Rector's Newsletter - December 2007

Perth Concert Hall last Wednesday was the venue for the Dollar Choir and Orchestra of over 300 performing for an audience of over 1,000.  The Dollar Academy community and many others rejoiced in the variety of musical offerings from Prep, Junior and Senior School pupils on that evening.   Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman is still flying in the Perthshire air.

The past month has, of course, been filled with immaculately organised parties, dances, musical shows and plays.  Visitors have been welcomed from Parramatta in New South Wales, from Tours in France, and from all round Scotland.  Nevertheless, the academic focus of the school has been maintained throughout.  Her Majesty’s Inspectorate has once again visited, this time to investigate Dollar’s means of giving recognition for wider achievement;  a further group of researchers from the University of  Edinburgh has spent two days so far in the Academy looking into  the particular Dollar ethos and the social capital which results.  Dollar’s openness to ideas, to innovation, and to a wide community is regarded as something unique. 

The last few days of term saw the official launch of the One Dollar … One Book project, whereby every member of the Academy received a copy of Dollar’s own edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.  While the Jolly Roger fluttered on the flagpole high above the building, the Head Boy and the Head Girl were transformed into magnificently convincing pirates as they set about the re-distribution of literary wealth throughout the Academy.  The whole community of Dollar is now united in either discovering or re-discovering the joys of the greatest pirate tale of all. 

I have often indicated my lack of enthusiasm for league tables, but, along with many readers of The Scotsman, I could not avoid the article published on Saturday 15 December.  The Education Correspondent had created a league table for Scotland based on Highers results officially issued by the Scottish Government.  Dollar was top of that Scottish table for 2007 – a tribute to the tremendous collaboration of pupils, staff, parents, governors and friends inside and outside the classrooms here. 

Mary and I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and an excellent 2008.

Kindest regards,

John Robertson MA
Rector

PUPILS

Art
The National Gallery of Scotland has exhibited the top 130 works of art from pupils in Scotland who received an A Grade in Standard Grade, Intermediate 2 or Higher examinations in 2007.  The work of Kit Campbell, Victoria Elder, Shena Willis and Emma O’Bryen (all VI) in Dollar was part of “The A Exhibition”.  Over 34,000 pieces were submitted overall, and this puts the work of the Dollar quartet very much in perspective.

Badminton
In early December, Dollar Academy won the U-14 District Junior Trophy and the U-19 District Shield in the RBS Badminton Quaich District Finals held at Braes High School.  Both teams will go on to represent Central Schools at the national finals in February.  The trophies were presented in Assembly to Andrew Watson (VI) and Matthew Abbot (II).

Chemistry
The Dollar team of Arsalan Cheema (IV), J-J McNicol (III), Stacy Barr (III) and Ruth Cameron (II) retained the Top of the Bench Chemistry competition trophy as a result of their win in the regional heat held in Falkirk.  The team managed to prove that Rennies was a more effective cure for indigestion than Gavascon – a topical subject at this time of year.

CCF  Dining-In Night
In early December, the CCF once again held a most stylish dinner and welcomed many guests.  This year, it was particularly pleasing to hear the reply from the ACF Cadets who have become increasingly linked with the CCF world here in Dollar.  Credit should be given to those members of CCF and ACF who have been involved in this initiative. 

Cricket
Scott Weir and Peter Ross (both IV) are to be congratulated on their selection for the Scotland U-15 squad. 

Debating
As the debating season gets under way again, the Dollar teams are congratulated on their move into the second round of the ESU Mace and the Courier Competition respectively:  Katie Trim and Alex Carlill (both VI) were successful in arguing that prisoners should be given the right to vote;  in the latter competition, Ruth Cameron (II) and Gavin Woolman (III) argued against using prisoners as human guinea pigs.  The new Form I team of Beth Hamilton and Anna George were also successful in the Courier/Chartered Institute Competition where they persuaded judges and audience that trials by jury should not be abolished.

Drama
The last month has seen two differing, but most successful drama performances from the Senior School in the Studio Theatre.  The Form VI play this year was Stags and Hens, and the Form II/III actors showed tremendous potential in their performance of Hopes.  All involved in the productions are thanked for their drive, organisation, and commitment.

