Blairgowrie High School Magazine November 2018

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This Edition:  Fresher’s Week New Leadership Team  Bookmark Festival  Magazine Mascots 

GREASE!

Emma Tait Laura Black Megan Ashley Mrs Rutherford (of course)

Out with the old and in with the new – a new crew brings you a maga…zoo? …Let me try that again.

Out with the old and in with the new. There’s a new magazine crew in town. New writers on the block. I think that’s enough clichés. We exist. We are not the people that were here before.

Before you stands (sits) a new team of magazine writers. One of whom cannot stop writing in clichés.

Anyway, we are here to tell you about what’s been happening in our school. Obviously. That’s the purpose of a school magazine: f you thought otherwise you were very mistaken, but no, you cannot have your money back. If you did pick this up to find out what’s going on the contents are on the next page. This page is a page to introduce us, or, me, seeing as I’m the one writing this and the others don’t approve of it. (No, Megan, you are not allowed to delete this, it is a train wreck of an introduction and I love it).

Hope you enjoy the read, Laura, Megan, and Emma.

(Don’t worry, I’m not allowed to touch the computer anymore.)

Head Prefects Megan Ashley Anna MacDougall

Senior Prefects Jodie Gordon Amy Mitchell A new year welcomes a new

Gemma Gruneberg-MacKenzie

leadership team!

Euan Dobb

We are very proud to be

Tay House Captains

representatives of

Amy Higgins

Blairgowrie High

Ross Cathro

We are here to offer any assistance you might need!

Let us know what we can do

Glenisla House Captains

to improve!

Anna McIntyre

Faith Murray

Stormont House Captains Katie Morrison Ruth Daniel

Lights, camera… ACTION! Now, assuming you haven’t been living under a rock, I’m sure you are just as excited as we are about the school’s rendition of ‘Grease.’ The incredible show will be performed on two occasions at the school in June 2019.

This is an amazing opportunity to show your inner Drama Queen and sing your heart out!

Whether its centre stage enjoying the spotlight or backstage panicking about where half the cast are, this is a fantastic opportunity to have some great fun and gain a ton of confidence! If you aren’t already involved, it’s not too late - have some fun and get out there!

(Mrs Petrie, the director, is usually hiding out in J7)

Edinburgh Fringe Poster School Competition Prize Winner In May the Edinburgh Fringe schools poster competition awards ceremony was held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. Two S3 pupils from Blairgowrie High School, Riona Harrison and Cara Stewart were shortlisted by the judges, with Riona nominated for the top prize in the S1-S6 category. The girls were selected from over 4,600 entries from across Scotland illustrating the strength of their talent and the popularity of the competition across Scotland.

On arrival the foyer was a blaze of colour with poster entries selected from across all regions in Scotland exploring a wide variety of ideas and designs from juggling beasts to unicycling giraffes.

Visitors were encouraged to view the work and take part in circus skills, spray paint with the artist in residence and have their face painted to celebrate the Fringe event. Then came the actual prize ceremony. A crowd gathered and after the regional winners were announced the top 3 prizes were next! The primary and junior prizes were awarded and the S1-S3 was the last to be announced. Nervously we waited for the big reveal.... The Head Judge gave a dramatic pause and then said ”You couldn’t not fall in love with these 2 characters ..., these two, sum up everything the festival is about!” Riona's design had won!

And, as you can see from the picture her design is quite special. Riona created a digital entry for the competition working independently in school using her tablet to develop her poster design. The school has entered the competition for the last 4 years and this year we encouraged pupils to use technology in their design although many pupils chose to stll use traditional graphic design techniques. Riona is to be recommended for being brave and challengingly herself to learn new digital skills.

We are extremely proud of all the S3 pupils that took part and delighted that the School and Riona have been recognised in this way for their Art & Design talents. Riona's poster will be printed internationally all over the world to advertise the Edinburgh Fringe, which is the biggest Arts Festival in the world! The prize gives the school financial support for art equipment as well as a £250 workshop with Horsecross arts for design with Riona receiving a personal prize of CAS Arts vouchers and Fringe Festival vouchers to go with her family and experience the Festival in August in all its glory.

