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
Parent Council - E Mail: MAParentCouncil@gmail.com
NEWSLETTER: Term 2 2014/15
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Badminton
Warhammer Success
Seniors Visit Auschwitz
Fashion Show
The Hunger Games
Charities Committee
Aberdeen University Day
School Uniform
North East Scotland College
mySchoolApp
Mymaths
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Learning Without Limits
S1 Respect Me Event
S4-6 Reports
Prelim examinations
Career Academy
School Uniform Arrangements
Adverse Weather
PTA Mega Draw
Dates for your Diary
Other Important Dates for your Diary
Introduction
Welcome to the second newsletter of the session and do hope you enjoy it.
This newsletter is full of good news stories and I am delighted we are able to share them with you.
There have been some staff changes this term as we temporarily said good bye to Mrs Whitehead who
has been seconded to Aberdeenshire Education Authority as a “Health & Well Being Officer” and also
to Mr Sellen who has been seconded as “Moderation Officer”. This has led to promotions for Miss
Taylor (Acting, Principal Teacher of Guidance) and Mrs Donald (Acting, Principal Teacher of English).
This term we introduced the new “MySchoolApp” which is a free download for your digital device which
enables you to keep up to date with all the latest news from the school. Give it a try!
I have been most impressed with our Sports Leaders Group of Senior Pupils who have been organising
physical activities for much younger children from the community after school and are also working with
Aberdeen Health Village on a project to get over 65s more active. This display of leadership, teamwork,
confidence and organisational ability is most admirable.
Similarly we also have some “Making a Difference Groups” (MAD) led by our Depute, Mrs Sharon Noble.
One of these groups is looking into a “Cool Computing” project getting elderly people “up to speed” with
new technology. Again, this demonstrates the ability of our pupils to work together with our local
community to learn together.
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Staff, pupils, and some parents looked at our “Core Values” as a school this term. All pupils completed
an exercise looking at what were the important values they should develop at school and this was
repeated with staff and parents. The outcome of our agreed values were;
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SUCCESS
ACHIEVEMENT
OPPORTUNITY
RESPECT
MOTIVATION
INCLUSION
As we move forward, as a school, our procedures and structures will be based around these values.
Important assessments are about to take place for S4-S6 pupils and it is vital that students set aside
some time to revise for these, as well as completing all homework tasks. Information on how to study
better can be found on the website and I would recommend having a look at it.
It has been another really busy term and I thank all pupils, staff and parents for their hard work and
making it a great place to learn. Christmas is a busy time and I do hope that you find time during all the
festivities to relax and enjoy the holiday.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
A Horberry (Headteacher)
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1. Badminton
S Fowlie
The annual inter-schools’ badminton tournament took place on Thursday the 27 th of November at
Meldrum Academy, with seven schools competing for the coveted Alan Middleton trophy. The
competition was divided into two sections. In group one was Mintlaw, Ellon, Banff and Fraserburgh, while
Turriff, Gordon Schools and Meldrum played off in group two. Each school was represented by three
age-groups – Junior (S1/2), Intermediate (S3/4) and Senior (S5/6). The format was for a boys’ doubles,
followed by a girls’ doubles and then a mixed doubles in each age-group, in a “round robin” style.
Representing Mintlaw were:S1/2 Joanne McDonald, Katie Ramsay, Calum Selman and Ewan Bloomfield
S3/4 - Lucy Henderson, Rebecca Kindness, Bruce Mair and Shaun Davidson
S5/6 Sophie Anderson, Mags Dolman, Andrew Ferguson and Jordan Bremner
The reserves for the event were Erin Kindness, Lindsay Baxter, Kane McCrory, Frances Bugden and
Edward Flinn. Ewan Bloomfield stepped in at the last minute for Jack Buchan.
An unexpected highlight of the day was an appearance by former Olympic badminton medallist Susan
Egelstaff. After being introduced to all the participants, she outlined details of the background and
progress of her career in the sport. There then followed an interesting and enlightening question and
answer session. Before awarding medals to the successful teams and presenting the trophy to the
winning team (Ellon), she was happy to play against anyone who expressed a willingness to challenge her!
Not only was she generous with her time, she was willing to do brief and basic coaching on-court.
The Mintlaw team was accompanied by Pupil Support Assistant, Mrs Fowlie, who supervises the
Thursday evening after-school badminton sessions. She reckoned that everyone enjoyed their day out,
and praised the team members. “Without exception they performed extremely well. There was a great
team spirit. They played fairly and demonstrated good sportsmanship. Thankfully there were no injuries,
and they supported and encouraged each other. I can’t ask for any more than that!”
Along with Susan Egelstaff, members of the team are pictured wearing their new T-shirts, which were
kindly provided by Active Schools.
