in class assessments and prelims. TheMaths department is offering pupils, from all year-groups, a number of study supportopportunities during the week. Pupils should look out for displays around the mathsdepartment giving the days and times of study support sessions. Or ask a teacher in themaths department.

Study support sessions provideexcellent opportunities for eachpupil to obtain help and support,according to their particularneeds, in an informalatmosphere. Learn a few studytips, get valuable advice fromyour teacher, practise someexam-type questions,complete homework tasks,revise for important exams,assessments, prelims, etc.

Pupils should take fulladvantage of lunchtimetutorials and study supportsessions that provideexcellent opportunities forconcentrated support inmathematics.

S4 Parents’ Night

Parents are reminded of the importance of attending the S4

parents’ night on Tuesday 18th February. The SQA exams for

your child take place in May, the most important set of exami-

nations yet for your child.

Teachers in the maths department can give pupils and parents

expert advice on how to prepare thoroughly for these exams,

in order that pupils maximise their full potential in maths.

Maths Study Support

Maths Homework RequirementsParents are reminded that all pupils receivehomework on a regular basis, written homework as

well as MyMaths online homework tasks. It isexpected that this homework will be completed and

returned to class teachers when required. Pupils, and

parents, are reminded that homework consolidates

classwork, and that better grades can be achieved

through a healthy attitude towards homework.The completion of regular homework is a crucial part

of the learning process. Homework is not optional, if

pupils are to achieve to the best of their ability.Further details or advice can be obtained from Mr.

Barker in the mathematics department.

For

mor

e in

form

atio

n on

the

new

http

s://

blog

s.glo

wsc

otla

nd.o

rg.u

k/gl

owbl

ogs/

NPF/

nation

als-

in-a

-nut

shel

l/

Notice Board

Jordana Dow P7 and Abigail Sharp P6 were bothsuccessful in being selected for the Perth U12netball team, after attending trials on 1stDecember. They will begin training weekly withthe team in the new year. Well done girls!

Spirit of Youth (Sport Comprehensive Rugby Team) - Picturedare some of the players from the S1/2 and S3/4 joint SportsComprehensive Rugby team. They recently picked up acertificate at the annual Spirit of Youth awards in Perth ConcertHall for the continuing progress and success of the joint team.This sees pupils from St. John's and Perth Grammar workingtogether in positive ways. Well done to all involved.

Secondary

Monday 6 January 2014 School resumes 9.00amThursday 9 January 2014 P7A Show Racism the Red Card eventMonday 13 January 2014 Parent Council Meeting – 7pmSunday 19 January 2014 P2 Mass – St John’s Church – 11amMonday 20 January 2014 P5M Assembly 1.30pmThursday 30 January 2014 P7J Show Racism the Rec Card EventThursday 13 February 2014 P4 Sacramental Retreat DaySunday 16 February 2014 Rite of Enrolment – St John’s Church 11amWednesday 19 February 2014 School closed to pupils – In-Service DayThursday 20 February 2014 Holiday – School closedFriday 21 February 2014 Holiday – School closedMonday 3 March 2014 P6 Assembly 1.30pmTuesday 4 March 2014 Parents’ Evening 6.00-8.30pmWednesday 5 March 2014 Ash WednesdayThursday 6 March 2014 Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pmThursday 13 March 2014 P3 Reconciliation – St John’s Church – 7pmMonday 17 March 2014 P1 Assembly – 1.30pmMonday 17 March 2014 Parent Council Meeting – 7pmSaturday 29 March 2014 Parent Council Eggstravaganza (tbc)Monday 31 March 2014 P4 Assembly 1.30pmFriday 4 April 2014 School closes for Easter holidays - 3.20pm Non uniform day £1

Monday 6 January 2014 School resumes 8.50amMonday 13 January 2014 S4 Assessment opportunities startMonday 13 January 2014 Parent Council Meeting – 7pmTuesday 14 January 2014 S2 Female vaccinations – HPV mop up onlyFriday 17 January 2014 S4 Assessment opportunities finishMonday 20 January 2014 NQ Prelims startTuesday 21 January 2014 Perth and Kinross Badminton championships S1-6Wednesday 29 January 2014 NQ Prelims finishThursday 6 February 2014 S2 full reports issued to parents.Tuesday 11 February 2014 Feast of Our Lady of LourdesThursday 13 February 2014 S2 Parents’ Information evening 5-6pm, parent night 6-8pmThursday 13 February 2014 Immunisations S3/4/5/6 Td/IPV/MMRTuesday 18 February 2014 S4/5 Parents’ Information evening 5-6pm, parents’ night 6-8pmWednesday 19 February 2014 School closed to pupils – In-Service DayThursday 20 February 2014 Holiday – School closedFriday 21 February 2014 Holiday – School closedSaturday 1 March 2014 Ski Trip leavesTuesday 4 March 2014 S5/6 full report issued to parentsWednesday 5 March 2014 Ash WednesdayThursday 6 March 2014 Vaccinations – S2 female – HPVMonday 10 March 2014 S5/6 Parents’ Reporting evening 6-8pmTuesday 11 March 2014 Perth and Kinross schools cricket tournament S1-6 pupilsThursday 13 March 2014 S3 reports issued to parentsMonday 17 March 2014 Parent Council Meeting – 7pmWednesday 19 March 2014 S3 Parents’ Information evening 5-6pm, parents night 6-8pmWednesday 19 March 2014 S3 NHS Drama tour 9.00-3.30pmFriday 4 April 2014 School closes for Easter holidays - 3.30pm Non uniform day £1

Key Dates... Primary