MINTLAW ACADEMY
Station Road, Mintlaw, Peterhead, AB42 5FN
Tel: 01771 622994 Fax: 01771 624228
Absence Line: 01771 620000
Office Opening Hours 8.30am – 4pm
E-mail: mintlaw.aca@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Website: www.mintlawacademy.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
NEWSLETTER: Term 4 2015/16
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Awards – Celebration of Success
Bunono School Donation - Uganda
Young Photographers - Rotary
Charities
Judo Champions
Anne Frank Awards
Football Season 2015/16
Netball
Making a Difference Group
Young Engineers Club
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Online payments for school meals
Catering service
New Alerts System
Scottish Literacy & Numeracy Survey
SQA Exam Results
Absence Procedure
mySchoolApp
PTA Mega Draw Winners
Dates for your Diary 2016/17
Introduction
Welcome to the final newsletter of the 2015/2016 Session and I do hope you enjoy reading it.
The newsletter is packed full of many examples of the spectacular achievements of our young
people at Mintlaw Academy and will give you an insight into the varied and excellent
opportunities available to pupils.
It has been an absolute pleasure in introducing and appointing our new Head Boy – Lewis
Chalmers and Head Girl – Justine Phelan. They will lead the Senior School Executive of House
Captains. This worked really well this year in listening to pupil‟s views and acting upon them. To
develop this we are going to enhance the “Pupil Senate” next session where representatives
from S1-S4 will be meeting with me regularly to talk about their learning.
As the session draws to a close we say goodbye to a number of colleagues. Miss Walshe is
leaving to a promoted post in Aberdeen, Mrs Beattie, Mr Smith and Mr Milne all retire and we
thank them for their dedication, hard work and loyalty and wish all the very best in the future.
There have been many successes and achievements this year and we hope that you have been
keeping up to date with them in the “Good News” section of the website.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, pupils and parents for all their
support and loyalty throughout this session and very much look forward to further improving
Mintlaw Academy next year.
Please enjoy the holiday, and if travelling, be safe but most of all rest.
Thank you.
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1. Awards - Celebration of Success – Thursday 16th June
SSC
The Awards ceremony at Mintlaw Academy took place on Thursday 16th June celebrating the
achievements and talents of pupils from S1-6. Guests were invited to a reception before the
ceremony with canapés prepared by the Senior Hospitality Practical Cake Craft Classes. The
Mintlaw Academy orchestra and groove band provided the musical interludes throughout the
programme and Moy Denholm performed a solo piece on the saxophone „Cake Walk‟, which was
enjoyed by all present.
Two new awards were added to the programme this year, the Wider Achievement Award for
making a difference to the school and wider community, and the Alex Mair Trophy for
outstanding contribution to the PE department. Mr Mair retired last July but still contributes
a lot to the school and was welcomed on stage to a lengthy rousing applause, a touching moment
of the ceremony.
Special guests helping to hand out prizes this year were Jimmy Buchan, local star of the BBC
TV series Trawlermen and Steve Frew, Scotland‟s first ever gymnast to win a Commonwealth
gold medal. Steve Frew surprised the audience with a quick demonstration on the pommel
horse, Jimmy Buchan declining the option to have a go!
Our thanks go to Happy Plant and MACBI for the loan of decorative plant arrangements and
chairs and to Auchtydonald for the donation of strawberries. A huge congratulations to all the
pupils who received an award for their endeavours and resulting success and to everyone who
helped them along the way.
