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SCHOOL LIFE
School Life (SPRING TERM - pre half-term 2012)
The PTA 60th Anniversary Dinner Dance
09 Feb 2012Craigclowan is 60!
We are celebrating our very own Diamond Jubilee this year and in honour of this the PTA are hosting a black tie Dinner Dance on Friday 18th May at Perth Racecourse. We are hoping for a mix of former and current members of the Craigclowan community and have already received a great deal of interest in the event.We will be making a donation to the Mark Taylor Educational Trust from the proceeds of the evening. Mark was a pupil at Craigclowan following his older sister and brother to the school when pupil numbers were around 60.
Unknown to Mark’s family he was very slowly developing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Despite an increasing struggle at school, Mark had a very happy 6 years at Craigclowan wonderfully supported by the staff and children. Mark was in a wheelchair from the age of 14 until he died at the age of 28.
Mark’s father Russell spent 27 years as a Craigclowan governor and the last 6 as Chairman. He set up the Trust in memory of Mark to thank the school for all the help it had given. The Trust aims to support those children that would not otherwise be able to benefit from a Craigclowan education.
We are very much looking forward to the event and catching up with friends old and new. If you would like to join us please contact the school office who can pass on further details.
U-10 Boys Hockey v. Cargilfield (A)
08 Feb 2012There was much excitement amongst the boys as they travelled to Edinburgh for their first hockey fixture against Cargilfield. The game was played indoors because of the weather. Our boys found the going tough as the opposition was very good and also because of the different style of game that is indoor hockey. The boys lost by a few goals but they all tried their best. The weather has been a big factor in the amount of preparation time for this game but the boys are still in good spirits and all will have gained valuable experience from having played.
U-11 Boys Hockey v. Cargilfield School
08 Feb 2012As we headed through to Edinburgh for our second time in the space of a week, only some players were prepared and fully aware of the tough job that was ahead of them. With captain Rory absent, Rob took over the role for the “A” team. We had to mark tightly to avoid the experienced players of Cargilfield even half an opportunity to shoot. It took both teams till half time to stand up to their opposition and take responsibility for their own job on the pitch. Once this was established there were spells of much improved play. In the “A” team, Tom J and Rory B, along with goalie Andrew, stemmed the constant flow of attack. Durness and John started to find good passes to the ever ready striker, Rob, up front. Chances came our way but the early gap was too much to close. A final score of 1-7 was disappointing, yet much can be taken from the match. The importance of team work and getting the best out of one another were the key points to work on in future matches. This was the first game for the “B” team and it was a tough one! Dribbling the ball out of defence and hitting the ball straight back to the opposition were the main problems. Jamie had a great first game in goals, blocking almost every shot, yet his defence stood and watched the saved shots being pounced on by Cargilfield, resulting in most of the goals being scored. In a similar way to the “A” team, simple mistakes cost the team dearly. Accurate passing, marking and solid tackling were all necessary to keep the score close. As the final score of 2-6 reflects, it is the basics, along with the will to do what is required in their specific position, that need worked on before our next match. Confident play from Will in the centre of the midfield, Aidan on the right and Jamie in goals were highlights during the match.
“A” Team Captain: Rob A • Player of the Match: Rory B
“B” Team Captain: Thomas R • Player of the Match: Jamie G
U-11A & B Netball v. R.D.M (H)
07 Feb 2012The U-11 'A' team are becoming a team to be reckoned with. Their nerves always get the better of them in the first few minutes. However, once they have scored their first goal, they settle and work so well as a team. Their passing is becoming quick and accurate as is their shooting. I am really pleased with their attitude and progress and so should they. FINAL SCORE 15-4 WIN
The U-11 'B' team let the nerves get the better of them and they seemed to forget some of the basics in the game against RDM. They are good players and have improved since the start of term. They just need to believe in themselves and show a determination to win the ball in a game. Hope Macgregor played extremely well in defence and she should be proud of what she has achieved over these last few weeks. FINAL SCORE: 7-2 LOSS
It is always great to play some of the local Primary Schools and if there is any school that would like to play U11 -U13 fixtures, please contact Fiona Grant stafffgrant@craigclowan-school.co.uk
Merchiston Castle School Cross-Country Relays
07 Feb 2012Fifteen children travelled to Edinburgh to enjoy an afternoon of sportsmanship over a fast and energy sapping cross-country course measuring approximately 1 mile. At 2pm the U11 race was underway and saw our A Team (Magnus C, Lachlan L and Ben P), B Team (Thomas R, Andrew S and Aidan W) and C Team (John S, Rory B and William H) battling hard on this perfectly crisp, sunny and cold afternoon. Team finished 6th, 13th and 14th respectively.
