Christmas 2019 Newsletter

www.stjosephscollege.co.uk

Christmas Newsletter 2019 Friday 5th April: Easter Services; School closes

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

A Message from the Head Teacher Well here we are at the end of another busy term, one which has been characterised by much hard work and achievement in and out of the classroom. In addition both staff and pupils have been very active in the community, not only raising considerable sums for various charities but also having great fun along the way.

Monday 6th January: In-service Day for Staff

The Christmas Market, Christmas Dinner and Christmas Ceilidh’s were all very well attended and enjoyed and as I write we look forward to the PFA Carol Service where we will be accompanied by our excellent School Band and Chorus who have already been spreading some Christmas spirit at DGRI and other events. Our S1 pupils are very much looking forward to going to the pantomime Aladdin at DG1 in which some of our pupils are performing – oh yes they are ! Other pupils also played their part in Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal. Very well done to all involved.

Tuesday 14th January: Parent Council Meeting 7 p.m.

Our senior pupils have been busy preparing for their ‘prelim’ exams soon after we return from the Christmas break. Good luck to them all as they continue with their efforts at this time.

With very best wishes to you and your family for 2020.

Mrs Jones

Tuesday 7th January: In-service Day for Staff Wednesday 8th January: School re-opens for pupils 8.50 a.m.

Wednesday 8th January: S2 Reports to Parents/Carers Thursday 9th January: S1 Parents’ Evening 4.30-6.30 p.m.

Monday 13th January: S4—S6 Prelims begin Friday 24th January: S4—S6 Prelims end Saturday 25th January: Ski Trip to Sestriere, Italy departs Saturday 1st February: Ski Trip returns Friday 7th February: S4 Reports to Parents/Carers Friday 14th February: S5/6 Reports to Parents/Carers Friday 14th February: School closes 3.25 p.m.

Mon 17th -– Wed 19th February: Holiday Thursday 20th February: In-service Day for Staff Friday 21st February: In-service Day for Staff Monday 24th February: School re-opens for pupils 8.50 a.m.

Tuesday 25th February: S3 Parents' Evening 4.30-6.30 p.m.

Wednesday 4th March: PFA Meeting 7 p.m.

Tuesday 10th March: Parent Council Meeting 7 p.m.

Thursday 12th March: S2 Parents' Evening 4.30-6.30 p.m.

Wednesday 18th March: P7/S1 Science Fair Friday 3rd April: School closes 3.25 p.m.

Monday 20th April: School re-opens 8.50 a.m.

Thinking of Others this Christmas

Message from School Chaplian The words of the Christmas carol tell us “where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in”. This is true every year, we have a delicate balancing act to perform. We celebrate two things at the same time. We are remembering what happened at the first Christmas at Bethlehem over two thousand years ago and the significance of that event. We also celebrate Christmas in the here and now. This Christmas, which contains the same truth, Christ is with us. We celebrate the reality of Christ in our midst, calling us the change, conversion and closer union with Him. Just as the first Christmas changed the world forever so Christmas for us should change us forever and for the better, that is the promise Jesus constantly makes in the Gospels, “Follow me” and your lives will be transformed. In the midst of the noise and colour and traditions we build up around Christmas take time to reflect on the reality of Christ with us, inviting us to follow him always. A very Happy and Holy Christmas Season to all connected to St Joseph’s College.

Fr Gerald Donnelly

The Advent Appeal St. Joseph’s College are taking part in our annual Advent appeal. This is a project that aims to give back to the community by helping people who are struggling for money to buy basic items like food and toiletries at Christmas time. The S4 RE classes are helping to organise and run the appeal this year. We have presented assemblies to raise awareness of the Advent appeal and to inform pupils about the effects that their donations can have on people. Throughout the month of December, the pupils are collecting the donated items and sorting them into parcels. These parcels are being sent to the local food bank and will be distributed by volunteers to families in need during the Christmas period.