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S1 Attainment Awards
Teigan Allan 1B1 Home Economics, Jason Smith 1B1 German, Technology, Finlay Murray 1B2
Computing, Tia Trahearn 1B2 Computing, Adam Fowlie 1D1 CfE Science, Physical Education,
Social Subjects, Heather Greig 1D1 Home Economics, Ellie Barron 1D2 Music, Erin Forsyth 1D2
German, Elisa Gibb 1D2 Social Subjects, Amy Matthew 1D2 English, Annie-Louisa McCarthy
1D2 Music, Signe Reonda 1D2 Art & Design, Logan Klimkowski 1M1 CfE Science, Cari Willox 1M1
English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Jack McAuley 1M2 Art & Design, CfE Science,
Computing, Kian McCredie 1M2 Physical Education, Cameron Whyte 1M2 Drama, Abby Wilson
1M2 Home Economics, Sean Davidson 1U1 Drama, Taylor Mitchell 1U1 Computing, Alyssa
Neumann 1U1 French, Liam Reid 1U1 Physical Education, Amy-Jay Rudgley 1U1 English, Home
Economics, Mathematics, Ruth Taylor 1U1 Technology, Savannah Chisholm 1U2 Drama, Emma
Mowatt 1U2 Drama, Social Subjects, David Noble 1U2 Mathematics
Overall winner - Emily Strachan 1B2 Art & Design, CfE Science, English, French, Music
S1 Endeavour Awards
Lewis Hammond 1B1 English, Morgan Lea Rollo 1B1 Computing, Jason Smith 1B1 Art & Design,
Music, Tia Trahearn 1B1 Social Subjects, Emily Strachan 1B2 Home Economics, Adam Fowlie
1D1 Mathematics, Heather Greig 1D1 Music, Mathew Keith 1D1 Physical Education, Matthew
Mackenzie 1D1 Art & Design, Computing, Paige Pollard 1D1 English, Ellie Barron 1D2 CfE
Science, Craig Buchan 1D2 Social Subjects, Ben Dickie 1D2 CfE Science, Erin Forsyth 1D2
Computing, Elisa Gibb 1D2 Drama, Annie-Louisa McCarthy 1D2 CfE Science, Cameron Rawson
1D2 Drama, German, Abby Wilson 1D2 Home Economics, Aleksandra Aleksandrovskaja 1M1
Drama, Teigan Allan 1M1 Technology, Rebecca Irvine 1M1 Music, Abby Rennie 1M1 English, Cari
Willox 1M1 Home Economics, Technology, Ellie Cobban 1M2 French, Laura Fraser 1M2 Art &
Design, Drama, Kerry Urquhart 1M2 Mathematics, Cameron Whyte 1M2 Physical Education,
Sean Davidson 1U1 Social Subjects, Megan Gibb 1U2 French, Majidah Moursil 1U2 Physical
Education, Emma Mowatt 1U2 Home Economics, Ryan Nicol 1U2 English, David Noble 1U2 CfE
Science, Jodie Wallace 1U2 Mathematics
Overall winner - Dominic Uri 1B1 Computing, German, Physical Education
S2 Attainment Awards
Abigail Fryer 2B1 French, Chloe Adams 2B2 CfE Science, Amie Brighton 2B2 Social Subjects,
Rhimini Kerr 2B2 English, German, Social Subjects,Ewan Noble 2B2 Art & Design, CfE Science,
Findlay McAdam 2D1 Drama, Ross Meredith 2D1 Physical Education, Chay Milward 2D1
Computing, Logan Morrison 2D1 Computing, Amy Seivwright 2D1 Art & Design, Music, Calum
Selman 2D1 Mathematics, Ellie Massie 2D2 Computing, Home Economics, Social Subjects,
Technology, Claire Hunter 2M1 English, Maya Ritchie 2M1 Drama, Home Economics, Emily
Robertson 2M1 English, Stephanie Downie 2M2 Physical Education, Fiona Ducker 2M2 Art &
Design, German, Home Economics, Ewan Milne 2M2 Physical Education, Philemon Nkuranga 2M2
Music, Chelsea Robbie 2M2 Music, Charlotte Firth 2U1 CfE Science, Home Economics,
Mathematics, Technology, Kieran Shewan 2U1 Physical Education, Jack Bain 2U2 Drama, Scott
Robertson 2U2 Computing
Overall winner - Anya Fisher 2M1 CfE Science, Drama, English, French, Mathematics
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S2 Endeavour Awards
Danny Kidney 2B1 Home Economics, Lucas Strachan 2B1 English, Chloe Adams 2B2 Drama,
Social Subjects, Abigail Elliott 2B2 Home Economics, Mathematics, Rhimini Kerr 2B2 CfE
Science, Lauren McCarthy 2B2 Social Subjects, Natasha Matthews 2D1 Home Economics,
Logan Morrison 2D1 CfE Science, Amy Seivwright 2D1 Computing, German, Calum Selman 2D1
Drama, Social Subjects, Sean Walker 2D1 Art & Design, James Perkins 2D2 Computing, Molly
Irvine 2M1 Mathematics, Maya Ritchie 2M1 English, Mathematics, Emily Robertson 2M1