Craigclowan’s U13 runners also ran their socks off from the very first second in this particularly strong field. The A Team (Craig S, Johnny B and Johnny R) placed 9th. Our B Team (Kyle F, Henry M and Alistair S) finished 14th.
Several of our runners broke personal records which made the race all the more satisfying.
A delicious hot tea was a much appreciated reward before our journey home.
Ben Lomond Competition (Form 7P)
06 Feb 2012National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland invited all Scottish Senior Schools to take part in designing a game to be played by the public at their information stand at Ben Lomond. 7P have used their creativity in designing a number of super games in including puzzles, board games, and “splat the rat” style games. In ICT they prepared presentations and promotional materials to promote their game and some even created a complete “mock up” of their game. The judges were very impressed by the ingenuity of the games and the professional presentations. The winners of the Craigclowan competition were Johnny, Lorna and Innes with their “Ben Lomond Experience”. All the games will now be entered into the actual NTS competition. Congratulations and good luck to everyone who took part.
Water Polo Success
06 Feb 2012Water Polo Champion
Many congratulations to Craig S who was part of the victorious water polo team from the Dunfermline Water Polo Club, winning the Academy Trophy.On Sunday 29th January the Scottish Water Polo Championships were held at Kircaldy. Craig’s team won the competition for their age group (under 15). This is a particularly impressive feat on Craig’s part as he is only 11 years old and in a very physically competitive sport is a fair bit smaller than the other members of his team!
Craig trains with the Scottish Junior Boys Training Squad at various pools around the country. We wish him much continued success.
Glenalmond Cup Debating Competition
05 Feb 2012On Sunday 5th February, Craigclowan’s four debating teams travelled to Glenalmond College to take part in the 19th edition of the Glenalmond Cup Junior Schools' Debating Competition. 24 teams debated the same motion simultaneously in six pools in the first round and then teams were re-distributed for another simultaneous round. The best 4 teams on points gained during the two rounds progressed to the Final. In round one, the motion was: “This House believes charity starts at home” whereas in round two it was: “This House believes that sport is given too much importance in our society”
All four Craigclowan teams won their first round debates and the 'A','B' and 'C' teams also came first in their second round thus scoring a maximum of 8 points. However, only the 'A' and 'C' teams were allowed to proceed to the Final.
The motion for the Final was: "This House would vote for Scottish independence". Craigclowan 'A' (Andrew J. and Fraser S.) and Cargilfield 'A' propsed the motion whilst Dollar'C' and Craigclowan 'C' (Ellie K. and Johnny B.) opposed it.
Ellie and Johnny summed up the case for the Union with great clarity, passion and a lot of humour and were declared this year's winners.
This is Craigclowan 13th win in 19 years.
Many thanks to my colleagues Maureen Wright and Fabienne Thompson for all their hard work before and during the ‘Big Day’!
Patrick Borderie
View more photos on the Glenalmond website: Here
Form 3 - Japan Assembly
03 Feb 2012Japan
Kon-nichiwa. This term, Form 3s Environmental Studies topic has been Japan’s geography and culture. The children researched facts about Japan, using the internet and then produced PowerPoint slides to display their knowledge. They also told a traditional Japanese story and sang a Japanese song, which was accompanied on the glockenspiel. Sayonara.