Rory Butcher

Peter Whitelaw Bronze Medal Winner at the Scottish Schools Indoor Rowing Championships

Cameron Barnett St. Joseph’s College D&G Youth Citizenship Award Winner

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

Shannon, Katy. Tia and members of the Solway Skating Club who were recognised for their success at the recent 2019 Nithsdale Sports Award celebration

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Poetry Escape Competition Winner

He’s Gone… Gone Forever!

Iona Watson of S2 did very well to win a poetry competition by Young Writers, a group that encourages creativity in young writers. Pupils were challenged to express their thoughts and use poetic techniques as their tool of escape. Her poem has been published in their ‘Poetry Escape’ book which can be found in the school library.

Waking up, Not to my expectations, My father, My own father!

Leaving us!

Who will kiss me goodnight?

Who will lift me up when I fall?

Who will make me laugh when I am down?

Who will make me a special supper?

It’s my father who does it all!

Whilst mother cooks and cleans, Father helps me out, He cares for me!

He makes me laugh…

He loves me!

But now, he’s away, I might never see him again!

He might never come back!

He’s risking his life for others…

I just hope he comes home!

St. Joseph’s Pupils Published!

A selection of mini sagas written by our S2 and S3 pupils won a Young Writer’s competition and have been published in a book called ‘Mission Chaos’. The ‘Mission Chaos’ competition by Young Writers asked pupils to pen a mini saga no longer than 100 words – it’s much harder than you think! Pupils were asked to imagine if this was the beginning of the end as disaster has struck the world. Destruction rules and the population is dying.

Competition entrants wrote about what would happen next: will this be the final chapter for humanity or will humankind prevail? Some competition winners have been printed here but if you want to read all the winning entries (by Leah Fraser, Tony Ho, Annie Gamble, Innes Magee, Enya Downey, Lewis Howat, Ben Wells, Jamie Nelson, Callum Howat, Tenzing Gyaltsen, Lauren Mercer, Aimee Harkness, John Muir, Nicole Swegsda, Kirstin Murray, Kyla McKnight and Glenn Fraser), the ‘Mission Chaos’ book can be found in the school library.

How will mother cope?

She has to work in a factory!

And she has to cook and clean and look after us!

Why does he have to leave?

Why should he?

He’s got to look after me… look after mother and look after the baby!

What will we do?

He can’t leave!

Not now!

Not yet!

Not ever…

Nine months later, I get a letter!

A letter from the war!

It must be telling us father is coming home!

It must be Mother watches over me as I unseal the envelope I open up the letter…

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

On Wednesday 20th November, nine students from St. Joseph’s College performed at the Dumfries Burgh Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition. The National Young Musician Competition is a wellestablished and successful competition promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. It is a four stage national competition designed to support and encourage the development of musical talent.

Anna, Beatrice, Curran, Emily, Hadrian, Hannah, Jack, Thomas and Vidhi performed two pieces of music which were well received by the audience.

A detailed critique was given to each pupil. Thomas was awarded joint first place, Jack achieved second place in the Instrumental Section and Emily achieved second place in the Vocal Section. Thank you to the parents and friends who came along to support. Thomas will go on to compete at the zone final in Annan Academy. We wish you well with your performance in February.

Back in October, Lucy took part in the first round of the Rotary Young Chef Competition at Dumfries Academy. She was competing against the other burgh schools and also against the clock, but managed to produce two delicious dishes.

According to the judges it was an extremely difficult decision as the standards this year were very high. Lucy came in second place and qualified through to the next round.

On Monday 25th November, Lucy travelled to Dalbeattie High School and took part in the area round of the competition, once again she produced two beautiful dishes. She made Chicken Teriyaki with Egg Fried Rice and a Salted Caramel, Popcorn and Pretzel Cheesecake with a hand spun sugar basket. Chef Kirkpatrick judged the heat and stated Lucy's cheesecake was the best dessert he had tasted in all the years he had been judging the competition. It was extremely competitive with Lucy securing second place for the second time. She will now go on to compete in the District Finals in Livingston in February. Very well done Lucy and we are all wishing you lots of luck for the next round.

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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Music in the Community: bringing some festive cheer!