Fencing
In the Scottish Schools Senior Girls Foil team championship, Isla Winchester, Amy Duffus (both IV), and Ruth Clarke (III) won the competition for the first time, after their two years of wins at the Junior age group.  Significantly, the girls still have another two years in which to compete at Senior level.

Football
The Dollar 1st XI is currently in top place in the Scottish Independent Schools league, and the Dollar B team is lying in fifth position.  The 1st XI beat the current Scottish cup holders, Gordonstoun, 4-0 in a recent match.

Hockey
The Form I girls’ team narrowly lost in the final of the Fettes Tournament.  Having defeated Strathallan, Fettes B and Morrison’s in the section, the team went through the semi-final against a strong Watson’s team, winning 1-0.  The girls lost 1-0 to Heriot’s in the final, the only goal they conceded in the whole tournament.  Lindsay-Anne Duff and Robyn McAree played particularly well throughout the tournament, and Cerys Williams made some tremendous goal-line saves.

Tarni Duhré and Morag McRorie (both VI) are to be congratulated on their selection for the Scotland U-18 girls’ training weekend.

Music
Rowan McGirr (V) was soloist in the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in the Albert Hall in Stirling in early December, when she played with the Stirling Orchestra.  It was wonderful for Rowan’s talents, which have attracted great praise here in the school context, to be seen on the wider stage.

Photography Competition
In the photography competition held as a result of the Classics Department’s annual Form I trip to Hadrian’s Wall, the winners were:  Alyson McGinlay, with Euan Johnstone second and Aileen Gray in third place.

Rugby
The last newsletter contained details of boys who had been selected at U-16 and U-15 level.  Andrew Watt (IV) is to be congratulated in addition on his selection for the Caledonia U-16 team.

Shooting
Congratulations to Tarni Duhré and Head Girl, Katy Simpson on their selection for the Athelings, the British Cadet Rifle Team which will be shooting in Canada in 2008.  In addition, Mrs Julia Adamson is to be congratulated on her appointment as Adjutant for the Canadian visit, and it is wonderful to see Dollar Academy’s shooting team recognised in this way in a UK context.

Short Story Competition
Form III pupils were invited to enter a story writing competition recently.  The challenge was to write a short story on one of four topics:  stem cells, sustainability, bio-banking or drug misuse.  These stories would then be used in resources being developed at Dollar Academy as part of the ‘Let’s Talk’ project.  The project is being funded by the Wellcome Trust and it aims to encourage pupils (11-14) to develop an understanding of different viewpoints, in order to promote meaningful discussion of moral and ethical issues.  The winning stories were written by Cameron Semple (III) – Stem Cells and Alastair Fenwick (III) – Sustainability.  Each of them won an ipod shuffle.  Their stories will be used in schools all over Scotland in the near future. 

Showjumping
In the recent Scottish Schools event, Anna George (I) was placed eighth out of a class of thirty two in the Mini Major Winter Championships.  In the Senior Horse Championship class, Lucy Henry (V) and Shannon Kelly (IV) were placed third and fifth respectively out of forty competitors.

Squash
Andrew Roberts (J1) was part of the Midlands U-11 Squash team that won the Scottish Squash Inter-Regional Tournament at Heriot-Watt in November.

Swimming
In the recent House and Quint championships, Stephanie Hanley came first in the Senior Girls Competition with Catriona Rogerson and Carol Roberts in second place (all form IV).  Stephanie set two new records in the Freestyle and the Backstroke.  In the Senior Boys’ Competition, Donald Griffiths (IV) won, with David Lawrie (V) and Daniel Hill (VI) following.  Andrew Grant (III) is the Intermediate Boys’ Champion, and Jennifer Rogerson (III) is the Girls’ Champion;  at Junior level, Neill Grant (I) is the Boys’ Champion, and Amber McWhirter (I) is Girls’ Champion.

NEWS 

Go4Set
A group of Form III Scientists is going to be investigating a project based on “water and your school”.  The project has linked with an industrial mentor who was most impressed by their enthusiasm and interest.