Computing, Liam Cherry 2M2 Computing, English, Stephanie Downie 2M2 CfE Science,
Technology, Ellie Gray 2M2 Physical Education, Lynne Hemsley 2M2 Music, Mark Leggat 2M2
Technology, Ross MacDonald 2M2 English, Physical Education, Cameron Murray 2M2 Drama,
Philemon Nkuranga 2M2 French, Chelsea Robbie 2M2 German, Jenny Strachan 2U1 French,
Music, Jack Bain 2U2 Physical Education, Computing, Home Economics, Angela Stuart 2U2
Drama
Overall winner - Kirsten Craig 2U1 Art & Design, CfE Science, Music
S3 Attainment Awards
Aisha Ali 3B1 Home Economics, Miah Allan 3B1 Geography, Sarah Donald 3B1 CfE Physics,
Rhiann McKenzie 3B1 Drama, Shaynah Moodley 3B1 Graphic Communication/Engineering
Science, Matthew Wheeler 3B1 CfE Physics, Craig Brown 3B2 CfE Chemistry, Stephanie
Buchan 3B2 Art & Design, Amy Finnie 3B2 Graphic Communication/Engineering Science, Home
Economics, Finlay Grant 3B2 Physical Education, Rhian Johnston 3B2 German, Joanne
McDonald 3B2 Art & Design, Design & Manufacture/Practical Woodwork, Geography, Taylor
Sinclair 3B2 Physical Education, Lee Gillanders 3D1 Design & Manufacture/Practical
Woodwork, Nicola Goodey 3D1 CfE Biology, Lucy Gray 3D1 CfE Chemistry, Gregor Robertson
3D1 Modern studies, Michael Taylor 3D1 Physical Education, Ellie Dalgarno 3D2 Mathematics,
Lauren Bisset 3M1 Drama, George Madgett 3M1 Lifeskills, Erin Kindness 3M2 French, Daniel
Richardson 3M2 Music, Emma Stephen 3M2 Drama, Melinda Stephen 3M2 English, Rachael
Bradford 3U1 History, Alix Buchan 3U1 Art & Design, CfE Biology, Modern Studies, Hannah
Cameron 3U1 English, French, Adam Crighton 3U1 CfE Physics, Beth Fowlie 3U1 English,
History, Liam Park 3U1 Physical Education, Katie Ramsay 3U1 CfE Chemistry, Mathematics,
Music, RMPS, Rian Sanderson 3U1 CfE Physics, Filip Konopski 3U2 CfE Biology, CfE Chemistry,
German, Robert Packham 3U2 Mathematics, Kyla Watt 3U2 CfE Biology, Drama
Overall winner - Molly Yau 3U2 English, Home Economics, Modern Studies, Music, RMPS
S3 Endeavour Awards
Aisha Ali 3B1 History, Physical Education, Miah Allan 3B1 Music, Ellie Campbell 3B1 English,
Thomas Hall 3B1 Design & Manufacture/Practical Woodwork, Alex Holroyd 3B1 Geography,
Aaron Jamieson 3B1 German, Graphic Communication/Engineering Science, Shaynah Moodley
3B1 Physical Education, Taran Salter-Buckley 3B1 CfE Biology, , Murray Hall 3B2 French, Rhian
Johnston 3B2 CfE Chemistry, Iain Lovie 3B2 CfE Chemistry, Callum Simpson 3B2 Physical
Education, Samuel Anderson 3D1 CfE Physics, French, Lucy Gray 3D1 CfE Physics, German,
Robbie Junor 3D1 Drama, Christine Lewis 3D1 CfE Biology, Sarah Murphy 3D1 Drama, Aaron
Thain 3D1 Lifeskills, Daniel Wood 3D1 English, Josh Beagrie 3D2 Drama, Graphic
Communication/Engineering Science, Kyneisha Davies 3M1 Modern Studies, George Madgett
3M1 Music, Erin Kindness 3M2 History, Melinda Stephen 3M2 Art & Design, Emma Stephen
3M2 Physical Education, Steven Walker 3M2 Art & Design, Hannah Cameron 3U1 CfE Biology,
Katie Ramsay 3U1 CfE Physics, Sean Coulson 3U2 Mathematics, Filip Konopski 3U2 Geography,
Tamara Simpson 3U2 Modern Studies, Jack Taylor 3U2 Mathematics, Molly Yau 3U2 CfE
Biology
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Overall winners - Stephanie Buchan 3B2 CfE Chemistry, Design & Manufacture/Practical
Woodwork, English, Amy Finnie 3B1 Art & Design, English, Music, Joanne McDonald 3B2 CfE
Chemistry, CfE Physics, RMPS, Thomas Scott 3M1 Drama, Mathematics, RMPS
S4 Attainment Awards
Lynsey Burr 4B1 Hospitality National 5, Scott Elphinstone 4B1 Practical Woodworking National
5, Rebecca Kindness 4B1 Drama National 5, Scott Wilson 4B1 Design & Manufacture National
5, Eve Coutts 4D1 French National 5, Emily Findlay 4D1 English National 5,Modern Studies
National 5, Katy Simpson 4D1 German National 5, Jemma Yule 4D1 German National 5,
Hospitality National 5, Philippa Allan 4D2 English National 4, Kieran Buchan 4D2 Graphic
