SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD: GALASHIELS ACADEMY
...All the latest news straight from the classroom
Hockey
A massive congratulations to our S3 hockey team who, exactly one week after our seniors did the same, came second in their South Schools tournament. The girls played well in the group winning 4-0, drawing 0-0 and then winning 1-0 which saw them go through to the semi-final as group winners. Goals in the group stage were scored by Darcie Liddle, Ainslie Forsyth and Molly McIver. The girls saved their best hockey for the semifinal and final, however Gala won their semi 1-0 after a great goal from Orla Moncrieff which saw them into the tournament final against Jedburgh.
The game was very tight until our captain Darcie Liddle, popped up with a fantastic goal to put Gala in the lead with just over five minutes remaining.
However, Jed kept the pressure up and scored an impressive drag flick from a penalty corner, sending the game into extra time. It remained 1-1 for the five minutes of extra time and saw us into running
penalties where Darcie, Iris and Orla stepped up to take – with Alex Waterson-law in goals. The girls were very unfortunate having three strong penalties. One of them was saved very well by the Jed keeper to see Jed crowned as winners. But the girls really pushed them all the way and played outstanding hockey.
A special mention to all the players who showed a very strong togetherness, supported one another and who worked their socks off for their teammates in every game. They did themselves and the school proud and picked up medals in the process too, well done girls.
Rugby
Gala Academy s1/s2 v Lasswade HS was a challenging match for our boys with some good rugby played by both sides.
Although on the wrong side of the result, there was improvement throughout the game and a positive level of participation and enjoyment from this amalgamated squad.
As the final XV matches are played in March, the squads are looking forward to the end of season seven-a-side tournaments, with the goal of having a fit, keen and skilled squad of 12 for S1 and S2 and
U15 at the South Schools Sevens at Netherdale and the various other tournaments.
S3/4 rugby
It was fantastic to welcome old friends Dollar Academy to Galashiels recently in a friendly fixture at S3/S4 level.
Dollar played some excellent rugby, but were out classed on the day by the bigger, older Gala XV. Everyone enjoyed the spectacle.
Opportunities
This week our S3 and S6 pupils worked with Mark from Community Learning and Development using the Place Standard Tool.
The Place Standards Tool encourages people to look at their town and make suggestions on how things could be better. There was plenty of lively discussions on what changes could be made to improve the town and make Galashiels an even better place to live, learn, work and play.