Rector's Newsletter - December 2011

The eighteenth century clergyman Sydney Smith wrote that “the thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities.” I have always been a believer in the value of public performance and Dollar provides myriad opportunities for just that.

Our under-16 rugby team was defeated, but not disgraced, in the final of the Scottish Schools’ Cup at Murrayfield. After a first-half pummelling, many a team would have given up trying. Their outstanding second-half performance, though not enough to affect the result, was a triumph of character and teamwork. Nor should they forget the wonderful victories against Merchiston and The High School of Glasgow that ensured they reached the final and shared in a wonderful occasion.

It was gratifying that our supporters outnumbered the opposition’s at Murrayfield, despite the fact that we had somewhat further to travel. I was delighted to see so many recent FPs in the crowd. We perhaps had less to sing about than Watson’s, given the score, but the strains of “Will Your Anchor Hold” rang out clearly and one of our young international boarders was sufficiently keen to get the words right that he took his hymn book with him to the match!

Our biennial Sponsored Walk, a thirteen mile trek through the Ochils, was very much a whole-school performance and it was good to see such great commitment by so many. It was a truly impressive occasion, one of the most enjoyable events I have taken part in (yes, I did manage the distance). We were blessed with beautiful weather and a sum of over £56,000 was raised for five different charities. I would like to thank all parents, and all other sponsors, for their tremendous support.

Last month Dollar hosted the RSPBA Piping Quartet and Trio competitions and the success of our pipers is described elsewhere. More importantly, many compliments were received regarding the organisation of the event, and particularly regarding the manners of the many Dollar pupils who helped out on the evening.

Dollar also recently hosted a national exhibition of Art and Design excellence, showcasing some of the best work from last session’s Advanced Higher submissions. Over 600 teachers and pupils from all over Scotland attended the weekend event, the first of its kind, which also included workshops and demonstrations. An inspiring occasion, it reflected great credit on the young artists of the nation. The Art Department at Dollar received considerable praise for putting it all together so well.

Finally, after last year’s snow, we were all delighted that the Christmas Concert at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh proved to be such an outstanding success. An audience of 1,700 watched over four hundred children give the performance of a lifetime. The programme was beautifully balanced and the staging was visually spectacular, but it was the quality of the sound, and the teamwork involved, that really captured the audience. Even Sydney Smith would have been impressed.

Kindest regards

PUPILS

Art
Several Form VI pupils were involved in putting together a brilliant decorative panel for the new SQA building.  They were:  Alice Cheape, Alice Collins, Anna Currie, Frazer Donoghue, Claire Flanagan, Sarah Gough, Emmie Petrie, Louise Preston, Gayle Watson and Danielle van Rhijn. 

CCF
The National CCF First Aid Competition takes place every year at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.  The Dollar team, consisting of Robbie Jones, Lyndsey Mackay (both V), Robert Henson and Gail Scott (both IV) won the competition;  this was Dollar’s sixth consecutive victory in this event.  The team went on to defeat the best teams from the Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Sea Cadets and St John’s Ambulance Cadets to win the Inter-Service Shield.  Along the way, they also recorded the highest team score in the competition winning the London cup.  Robert Henson achieved the highest individual score and Robbie Jones achieved the highest score of any team captain.  In addition, Dollar’s Young Adult team, consisting of Laura Dunn and Katie Johnson (both VI), finished third in the Inter-Service Competition at their level.  This cements Dollar’s position as the leading cadet first-aiders in the country.

Debating
Congratulations to two Dollar debating pairs comprising Tom Clarke and Jack McNicoll (both III) and Imogen Macleod and Amy Hogarth (both II) who recently won their heats in the first round of the ESU Junior Competition.  The motion was, “This house would ban beauty pageants”.

Equestrian Vaulting
Joanna Wilson (II) was a member of The Wee County Vaulters Intermediate team which won the British Championships in October.

Hockey
Congratulations to the following pupils who have been selected to represent Midlands District Hockey at the Inter-District Hockey tournament in Edinburgh:  Joanne Brown, Kathryn Lang (both VI), Lindsay Duff, Heather Aitken, Alix Brewster and Georgina Black (all V) have all been selected for the U-18 squad, with Joanne being chosen as Captain.  Hannah Worsley (III) has been selected for the U-16 squad.

Particular congratulations to Joanne Brown (VI) and Heather Aitken (V) who have been selected for the U-18 Scotland squad.

