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SCHOOL LIFE
School Life (Winter Term - post half-term 2010)
DRAMA CLUB PANTO - CINDERELLA
14 Dec 2010
In what has become a school tradition for the last afternoon of the Winter term, Form 7 and 8 Drama Club members performed the panto for an appreciative audience of their fellow pupils. The pupils had written their own scenes for the show which, this year, was “Cinderella.” There was an amazing array of beauties playing the part of Cinders and many “uglies” playing her sisters. The audience quickly joined in the cheers and jeers and sang and danced along. A great time was had by those acting as well as those watching and it is to the credit of all those involved that, despite disruption to the rehearsals due to bad weather, this production managed to get from beginning to end smoothly...well almost!
The panto was preceded by Form 6 “Latinists” who warmed up the audience with their rendition of Jingle Bells sung in Latin.
Well done, Form 6!
The panto was preceded by Form 6 “Latinists” who warmed up the audience with their rendition of Jingle Bells sung in Latin.
Well done, Form 6!
FORMS 1 & 2 CHRISTMAS PARTY
10 Dec 2010
On Friday children in Forms 1 and 2 donned their party clothes and had a super afternoon of Musical Ice Statues and Musical Snowballs (bumps). The teachers were delighted with some of the fantastic disco dancers! Santa arrived to the tune of Jingle Bells and his sack was full of goodies for everyone! Thanks to the PTA and Santa and his elves for such a wonderful end to the term!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION
10 Dec 2010Forms 4 & 5 - Mr Humbug Sees The Light
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS
09 Dec 2010Form 1 - Busy, Busy Bethlehem
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS
09 Dec 2010Form 2 - Santa Turns Green
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS
09 Dec 2010Form 3 - The Christmas Recipe
FAMILY ART CLUB - SOAP MAKING
04 Dec 2010
Well done and thank you to all those intrepid children, parents and staff that managed to get into school for Saturday’s Family Art Club. Sadly many just couldn’t make it in the appalling weather conditions we have experienced this week. For those that could we had a wonderful time as ever and the snow came in really handy for solidifying all our home made soaps! Beautiful hand made Christmas presents were created and wrapped and we were all kept going with homemade chocolate muffins and flapjacks. From the tiny starry soaps to the giant butterfly and cupcake soaps on a rope we added perfume, colour and sparkle and went home feeling very proud of our achievements.
The Family Art Club was a great pleasure to run again this term. Mrs Page and Mrs Rathborne would like to say a big thank you to all of those that have attended this year and wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. Our schedule for next term will be published in the school calendar and we look forward to seeing as many children and parents as possible for more fun in the art room.
The Family Art Club was a great pleasure to run again this term. Mrs Page and Mrs Rathborne would like to say a big thank you to all of those that have attended this year and wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. Our schedule for next term will be published in the school calendar and we look forward to seeing as many children and parents as possible for more fun in the art room.
THE BIG FREEZE
29 Nov 2010
Little did we know when the first snowflakes fell on Sunday the 28th that we would still be battling to clear the snow and ice on the following Wednesday. Four diggers in four days was quite some sight and we owe many thanks to David Yellowlees from Gannochy Farm and James Marshall from Marshall Garden Machinery, together with current parent John Stephen from A and J Stephen (builders) ltd, who came to our rescue. There was no way Donnie’s valiant tractor was going to be able to cope with the huge volume of snow that fell over the four days and seeing these massive JCB’s rolling onto the school site, complete with large buckets attached was a wonderful sight to all of us that continued digging, sweeping and salting the paths around the school. Despite the efforts of all concerned and much to our disappointment, snow began to fall heavily on the Tuesday afternoon once again. We were looking at clear tarmac paths and parking spaces one moment and a white out the next! We had another wonderful team of helpers, teachers and some spouses, cleaning ladies and office staff sweeping and clearing and most importantly gritting again yesterday, following the JCB as soon as the snow was lifted. With a snow free night last night the result was school opening this morning. It was fantastic to see the children again in their usual cheery spirits and we have had a fun and productive day today.