Communication National 4, Kerry Dalgarno 4D2 Biology National 5, Lisa Bond 4M1 French
National 5, Daniel Still 4M2 Design & Manufacture National 4, Engineering Science National 4,
James Urquhart 4M2 Lifeskills, Mathematics National 4, Demi Holt 4U1 Fashion & Textile
National 5, Practical Woodworking National 4, Salma Moursil 4U1 Care National 5, Mabel
Ritchie 4U1 Music National 5, Katie Simpson 4U1 History National 5, Rachel Gray 4U2 Business
Management National 5, Graphic Communication National 5, Ryan Smith 4U2 Physical Education
National 4, Katie Whyte 4U2 Art & Design National 5, Geography National 5
Overall winner - Luke Michie 4U2 Chemistry National 5, Engineering Science National 5,
Mathematics National 5, Physics National 5
S4 Endeavour Awards
Jenna Kidney 4B1 Care National 5, Rebecca Kindness 4B1 English National 5, Eve Coutts 4D1
Chemistry National 5, Emily Findlay 4D1 German National 5, Lauren Maclean 4D1 Biology
National 4, Emilia Sykes 4D1 History National 5, Isaac Wilson 4D1 Mathematics National 5,
Jemma Yule 4D1 Biology National 5, Adele Allan 4D2 Mathematics National 4, Jack Massie
4D2 Physical Education National 4, Katie Matthew 4D2 Lifeskills, Caitlin Matthews 4D2
Physical Education National 5, Stuart Alexander 4M1 Geography National 5, Kyle Ritchie 4M1
Engineering Science National 4, Fraser Shirreffs 4M1 Practical Woodworking National 4,
Dylan Thorpe 4M1 Physics National 5, Matthew Rydlewicz 4M2 Mathematics National 5, Daniel
Still 4M2 Practical Woodworking National 5, Jodi Taylor 4U1 Drama National 5, Eilidh Duncan
4U2 Design & Manufacture National 5, Luke Michie 4U2 Modern Studies National 5, Alastair
Strachan 4U2 Engineering Science National 5
Overall winners - Philippa Allan 4D2 Administration & IT National 4, Art & Design National 5,
Morgan Milne 4M2 Design & Manufacture National 4, English National 4
S5 Attainment Awards
Emily Oliver 5B1 Philosophy National 5, Daniela Phelan 5B1 Chemistry Higher, Laura Runcie 5B1
Art & Design Creative Industries, Susan Lunan 5B2 Fashion & Textile Higher, Justine Phelan
5B2 French Higher, German Higher, Mathematics Higher, Music Higher, Spanish National 5,
Taylor Erridge 5D1 Business Management Higher, Physical Education National 5, Kyle Finnie
5D1 Graphic Communication Higher, Faye Fowlie 5D1 Biology Higher, Dana Anderson 5M1
Administration Higher, Lindsey Baxter 5M1 Hospitality - Cake Craft National 5, Shannon
Crighton 5M1 Administration & IT National 5, Natasha Doutre 5M1 Sociology National 5, Ginny
Ducker 5M1 Hospitality - Cake Craft National 5, Callum McEwan 5M1 Engineering Science
Higher, Lauren Bell 5U1 History Higher, Politics Higher, Sarah Keith 5U1 Art & Design Higher,
Geography Higher, Philosophy Higher, John Burnett 5U2 English Higher, Physics Higher, Julie
Mowatt 5U2 Hospitality - Cake Craft National 5
Overall winner - Justine Phelan 5B2 French Higher, German Higher, Mathematics Higher,
Music Higher, Spanish National 5
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S5 Endeavour Awards
Jordan Davidson 5B1 Administration & IT National 5, Heather Holligan 5B1 French Higher,
Katherine Lovie 5B1 Administration Higher, Lachlan McKenzie 5B1 French National 5, Anna
Strachan 5B2 Biology Higher, Henry Cole 5D1 Physical Education - Sports Leader, Ewan Ross
5D1 Physical Education Higher, Eleanor Ayling 5M1 Mathematics National 5, Lewis Chalmers
5M1 Graphic Communication Higher, Melissa Pennie 5M1 Art & Design Creative Industries,
Jack Sibbert 5M1 Business Management Higher, Faye Stevenson 5U1 Fashion & Textile
National 5, Julie Mowatt 5U2 Mathematics National 5, Jay Murdoch 5U2 Art & Design Higher,
Brice Riddell 5U2 Drama Higher, Sociology National 5
Overall winners - Bruce Mair 5B1 Engineering Science Higher, Physics Higher, Moy Denholm
5B2 Music Higher, Philosophy Higher, Sarah Keith 5U1 English Higher, Modern Studies Higher,