Buses
Rennies have agreed to re-time the morning bus from Aberdour.  While the official timetable has yet to be received, from Monday 17 December, the bus is timed to arrive at each stop five minutes later than currently published.

Buses and Safety
All pupils have been reminded in Assembly that, when they are getting off the bus on Bridge Street, they should take great care in crossing the road, and not cross in front of the bus.

Dances
The dances at the end of term were extremely successful, and the members of staff involved in organising them are thanked sincerely.  Once again, Mrs Kay Robertson and the Senior Six pupils have looked after the arrangements with immense care, and the whole school community has benefited.  Tributes must also be paid to the MCs at the various dances – Mr Frost (Junior), Mr Newton (I and II), Mr Hose (III and IV) and Mrs Borrowman (V and VI).

Physics Lecture
The annual Physics lecture was given this year by Professor Murray Campbell, University of Edinburgh, on the Physics of Sound in Musical Instruments.  His large audiences in afternoon and evening very much appreciated his contribution.

Mathematics
On 5 December, the Mathematics department was delighted to welcome Professor Adam McBride OBE of Strathclyde University.  Prof McBride is well known in the wider mathematical community, and, during his visit, he entertained all of Form II and a select gathering of Form VI mathematicians to some of his limitless pearls of mathematical wisdom.

Publications
As term ended, Fortunas was published, and Mrs Tetley, the Editor, is thanked for her work on this issue;  the pupil newspaper, The Galley, has been professionally published for the first time, and Mr Bruce is thanked for his co-ordination of this venture.  As ever,  the successful publication of school newspapers and magazines requires an enormous amount of support from colleagues, and the work of Mr Nelson (Design), the army of proof readers, and the various photographers is also acknowledged.

Advance Notice – Summer Entertainment at Sports Weekend
As usual on the Saturday evening of Sports Weekend (this year on 21 June, 2008) an evening event will be held in a marquee in the grounds.  A buffet supper will be followed by live music provided by Schwing, an excellent dance band, to entice all on to the dance floor.  A similar event has been held for the last few years and is always very popular as an opportunity to get together with friends old and new - a real high point in the Academy’s social calendar.  Tickets will cost £30 each, and it is hoped that some 300 guests will attend.  All former pupils, current and former parents and friends of the Academy are welcome to attend.  We would very much enjoy seeing you there.  This is an ideal opportunity to share a table for a really enjoyable night out.  Pre-booking for tickets can be made now by e-mail or telephone to Elaine Gallagher, School Office Manager – elaine@dollaracademy.org.uk or 01259 742511.

Development Plan for Dollar Academy
Page\Park gave a presentation in the Captain’s Room to a large public audience on the subject of Dollar’s plans for future development.  Professor James McEwen, Vice Chairman of Governors, chaired the meeting, and was most appreciative of the ideas and suggestions provided by local residents, members of staff and, significantly, members of the 1st XI hockey squad who impressed everyone there with their astuteness and commitment to the future of the school. 

Alternative Assessment Arrangements 2007-2008
The SQA has revised the procedures by which the Academy and other schools in Scotland will operate the procedures for alternative assessment arrangements in the future.  All pupils in Forms IV, V and VI who have had alternative assessment arrangements in place for examinations have been asked to obtain from Dr Hendry the most up-to-date statement of position, and a review of assessments is being carried out in the Academy.  The SQA’s website provides further clarification of the SQA’s aim to ensure that examination candidates with an educational disability are not disadvantaged.

Mr John Logie (former Governor) and Mr Alex Porteous (former member of staff)
The community of Dollar Academy was saddened to learn of the deaths of Mr John Logie and Mr Alex Porteous in December.  John Logie had been a Governor for many years, and was most recently involved throughout the creation of the Maguire Building;  Alex Porteous taught for thirty five years in the Junior School until his retiral in 1986.  Condolences have been passed to their families. 

STAFF

Mr Jamie Frost (PE) was awarded the Ship Inn Player of the Year after he scored 54* against a Scotland 20-20 team this summer in preparation for their visit to South Africa.  Once again, the Dollar Academy team will be playing their annual fixture against the Ship Inn on the beach at Elie in June 2008.