Many thanks to all those that were able to dig themselves out to come and help, it was much appreciated by Donnie and the Headmaster who were on the go at 5.30 each morning to assess and start clearing. It has been a great Craigclowan team effort and we are so pleased to be up and running again.
Many thanks to all those that were able to dig themselves out to come and help, it was much appreciated by Donnie and the Headmaster who were on the go at 5.30 each morning to assess and start clearing. It has been a great Craigclowan team effort and we are so pleased to be up and running again.
U-9 RUGBY v BELHAVEN REPORT
24 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-9 Rugby v Belhaven Hill (A)
This was a short game on a short pitch and very much a game of two halves. Having played them and beaten them at the Fettes festival we put a ‘B’ team on for the first half and they had an exciting 10 minutes which ended 5 tries a piece. The ‘A’ team came on for the second half and scored 5 tries without conceding and then it was time for tea.All the boys played really well and have been a delight to coach all term. Well done boys!
FORM 1 VISIT THE ART ROOM
24 Nov 2010
It was the turn of Mrs McCrae’s class to be creative in the art room this week. We all had great fun making our glittery snow scene shakers. Can you spot Santa, an elf or two, a few snowmen, a Christmas tree and even a Christmas robin.
Thank you to Mrs Page for helping us.
Thank you to Mrs Page for helping us.
CHORISTERS AT ST NINIAN'S
21 Nov 2010
Junior Choristers St Ninian’s Cathedral
In September 2010 a new training scheme for 10 children from Craigclowan started in conjunction with St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth whereby the children receive weekly training sessions in choral singing with Mr Ólafsson. The young choristers join the cathedral choir for one service a month as well as other special services.
On Sunday the 21st of November there was an official reception into the Cathedral Choir of Junior Choristers, where they were presented by Mr Ólafsson with the first award in a training scheme by the Royal School of Church Music.
In September 2010 a new training scheme for 10 children from Craigclowan started in conjunction with St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth whereby the children receive weekly training sessions in choral singing with Mr Ólafsson. The young choristers join the cathedral choir for one service a month as well as other special services.
On Sunday the 21st of November there was an official reception into the Cathedral Choir of Junior Choristers, where they were presented by Mr Ólafsson with the first award in a training scheme by the Royal School of Church Music.
RUGBY v CARGILFIELD
20 Nov 2010
The boys really enjoyed themselves and produced some lovely rugby in this 11-5 victory. Special mention should be made of Lachlan Lawson and Struan Griffiths who gamely volunteered to help out the depleted ‘B’s who were struggling at half time. With the help of these two the rejuvenated ‘B’ team almost managed to pull off a remarkable turn around, reducing a six try deficit to only one at the final whistle.
Two great games and the boys are looking forward to Belhaven next.
Two great games and the boys are looking forward to Belhaven next.
DESIGN A CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
19 Nov 2010
Back in October we were contacted by Audrey Fenton Events who wanted to sponsor a Christmas Card design competition at Craigclowan. We are delighted to announce that Ben Clark from Form 1, Adam Anderson from Form 2 and Amarantha Sidle from Form 3 were the winners. All three winners will be travelling with Father Christmas on his sleigh at the turning on of the Christmas lights in Perth on Sunday 21st. They will also be presented with a voucher.
Well done to all the children for their super designs and thank you to all those that took part, we had lots of wonderful entries which made the judging extremely difficult!
Well done to all the children for their super designs and thank you to all those that took part, we had lots of wonderful entries which made the judging extremely difficult!
FORM 1 PUPPET FUN
18 Nov 2010
Mrs Cashman's class enjoyed telling well known stories this week. They used the finger puppets to tell their friends stories.
We even had a new version of the Three Little Pigs, our story is "The Four Little Pigs"
Our Role play house became the Puppet theatre and each group performed a story.
We even had a new version of the Three Little Pigs, our story is "The Four Little Pigs"
Our Role play house became the Puppet theatre and each group performed a story.