Isla Mowat 5U2 German Higher, Mathematics Higher
S6 Attainment Awards
Stuart Elphinstone 6B Graphic Communication Advanced Higher, Kimberley Monaghan 6B Art &
Design Advanced Higher, Photography Higher, Naomi Bruce 6D French Advanced Higher,
German Advanced Higher, Rebecca Bruce 6D Geology GCSE, Ellie Moore 6D Drama Advanced
Higher, Jakub Sykes 6D Mathematics National 5, Lewis Wood 6D Hospitality National 4,
Andrew Packham 6U English Advanced Higher
Overall winner - Matthew Henderson 6D Biology Advanced Higher, Chemistry Advanced
Higher, Mathematics Advanced Higher
S6 Endeavour Awards
Alisha McGregor 6B Photography Higher, Ryan Chalmers 6D Chemistry Higher, Owen
Gillanders 6D Geology GCSE, Ellie Moore 6D English Advanced Higher, Murray Watson 6D
Politics Higher, Kai Armstrong 6M Philosophy National 5, Jack Fisher 6M Physics Advanced
Higher, Matilda Gibson 6M Geography Higher, Aimee Johnston 6U German Advanced Higher,
Overall winners - Kimberley Monaghan 6B Art & Design Advanced Higher, Drama Advanced
Higher, Rebecca Bruce 6D Chemistry Advanced Higher, Mathematics Advanced Higher, Lara
Rydlewicz 6M Biology Advanced Higher, Mathematics Advanced Higher
Subject Awards
Kimberley Monaghan 6B Art & Design Award for Commitment & Excellence, Sean Johnston 6D
Drama Award for Outstanding Performance & Commitment, Andrew Packham 6U Crockett
Shield For Excellence in English, Andrew Packham 6U Kathleen Elphinstone Memorial Prize for
History, Sarah Keith 5U1 Buchan Electronics Cup for Higher Philosophy, Julie Mowatt 5U2
Home Economics Award for Commitment & Excellence, Naomi Bruce 6D Languages Award for 6
Years of Consistent Attainment & Commitment, Matthew Henderson 6D Caledonian Cup for
Mathematics, Justine Phelan 5B2 Award for Commitment to Music Making in the School
Community, Faye Fowlie 5D1 Lindsay Shield for Merit in Biology, Daniela Phelan 5B1 Middleton
Shield for Chemistry, John Burnett 5U2 Morrison Shield for Physics, Jack McAuley 1M2 S1
Peterhead Power Station Technology Trophy, Ellie Massie 2D2 S2 Peterhead Power Station
Technology Trophy, Kyle Finnie, Culsh Shield for Outstanding Engineering Skills, Andrew
Packham 6U Eco Award for Outstanding Commitment to the School Environment, Andrew
Packham 6U OU level 1 Intro to Law in Contemporary Scotland, Kaytlin Irvine 6M OU level 1
Intro to Law in Contemporary Scotland, Ellie Moore 6D OU Level 1 Galaxies, Stars & Planets
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Special Awards
Ellie Barron 1D2 Hall Robertson Junior P.E Girls Trophy, Liam Reid 1U1 Hall Robertson Junior
P.E Boys Trophy, Lucy Henderson 4D1 Hall Robertson Intermediate P.E Girls Trophy, Kiara
Brownlie 5B1 Hall Robertson Senior P.E Girls Trophy, Liam Cameron 5B2 Hall Robertson Senior
P.E Boys Trophy, Jenny Strachan 2U1 Wells Junior Shield for Hockey, Beth Fowlie 3D1 Wells
Intermediate Shield for Hockey, Lara Rydlewicz 6M Wells Senior Shield for Hockey, Liam
Cameron 5B2 Alex Mair Trophy for Outstanding Sporting Dedication, Henry Cole 5D1
Caledonian Cup for Outstanding Sporting Endeavour, Kelsey Murphy 6U and Stuart Kemp 6D
Skysports Living for Sport Project of the Year, Matthew Henderson 6D Caledonian Shield for
Academic and Extra Curricular Excellence, Lara Rydlewicz 6M Brownlee Shield for Special
Endeavour, Ellie Moore Lions Club for Community Service, Jade Pollard 5D1 Headteacher
Prize- Outstanding Service to the School, Faye Fowlie 5D1 Headteacher Prize - Outstanding
Service to the School, Ellie Moore Headteacher‟s Special Prize, Wider Achievement Award Making a Difference to the School and Wider Community - Young Enterprise 2016 - Naomi
Bruce 6D, Shannon Crighton 5M1, Sophie Anderson 6D, Lewis Chalmers 5M2, Callum McEwan
5M1, Sam Graham 6M, European Champions of the RGU „ROV MATE‟ Underwater Robotic
Competition - Joanne McDonald 3B2, Erin Kindness 3M2, Stephanie Buchan 3B2, Ben Mellin
5M1, Roddy Robertson 5B1.