U-11 Boys Hockey National Qualifier
03 Feb 2012U-11 Boys Hockey Tournament
Wow! What an afternoon of hockey. Our target was to play our best, taking every game one at a time. The first match against Loretto saw us scoring two quick goals in the 12 minute matches. We quickly notched by other victories against Ardvreck and Fettes making it three wins out of three. Our next game was Cargilfield. They did take the lead with early goals but the determination and skills of the Craigclowan boys won us a short corner. A perfect strike by Rory O brought us back into the match but we were unable to soak up last minute pressure. The final game, against Belhaven, gave us our 4th win out of 5 matches. We finished a very proud second. Though disappointed not to qualify for the National Finals, we left Edinburgh knowing we had done everything possible to be winners. With matches against Cargilfield on Wednesday we will certainly be looking for revenge!U-12A Boys’ Hockey v. Loretto (H)
01 Feb 2012This was a brilliant team performance from this group of boys who took the game to their guests from the first whistle. Although we didn’t score until halfway through the first half, the pressure was relentless. Eventually 2 goals came and saw us have a comfortable half-time lead. 5 more goals in the second half and a tighter defensive formation saw us run out comfortable winners. Everyone starred but special mentions must go to Tom M with 5 goals and young Andrew S from Form 6 in goal. Well done to everyone of you.
FT: Craigclowan 7 • 0 Loretto
U-12B Boys' Hockey v. Loretto (H)
01 Feb 2012The boys started well moving the ball across the width of the pitch with purpose and were rewarded with an early goal. They continued to fight hard but found themselves losing 2-1 at half time. Super marking, tackling and passing out of defence allowed the midfield and forwards to attack quickly and the boys drew level soon after half time. This however, was not the end, as Loretto scored a crucial third goal following great team play. With seconds to spare and following relentless pressure from both sides, the boys in sky blue won a short corner from which they managed to score! This was a pulsating game and credit to the boys in both teams for their application. The goal scorers for Craigclowan were Innes G, Oliver N-S and Kyle F.
F.T. Craigclowan 3 • 3 Loretto
Form 1 - The Senses: Hearing
01 Feb 2012
Girls’ WOSPS Hockey (A)
31 Jan 2012It was a super day for the girl’s hockey team when they travelled to Kilgraston for the WOSPS trials on Tuesday 31st January. Of the ten that went to the trial, 6 were selected. This is a fantastic feat considering this is the girl’s netball term. Those selected were Jennifer C, Sofia F, Georgie F, Polly L, Appin, M-C, and Emma B.
Very well done to you all and good luck on the big day.
Eco-Committee Suswa Chicken Project
31 Jan 2012Since October 2009 the Eco Committee have been raising money to set up a chicken project at the Suswa Maasai Girls Refuge Centre. This centre offers education and security to girls who would otherwise find themselves in early arranged marriages. The Centre gives the girls the opportunity to change their own lives and the lives of future generations and we are very proud to have been able to help them in this mission.
The Eco Committee have enjoyed being creative with their fund raising and have organised a number of events over the past two years including the Craigclowan’s Got Talent Competition, The Craigclowan Cluckery Book, and the Craigclowan shopping bags. We are also very grateful to the donations we have had to the project from the Christmas Carol Concerts, The Form Five Eggstravaganza, donations from the PTA and the Fair Trade Tuck Shops.
The project has now raised all the money needed to get the project underway and a cheque for £5000 was presented to Mrs Ann Gloag who will ensure that the money goes to the Girls’ Centre at Suswa. This money will provide the Centre with all that is necessary to rear chickens. This project will teach the girls money management, business management and the girls will also be able to sell the eggs to the orphanage in Nairobi and the school in Mashimoni.
Many thanks to everyone involved in the project and we look forward to hearing how the girls are getting on with the chicken project in the future.