U-11 RUGBY v ST. MARY'S MELROSE REPORT
17 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-11 Rugby v. St. Mary’s Melrose (A)
After a much quicker journey down to Melrose that expected, the boys came out with all guns blazing. It was an extremely cold day, so both teams did incredibly well to handle the ball as well as they did and produce such an exciting contest. The rucking and mauling was bruising as both teams fought hard to win the break down, but luckily our back play was just too strong for the opposition with some fantastic runs by Robert leader, Johnny Roberts and Rowan Carey. St. Mary’s were certainly not going to give up, as the second half proved to be an even tougher fight. The boys held on with determination after a couple of players retired hurt. It really was a fantastic prep school rugby match. Well done to both teams!Final Score: Craigclowan 6 - St. Mary’s Melrose 3
FORM 1 VISIT THE ART ROOM
17 Nov 2010
Mrs Cashman’s class enjoyed an exciting visit to the art room this week. Mrs Page helped us all create a wonderful and extremely glittery, snow globe each. We turned up on Wednesday afternoon armed with our empty jam jars and emerged an hour later with wonderful Christmas scenes inside a snowy dome! We really enjoyed our visit and hope to return soon for more creative fun.
FORM 5 TO VANE FARM
16 Nov 2010Form 5 Visit to RSPB Vane Farm
This week Form 5 pupils were not too optimistic as they set off on their bird– watching outing in thick fog! However, once we had arrived at Loch Leven, the mist lifted and we were in business. After instructions on how to focus our binoculars we spent time in the hides observing several species of geese, swans, and curlews in their natural wetland habitat. Woodland birds were also studied and we learnt how to identify birds by their appearance and calls. At this time of year, migration was the main topic for discussion and the RSPB staff answered all our questions and told several interesting tales. Our favourite was the true account of an osprey ringed in Scotland discovered inside a crocodile in Central Africa!
RUGBY v ARDVRECK
13 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-9 Rugby v Ardvreck (A)
Having drawn the final of the Fettes tournament 3 tries a piece with Ardvreck three days previously this game was eagerly awaited. The boys fought very hard to win an intense game 7 tries to 6 and they fully deserved this victory having run, passed and tackled their little hearts out. Well done boys!Craigclowan U-9B Rugby v Ardvreck (A)
The ‘B’ team had their first outing and also enjoyed an exciting game which finished level at 4-4. All the boys displayed a great team spirit and were determined to get a result. On reflection a draw was a fair outcome for the game. It was extremely pleasing to see some score their first tries! Well done. A big thank you to all the parents who came along and supported the boys and to Ardvreck for their hospitality.Both teams will be looking forward to facing Cargilfield very shortly.
LATHALLAN CROSS-COUNTRY RACES
12 Nov 2010
Our outing to the Lathallan races was a rewarding and joyful one. Twenty-three children travelled to the North East coast of Scotland to compete in their respective U11 and U13 girls’ and boys’ races against 12 other schools. The sunny and cool but wind free weather was ideal for runners and spectators alike. The recent and persistent heavy rain meant that plenty of our favourite mud was to be found. Each of our U13 runners produced a great effort over the gruelling and 1.5 mile course. The U11 racers tackled a slightly shorter loop of 1 mile, which still took them over the same steep slippery descents and lung bursting climbs as their older team mates. U11 Lorna PORTER confirmed her fine form by finishing 3rd girl ahead of 68 athletes. Craigclowan experienced a great adrenaline rush as 5 of our U11 boys finished in the first 9 (out of 54) with appropriately named Robert LEADER winning the event in 8 minutes 6 seconds, just ahead of team mate Johnny ROBERTS whose strong run was rewarded with a silver medal. Innes GILLING (4th), Ben PORTER, Rory OTTLEY, and Kyle FLEMING’s relentless effort resulted in our U11 boys winning the 1st team prize.
CURLING
11 Nov 2010
At long last Craigclowan has joined the Perth Schools Curling League. To begin with the squad is eight strong; four boys and four girls. Matches are to be played between November and March with cup matches in December. On Thursday 11th our four boys took on Perth High School and played their part in an entertaining encounter, going down 7 – 1. The end we won was celebrated by both teams. The Perth High pupils were great sports, giving the youngsters from Craigclowan both help and encouragement.
