OUR LADY’S HIGH
St Andrew’s Day Debate A great day was enjoyed by the group who participated in the 10th annual St Andrew’s Day Debate organised by the ESU and held at the Scottish Parliament.
Nominated pupils Grant Mackin and Christopher Wilson were each paired with a university student debater who acted as coach, mentor and partner throughout the day.
Magen McNulty acted as chairman and Christopher Wilson as judge during the three debating rounds, a great opportunity for both of them to learn new skills.
The motions were: “This House would become vegan”, “This House would open up Antarctica to resource exploitation” and “This House would return national treasures to their country of origin.”
After many hard fought heats, the final four teams debated the last motion:” This House would not give a platform to any extremist group.”
Held in the main debating chamber and under the eagle eye of the Deputy Presiding Officer herself, Ms Christine Grahame MSP, the last debate was worth the wait.
The worthy winning team was from Deans Community High School, arguing against the motion.
The school would like to thank the ESU for inviting the pupils and to the Scottish Parliament workforce for making it such an enjoyable day with particular thanks to the caterers and the many rolls and sausage enjoyed by David O’Hara.
Annual War Memorial Mass One of the most important events on our school calendar is the mass held to commemorate all those from the Our Lady’s High and St Joseph’s community who sacrificed their lives for their country in the two world wars.
As always, the mass was a dignified and sombre occasion, well attended by the families of the war dead, as well as trustees of our War Memorial Chapel, and former and current staff and pupils.
Mass was celebrated by Bishop Toal, with John Pitcaithley and members of the Diocese Choir providing glorious music.
With great affection, Mrs Sinclair greeted the well kent face of Mr John White, former depute, principal teacher of English and all-round scholar of Our Lady’s High School, a faithful friend of both War Memorial Chapel and School, who will be 95 years old on his next birthday.
Thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of the evening, with particular thanks to Mr and Mrs Stemplis who provided wonderful refreshments.
Google Pioneer Program On Friday, November 25, OLHS Social Subjects Faculty had the privilege of hosting the Google Pioneer Program – a Virtual Reality education app which transported pupils to important locations within the curriculum.
Over 200 young people from departments including Social Subjects, English, Modern Languages and Science had the opportunity to explore the trenches of WWI, stand in the crowds of a Trump rally, discover the secrets of the Borneo Rainforest and experience the human cardiovascular system at work.
They were able to visit coral reefs, the Moon, the Grand Canyon, Rio de Janeiro - all from the comfort of their own school.
Staff were equally keen to try out the technology for themselves, so there was a steady stream of adults wandering around with the viewers too.
The pupils who participated have given fantastic feedback to their teachers about their experience, and the deeper-learning from the program has really shone through in the school’s classrooms.
Christmas Fair The Christmas Fair took place on Saturday, November 26. Stalls ranged from Santa’s Grotto, toy tombola, face painting, candles and teas to school scarves, cake, textile stall and children’s Christmas Quiz- not forgetting the raffle.
A massive thanks to everyone who was involved in yet another successful day. The school raised £840 from the stalls and when the raffle money is added, the school fund will have another cash injection.
All money raised for the school fund goes towards supporting our young people in many ways throughout the year, so thank you all again for supporting Our Lady’s High School.
Advent Mass will take place in school every day. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 12.55pm Wednesday and Friday at 8.35am.
Please make every effort to attend. Some local parishioners are also warmly invited to Mass in the school’s beautiful War Memorial Chapel.
Mrs Macfadyen will again be organising the ‘Best Worst Christmas Joke Competition’ in the Library.
Pupils are invited to share their jokes, suitably decorated, to the Library display, with the chance of winning a prize.
Advent Appeal The school sees this special season as a time for reaching out a helping hand to those who have little to celebrate or look forward to.
This year, pupils are collecting socks and preloved clothes to be donated to a homeless charity. Any donations will be gratefully received by the RE Dept.
AsalwaysAs always, theschoolismakingupfoodparcelsthe school is making up food parcels to be donated to people in need in the local area. Families of the pupils, or any friend of the school, can donate one or two items to this worthwhile appeal- it really does make a difference to the lives of so many people!
Finally, it is traditional for the staff of OLHS to donate a box of chocolates, before the Caritas class wraps them and visits the Park Springs Care Home to perform some Christmas Carols and present the gifts. This is a visit the Park Springs Residents really look forward to and enjoy.
As always, your help and support are much appreciated.
Book Week Scotland Pupils in S1 celebrated Book Week Scotland by having the chance to participate in Reading Dares, and sharing their favourite ‘cosy stories’. The Dares varied from ‘Read a really scary book’ to ‘Read a really romantic book’.
Staff volunt e e red to swap book recommendations recommendationswithpupilswith pupils. ManyoftheyoungMany of the young people put a great deal of thought into the ideal book for their staff member, trying to choose the most appropriate story, while others just tried to find the biggest book available for loan, forgetting that the member of staff would be recommending a book to them in turn.
Pupils were invited to nominate their favourite story that makes them feel safe and warm and cosy inside.
Their suggestions included: Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh and an episode from The Big Bang Theory! Book Week Scotland is organised by the Scottish Book Trust.
Important Dates December 7: Clydeview Party December 8: S5/6 Parents’ Meeting: 4-6pm December 9: S4 Prelims begin December 15: Christmas Concert December 19: S1-3 Ceilidh December 20: Senior Citizens’ Party