Form 8B - Haiku Poems
30 Jan 2012Please click on the Poems you'd like to read...
| Computers Pierre B |
Elastic
Bands Jenny C |
Flower
Haiku Emmy H |
Fridays Andrew J |
| Heather Sofia F |
Ladybirds Susie D |
Moon Andrew J |
Pandas Jamie A |
| Pen Georgie F |
Rounders Sofia F |
Sausage
Dogs Haiku Emmy H |
Singing Polly L |
| Snow
Leopard Polly L |
Snowflakes Susie D |
Sofia Georgie F |
Strawberries Jenny C |
| Tall Pierre B |
The Flood Jamie M |
The Rialto
Bridge Jamie M |
The Shark Appin MC |
| Thunder
& Lightning Sian G |
War Sian G |
Water Appin MC |
Form 1 - Trip to Sensations
30 Jan 2012Form 1 became scientists on Monday 30th January, when they visited Sensations in Dundee.
They spent a very enjoyable morning learning a little bit more about their senses and how they can use them. The highlight of the morning was the science workshop which involved lots of experiments to do with mini explosions! One of our favourites was when Hazel made a mini volcano using a bottle of lemonade and a mint sweet!
Lots of fun was had by all and all the children arrived back at school happy and full of chatter about science!
Skiing at Glenshee
28 Jan 2012With expectations running low as to what we would find up at Glenshee, the day turned into a cracker. There may not have been much snow, but what there was, was fun and grippy. The sun shone, the wind did not blow a breath and the mountains looked spectacular with their dusting of fresh snow. A magnificent day was had by all and I am so glad that we made the effort to get up there. Well done to the intrepid 14 who made up the jolly band.
Forms 5 & 6 Ski Day
27 Jan 2012Sadly, we were not able to get up to Glenshee due to a lack of suitable runs for the Form 5 and 6 children. It did not mean, however, that we were not going to have some fun. We took to the Dry Ski slope in the morning, for two sessions. The Form 6 children had a blast with the Freshtrack instructors with the Form 5 children heading to the slope after break. It may not have been white and powdery under foot but there were still lots of giggles and fun. Oh and it did not end there! It was picnic time at lunch, so we all chowed down in the Art room to keep warm and to eat our sandwiches. A great day!!
27-29 January - SU Explorers W.E. at Lendrick Muir
27 Jan 2012Nine pupils from Forms 5 – 8 enjoyed a brilliant, action-packed weekend at Scripture Union Scotland’s outdoor activity centre at Lendrick Muir. There were lots of activities to try and plenty of new friends to make, as children from independent schools all over Scotland gathered for a fun weekend.
The verdict: “Lendrick Muir was really fun. Luckily we girls were all in one dorm together and we had the nicest leader, who also stayed in our dorm. We especially loved all the activities and will definitely go again next year!”
Form 8 - Latinists' Assembly
27 Jan 2012On Friday 27th January Form 8 ‘Latinists’ presented their version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’ in an assembly called ‘Quis homo praedives esse cupit?’
Four brave teams of two faced up to eight questions each in a bid to win between 10,000 and 1,000,000 denarii and one team (Sofia F. and Jamie A.) succeeded in becoming millionaires!
There were questions on Latin case endings, Greek Gods, Roman houses, ‘The Odyssey’ and even a round of Latin Maths! The teams were also able to use three lifelines each (50/50, Phone a Friend, Ask the Audience) but, for some questions, this proved not to be as helpful as the teams had hoped! Despite this all of the group, whether as team members, quiz masters, score keepers, timer or computer maestro, performed their roles very well and produced and educational and enjoyable assembly.
IAPS Chairman Visit
26 Jan 2012'On the 25th and 26th January Tim Johns, Chairman of the IAPS, and his wife Evelyn visited Craigclowan. The IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) is the professional association for Heads of the leading Prep schools and supports them in their drive to deliver excellence in the Prep School sector.
Mr and Mrs Johns were given a guided tour of the school by the Headmaster and were interested and impressed by all that is on offer here at Craigclowan.'
Form 1 Fireflies
25 Jan 2012The first Fireflies presentations In Form 1 were truly spectacular! The children put in tremendous amounts of effort from Annabel ‘The Baker’ bringing homemade Muffins in Mrs Cashman’s class to Mary in Miss Garlick’s sharing a specially made photo album about her life. They were able to experience talking to an audience and answering questions, which has boosted their confidence. It has also allowed the children to understand that there is a lot more to reading than just being able to read the words, but also understanding the different concepts that lie within the text itself.
There is an air of excitement about the Fireflies presentations that are to follow, as the children have set such a high standard already, both classes are looking forward to next week’s.