Mathematics
A team consisting of Calum Worsley, Lewis Macdonald (both VI), Adam Shannon and Maria Tatulea-Codrean (both V) took part in the Edinburgh Regional Final of the UK MT Senior Mathematical Team Challenge in November.  In an exciting competition, with twenty-five other schools, Dollar was placed first and the team now goes forward to the National Final in London in February.

Music
Heather Morrison (III) was recently awarded Silver Musicianship Award at the NYCoS Falkirk area choir.  Zara Kennedy (P4) recently performed on an outdoor stage in conjunction with Capital Radio at the switching-on of the Christmas lights in Stirling, singing the Adele song, Don’t you remember.  She was the youngest participant and received very encouraging reviews.

Piping
Dollar Academy hosted the 2011 Scottish Schools CCF Quartet and Trio Piping Competitions in November.  The competition was officiated by a selection of top adjudicators with representatives from the Army, the Piping Centre and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Many positive comments were received about the high standard of the competition and the warmth of the welcome that Dollar provided. 

The Quartet competition was won by Dollar’s A Quartet of Pipe Major Robert Reid, Calum McMillan (both VI), Sandy Cameron and Lucy Ferguson (both III).  Remarkably, Dollar’s B Quartet, consisting of Cameron McKenzie, Robert King, John Devine (all VI) and Sarah McCann (IV), finished runners-up. 

In the Trios competition, the Dollar B Trio of Jamie McAloon, Simon Cook (both IV) and Hamish Cameron (III) finished in second place. 

Sandy Cameron (III) continues to set the standard in the Solo Piping world with a set of remarkable results achieved at the Scottish Piping Society of London Solo Piping Championship.  This competition is recognised as one of the most prestigious solo events on the calendar, attracting entries from many of the world’s top pipers.   The Juvenile section, comprising three separate events (Piobaireachd;  March, Strathspey and Reel;  Slow Air and Jig) is a challenging ordeal.  It is very unusual for one competitor to top all three categories, but Sandy did exactly that to collect the Jim Caution Memorial Quaich.

Rugby
Billy Dineen, Alasdair Mackie (both V) and Fraser Morrison (VI) have represented Caledonia U-17s in fixtures against Edinburgh and the Borders.  All three boys were then selected for a combined Glasgow/Caledonia team to play against a combined Edinburgh/Borders team.  The boys won all of their matches.  At U-16 level, Jacob Adamson, Danny Dineen and Murray Semple (all IV) were invited to attend a Scotland U-16 player development camp in October.

The 1st XV have had an excellent run of wins recently including victories over Stewart’s Melville in the Grant Mackenzie Memorial Cup and away at Fettes in the Colin Mackay Memorial Challenge.  The Stewart’s Melville match was generously sponsored by Dollar Accies and was played in front of a large crowd.

Our U-16 XV reached the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup at Murrayfield where they lost to George Watson’s College.  They deserve great praise for their achievement, which is described a little more fully on the front page, along with a photograph of the match elsewhere in this newsletter.

Science
Five Dollar Academy pupils have reached the finals of the 2012 National Science and Engineering Competition.  Kathryn Gillespie, Sarah Hawkins and Maddie Jamieson (all IV) excelled with their study into the psychology of examinations.  Ciara O’Connell and Bethan Scott (both IV) also impressed the judges with their investigation into the most effective throat lozenges.  The girls’ entries will be presented to over 30,000 people at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair in Birmingham in March.

Shooting
Laura Thompson (V) has recently been selected for the British Schools Shooting Team to complete in the forthcoming international match against New Zealand schools.  This is an outstanding achievement and a first for Dollar.  Laura, along with Aileen Grey, C J Macdonald, Lindsey McKerrell and Louis Stewart (all V), was invited to shoot with the London and Middlesex Rifle Association along with Scotland regulars.  They received great praise, both for their shooting ability and their enthusiastic, but well-mannered, approach.

Squash
Andrew Roberts (III) has been selected for the National Talent Squad for Squash and we wish him luck in the Scottish Junior Open in January.

Swimming
The Junior School Swimming Gala was held earlier this term and the Junior 1 Girls Championship was won by Joanna Rae with Katie Robertson finishing second and Meg Harley in third place.  The Junior 1 Boys Championship was shared between Daniel Robins and Sam Bracken with Duncan Warnock finishing third.  The Junior 2 Girls Championship was won by Erin Stevens with Georgia Garry in second place and Sophie Ferguson in third.  The Junior 2 Boys Championship was won by Rory Duncan with Cameron McCall finishing second and Lachlan Kelly third.  The overall Quint Championship was won by Argyll. 

