Greenwood Academy

Dec 5 2008 Irvine Herald

NORTH Ayrshire Awards Ceremony took place on Friday, November 28, at the Magnum, Irvine. Peter Martin and Scott Carden from Greenwood Academy had the pleasure of piping the guests into the ceremony.

Greenwood Brass Band - 32 pupils from the Greenwood Brass Bank performed at Irvine’s Old Parish Church last Monday, November 24. The evening’s entertainment was to celebrate St Andrew’s night.

This was the band’s final event outside the school with Mr Keachie as conductor and, strangely enough, took place in the same venue as the Brass Bank performed when Mr Keachie started his brass band many years ago!

Pupils took the opportunity to present him with a token of their appreciation for all his support and hard work with them over the years.

Greenwood Academy’s bands and orchestras performed on Thursday, November 27, in front of a packed audience.

The performances were outstanding and the audience were highly entertained by a large number of pupils from all year groups. The evening ended with a superb performance by the Brass Bank led by Mr Keachie.

This was his final commitment before moving on to his new job as Head of Instrumental Service in Inverclyde Council and Mrs McGuire, Head Teacher, and Mrs Glover, Principal Teacher of Music, paid tribute to his work in Greenwood which started in 1979. A big thank you to the XL club members who organised the raffle on the night which raised £300 which goes to Ayrshire Cancer Research.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this worthy cause. The entire evening was a real celebration of the skills and talents of your people and a fitting occasion to mar St Andrew’s Day in line with Scottish Government thinking.

S2 Outdoor Programme - Last week on November 25, a group of six pupils began their weekly outing which took them to Ballochmyle Gorge in Mauchline to abseil down the 50ft gorge. The group were so enthusiastic and earned a well deserved lunch break before descending on yet another abseil, where some of the children helped with the anchor role.

Once the final descent was achieved the pupils began their woodland walk surrounding the gorge where there was a wealth of historical interest which the pupils thoroughly enjoyed. Ms Haxton joined the adventure and enjoyed the challenge too.

Chelsea Jordan, Kharis McMasters and Nicole Lawson will visit the printers in Largs on Monday, December 8, with Greenwood business adviser, Walter Smith.

Whilst at the printers they will be trained on the new design programme ‘Coral Draw’ to facilitate them with the publishing of the school’s yearbook. All fourth year pupils took part in workshops to prepare them in study/relaxation techniques for their exams. Workshops were led by the Tree of Knowledge.

Mrs Dunker raising attainment co-ordinator said feedback from the pupils had been very positive. 129 Parents from S1 and S4 also attended a workshop in the evening. Parents were keen to be involved and evaluation was positive. Mrs Dunker outlined a wide range of activities currently being under taken, including the Supported Study which is consistently well attended for young people in years 4 to 6.

Junior Xmas Factor - Do you have the X-Factor? This is the question to pupils this week. Auditions will be held at lunch time in the Drama Room on the following days: Thursday, December 4, -S1 and S2. Friday, December 5 - S3, Pupils, who think they have what it takes, should pass their name to Miss Walker in Modern Languages.

Seniors’ Xmas Factor - Are you better than Eoghan Quigg - Can you sing sweeter than Alexandra? Auditions for the senior pupils Greenwood’s Xmas Factor and show your talent. Pupils in S4, S5, or S6 should give names to Mr Cavani (PE) by Tuesday, December 2. Pupils should remember to bring your own backing track to the auditions and contact Mr Cavani, Mr McHarg, Mrs Beardsworth, Mrs Inch or Mr Campbell for further information.

Trophies have been returned from the engraver. Pupils should collect relevant items from Mrs Roach in the Finance Department.

The prelims began on Monday, December 1, and will end on Friday, December 12, 2008. Pupils are expected to attend class when they do not have exams. Normal work will resume on Monday, December 15, 2008. Pupils are reminded to arrive at least 10 minutes early for the exams. This will allow registration to take place in the Atrium. Pupils should follow signs and register with the appropriate teacher. Pupils must remain in the exam room for the duration of the exam unless otherwise instructed by the invigilators. Study hard, be prepared and do your very best!

The North Ayrshire Calender launch took place on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine. Both Kate Ralston 5S1 and Kirsten Fordham 5P1 attended and saw their winning entries published in the calendar. Well Done, girls!

All S1 pupils participated in the ‘Big Sing’ 2008. The aim of the event was for as many pupils as possible throughout the UK to perform together the song ‘You Gotta Be’ (originally performed by Des’ree). On Thursday the pupils gathered in the Atrium for the record attempt. At 2.45pm the pupils sang along with Des’ree as she performed live from the 02 Arena in London accompanied by the pop bank The Kixx, child violinist IN-Cha and the classical artist, Summer Watson.

As well as trying for a Guiness Book of records, the organisers were raising money for charities. The two charities involved are Marie Curie Cancer Care and Clic Sargent. Pupils who participated were being asked to donate £1 which will be donated to these causes. Donations are still coming in for the charities.