Sam Kennedy, a delighted PT!!

The Birthday "Happy 10th Birthday Jordan," the card on the mantelpiece reads. I can't believe my best friend is ten already. Well I say “best friend” but ex-best friend is probably more fitting.

Writing a short story with the right balance of action, drama, plot and depth can be difficult when you’re given such a strict word count! Here’s a great example of work from 5th year, Mollie Castle.

I first met Jordan when we were two. It was at a coffee morning and we got on like a house on fire. His mum invited a bunch of other mums over to his house, along with all their children. I remember being really nervous because I didn’t know anyone. I remember entering Jordan’s house and meeting his mum for the first time. She was always so kind. I arrived at the same time as another child, Amelia, and we were offered juice and biscuits. At first I thought I would become friends with Amelia as we both loved the same things. Our favourite juice was black current squash and our favourite biscuits were custard creams. However, as soon as Jordan’s mum let us upstairs and showed us where Jordan’s room was, Amelia looked straight through me to another girl who was sitting playing with dolls. Despite being so young I was used to people ditching me all the time, so the fact that Amelia had left me didn’t faze me. The two girls got up and left the room, giggling together, leaving me with Jordan. He was sitting in the corner alone, playing with a train set. I loved trains, and so my nosy-self went over to see them. He seemed very shy and protective over his train set but I put on my bravest face and trembled, “Hi. I’m Magnus, what’s your name?”

He stared right at me, his giant hazel eyes gleaming. Hesitantly his shaky voice let out a whisper that said, “Jordan.” I asked a lot of questions but he mostly just nodded or shook his head. Then I said something that if I hadn’t I don’t think we would have become friends. I eagerly said, “I love your train set. Is that a Glacier Express?” It was like somewhere in his head a switch went on. It was as if someone had pulled the trigger that started Jordan talking. His face instantly lit up and to my surprise I couldn’t get him to shut up from then on. He started to tell me about all his trains and even showed me his favourite. We got on so well that I ended up staying the whole day to play with him and since then that we became inseparable.

It was from then that we started to spend as much time as possible together.

There was this one time that I went to his house after playing football outside all day. We ran through his front door together, kicked off our muddy boots and went upstairs to his room. We flopped onto the bed, all sweaty and smelly from being outside all day, and just started talking. I don’t even remember what we were talking about, but that didn’t matter. And neither did the fact that we were both filthy and smelt awful. We just lay there speaking about life, and then his mum knocked on the door. “You speaking to yourself again Jordan?” She asked as she comes through the door.

“No mum,” he laughed. “Magnus is here!” She looked in my general direction, maybe slightly to the right of me. She must have had strabismus or something. “Oh yes,” she nervously laughed. Although she must have been used to me being there she always seemed surprised whenever I was at the house. When she asked Jordan how long I planned to stay for, he grinned and cried “forever!”

“I can’t quite do forever, but how does staying the night sound?”

We both looked at each other, our eyes shining, and enthusiastically let out a “YES!!”

It was the little things like that, when we’d just spontaneously make plans and nothing but now mattered.

Looking back, I can’t pin point a particular time when he changed, it was all kind of gradual. I’d say the biggest shock was the first weekend we didn’t spend together.

We had always spent weekends together. He had joined the swimming team and had a gala early Sunday morning. One of his other friends, Ewan, was also on the team and had invited him round to stay the night so they could go to the gala together.

Although this didn’t bother me at the time I think this was the beginning of losing my best friend. Of course Jordan had other friends, but I had always come first. I didn’t mind him having other friends, of course not. But I’m not saying I didn’t get jealous. Whenever he spoke to Ewan at school or met him on weekends I just sort of disappeared. I felt like I had no purpose. I thought about speaking to other boys in class and making new friends but I never had the courage. Plus just thinking about it didn’t feel right, I felt like I was made for Jordan. The nights felt dark and cold when he wasn’t around and things keep getting worse to the point where I feel like I’m disappearing. The past year has been so lonely with Jordan spending more time with his other friends than me. I tried to speak to him about it but his only excuse was that he needed to make other friends. I pretended to be happy for him, and somewhere deep down I truly am. It’s just I can’t help but feel sorry for myself.