On the 18th of November our four girls had a great practice session and are looking good for their match against Morrison’s Academy on the 25th.
On the 18th of November our four girls had a great practice session and are looking good for their match against Morrison’s Academy on the 25th.
PUPILS' COUNCIL MEETING
11 Nov 2010
The Pupil Council held a full meeting at lunchtime and discussed a number of ideas. All present enjoyed the lunch provided and were keen to put forward the ideas suggested by their own Form.
The representatives for the Forms this term are:
The representatives for the Forms this term are:
- 8B - P. Borderie
- 8C - C. Lambert
- 8S - G. Bayne
- 7P - S. Findlay
- 7D - C. Wiseman
- 7R - H. Halley
- 6W - I. Gilling
- 6D - T. Morris
- 6G - M. Grant
- 5E - L. Drummond-Herdman
- 5T - T. Reynolds
- 4D - A. San
- 4W - L. Lawson
U-9 RUGBY AT FETTES
10 Nov 2010
FORM 4 BRIGHT HOUR ST MATTHEW'S CHURCH
10 Nov 2010
On Wednesday 10th of November, Form 4 went to St Matthew’s Church.
The children performed a short sketch about the Home Guard and sang a collection of war-time songs. They were then given the opportunity to ask the assembled audience of senior citizens questions about their experiences during the war and of their school days. Both young and old thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
The children performed a short sketch about the Home Guard and sang a collection of war-time songs. They were then given the opportunity to ask the assembled audience of senior citizens questions about their experiences during the war and of their school days. Both young and old thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
WOSPS v DANDYLIONS
10 Nov 2010WOSPS v Dandylions Rugby.
Six Craigclowan Boys took the field at Fettes College on Wednesday 10th of November to represent the WOSPS XV against The Dandylions. Both squads practised in the morning before playing their match in the afternoon. The game was played on the 1stXV pitch at Fettes and resulted in a very close affair; the Dandylions eventually winning by nine points to three. The whole day was most enjoyable and huge thanks need to go to Fettes College.After the match the Scottish Prep Schools’ Squad was selected and three boys have been selected to play against an Edinburgh Barbarians side on November 28th at Loretto School.
FETTES HOCKEY TOURNAMENT REPORT
10 Nov 2010Fettes Girls Hockey Tournament (A)
The first game against Mary Erskine School was always going to be a massive game for us. Most of the play was in our opponents half but they did cause a few problems in the last minute of the game. Fortunately the girls gave a good solid display throughout and won the game 1-0. As sometimes happens though, the event ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ never quite lives up to expectations. With our girls looking too far ahead in the tournament, we lost 1-0 to Belhaven Hill. This set up a game against Kilgraston where the winner of the game would go into the semi-final. An excellent display saw Emily score two fine goals to see us through to the next round. The semi-final against Fettes was always to be a hard game but we played really well and justifiably led 1-0 at half-time. Fettes equalised in the second half to take the game to penalty strokes. Penalty strokes is a daunting affair for any player so all credit to Pippa, Zoe and Emma for having the courage to take them and also to Eilidh our keeper who had some fantastic saves. Three goals for each team in the first set meant sudden death strokes. Eighteen strokes later we missed our stroke which saw Fettes go into the final. In all of my years in hockey, I have never seen a stroke competition go on for so long. Finally I would just like to say thank you to all the girls who played as every one of them gave their all for the school.FORM 5E C.D.T.
09 Nov 2010Form Five Technology
In their CDT lessons, 5E have been provided with an opportunity for intellectual curiosity and challenge by getting to grips with planning, designing and assembling models. They have created moving roundabouts with Techcard and are learning that perseverance and team work lead to success. Using Meccano and Frameworks, the children are beginning to use a variety of techniques to assemble components and to understand the behaviour of structures.