The Senior School Swimming Gala produced the following results:  the Junior Girls Champion was Deborah Meikle (I), the Junior Boys Champion was Aidan Mitchell (I), the Intermediate Girls Champion was Lucy Thomson (II), the Intermediate Boys Champion was Callum Lawrie (II), the Senior Girls Champion was Alyshia McCracken (IV) and the Senior Boys Champion was Craig Coull (V).

Several Dollar pupils took part in the Central Schools Swimming Championships at Grangemouth in November.  Dollar Academy won the shield for the overall Best Primary School, as well as winning the U-12 Boys and Girls Relays.  In addition, at their age group, Fiona McCall (P4) won the 25m Girls Backstroke, Harry Gray (P5) won the 25m Boys Backstroke, Deborah Meikle (I) won the 50m Girls Backstroke, Amy Salmon (P5) won the 25m Girls Backstroke, and Kara Shiels (P5) won the 25m Girls Freestyle.

Callum Lawrie (II) has been selected as a member of the Scottish Youth Development Squad.

Tennis
Matthew Williamson (VI) recently secured a spot in an event on the British Tour.  His younger sister Sophie (IV) has been awarded a twelve month sponsorship funded by the LTA and Aegon.  She has gained entry into the Future Stars Programme and is currently ranked number 11 in the UK at U-16 level.

Waterskiing
Isla Banerji (II) won the Scottish Ladies U-14 Slalom and finished second in the British Ladies U-14 Slalom.

STAFF

The final race of the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series 2011 took place in late September along the forty mile River Ayr Way – a mix of trail, ankle-deep bog, woodland paths and shoulder-high nettles.  Mr Johns (Physics) was in his element, and finished in fourth place out of almost 100 starters.  His excellent finish ensured that he managed fifth place in the overall series and second place in the Over-40 section.  He now has a shiny new decanter.

NEWS 

Music
Our Form IV and Form VI Sound Engineering classes have created their own record label named DARE (Dollar Academy Recording Enterprises) and launched their first CD, featuring the festive sounds of the Chamber Choir and DAJO, on 14 December at the Usher Hall. This is also available from the School Office for the price of £5.

Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic
Chartered Physiotherapist, Lesley McIlwraith, continues to run clinics within Dollar Academy on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  So far, these have been very busy with pupils benefiting from fast access to an on-site service working closely with the PE staff.  Early treatment and appropriate rehabilitation of injured pupils has helped them return to sport quickly and safely.  However, the clinic will assess and treat all types of aches, pains and injuries, not only sports injuries.  Sessions are located in the Maguire Building Medical Room and are available between 12 30pm and 5pm.  The cost is £30 per half hour session and parents can phone 07990 814659 or e-mail lmcilwraith517@gmail.com. 

Careers Convention 2012
The date for the next Careers Convention will be Wednesday 14 March 2012.  This is an opportunity for pupils in the Senior School and their parents to meet professionals from all walks of life and discuss one-to-one the pleasures and pitfalls of their jobs, along with advice on how to access their profession.  Parents are encouraged to offer their services in representing these careers.  They should, in the first instance, contact the Deputy Rector, Mr Geoff Daniel, through the school e-mail address (rector@dollaracademy.org.uk).

Internet Safety
As many parents will be aware, we have been focusing on Internet safety and Internet use over recent months.  Central Scotland Police have asked us to let you know that they will be manning a stall in the Thistle Centre in Stirling on 22 and 23 December and 4, 5 and 6 January where expert help and advice will be available.

CCF Dining-In Night
Major Craig Stewart, Contingent Commander and the members of the CCF, are to be warmly congratulated on the excellent Dining-In Night held in early December.  In particular, Laura Dunn gave a superb speech and Hamish Tester, in his role as Master of Ceremonies, managed the evening skilfully.

Sixth Form Dinner
Gillian Bowditch, a journalist with The Sunday Times, proved an outstanding speaker at this year’s Sixth Form Dinner.   Her wise words made a strong impression and Form VI, and a number of Dollar members of staff and Governors, very much enjoyed the evening.

Form VI Play
This year’s Form VI play was an adaption of the original versions of some of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.  The entire cast and backstage team deserve great praise for putting together this excellent production.

Form III Play
Mr Russell’s (Head of Drama) choice of A’haunting We Will Go proved a good one and several Form III pupils thoroughly enjoyed getting their teeth into some demanding roles.  The result was a triumph.