I’ve always been there for him, supporting him and now he’s drifting away from me.

During break and lunch I just sit like a ghost, watching him have fun with everyone else. It was like they were in their own wee bubble and I was on the outside looking in. My purpose is no longer needed; I’ve helped Jordan grow as a person. And now I’m free to leave.

But like I said, he’s 10 now. A “big boy” as his mum would say. And I guess a 10 year old boy probably doesn’t want their imaginary friend any more.

Junior golfers playing international golf already!

So many of our pupils participate in this sport and it’s great to see their hard work pay off!

In June this year, 6th years Katy Alexander and Megan Ashley played at Murrayshall golf club in the Scottish Schools Championship. Within the individual competition there was a team event. Katy and Megan’s combined score won this team trophy for Perth and Kinross for the first time in 20 years.

Both girls should be very proud.

After this success, both girls were selected to go to Lancaster and represent Scottish Schools against English Schools. Six girls went from Scotland. Despite losing their individual matches, the girls played as a team and won their doubles match. Overall Scotland lost 5-4 but gave England a very close match.

Twelve boys also went down to play against English schools, one of whom was Cormac Sharpe. Cormac, who has only just gone into third year, halved his doubles match and, although he played well, lost his singles match on the 18th. Cormac should be very proud to represent his country at such a young age.

Out of the 18 students who represented Scottish schools, 3 were from Blairgowrie High!

Blairgowrie was represented by four players at the Alfred Dunhill Schools Challenge 2018!

Three of these players

finished top 10, out of more than 80 competitors from all across Scotland!

So many of our pupils participate in this sport and it’s great to see their hard work pay off!

Cormac Sharpe, aged 14, played at The Dukes golf course, St Andrews on 23rd September 2018. He represented Blairgowrie High School and Perth and Kinross playing in the Alfred Dunhill Schools Championship.

Cormac did himself proud when he finished 1st place with an impressive 1-under-par. With over 80 juniors taking part, at such a young age it’s amazing to see what kind of success hard work and commitment can bring you.

When interviewed regarding the win Cormac said: “I’m really delighted to have won the scratch prize as this is my first time competing in this event. I want to keep developing my game and hope that one day I can turn pro and play on the European tour.

Before that I’d be keen to go to university in the US on a golf scholarship when I’ve finished high school in Scotland.”

By winning this event, Cormac was invited to receive his prize at the old course, St Andrews on the final day of this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Competitors were also invited to a golf clinic with the, internationally renowned, golf coach Robert Baker. This took place on Championship practice ground.

Connor Graham also took part in the event and did very well finishing 24th place.

Katy Alexander and Megan Ashley also took part and both managed to finish in the top 10. Blairgowrie, yet again, making its appearance felt.

Here’s a timetable of all the extracurricular clubs and activities you can get involved with!

There’s something for everyone!

Take a look, take a friend, take a chance!

Blairgowrie represented in Parliament!

Claim to fame!

Amy’s hard work has finally paid dividends

For two years S6 student Amy Higgins has volunteered with Police Youth Scotland, getting involved with the local communities and encouraging positive relations with the police. She’s spent one of the two years as a senior volunteer, and was recently one of the six teens selected out of the whole of Scotland to be involved in an event at parliament, where she and another teen had the opportunity to give a speech about their experiences with the group.

While she was there Amy met Nicola Sturgeon (I know right?). On meeting Ms Sturgeon, Amy said she was “very sweet and seemed genuinely proud of our achievements” and that she “made sure to say goodbye to me before she left.”

However, although Amy thought it was great to meet the First Minister, the best part of the whole day was seeing people’s reactions to what she said, and getting her message across.