U-13A Boys' Hockey v Belhaven Hill (A)
25 Jan 2012The first game for the U13A boys’ hockey team against Belhaven this week was an exciting affair. We started slowly but our captain, Jamie M galvanised the team and started to spray the passes about from midfield. By the end of the first half we were dominating the game and Alistair S and Johnny R were playing superbly well. The second half saw us play most of the game in Belhaven’s half and goals from Jamie and Alistair meant that we won our opener 2-0. Well done to all the boys but in particular the younger ones who came into the team and all played well.
U-13B Boys' Hockey v Belhaven Hill (H)
25 Jan 2012The boys enjoyed a pulsating game for their first competitive outing of the season and came away with a well deserved 2-2 draw. Special mention should be made of what is likely to be goal of the season, when Ben melted one from the edge of the D into the goal, just under the cross bar.
Well done boys!
U-11 Boys' Hockey v Belhaven Hill (A)
25 Jan 2012We had plenty of time to think about our first game of the season on the journey down to Dunbar! With the team talk highlighting the need to look up before every pass, the starting whistle blasted. From the first few minutes the Craigclowan boys showed they had very strong individual skills, taking on players with confidence and success. By half time we were 3-0 up with goals from John S, Durness and Thomas J. We did change the team around in the second half in an attempt to try out new positions. Another goal came from John, giving the boys a convincing 4-0 victory in their first match. We will look towards passing the ball before being tackled in order to keep possession.
Captain: Rory O
Man of the Match: John S
Form 5 - Burns Celebrations
25 Jan 2012Form 5 made a great effort with their touch of tartan, assisting them to enter into the spirit of Burns. Lachlan was part of the school pipe band, playing a variety of Scottish tunes, first thing, welcoming everyone into school. Kirsty had a Ross tartan sash, Adam S sported a specially make Craigclowan tartan kilt, Magnus, Jack, Tom, Lachlan, Archie, Andrew and others enjoyed showing off their bare knees as they all looked smart in their kilt. Suzannah, Rosie and Lewis B found various tartan items to wear during the party. Lotte even managed to find two Stewart tartan bows for her hair! We had great fun learning the Gay Gordons, enjoyed tasting haggis, gave the thumbs up to Mrs McMorrine's homemade pancakes and Pollyanna's delicious melting moments. Theo recited the Selkirk grace and Archie and Lachlan played their chanters. Magnus spoiled us all with a sample of his Dad's new fruit juice and tasty biscuits. We finished off our celebrations with Auld lang Syne and learned a few top tips on how to dance Strip the Willow! Everyone is now thoroughly excited about the end of term Ceilidh.
Burns Lunch
25 Jan 2012
The tradition of Burn’s Lunch continued in style again this year.
The school’s top piper, Jamie M., played an old Burn’s favourite as he was followed round the room by Hamish H., carrying the fated beast. An enthusiastic, Emma B., addressed the haggis with a mixture of sensitivity and passion. All three downed their Irn Bru with relish before deserved applause
Form 8 Science Visit to Exxon Mobil Chemical Plant
24 Jan 2012After having already studied how we can separate crude oil into many different by-products using distillation, the children in Form 8 were given the chance to visit the Exxon Mobil Chemical Plant in Mossmorran, Cowdenbeath. The plant is responsible for separating the gas Ethane into different products using a similar chemical process. The plant is one of Europe's largest and most modern.
The children were told, that in order to make ethylene, ethane is heated to almost 900ºC to 'crack' it to ethylene in the steam cracking furnaces. The gas is then cooled to below -150ºC to recover the valuable ethylene product. This product can be found in many day to day items as it is used to make plastic!
They were also informed that any gases produced from the process are used as fuel in the plant's furnaces and gas turbine. The unit produces electricity in a highly energy efficient way.
The children were given the chance to visit the control room and were able to speak directly to the engineers who were running the plant. They had a guided coach tour of the facility and were able to see for themselves the scale of the whole chemical process.
Just like every Science lesson Safety was very important. The children were told why they had to wear plastic hats and Safety glasses. No electrical equipment was allowed onto the plant and many of the safety procedures were explained and highlighted to them during the tour.