International Links
Mr McFadyean (Head of World Studies) accompanied a small group on a successful visit to The Ethel Walker School in Connecticut.  Everyone found the visit both enjoyable and enlightening.

Art and Design Trip
London is the destination for this year’s Form V and VI trip which will enable senior Art and Design pupils to visit many of London’s top galleries and exhibitions.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Parents may wish to note that the school will be closed on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June 2012.  The boarding houses will remain open.

FORMER  PUPILS

Victoria Sibley (2002) was ordained into the Anglican Church at St Paul’s Cathedral, Wellington, New Zealand in November.  We wish her continuing success in her role as International Chaplain at Massey University. 

David Croxford (2009) performed very successfully at the Scottish Open Gymnastics event in October, winning a Gold medal in the Floor section, a Silver medal in the Vault and a Silver in the overall event.

Michael Green (2011) has been invited to the Scottish Business Education Association Conference where he will receive a prize for gaining the highest mark in the Higher Economics examination in Scotland in 2011. 

Dr Martin Nimmo (2003) has been elected Chair of the British Dental Association’s (BDA) Young Dentists’ Committee.  He is also the current Chair of the BDA’s Student Committee. 

University Graduations

University of Aberdeen  

Alistair Bonn        MA       IIi – History – Politics
                                      

Christopher Bowerman         BSc                  Computing Science
                                    

Gregor Bwye                        BSc                  IIi – Zoology
                                      

Graeme Dick                        BSc                  IIi – Zoology
         

Finlay Hay                             BSc            IIi – Agriculture & Business Management
         

Fraser Hogg                          MA       IIii – History – Politics
         

Ailidh Todd                           BSc            Zoology
         

Jennifer Trodden                   BSc            I – Biomedical Sciences
                                                                   (Pharmacology)
         

David Wandless                    BMBS  
         

Fiona Winchester                  BSc            IIi - Biology

CHARITIES  EVENTS

Sponsored Walk
Every two years, Dollar runs a Sponsored Walk during which the whole school, staff and pupils, takes to the hills for the day to raise money for charity.  The walk took place, in beautiful weather, on Friday 30 September and has already raised over £56,000.  The charities chosen by the Charities Committee are:  HorseBack UK, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Struan School, Bravehearts Children’s Trust and the St Francis Rehabilitation Project in Malindi with whom we now have a partnership link.

Operation Christmas Child
For their Harvest Festival this year, the Junior School chose to support Operation Christmas Child and they collected more than 160 brightly coloured boxes filled with toys, toothbrushes, pens and puzzles to be delivered to children in countries from Mozambique to Belarus.

Children in Need
A winning combination of cupcakes, key rings and a Staff versus Pupils hockey match allowed the Charities Committee to raise over £1,000 for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

MAIN  DATES  FOR  YOUR  DIARY

Monday 19 December                                    Junior School dance
Tuesday 20 December                                     Forms V and VI dance
                                                                        Prep 1-3 Christmas Musical
Wednesday 21 December                               Prep and Junior School Carol Service
Thursday 22 December                                    Senior School Carol Service
                                                                        End of term for Prep, Junior and Senior School at 12 30
Tuesday 10 January                                         School resumes – 8 40am
Tuesday 17 January                                         Form II Parents’ Evening
Wednesday 25 January                                   Form I Parents’ Evening
Saturday 28 January                                        Entrance Test Day

THRIFT  SHOP  OPENING  – 2 30pm – 4 00pm  (2nd and 4th Thursday of the month)

Thursday 12 January 2012                                        

Thursday 26 January                              
Thursday 9 February                                                 

Thursday 23 February                             
Thursday 8 March

Parents were invited to bring girls’ party dresses into the Thrift Shop after half-term for the Christmas party season.  Parents who brought in party dresses are asked to call into the Thrift Shop during January 2012 to collect any unsold items.  Any dresses still in the Thrift Shop in February will be donated to charity.

The Thrift Shop is also happy to take specialist items for co-curricular activities such as:

We are always in need of the following items:

Due to recent changes to the school uniform list we will no longer be taking the following items:

           
We also have a new school umbrella - a vented version, ideal for our windy Dollar weather - still at the same price of £16.00.

The Thrift Shop is always happy to welcome new members to its friendly, committed, team.  If you feel that you are able to donate two afternoons a month to this important, parent-run service, please pop in next time the Thrift Shop is open and have a chat to the volunteers.

Further information about the Dollar Academy Thrift Shop can be found in the Parents Section of the school website.