S1 interview

Primary 7 pupils from all our catchment primary schools have officially become part of the Blair High family!

Wonder what their thoughts are now?

Last year 2 P7’s, Nicole Rattray and Archie Browning, were interviewed on how they feel about coming up to Blairgowrie High School. Now they have made the transition into high school and we have asked them about their thoughts and feelings about being the small fish in the big pond. Both expressed the view that high school is much better than they expected, and that there was nothing to be nervous about as they have both settled in well. They both enjoy the variety of teachers.

Archie indicated that he enjoys the range of different and new things to learn, and that his favourite subject is PE because there are more sports to do in comparison to primary school.

Nicole’s favourite subject is tech, as it is completely new to her and she has enjoyed it so far. They both prefer high school to primary school, because there is “more to learn and do” and “it is good not being stuck with the one teacher”.

As part of their Fresher’s week, they made the annual first year trip up to Gulabin Lodge. Both Archie and Nicole said that they enjoyed their stay and the experience, with the ‘crow’s nest’ being Archie’s highlight of the trip, while Nicole enjoyed the overall experience, as it allowed her to make new friends and to try new things.

Overall, the new first years have settled in very well, and seem to be having a great time at BHS so far. As a final question we asked them “if you could give your past self any advice about high school, what would you tell yourself?” and Nicole said that she would tell herself not to be nervous, while Archie’s wise words were “high school is not as scary as you think”. We hope they both enjoy their time at Blairgowrie High School and still have the same enthusiasm this time next year!

Makes: 1 large portion Ingredients: 100g macaroni 25g plain flour 25g margarine 300mls milk 75g cheddar cheese Salt & Pepper

Fancy learning to cook?

Do you like cheese?

Do you like pasta? If so, Macaroni Cheese is for you!

Here’s a simple and easy to follow recipe from the HE Dept to make your own!

Method: •

Put a pan of lightly salted water on to boil.

•

Boil pasta in the salted water until soft.

•

Drain pasta through a sieve.

•

Grate cheese on to a plate.

•

Measure flour, margarine and milk into a pan and bring mixture to the boil, stirring all the time.

•

Once sauce has boiled for 1 minute, remove from heat and add ½ the grated cheese and stir until it melts.

•

Stir in the pasta and season to taste.

•

Turn mixture into ovenproof dish, sprinkle with rest of cheese and grill.

Storage: Once cooled store in a fridge and use within 24 hours

Reheating: Microwave for 2- 3 minutes on high. Make sure it is piping hot in the centre to prevent food poisoning.

Do you prefer to…

What do you think of Harry Potter?

a.

Fight

a.

b.

Eat

He’s awesome! He shall lead us to victory!

c.

Read

b.

He seems nice

d.

Plot the murder of your enemies

c.

His adventures are distracting

d.

*sneers*…Potter…

What’s your patronus? a.

Something cool

b.

Something cuddly

c.

Something quiet that won’t bother me too much

d.

Snake

How do you clean your teeth? a.

Bravely

b.

While eating toast

c.

In the most efficient way because I read a book about it

d.

What do you think of Voldemort?

What’s your favourite spell? a.

Expelliarmus or stupefy because they’re good for fights

b.

They’re excellent finders

c.

I don’t care

d.

They don’t judge people and I like that

Where are you from? a.

Wild Moor

b.

Valley Broad

c.

Glen

d.

Fen

b.

He seems kinda mean

c.

His advanced magic is interesting but I still don’t like him He is our saviour and master

Cheering Charms

c.

Whatever one’s on the test

What are your thoughts on Umbridge?

d.

Avada Kedavra

a. I want to punch her

What’s your opinion on Hufflepuffs?

What’s a Hufflepuff

He killed my [insert relative and/or loved one]!!!

b.

With my forked tongue

a.

a.

Who is Ron Weasley? a.

Our King

b.

This guy I eat toast with

c.

Idk

d. Our King

What do you think of Filch?