It’s that time of year again, busy buying presents, getting wrapped up in wrapping paper, and trying to remember where you put that missing box of decorations, probably in that safe place where everything else is! But the one thing that puts everyone in that festive mood is listening to your favourite Christmas songs.

St. Joseph’s College Music Department has been spreading that joy around out in the community. This year’s festivities began on Thursday 5th December when St. Joseph’s College were asked to provide carols for the switching on of the Christmas tree lights at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Mr. Saadat took his merry troop of singers along to the hospital and serenaded the public in the Atrium with some Christmas favourites like ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ sung by Emily and ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’ This was then followed by the switching on of the Christmas tree lights where the choir sang ‘O Christmas Tree’ and ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’.

The merriment did not end there.

On Thursday 12th December, the Higher Music class and Mrs Somerville visited Dumfries Day Centre. Pupils performed a number of Christmas carols and songs with the members participating in full voice! They certainly enjoyed the Elvis and Beatles songs performed by Chris and Diarmuid. Hamish and Neil played solos on the piano with Aimee performing Winter Wonderland accompanying herself on the ukulele. The carols were accompanied by Vidhi, Elizabeth, Anthony, Jamie and Thomas. Well done to you all, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Our final outing was to St. Teresa’s Parish Seniors’ Dinner on Friday 13th December. Pupils kindly gave up their busy Friday evenings to come along and entertain the seniors after their meal. The group of pupils sang Christmas favourites such as ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ and ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ as well as solos from Caitlin singing ‘Half the World Away’ and Lucy and Rowan performing ‘Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.’ The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all with the senior citizens happily joining in with the performances.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

Christmas market On Thursday 28th December St Joseph's College hosted our fourth Christmas Market. We were delighted to welcome the many regular stall holders as well as some new ones. It was a cold evening but everyone kept warm enjoying a variety of hot food including pizza, burgers and toasted marshmallows. In total, we had over 50 different stalls throughout the school building including a bustling Christmas Cafe hosted by the H.E. department and the magical Santa's Grotto. Our school band provided the soundtrack to the evening and enthused our customers with some Christmas spirit. The evening is one of many charity events this term and we are very grateful to our school and the wider community for supporting these ventures. This event enjoyed the support of many local businesses, a local Brownie troop, our SJC Young Enterprise company Evergreen and SCIAF. We are pleased to announce that the ÂŁ1276.78 raised will be split between the local Young Carers project who support some of our young people throughout the year and the school fund. We would like to thank all of our sponsors, staff and pupils for all their assistance putting on another successful, fun-filled evening.

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

All proceeds raised on our Friday 13th December Christmas Jumper event will be split between Save the Children and Cash for Kids.

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

Fright Night October 2019

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

LEPRA Fundraiser In November all students in S1 raised money for the Lepra charity by completing a fitness sponsored workout during their school day.

Lepra is an international charity working to beat leprosy, poverty and injustice. The Lepra charity works in places where there is poor access to health care and where there is a lack of information.

The students learned : 

600 people per day are diagnosed with leprosy, of which over 50 are children.



more than half the world's new cases of leprosy each year are found in just one country: India.



one Lepra trained volunteer can cover a population of more than 1000 people.

Christmas Jumpers for Save the Children and Cash for Kids.

S4 Pupils collecting for local Women’s Aid and Care Homes.

Fright Night proceeds donated in the name of Brooke Jardine to the Children’s Ward.

Skills Development Scotland Ambassadors

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St Joseph’s Come Dancing 2019 was held on the evening of the 15th November and organised as a charity event to raise money for the Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project and the school. The Tech, Media and Music teams as well as many other pupils worked flat out for a couple of days to transform the large gym hall into a dance floor, with amazing sound and lighting effects to entertain the 250 audience members attending the event. Our wonderful hospitality and events crew set up and decorated the 32 tables around the dance floor with tea lights, flower arrangements and table names to host our guests. The doors opened at 7 p.m. and the hall was filled with a buzz of excitement. Our twelve dancing couples were preparing backstage with a mixture of excitement and nerves. They had been rehearsing tirelessly for ten weeks with various dance coaches and were ready to show off their routines and compete for the chance to be crowned the St Joseph’s Come Dancing Champions 2019.