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2. Mintlaw Academy pupils’ Donation for Bunono School, Uganda
H Richards
Photo: Marlyn Somers (3rd right) and Trixie Findlay (4th Right) with the cheque for £200 and
the pupils who made it possible.
S1-4 pupils from the Horizons Group and Enhanced Learning Suite at Mintlaw Academy have
raised funds for Bunono School in Uganda by running an enterprise, which has included making
and selling bird feeders and holding a raffle. Bunono School is the beneficiary of the charity
„Uganda Person to Person‟ founded 10 years ago by Marlyn Somers, an optical dispenser from
Forres. Bunono School also opened 10 years ago and now has a roll of 600 pupils, who receive a
Primary Education. Uganda Person to Person is so called as all money donated goes directly to
the school with no administration fees. Marlyn accompanied by Trixie Findlay from Elgin were
invited to speak to the pupils earlier in the session and as a result, the pupils and staff of the
Additional Support for Learning department were so touched by Marlyn‟s work and the needs
of Bunono School that it was decided that they would help with resources by fundraising.
Some pupils also wrote to the school and their letters along with photos of their enterprise
work were taken out to Uganda in January. Marlyn and Trixie have recently returned to
Mintlaw with photos and news of the pupils and their trip. The sum of £200 will be used to
fund a shower cubicle for the boys at the school and the department will continue to raise
funds to help with resources.
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3. Celebration of Success for Mintlaw Academy’s Young Photographers
Photo: Callum Davidson, Senior Winner, Kenneth Chalmers, Intermediate Winner, Kathleen and
Norman Laird (back right), Dr Bob Murray and Lena Levy (front) accompanied by the S1-4
pupils.
S1-4 pupils from Mintlaw Academy‟s Additional Support for Learning Department have
recently taken part in the local heats of Young Photographer of the Year, a competition
sponsored nationally by the Rotary Club of Great Britain and Ireland and locally by Central
Buchan Rotary Club. The pupils were given the theme “My Beautiful World” on which to base
their photographs and their entries were judged by Peterhead Photography Club with Norman
Laird (Chairman) and Kathleen Laird (Secretary) at the helm. Rotarian, Dr Bob Murray was
instrumental in the success and co-ordination of the project by providing the link between the
school and the Photography Club. A Prize giving event was held at the academy, which was
attended by all the pupils who took part, Lena Levy (Central Buchan Rotary Club President), Dr
Bob Murray, Norman and Kathleen Laird, Alan Horberry (Head Teacher) and various staff
members. Dr Murray announced the winners as follows:
Intermediate Competition-
Senior Competition-
1st Kenneth Chalmers
2nd Danny Burnett
3rd Sean Davidson
1st Callum Davidson
2nd Lauren MacLean
3rd Katie Matthew
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Lena Levy presented the winners with trophies and all participants with a certificate from the
Rotary Club. On behalf of the Rotary Club, Dr Murray presented the school with a Tripod. A
selection of photos from all participants will be shown at the North East of Scotland Open
Studio Art Exhibition in the Kemp Hall, Old Deer in September. Kenneth and Callum‟s photos
will now be entered at Rotary District 10/10 level to compete against young photographers
from Shetland to Fife and out to the Western Isles. The importance of the positive impact on
and skills developed by pupils through photography is highly valued by the Additional Support
for Learning Department at Mintlaw as is the encouragement and recognition of their
achievements by the Rotary and Photography Clubs. Various photography courses are taught
within the department by Mrs Heather Reid and since the introduction of the courses the S3
and S4 pupils have successfully gained an SQA qualification each year. The tripod gifted by
the Rotary Club will be used in the teaching of these courses and for creating images for next
year‟s competition.
4. CHARITIES
R Sneddon
The Charities Wider Achievement group has now met and are starting things off with a
charity collection for „Jeans for Genes‟, this worthwhile charity raises money to help research
to find cures for genetic disorders affecting children and adults in the UK. On the last day of
term Mr Horberry agreed for pupils to wear school uniform with the proviso that pupils and
staff could wear Jeans instead of trousers on the day with a donation of £1 being put into the
bucket collection at registration. Further ideas will be in the next newsletter including
Children in Need, Poppy Scotland and Red Nose Day.
5. JUDO CHAMPIONS
Two of our pupils were very successful at the Kent international judo competition. Out of the
squad of 8 travelling to the competition, only 2 medals were won and both girls were from
Mintlaw Academy. Lauren McCarthy won gold and Mia Morrison won bronze. Well done!
