Pupils head outdoors
A group of 60 pupils from Auchinleck Academy and Cumnock Academy set off to take part in a joint Adventure and Challenge Course at The Outward Bound Centre, Loch Eil near Fort William. This was an excellent opportunity for pupils and staff of both schools to work collaboratively.
The first activity on arrival was jog and dip, a jump into the cold loch in shorts and t- shirt. Over the course of the week the pupils experienced a variety of physical outdoor activities including an overnight expedition including some stunning beach locations. During each activity pupils were actively learning about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code including their responsibility for the natural environment.
The development and progress made by pupils over the week was outstanding. The change in how pupils thought and felt about themselves was important to build their personal, social and emotional skills so they become more effective individuals, whether in school, life or work.
It was a fantastic week and excellent to see Auchinleck Academy and Cumnock Academy pupils working together.
Mary’s Meals Fundraising: The Rights Respecting School group held a fundraising event last Wednesday to raise money for the Mary’s Meals sponsor a school programme.
Pupils had to pay £ 1 to dress in blue, which is the colour associated with the Mary’s Meals and UNICEF logos, raising the marvellous total of £ 340.91.
They also showed the DVD Generation Hope in the assembly hall during the day.
This is a film about the work that the Mary’s Meals charity does, and the difference that it is making to the lives of children in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Kelvingrove drawing competition: S2 pupil Skye Schendel obtained highly commended in this year’s Kelvingrove drawing competition.
Skye joined the 50 strong group of S2/ 3 art and design pupils who attended the gallery to draw a piece of their choice from the exhibition. These drawings were then judged by a panel of professionals within the creative industries. The school is thrilled that Skye’s hard work has been recognised in this prestigious national competition which is entered by art and design students from all over Scotland.
The art and design department would like to remind senior to make time for their summer projects.
Sports dinner: Auchinleck Academy had a very successful annual sports dinner.
This year they had guest speaker Aileen Neilson who has competed in the Paralympics twice, where she won a bronze medal at Sochi. She was the first female to skip a wheelchair curling team. She has a bronze medal from the 2007 World Wheelchair Curling Championship and a silver from the 2011 World Wheelchair Curling Championship. There were a number of awards on the night including - Dancer of the year: Nadia Rutherford; Football player of the year: Kaylum Ferguson; Rugby player of the year: John Watt; Swimmer of the year: Cairn Flaherty; Netball player of the year: Cobi Welsh; Handball player of the year: Michael Miller.
Race for Life: number of senior girls took part in the Race for Life in May. They would like to thank everyone for their support and the superb total of £ 650.50 was paid through the school with more donated via the online Justgiving page.
Summer Holidays: The school closed for the summer holidays on Thursday June 30, and re- opens for pupils on Wednesday, August 17.