ARDVRECK SEVENS TOURNAMENT REPORT
07 Nov 2010Ardvreck Sevens Tournament (A)
Ten boys in sky blue represented Craigclowan at the Ardvreck Sevens Tournament on Sunday 7th November.It was a glorious morning; crisp and sunny. I would like to report that our play in our opening game with Loretto matched the weather, but instead we were a little soggy and dull. It took us a little time to find our form, but when we did create valuable 2 Vs 1 situations we scored. Our second game, against Lathallan, was more pleasing with the four Ps being applied and some ‘proper’ sevens played. Into the knock-out stages we faced Riley House and were dragged into a ‘bun-fight’. Our last gasp winner left us victorious and the referee to face some ‘Bamber Cascoigne’ style questioning on his specialist subject. The semi-finals brought us together with our hosts, Ardvreck. It proved to be a close encounter with the boys in green and white prevailing this time. The final was thrilling and full of excellent play. Merchiston pipped Ardvreck in the dying seconds.
A very good day. Many thanks to Ardvreck, our supporting parents and well done boys.
RUGBY v BELMONT HOUSE
06 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-13 Rugby v Belmont House (A)
This was a very entertaining game played at a good pace and with great gusto from both sides. The boys all knew of the history of this match and were keen to do well against Mr Doak’s old school.The game was played on a very wide pitch and after the opening minutes it became clear that relying on one individual to do all the attacking running would not pay dividends for the team. The boys began to support their passes and were committed in their tackles. Halftime saw the game level and scoreless!
The second half saw the game once again played at a frantic pace and following a series of good forwards play and dynamic running from the backs L. Birrell scored the first try. However, almost immediately Belmont had us on the back foot and after some good play they soon levelled. Shortly after this try they grabbed a second after a free flowing move down the right. Our backs were not spread out and didn’t make their tackles. The boys in light blue were determined not to let this game pass them by and just before the end J. Arnaud levelled the game at 2 tries a piece. Like all the other conversions in the game it was missed too.
Thank you to all the parents who came and supported us in the rain and also to Belmont for their hospitality.
Final score: Belmont House 6 Craigclowan 6
Jonathan Doak
Craigclowan U-10 Rugby v Belmont House (A)
The boys put in a storming performance against some big lads from the west coast and racked up 10 tries over the course of the game. Equally pleasing was the defence as the game was not as one-sided as the score suggests.Well done boys!
FORM 7 TRIP FETTES LATIN DAY
05 Nov 2010
On Friday November 5th Form 7 ‘Latinists’ and their teachers joined over a hundred other pupils from prep schools in Scotland and the North of England for Fettes Prep Schools Latin Day. On arrival we were greeted by a centurion in full costume and, after being divided into legions, our pupils took part in four activities. The first of these was rehearsing and performing a short Latin play about Theseus and the Minotaur. This was followed by a Treasure Hunt around the school grounds with the children acting as detectives investigating the murder of a soldier who had disappeared with a chest of money. Since the clues were all in Latin this tested their language skills!
After a Roman Feast in the suitably decorated dining room the next task was to be drilled in marching, following Latin commands while also singing a Latin marching song. The centurion also selected Mrs Dibnah as a model and dressed her in the full uniform of a soldier, teaching the pupils the names of each item of clothing.
Finally, there was time for some ‘R and R’ as each group listened to Greek myths retold and brought to life by a professional storyteller.
The day ended with the final of a Gladiatorial Vocabulary challenge undertaken by some of the Form 8 pupils from other schools. After this there was a presentation of certificates and “goodie bags” to all the participants and a happy band returned to Craigclowan full of praise for all those involved in organising a memorable day.
After a Roman Feast in the suitably decorated dining room the next task was to be drilled in marching, following Latin commands while also singing a Latin marching song. The centurion also selected Mrs Dibnah as a model and dressed her in the full uniform of a soldier, teaching the pupils the names of each item of clothing.
Finally, there was time for some ‘R and R’ as each group listened to Greek myths retold and brought to life by a professional storyteller.