Our amazing live band made up of fifteen talented musicians kicked off the evening with the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme song and played covers of all of the songs to accompany the dances throughout the evening such as; ‘What a Wonderful World’

by Louis Armstrong, ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams and ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ from Bugsy Malone. The timing of the music was crucial for the dancing couples to be able to keep in time with their routines such as the Waltz, Cha Cha Cha and Jive. The live band not only were bang on with timing but created a more exciting atmosphere at the event. Our hosts for the evening – Miss Edmonds (Drama teacher) and Finlay Kennedy (S6), kept the show going throughout the evening and provided some top class entertainment to keep the crowd engaged during the whole show.

Very much like the BBC show, ‘St Joseph’s Come Dancing’ welcomed four Judges to critique and comment on the dancers performances. Mr ‘Bruno Tonioli’ Jones was a previous dance contestant on SJCD 2015 and this valuable experience was used to give the dancers insightful comments. Mr ‘Revel Horwood’ Saadat lived up to the name and gave some blunt criticism of the use of props and illegal lifts! Mrs ‘Motsi Mabuse’ Mika was there to judge the dancers on their glamourous outfits and the story their routine told, and Mrs ‘Shirley Ballas’ Murphy used her long history in dance coaching to provide some excellent commentary about the twelve dance routines. The judges scored the dances out of ten which helped the audience decide which couple to vote for.

During the main interval the hospitality team served tasty tapas style platters, these were made up of a variety of meats, cheeses, desserts and freshly baked bread donated by Marchbanks Bakers. The food was lovely and all audience members were extremely delighted with their meal. Many commented on the professionalism of the food presentation and the service from the hospitality and front of house teams. The interval was also accompanied by some excellent entertainment from senior pupils, and a raffle where many local businesses had made kind donations. Thanks to them all for helping to raise so much money.

Finally, at 9.30 p.m. the audience members cast their votes! The votes were counted, and the dancers eagerly waited on the dance floor for the announcement of the winners! Eight S6 couples and four teacher pairings had all worked and trained extremely hard for these final tense seconds! The trophy could have gone to any couple at this stage. The winners of ‘St Joseph’s Come Dancing’ 2019 were... Callum Donachie and Katy Elliot from S6. Callum and Katy were very deserved winners, they had rehearsed at least three times a week and had choreographed an excellent, energetic and in some places comical Charleston routine. Congratulations to them both.

St Joseph’s Come Dancing was a professional, well organised, action packed evening which involved an enormous amount of effort from every member of the cast, production and all the events teams. The grand total of £2300 was raised for charity and split between the Befriending project and the school.

Callum and Katy presented a cheque for £1150 to Alex Dickson, the Project Manager. The Befriending Project was delighted to be selected as the chosen charity for this event, Alex Dickson said, “A sincere thank you to St Joseph’s College for nominating us to benefit from this ‘Come Dancing’ event – most generous and thoughtful.”

With the event proving to be such a tremendous success, we are hoping to host another St Joseph's Come Dancing soon, please keep an eye out for announcements on social media.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

UKMT Senior Maths Challenge Thursday 7th November was the day that our senior mathematicians took on the International UKMT challenge. This 90 minute multiple choice challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. Papers are then marked by the University of Leeds. This year we are very proud to announce that we have increased the number of pupils gaining awards compared to session 2018. This year’s silver award winners are Cait Notman, Thomas Holmes, Alasdair Little and Rachel Glover.

Bronze awards were achieved by Anania Sanachana, Hamish McNaught, Connor Bryan, Ben O'Donnell, Neil Gillion, Matthew Asher, Kelvin Grant, Anthony Lavell, Finn Brown, Aidan Strawbridge, Anderson Black and Tyler Barnard. Congratulations to all.

Senior UKMT Team Challenge Cait Notman, Kieran Wilson, Thomas Holmes and Alasdair Little represented St Joseph's College in the UKMT Team Challenge.

This event consisted of three rounds encouraging team work and problem solving, skills that together are vital to students at university.