Many thanks to Mr Koutstaal and Mrs Cubbitt for making the day very enjoyable.
Jonathan Doak
Here are quotes from some Form 8 pupils about their experience:
“I enjoyed seeing the plant’s control room. The people controlling and surveying the plant were very kind and answered all my questions on what they do. I enjoyed the coach tour of the plant and was very impressed by how big it was.I now understand how plastic is made and that it came from the gas ethane.”
“I loved the whole trip! I particularly enjoyed learning about the different processes in getting ethylene from ethane gas”
“I enjoyed learning about the process. I enjoyed seeing the control room. I also found it fascinating that it happened in a small amount of time!”
“I learnt how you make plastic from a gas using many different types of separation, with the temperatures ranging from 900ºC to -147ºC.”
“ I learnt that not only scientists work on chemical plants. I also learned that you can make many things from ethylene!”
Durness M-C Music Success
23 Jan 2012Many congratulations to Durness M-C who was awarded a highly commended second place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Beethoven Piano Competition for 18 years and under.
Durness, aged just 10, performed Beethoven’s 1st Sonata, 4th Movement to much acclaim. The Conservatoire has subsequently invited Durness to be first reserve for the inter-collegiate Beethoven competition held in London in March where he will play all four movements of the Sonata.
In addition to his music lessons at Craigclowan Durness attends the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow.
S.U. Explorers
23 Jan 2012Some SU Explorers enjoying drama and games at our Monday meeting.
Art Scholars Saturday Morning
21 Jan 2012Craigclowan Art Scholars
For those pupils taking an art scholarship or art as part of their all rounder scholarship, this is an important time of the year when ideas for their portfolios are being consolidated and pieces of work assembled and mounted. Saturday art mornings are added to the scholar’s timetable and Mrs Page is on hand for advice and guidance. The atmosphere in the art room is, as ever, one of fun creativity and it’s amazing to see the portfolios expand with such a wonderful variety of styles, subjects and techniques.We wish the art and all rounder scholars the best of luck during the forthcoming weeks.
RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch
20 Jan 2012On Friday 20th January, Form 1 wrapped up warm and headed out into the school garden. We spent the morning thinking about different types of birds and enjoying a variety of bird-related activities. The main purpose of the morning was to count the birds visiting our bird tables, and record the number and types for the RSPB. It was all for the Big Schools Bird watch, a nationwide survey.
The Pre-school children joined in the fun for the first 15minute stint and they proved to have very good eyes for seeing the different birds!
We all agreed that it was a very fun morning and to round it off we entered the results onto the RSPB website.
Internet Safety Lecture by the Police
20 Jan 2012Forms six to eight were present at the annual Police lecture on how to stay safe on the Internet. PCs Thompson and MacDonald came armed with their computer and many interesting and worrying tales about the potential dangers of surfing the net. I am sure that all of the children present went home on Friday evening, with much to think about and a much greater respect for the tool which is now so much a part of our every day life. Many thanks to the Police for coming once again and we look forward to your next visit for the drugs lecture.
Form 2 - Twigs!
19 Jan 2012Frost Inspired
Monday’s frosty walk inspired Form 2 to do some frosty art! We collected fallen brown twigs to transform into white, sparkly twigs and will decorate our classroom with them!
U-13A Boys' Hockey
18 Jan 2012The 1st team hockey squad are pictured here showing off their new Craigclowan Shinnerz that were kindly donated by Iona Lawson. Thank you very much.
U-11 As & Bs Netball v. Ardvreck
18 Jan 2012All U11 girls had the opportunity to play for the school today. It was great to see the Craigclowan girls ready to play with so much enthusiasm.
The U11 A team again played really well and in the 3rd quarter had a lead of 3 goals. It was very unfortunate the girls lost their confidence in the final quarter.
F.T. Craigclowan 6 • 7 Ardvreck
The U11 B girls played really well and had a great win against a good Ardvreck team.
F.T. Craigclowan 4 • 3 Ardvreck
Overall some super Netball by both schools and great support from the parents.