Miss Jilly McCord (History and Modern Studies), who was congratulated in the November newsletter on her selection at Captain of the Scotland Women’s Rugby team, was interviewed by School Sport magazine.  The article, “I teach … and play for my country” showed how she combines expertise in two demanding fields.

A memorial bench has been placed outside the Iona Building as a tribute to the late Mrs Joan Brown.  The bench was purchased by a small group of staff who were very close to Joan, and Joan’s daughter, Diane, and her husband took part in the toasting of the bench’s arrival. 

Mrs Hazel Archibald (Head of Support for Learning) retires in January after a long, highly dedicated career here in the school.  Her work with many children has been greatly valued by her colleagues and by parents.

Mrs Margaret Waddell (Business Education) has been appointed Joint Head of Communications along with Miss Helen Walker.  Mrs Waddell will be taking a major part in press liaison, managing production of publications, prospectus design and co-ordination of photography in school and coverage of school events. 

HELP  PLEASE

At the beginning of every session, Dr Hendry provides for every pupil the data check sheet with a statement of all the details held on Dollar Academy pupils electronically – name, date of birth, phone numbers and so on – but above all, emergency contact details.  At the latest count, 231 forms still have to be returned confirming details, and it is vitally important that this information be accurate.  Scarcely a week goes by without a discovery of a wrong contact number, and parents are asked to follow sensible procedures on this matter.  Please ensure that our information is up-to-date.

FORMER  PUPILS

Sub Lieutenant Andrew Benzie (FP 2000) has won the Sword of Honour and led the parade for the Royal Navy at Passing Out at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Project Trust has written to congratulate Yasmine Bazazi and Eilidh Mackie on completing twelve month volunteer placements in Peru and Uganda respectively.  Yasmine and Eilidh left in 2006. 

Fiona Butterfield (FP 2007) obtained the top prize in Advanced Higher Applied Mathematics in 2007, donated by the Edinburgh Mathematical Society.

University Graduations

University of Glasgow	Christopher Allison	BVMS
	Duncan Cullens	MA
	Alasdair Fisher	LLB (IIii)
	Iain Sutherland	MA IIii)

                                           
Further information on recent graduates would be welcome;  universities are inconsistent in their communication of the achievements of our former pupils.

CHARITIES  COMMITTEE  AND  OTHER  NEWS

Sponsored Walk
The final total for the 2007 Sponsored Walk was £48,533, a magnificent achievement which involved every member of the pupil community, many parents, staff and friends.  The preparation for the walk and the administration of the day was under the supervision of Mr Daniel, and the collection of the sponsorship money was organised by the Charities Committee, under the guidance of Dr Fulton.  Thank you to everyone whose commitment led to this wonderful sum. 

Separate assemblies took place in the second last week of term for Prep and Junior School and for Senior School to present the cheques to representatives of the six charities supported:  Sight Savers International (Pakistan project), Nutrir (supporting food and education programmes globally), Depression Alliance, Brainwave (for children with head injuries or developmental delay), Rachel House and The Beatson. 

Children in Need
Over £550 was raised by the Home Economics Department where pupils had made or decorated over 1,000 Pudsey Bear buns. 

Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir raised over £830 for The Samaritans recently in the Castle Campbell Hotel. 

X-mas Factor
On the final full day of term, the traditional X-mas Factor show was put on at lunchtime for charity.  The figure collected will be announced next term.

BURSARIES  FOR  FORM  I  ENTRANTS  IN  2008-2009

The Governors are pleased to announce that, as a result of the growth of The 1802 Foundation, three bursaries based on financial need will be made available to new pupils entering Form I in session 2008-2009.  Full details are available on the website under the heading Bursaries for Entrants to Dollar.

Thrift Shop Opening – 2:30pm – 4:00pm  (2nd and 4th Thursday of the month)

                                            
MAIN  DATES  FOR  YOUR  DIARY

Please note that the V and VI Prelims run from Thursday 31 January to Monday 11 February, and not as stated in the calendar card.  Details will be given to pupils sitting examinations of the precise timetable.

CAPTAIN  SARAFILOVIC  ON  THE  ROOF