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2. Warhammer Success
Mrs Snape
The Mintlaw Academy Warhammer team of Murray Watson, Jack Fisher, Logan Morrison and Taran
Salter-Buckley recently took part in the local heat of the Warhammer 40,000 School League at
Aberdeen Games Workshop. The four boys won this heat, and will be going through to the semi-finals in
Glasgow in April. Warhammer is a table top war game which involves competitors to use their own handpainted miniatures to battle it out in games of strategy to defeat their opponents. The club is run by
Mrs Snape of the Maths Department and teams from Mintlaw have been highly successful in
competitions in the past. Any pupils looking for more information about the club should see any of the
boys involved or Mrs Snape directly.
3. Seniors Visit Auschwitz
Mrs Van den Brande
Fifth year Fiona Park and sixth year Ainsley Morrison have recently been delivering an assembly to
pupils about their experiences when they visited the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz. The
pair volunteered to go on the educational trip, organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The visit
to the camp was a haunting one for the two seniors. Noting the sign above the gates “Arbeit macht frei”
(work will set you free), they discovered that the concentration camp was actually a complex of forty
separate parts, making it the largest death camp of the Third Reich. Moreover, the Nazis actually
continued to expand it throughout the war. It is also the site of the last intact gas chamber. The two
seniors had an experience they will never forget, “The one who does not remember history is bound to
live through it again.”
4. Fashion Show
The annual PTA fundraising fashion show took place in school on Friday 21 st November. Models from S5
took to the catwalk in fashions from Tesco, wearing casual clothing with some Christmas touches and
sleepwear. S6 girls wore prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and finally bridal gowns, all from Elmar in
Peterhead. The S6 boys sported kilt outfits, also available from Elmar. Comperes for the night were the
ever elegantly dressed Mr Mair, who now knows his taffeta from his tiaras, and Mrs Bain, who returned
from her life of leisurely retirement for the glamorous event. The PTA kindly supplied juice and
shortbread during the interval. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the event, and a fantastic total of
£843 was raised for the PTA funds, all of which of course benefits the school and its pupils. Thanks to
the PTA and to Tesco and Elmar for supplying the beautiful clothes.
5. The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 1”
After school on Wednesday 25th November, 43 second years and 5 members of staff set off to the
cinema in Aberdeen to see the latest film in The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay Part 1. Mrs Donald’s
S2 class had studied the first film as a media text, so the class were keen to catch up with the
adventures of Katniss and Co when the latest film was released. The film was slow to start with, and
those that have read the series of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games books may feel the whole of the third
novel perhaps could have been incorporated into one film. However, when a franchise is as successful as
The Hunger Games seems to be, the desire to spin the plot out to a fourth film must have been very
tempting! The fourth film, Mockingjay Part 2 is out at the end of next year.
6. Charities Committee
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R Sneddon
The charities committee (S5/6 pupils) organised for Children in Need a Staff verses Pupils Dodge Ball
plus come to school dressed as your favourite character out of a film, book, comic or TV. This was
embraced by the majority of pupils and staff with lots of wizards and witches of Hogwarts going
around, and that was just the staff. Many themes were there from the TV series Walking Dead, to
Batman with an occasional sighting of a lion wandering the corridors. The Children in Need received a
cheque for £1,100 culminating in Pie the Teacher event which went down a treat, with pupils and staff
present to enjoy the occasion, a very big thank you goes to our willing volunteers on the day. Also the
school raised £276.50 for Poppy Scotland, we received a lovely card from the Royal British Legion
Longside Branch with Poppy Scotland phoning to say thanks.
7. Advanced Higher Biology - Aberdeen University Day
K Stephen
On Wednesday 3rd December, our three Advanced Higher Biologists visited Aberdeen University to
take part in a practical day. The girls – Frances Bugden, Kerrie Milne and Rebecca Phelan – participated
in practical activities to investigate DNA fragmentation of the virus Lambda. The Biologists were also
given the chance to attend a lecture on The Human Genome Project and to get a flavour of what student
life was like at Aberdeen. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great day.
8. Salvation Army Recycling Bank
Eco Group
We are collecting clothes, shoes, textiles, etc. to raise money for the Eco Group. Are you having a declutter? Please…….”Bung’ Em in the Bank”. The Bank is situated at the far end of the car park.
Thank you.
9. North East Scotland College
All students applying to college for 2015/2016 should now be making applications. Applications for
courses should be made by the end of February 2015, by the very latest. Those who are considering
applying but are unsure of what courses to apply for are welcome to see the Careers Adviser - drop-in
at lunch times or by requesting an appointment through their guidance teacher.