Form 2 - Penguins
17 Jan 2012Penguin Potty Part Two
Form 2 returned to the Art Room to paint the papier mache bottles. The next stage will be adorning them with feet, eyes, flippers and the all important beak! We were getting very excited to see them taking shape!
Form 2 - Instructions
17 Jan 2012As part of F2s language activities they had to instruct Alicia to put on some rather funny clothes in the correct order.
Here she is looking rather swamped!
Pupils' Council
17 Jan 2012Following the recent pupil Council Elections, the following pupils have been voted by their peers to represent their Form this term:
Form 8
8B - Jenny C • 8C - Phoebe O • 8S - Matthew G
Form 7
7P - Alexander E • 7D - Myles P • 7R - Will AForm 6
6D - Samantha S • 6G - Andrew SForm 5
5T - Thomas CForm 4
4E - Arthur R • 4W - Alistair J-E
Form 2 - Frost
16 Jan 2012Fascinated by Frost!
Monday was an extremely cold day which was perfect for Form 2. Our topic this term is ‘Cold’ so we were very excited to closely inspect the tiny little icicles that had formed everywhere! We also stamped on the rock hard grass as it went ‘crunch’ beneath our feet – sorry Donnie!
Form 1 - Frosty Days
16 Jan 2012On Monday Jack Frost visited Craigclowan. He made the ground crunchy, and everything very cold. We wrapped up warm in our cosy jackets, hats, gloves and scarves, and went for a winter walk. We had great fun on the hard grass, touching all the icy plants and getting icy shoes. We could see our breath too!
Form 2 to Edinburgh Zoo
12 Jan 2012Penguins, Pandas and a Picnic!
Form 2 enjoyed a fabulous trip to Edinburgh Zoo. In the Education Centre we got to build a nest, look after an egg and heard a story about Rocky the rockhopper and Jenny the gentoo, learning lots of facts along the way. The real penguins put on a fine display for us and the much celebrated panda was absolutely adorable! We wished we could have stayed much much longer!
Iona’s Skiing Success
12 Jan 2012Many congratulations to Iona R, aged 8, who has triumphed in the first European ski races of the season, bringing home two silver medals and one bronze.
Iona is the current Scottish Champion in her age group and saw off international competition in Italy and France, gaining podium places at the British Alpine Race Ski Championships in Champoluc and the Anglo-Scottish Championships near Chamonix.
Iona first learnt to ski on Craigclowan’s dry ski slope and in 2011 was named Scottish Ski Club’s ‘Top Gun’ trainee for her age group. “I’ve been skiing since I was two, and can’t remember not being able to,” explained Iona. “I like the races, but I love training best and wish I could ski every single day.”
U-11 Netball v. Kilgraston
11 Jan 2012A great win against a strong Kilgraston team. The U-11 girls played some super Netball, especially in the 2nd half. It was a really close match and our girls started the game in their usual nervous way. However in the 2nd half they found their form and were very strong in defence, making it very difficult for Kilgraston to score.
A great start to the Netball term.
F.T. Craigclowan 6 • Kilgraston 2
Form 4 - SSPCA Visit
11 Jan 2012Wildlife rescues proved to be a fascinating topic for Form 4 who had numerous questions for Robyn Cooper, an inspector with the SSPCA. The children were given some first aid tips for injured wild animals and completed a tricky wildlife challenge.
Form 2 - Penguin Art
10 Jan 2012Penguin Potty with Mrs Page!
Form 2 have gone penguin potty. The first in our special lessons in the Art Room saw us begin to turn plastic bottles into beautiful papier mache penguins. We had a very gooey time! Look out for next week’s progress!
Skiing at Glenshee
07 Jan 2012And we are off!! A good day was had by all on Saturday up at Glenshee. Though the snow was a little bit crisp in the morning and the wind was blowing hard in exposed areas, the sun was shining, so all was right with the world. Twenty five children took to the slopes with the fantastic instructors from Freshtracks Glenshee who kept the smiles beaming, the giggles tinkling and the adrenalin rushing. Let’s hope that the snow just keeps coming! Oh yes the three staff on the hill had a ball too.