Hate Hate

Hate

b. I want to send her rude letters(but I won’t because that’s so mean) c. She’s not teaching us properly and I might not get an O this year so I hate her d. I will strategically ruin her career and destroy her life until there is nothing left of her but an empty and pitiful husk and then I will destroy the husk and set it on fire

Hate

Which House are you?

So which house are you?

Mostly A’s: You belong in Gryffindor Where dwells the brave at heart Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Sets Gryffindors apart

Mostly B’s: You belong in Hufflepuff Where they are just and loyal Those patient Hufflepuffs are true And unafraid of toil

Mostly C’s: You belong in wise old Ravenclaw For those of ready mind Where those of wit and learning Will always find their kind

Mostly D’s:

It would be in Slytherin You’d make your real friends You cunning folk use any means To achieve your ends

The events group at Blairgowrie High School consists of 29 fifth and sixth years, under the trustworthy leadership of History teacher Mr Bald, who undertake a number of responsibilities and roles to make the many events possible.

The school magazine talked to Mr Bald, who explained what the events group is all about. The pupils participating in this group meet once a week on a Friday in their Wave time and have the opportunity to achieve a leadership award as an extra qualification, through researching theories and different types of leadership, evaluating their skills as a leader and writing a report on their leadership skills, - all while organising a number of the school’s events.

Some of the events that the group have to organise include the 6th year prom, the annual Winter Ball for 5/6th year, charity fundraisers and bingo teas. Every member of the events group has an individual role to play in the planning of these events, organising them and of course ensuring that these events run smoothly and to plan.

The events group make many decisions regarding these events and organise almost everything, from the prom venue to the refreshments at the bingo teas. This year, the events group have organised the prom, winter ball and the highly anticipated Bookmark festival. We asked Mr Bald what his favourite event has been, his favourite being the bingo tea held last year as it was a community event and did not just involve the pupils, but also staff, parents, carers, grandparents and members of the wider community.

When asked what event he was looking forward to the most this year, Mr Bald stated that he was looking forward to both the Winter Ball and the prom, but he is looking forward particularly to the prom, as it is being held in a different venue this year; the Huntingtower Hotel in Perth which will be an interesting change of scenery. The events group is a valuable asset to the school and plays a main role in making events happen within the school for pupils and the wider community.

How She Changed Life was different when she was six, So happy and cheerful, she was always a joy.

She would sing and dance and play with sticks.

But then one day she was as still as her toys.

Now she’s older, Here are some poems written by some extremely talented S1s.

Ash Dickinson, a performance poet who has visited the school several times was the judge.

All she would do is worry Things were getting colder, And all she would say is sorry.

She wasn’t getting any better, And was finding it hard to sleep, She’d write her mum letters, She felt like she was falling very deep.

She started getting help and things started seeming bright, Therapist sessions were being arranged.

She started seeing the light, This is how she changed.

Written by Marnie Williams

Safe Places From fields where kids used to play To factories where people now get paid Perfect flowers now cold dry remains Of their former selves.

Here is some poems written by some extremely talented S1s.

Small cheerful village’s now multi-million companies Breath taking views of the ocean now polluted messes Play parks now unsafe places

Animals going extinct by the minutes Trees being chopped down by the second Fresh air now toxic fumes From old remains to danger zones Safe places now office buildings Childhoods slipping away Nowhere to feel safe.

Written by Jessica Johnston

Summer Into Autumn

Here are some poems written by some of our extremely talented S1s.

Summer is ending…

Sunnier days and bright nights, And no more short skirts and tanned legs, No more sunny beams, And cold sticky ice creams, No more trips to the beach, And all you can feel is the sun sizzling away on the back of your neck, And all you smell is the salty sea water, And all you can hear is the waves crashing against each other, And the thing you can’t get out of your mind is that autumn is near.