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6. ANNE FRANK AWARDS 2016
R Sneddon
The school received the Anne Frank Award for their active participation and extraordinary
involvement in the promotion of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. Three sets of pupils
across the school participated and produced high quality work:
- Senior Pupils Rights Respecting Wider Achievement Group.
- Community Learning & Development Team (CLD) Hip Hopera pupils.
- S3 pupils Respecting the Holocaust (RMPS).
The Rights Respecting Wider Achievement group was made up of Senior Pupils in S5 & S6 who
worked with all pupils within the school during their PSE classes. The Senior Pupils undertook
work covering all 41 PSE classes throughout the year as well as holding some assemblies.
Finally they presented to the whole of S5 and S6 with school and authority staffs present to
witness their final presentation on Mintlaw Academy being a Rights Respecting School.
Mr Kenny Dorans of the Community Learning & Development Team (CLD) worked with various
pupils across the academy as well as with our feeder primaries to help pupils express
themselves through Hip Hop and Dance. Through these mediums the pupils got to recognise
their self-belief and self-worth as well as understanding that music and dance shows no
partiality that everyone is treated with the same respect.
Pupils across all of S3 have been looking at the Holocaust and through self-reflection have
come to respect the victims of the Holocaust and have gained a better insight into the
Holocaust and its background, what happened and why it is important to remember. Pupils
have written reports on the Holocaust and have expressed feelings towards how they would
have felt if they were Jewish victims as well as reflecting on how we can address Prejudice
and Stereotypes.
As a result of the pupils hard work the school received positive feedback from the GREC Anne
Frank Awards:
The range and depth of the work submitted by Mintlaw Academy for this year‟s Anne Frank
Awards is very impressive and shows that this is a school whose pupils and teachers have a
strong commitment to equality and human rights.
The work that S3 pupils have done on the Holocaust demonstrates that pupils have reflected
upon and learnt a lot from studying the horrors of this period of modern history. It is
excellent that pupils have been prompted to think about modern day prejudice through the
context of the Holocaust (highlighting the grave risk of what “every day” prejudice can quickly
become) and have provided suggestions as to how prejudice can be ended. Many of these
suggestions are excellent; it sounds like there are many potential GREC volunteers and staff
members in the ranks of the Academy!
The work that has been done to secure the Rights Respecting School Award has obviously
required a lot of work from staff and pupils, and this consistent and long-term commitment
should be highly commended. I am particularly interested in the Writing for Rights project
which sounds like an exciting and powerful concept.
The Hip Hopera project demonstrates an enthusiasm to use innovative approaches to
encouraging young people to reflect on and speak about human rights. The collaboration
between schools and external agencies should also be applauded as we know from experience
that exposure to different influences outside of the traditional school setting can often have
a bigger impact on young people. It is also great to see the joint working between the Academy
and the surrounding primary schools, resulting in the powerful messages on human rights
spreading a lot further and wider.
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7. FOOTBALL SEASON 2015/16
U13-Boys
Semi-Finalists in North of Scotland Cup
U15-Boys
Aberdeenshire Cup Winners,
Aberdeenshire League Winners,
Finalists in North of Scotland Cup,
Finalists in Gerrard Trophy
Senior Boys
Finalists in Aberdeenshire Cup
Junior Girls
U14 North Region 7-a-side Winners and National Finalists,
Aberdeenshire Cup Winners,
Finalists in North of Scotland Cup,
Aberdeenshire League Runners Up
Senior Girls
Aberdeenshire Cup Winners,
Aberdeenshire League Winners
The U15 Boys team won the league
G Robertson
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8. Netball
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C Stickle
The S1 netball team have gone from strength to strength this year, making it all the way to
the semi-finals in the Scottish cup, and coming second in the Aberdeenshire S1 Netball
tournament earlier on this year at the beach leisure centre. Their hard work, dedication and
enthusiasm have helped them to all improve so much that at the end of the season they
managed to win the N.A.S.S.A S1/2 netball tournament which was held at Fraserburgh
Academy! Well done girls!
9. Making a Difference group
Paula Rawson
Making a Difference group handing over their cheque to Stephen Hart from CHAS (Children‟s
Hospice Association Scotland). The girls were invited down to see Rachel House in Kinross and
see what their fundraising will help with.
The girls raised £550 by holding a coffee morning in the village hall.
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10. Young Engineers Club
A Hynd
As we have a growing Young Engineers club and a various amount of projects available I am
keen to recruit parent volunteers and helpers to aid the pupils through the different projects
we run. If you are willing or know of someone who would be willing to lend a few hours support.