J Hill, Careers Advisor, Skills Development Scotland.
10.
mySchoolApp – Mintlaw Academy
G Oldham
Pupils can now 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’.
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Mymaths
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S Ferguson
The Mathematics department would like to encourage the use of the website www.mymaths.co.uk. This
is an excellent resource which can be used for consolidation of the work done in class, further practice
and revision. The site will provide pupils with up to date revision materials and homework tasks as well
as many lessons on a wide range of topics which will help your child achieve their target in Mathematics.
When you first go on to the page the main login is
Login: mintlaw
Password: pentagon
Pupils then use their own personal login and password when completing tasks, as this allows teachers to
see what they have been doing. Pupils should see their teacher if they do not have their own personal
login and password.
To access the website on an iPad please follow the instructions below:
Download the free app "Puffin academy" and then search for "mymaths"
12.
Learning Without Limits
J Robinson
Over the course of their fourth year, National 4 and National 5 pupils are participating in a series of
Learning Mornings entitled ‘Learning Without Limits’. These workshops are designed to teach,
consolidate and expand pupils’ study skills and enable them to enter into their exams and assessments
with confidence and motivation.
The four mornings of workshops, spread across the year, are active and upbeat and are led by
enthusiastic staff from across the subject areas. They are designed to be instructional and
motivational and to support pupils in their studies in all subjects at all levels.
The first set of workshops are highly active and motivational and encourage all S4 pupils to realise that
their efforts now could impact the course of their future. The second day deals with learning how to
make the most of their study time. The study skills and techniques developed in these workshops are
important skills not only for examinations but for life.
The third and fourth days have separate workshops for those in Nat 4 and Nat 5. Current S4 pupils
have never done formal exams before so participation in the third set of workshop gives them a clear
idea of what to expect, how to read the questions papers properly and how to manage their time under
pressure. Workshops on the last day deal with coping with exam stress. For those pupils not undertaking
exams as part of their course, the workshops concentrate on employability skills.
The Learning Without Limits programme was considered to be so beneficial by last year’s S4 that many
of them have returned as senior pupils to take part in leading the sessions for the current S4 and to
pass on the benefit of their experiences. It is to be hoped that the current S4 pupils enter into the
workshops with as much enthusiasm as they can so that they are fully prepared to perform to their full
potential.
13.
S1 Respect Me Event
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L MacQueen
The Health and Wellbeing Young Leaders award is a group which is run in many secondary schools
throughout Aberdeenshire. A group of 10 sixth year pupils volunteered in Mintlaw Academy to organise
and conduct an event which will have a positive impact on the pupils at the school.
The first years were chosen as a focus age group. The group wanted to address bullying within the year
group and to improve relations between younger pupils. After liaising with guidance staff and the pupils
during PSE time, it was decided the event would run in the morning where the whole year group would be
split into groups and move around 5 different stations. The 5 stations were: The Effects of Bullying,
What is Bullying, Respect Me, Types of Bullying and a Teambuilding Workshop.
Two Young Leaders were assigned to a station. The pupils had to decide what activities would happen at
their chosen station and what message they wanted to get across to the pupils. The Young Leaders also
had to liaise with staff to ensure everything was in place for the event.
The day was a success where all pupils participated in the activities and learnt the impact of bullying
and some life skills to improve the relations between the year groups. The sixth years learnt vital
leadership and organisational skills and successfully organised an event which has had a positive impact
on the focus year group.
14.
S4-6 Reports
G Oldham
These reports have been issued recently. It is imperative that your son or daughter acts upon the
recommendations from their subject teachers contained in the reports. They should take time to plan a
revision programme in the run up to the prelims. They should vary the subjects that they revise as well
as the activities that they do when they are revising. They should be active when they revise –
attempting past papers, making summary notes, or listing key terms and definitions are all examples of
effective revision strategies.
Past papers and mark schemes are also available from the SQA website. Please use the past paper
finder available at the following address:
http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/CCC_FirstPage.jsp
15.
Prelim examinations
G Oldham
Advance warning that, as indicated in the calendar, these will take place slightly earlier than last session
and will run from the 2nd -11th February. They will therefore finish before the February long weekend.
Further information about the arrangements for these will be issued in the New Year.
16.
Career Academy
G Oldham
Eight pupils in S5 are involved in this two year programme which helps raise young people’s aspirations
and bridge the gap between education and work by giving access to real experience of the world of
work. The programme includes internships, mentoring by employer volunteers, masterclasses and
workplace visits to give 16-19 year olds the work experience and skills they need to be able to perform
more effectively in the wider world.