Autumn is coming…

Darker days and foggy mornings, And lots more long-sleeved t-shirts, All the colourful leaves fall from the trees, Then dance high in the sky, The animals go for a long winter nap, Shaking arms and rattling teeth, “Ding Dong” goes the bell and jokes from the people at the door, Lots of sweets and Trick or Treats, Winter is just around the corner, But not just yet.

Written by Chloe McAnearney

Festival Fever at Blairgowrie High School Blairgowrie High School was the venue for an action-packed week of literacy events during the first week of October.

The week started with a Spelling Bee and poetry competition for junior classes. The whole school then took part in ‘No Pens Day Wednesday’ which as the name indicates, aims to concentrate on speaking and listening skills.

The main event then came on Friday afternoon when the school was transformed into a Festival Venue. The line up of speakers was great: Ash Dickinson, slam poet champion took on the S1 pupils; S2 pupils had four different presentations: Hidden Giants a creative writing workshop, David Macphail, children’s author; Paul Foy a media and film expert and Paul Smith sports writer. S3 pupils worked with writer and illustrator Nick Hesketh while Jamie Andrew, mountaineer and quadruple amputee gave an inspirational talk to S4 pupils about the challenges he faces as a disabled mountaineer.

Jules Horne, a playwright whose play Handfast was performed at the Edinburgh Festival this year worked with senior pupils as did journalist Ray Bakonyi and an editorial team from D C Thomson..

Ash Dickinson, Performance poet.

Entertained and inspired S1 pupils to write some poetry of their own.

Every department in the school was involved in the festival. The Art department under the supervision of Principal Teacher, Mrs Kennedy, worked with a group of pupils throughout the week to transform drab mustard coloured doors into canvases for literature themed illustrations. The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings all featured as inspiration for the new artworks.

The fringe festival was a great chance to be part of the main Blairgowrie Bookmark Festival which ran from 5-7th October. The school has had great support from the main book festival organisers who were very keen to help promote community responsibility in improving literacy skills for our young people. We were also lucky enough to receive financial support from the Perth and Kinross participatory budget process and Tesco Bags for Life.

Ms Graham believes that this fringe festival could develop arms and legs. “We are hoping to get some pupils running events specifically for young people at the main Bookmark Festival next year. Giving pupils the freedom to choose and organise their own speakers is ultimately what we are aiming for. This year we are showing you how to do it – next year it should be over to you.”

You have been warned!

S2/3 pupils with their literature inspired painted doors

ime Bank is a local organisation originally from America dedicated to the notion of exchanging time – you help someone with something, and then they help you in return. They have 77 members in the area and are looking to expand with more people our age.

Several members are of the older generation, so computer skills that come naturally to you could easily be exchanged for help with homework or some home baking. If you want to learn a new skill, there’s probably someone at time bank who could help you out with it.

Come and have a nice cuppa and a chat!

Tel: 07761233418

It’s not only a great opportunity to help people and receive help in return, it’s also a great way to get out and interact with different generations and the community. There are regular drop -ins, game nights and a craft club.

There’s no age limit – the youngest member is eight – so if you feel like helping out and meeting new people, there’s nothing stopping you!

HOW DO YOU CONTACT TIMEBANK?

E-mail:

•

bandrtimebank@gmail.com

Or just drop in:

By telephone or email

•

The Second Friday of every month at SCYD, Wellmeadow House, Gas Brae, Blairgowrie

•

The last Friday of every month at Community Connect in Rattray

Thanks to Mrs Rutherford for all her time, effort and communications outwith the school.

Thank you to everyone who has featured in our magazine, in photos or interviews—without you it wouldn’t be possible!

The Parent Council have been a massive help in helping to fund our magazine, and finally a huge shout out to Steve Johnson from Graphite Web Solutions who has helped us to make this magazine come to life!

Illustration by Ocean Anton

So, that concludes this team’s first issue of the Blair Blether. Thanks for coming along for the ride and all that and thanks for not ripping into us too much for how cringy (or whatever) this was.

Seriously though, this was fun to do even though there’s literally only three of us, so thanks for supporting the magazine and making all of this effort worth it.

Until next time!