The day ended with the final of a Gladiatorial Vocabulary challenge undertaken by some of the Form 8 pupils from other schools. After this there was a presentation of certificates and “goodie bags” to all the participants and a happy band returned to Craigclowan full of praise for all those involved in organising a memorable day.
FORM 6 TRIP TO PERTH MUSEUM
05 Nov 2010
It stayed dry for our visit to the Greyfriars cemetery en route to Perth Museum for our medieval morning. We walked through the burgh this year celebrating its 800th anniversary. The current exhibition supplied activities to add to those laid on by Barbara Hamilton in the education room. We were writing with feather quills and ink, sitting in the stocks, trying to assemble the parts of a barrel and trying on chain mail to name but a few of the activities.
RUGBY v FETTES
03 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-13A Rugby v Fettes (H)
Fettes College were the first visitors to The Old Field after half term. They had outplayed us at the Merchiston Festival and we were interested to compare our progress with theirs.Our pre-match meeting in Room 33 took the form of a ‘Ferguson-esk’ Hair Drier ‘lambastation’ on the subject of player pride and kit preparation. This has not been a good season when considering the latter.
Pride and Positive Application were asked for; the game plan and tactics were reviewed; the team were sent out to put it all together; the players took the game to Fettes and hardly allowed them to play. Committed work by the forwards, improved understanding between half-backs and much improved running in the centre meant an impressive performance and a good win 12 – 3.
The most pleasing aspects of our play were our improved rucking and defence.
Now we have one 15-a-side game to go at Belhaven and it is hoped we can improve still further and perform well against our old friends and rivals in Dunbar.
Craigclowan U-13B Rugby v Fettes (H)
Another great performance! The boys played well and gave solid account of themselves doing everything correctly apart from scoring more than once. The first half saw the boys in sky blue camped in the Fettes 22 yard line and with better final ball they would have scored more tries. Credit must go to Fettes who played very well defensively.It is vital for the boys in our next performance, to use quick ball which will allow supporting players to be released earlier and to be more aggressive in their tackles.
Final score: Craigclowan 3 Fettes 12
WOSPS v DANDYLIONS
03 Nov 2010Wosps v Dandylions Netball (A)
The annual match of Wosps v Dandy’s took place at Fettes. Four teams took part, an 'A' and a 'B' team from each side.Pippa Wood captained the Wosps 'A' team confidently and played well in the Goal Defence position.
Eilidh Ross captained the Wosps 'B' team, she played a very determined centre position. Craigclowan was also represented by Freya Kinloch (GK), Zoe Morris (GD), Ailsa Edwards (WD) and Emma Renouf (GA).
An excellent afternoons netball was had with all the girls from 8 schools taking part. The final scores were as follows:
'A' team 20 – 13 to the Dandylions
'B' team 15 – 10 to the Dandylions.
GHOST GALLUP
02 Nov 2010CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING
The weather was mild and the air rather wet; the woods were dark and particularly spooky on this early autumn evening. Twenty-one children of the cross-country regulars enjoyed the Blue Lap (2.4km) of Moncreiffe Hill, near Bridge of Earn. Our bats, ghosts, devils, skeletons, vampires and witches, as well as other terrifying creatures, made the most of the steep hills and fast descents to display overall fitness and good spirit. The mud was truly at its best: indeed, the exceptional depth of our favourite stuff saw us lose shoes and balance on several occasions. Apologies to parents and washing machines for bringing back such muddy kit but the fun was just too good to miss!
U-13A HOCKEY v CLIFTON HALL
02 Nov 2010Craigclowan U-13A Hockey v Clifton Hall (H)
The girls played some fantastic hockey in this match. Our first goal came after a series of passes which eventually saw a fine shot from the top of the D end up our visitors net. Another goal before half-time was scant reward for our good play and the pressure we had put on Clifton Hall’s goal. Four more goals in the second half saw us run out easy winners. Personally, I thought the girls played some of the best hockey they have this season in spells in this game and this was really pleasing after the long half-term break.Well done! Result: Craigclowan 6-0 winners