As part of our Celebration of Engineering week in November there is an opportunity for
parents from engineering companies to play a role in the week, if you would like to contribute
to either of these opportunities, please feel free to message me through Mintlaw Tech on
Facebook or Twitter or email me at hynda@mintlawacademy.aberdeenshire.sch.uk
11. Cashless Catering – Online payments for school meals
N Robertson
Pupils use their National Entitlement cards to make purchases at catering counters and can
put money on their card via the Revaluation units at the Academy. Parents can also top up or
credit pupil‟s cards online (and view what pupils have purchased), using the online payment
facility via the Aberdeenshire Council web page Pay option. Parents are required to register
onto the facility using the “MyAccount” portal, instructions are available on the Aberdeenshire
Council School Meals web pages. Once successfully done this will take you to the iPayimpact
facility, where you will require the unique reference code to link to pupil‟s accounts (separate
codes for each pupil). Please contact the school if you require this.
For more detailed information, please view this web link http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/meals/cashless-catering-in-secondary-schools/
12. Catering service
N Robertson
Menu poster and Pupil Price list are available to view on the Aberdeenshire council website
(Schools and Learning, Find out about school meals).
Email for pupils - Aberdeenshire Council has an email address available that allows pupils to
provide the School Catering Service with comments and suggestions regarding the meals and
other relevant catering issues at their school: academy.meals@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
13. New Alerts System - Aberdeenshire Council
N Robertson
If you currently receive email alerts from Aberdeenshire Council, (e.g., school closure), these
will stop being sent from 7th July. A new improved service using “MyAccount” will allow you to
receive notifications but also provide access to other public services using a single username
and password.
To continue to receive notifications you must register at
https://mygov.scot/myaccount/ and set up the alerts you want. If you pay for school meals
online then you will already have a “MyAccount” setup and can use the same login details to
access the new system. This service is designed to keep your details as secure as possible
and, if you live in Aberdeenshire, will also provide other information such as your bin collection
dates, nearest recycling centres and local councillors.
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14. Scottish Survey of Literacy & Numeracy
G Oldham
Twelve S2 pupils selected at random took part in the Scottish Survey of Literacy and
Numeracy during term 4. This survey is a part of the Government‟s strategy to measure
standards of Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland. The focus will alternate between Literacy
and Numeracy year on year and this year the pupils sat various Literacy assessments both online and in class as well as completing a questionnaire about their attitudes to learning.
15. SQA Exam Results
G Oldham
We very much hope that all pupils who have taken National Qualifications this year experience
the success that reflects their hard work and commitment throughout the session.
Pupils will receive their certificates by First Class post on Tuesday 9th August 2016.
Additionally, pupils who have signed up to MySQA will receive an e-mail notifying them of their
results. Pupils can register for MySQA at www.mysqa.org.uk but must register their account
by 5pm on Monday 18th July and activate it by 5pm on Wednesday 20th July. To do this,
they will need their Scottish Candidate Number and a unique e-mail address.
Should you or your son / daughter have any queries about MySQA, please e-mail
mysqa@mysqa.org.uk.
Results Services
As detailed in previous correspondence from the school, there are two parts to the results
services. The first is the „Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service which operates
over the examination period and has now ended.
The second is the „Post Results Service‟ which runs after candidates have received their
certificates. This service can be used if the school believes that there could have been an
error in the marking of a pupil‟s exam paper because it does not match with other evidence the
school holds of a pupil‟s work. In this instance the school can ask the SQA for a „clerical check‟
or „marking review‟. A clerical check is a check that all marks have been totalled correctly and
the correct grade awarded. A marking review involves a senior member of the marking team
reviewing the paper to ensure it was correctly marked to the national standard set for the
examination. It is not a remark of the paper.
If you believe that there is something wrong with the grade awarded for a particular course,
please contact the school once the results have been received. All queries will be dealt with at
the start of the new session.
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16. Absence Procedure
Office
Could parents/carers please call the academy to report an absence as soon as you can that day.
You can call 01771 620000 and leave a message at any time. Please leave pupils name, class
and reason for absence. Thank you in advance.
17. mySchoolApp – Mintlaw Academy
G Oldham
Pupils can download our Mintlaw Academy app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Look for „mySchoolApp‟. You then need to sign in with your name, email, phone number, and
your own PIN which you make up yourself. Login and type in‟ Mintlaw Academy‟. The daily
bulletin is issued daily on the app – so if you want to keep informed about school info, check it
out.
18. PTA Mega Draw Winners
Prize
Prize
Prize
Prize
£70
£35
£20
£10
April
J. Dickie
J. Sladdin
N. Elrick
G. Wood
May
C. Murray
L. Duthie
A. Matthew
R. Noble
June
J. Gray
R. Noble
L. Duthie
W. Tod
19. Dates for your Diary 2016/17
Term 1
Start of term 1
October Break
Tuesday 16th August
Monday 10th October – Friday 21st October