Our Career Academy pupils visited Score in Peterhead on Wednesday 3 rd December and had a tour of
the company and then a master class on personal effectiveness and team working. The afternoon
provided a fascinating insight into the world of work and also an opportunity to reflect on the different
skills and qualities needed to be successful in the workplace.
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17.
Reminder regarding School Uniform Arrangements
Support Services Coordinator
Parents wishing to order any additional uniform items throughout the year:
- purchase online at http://www.academyuniformsltd.co.uk/
- or purchase directly from:
Pom Print (Mintlaw) - (Unit 2/3, Station Road - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Donalds (Peterhead) – (7 St Andrews Street – Mon-Sat 8am-5pm)
School ties are available from the school office at a price of £2.50.
Clothing Grants are available for parents or carers on a lower income to help with the cost of buying a
school
uniform.
For
more
information,
please
contact
the
school
or
go
to
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/parentscarers/financial/clothing.asp
18.
Adverse Weather
Support Services Coordinator
During the dark winter days, we encourage pupils to put safety first. This includes dressing
appropriately so that they can be seen at all times and to wear appropriate footwear for the
weather conditions. We have had no snow at school this year so far, however, should there be next
term, pupils should not throw snowballs near roads or at cars. Your support in reinforcing these
safety messages would be much appreciated.
Pupils have been reminded about the procedures to follow in the event of wintry weather. If unable
to get into school, pupils should work through the materials appropriate to them as instructed by
their class teachers.
School Closures
Phone Line:
· Dial Aberdeenshire Council’s access number: 0870 054 4999
· Enter Mintlaw Academy’s Pin number: 021100
· You will then be taken to the MAIN MENU where you will be given 4 options.
· PRESS 1: to hear our school’s message about the adverse weather
(Please note: call charges to the School Information Line will depend on your contract with your
telephone service provider.)
You can also register and subscribe to receive e-mail alerts when the school updates its’ closure:
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/alerts/index.asp
For further information on adverse weather, please go to:
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/parentscarers/AdverseWeatherLeafletforParentsandCarers.pdf
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19.
PTA Mega Draw Winners
Prize
Prize
Prize
Prize
20.
£70
£35
£15
£10
September
Gary Duncan
Barbara Holligan
Anne Marie Kerr
Gillian Wood
October
Diane McLean
Mrs E McLean
James Smith
John Forman
November
Mrs E McLean
Barbara Holligan
Aileen Kinmond
Roy Forsyth
Dates for your Diary
2014/2015
Term 3
Start of term 3
Occasional Day 1
Mid Term Holiday
In-Service
In-Service
End of term 3
Monday 5 January 2015
Friday 13 February 2015
Monday 16 February 2015
Tuesday 17 February 2015
Wednesday 18 February 2015
Thursday 2 April 2015
Term 4
Start of term 4
May Day Holiday
Occasional Day 2
End of term 4
Monday, 20 April 2015
Monday, 4 May 2015
Monday 1 June 2015
Friday, 3 July 2015
Link:
http://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/term_dates.asp
21. Other Important Dates for your
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Diary
14/01/15
19/01/15
22/01/15
26/01/15
29/01/15
30/01/15
02/02/15 – 11/02/15
S4 Parents’ / Options Evening
S3 – S5 Option Forms Issued
S5/6 Parents’ / Options Evening
S3 – S5 Option Forms In
P7 Parents’ Information Evening
S3 Full Reports Issued
S4 – S6 Prelims
06/02/15
12/02/15
19/02/15
24/02/15
25/02/15
26/02/14
27/02/15
13/03/15
20/03/15
01/04/15
02/04/15
28/04/15 – 05/06/15
30/04/15
05/05/15
15/05/15
02/06/15
16/06/15 – 17/06/15
18/06/15
24/06/15
25/06/15
26/06/15
27/06/15 – 05/07/15
29/06/15
30/06/15
02/07/15
S2 Tracking Reports Issued
Burns Supper
Art Exhibition
S2 Options Forms Issued
Music Centre Concert
Careers Fair
S2 Options Forms In
S4 – S6 Results Reports Issued
Business Breakfast
Concert for P7 Pupils
S1 Reports Issued
SQA Exams
S2 Reports Issued
Timetable Change (S1 – S3)
P7 Transition 15 Event – Aden Park
Timetable Change S4 - S5
Higher Geography Fieldtrip
Awards Ceremony (tbc)
P7 Visit – P7 Parents Evening
P7 Visit
P7 Visit
German Trip
Iceland Trip
S1 – S3 Awards Ceremony
House Challenge Day
PLEASE REMEMBER TO UPDATE THE SCHOOL OFFICE WITH ANY CHANGES TO YOUR
HOME ADDRESS AND CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
This is a draft calendar and dates may change, please check website for updates.