S1/2 Monthly Maths Challenge This term has seen the return of the S1/2 monthly maths challenge. These maths chalenges are past UKMT junior papers. The challenges are run and managed by our senior maths ambassadors. The idea is that pupils work on these at home and they can discuss their solutions with family and friends before handing their answers in. The aim is to increase confidence in tackling difficult and out of the ordinary puzzles.

Maths Champions Once a week, we have been going to St Andrew's Primary to help with maths. We solve word problems using bar modelling a technique used in Singapore. Jake(P6) enjoys learning maths in different ways to that used in the classroom. He also values the friendship he has with his buddy. Jake feels he has leaned better outside of the classroom as he can take it at his own pace and have things explained as many times as he wishes to help him fully understand. I have also enjoyed learning these skills and has applied them in his own work, he has also grown in confidence working with the other maths champions.

Mikey Turner S2 and Jake P6

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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N5 Cake Craft Pupils in Mrs Chalk’s National 5 Cake Craft class have been working hard to completed their Christmas Cakes. Some wonderful designs. All different and all completed to a very high standard. Well done to everyone.

The S1 Science Club has been up and running again this year and continues to grow in numbers week by week. Every Monday lunchtime, pupils get the chance to carry out exciting science experiments or take part in engineering challenges. For this term, pupils have been able to make puking pumpkins, test the flames of firework chemicals, fly hovercrafts, craft sugar crystal ornaments, and create oobleck and bouncy balls. For the holiday season, we will get the opportunity to make frosted Christmas trees and fake snow. Science Club gives pupils the opportunity to work alongside their peers in a relaxed atmosphere, build their confidence in their practical science skills and develop their problem-solving skills. As you can see, the pupils have been enjoying themselves. New members are always welcome.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

6th Annual STEM Speed-dating Event Success Now in its 6th year, the 2019 St. Joseph’s College annual STEM Speed-dating Event was a tremendous success.

Over 50 STEM ambassadors came ready to inspire our S4 pupils and inform them about the wide and varied opportunities within the STEM sector. Pupils had only five minute slots in which to ask their carefully prepared questions.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics but it covers a surprisingly broad scope of careers. Biochemistry, engineering, cardiac physiology, programming, radiography, and project management are just a handful of examples that were represented. Each of our STEM ambassadors' unique and interesting backgrounds proved that there is more to STEM than being stuck in a laboratory all day.

Many pupils are still considering subject options for S5 and how these choices will impact on future careers. Some may not have considered a STEM– related job, so the event was a good chance to find out more.

One of our STEM ambassadors said, “You find that a lot of different career paths become open – once you get in, there are a lot of options”. Furthermore, professionals mentioned flexible working hours, good-living wages and travel as just some of the advantages of pursuing a STEM career.

When asked if there was anything unexpected he had to do in his career, Andrew Ainslie responded back with “everything!”.

Andrew is a sports scientist and an ex-pupil of St. Joseph’s College.

Sam Sadaat, a biochemist, revealed that one notable thing about his job is that he “gets to discover abnormal diseases. I have come across cases that happen to only one in a million people!”.

Rachael Milligan recommended a STEM career as the best way to learn more about subjects you are passionate about. “I get to look into what I’m curious about.”

Lucy Tappin and Jack Peggie, who are studying Chemistry, have been given opportunities to travel and expand their experience through industrial placements.

When asked what his key advice for pupils would be, Sam Sadaat said, “Your decisions in these next 3 to 4 years are going to affect your future – it is important to have good advice.”

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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St Joseph's College would like to thank all the STEM ambassadors who supported our pupils.

Allan Kinley Andrea Cameron & Andrew Ainslie Ben Williams Chris Brown Debbie Parke Deborah Bodell & Liane Henderson Dr. Erin Barrett Dr. Fionnuala Edgar & Fiona Beaton Dr. Isobel Fletcher Emma Staniforth Eric McClurg Euan O'Donnell Finlay Gibson Frank Stoppard Gary Henderson Gordon Loughran Graham Chalk Hannah Dykes Hayley Birrell Hayley Ryan & Zoe McKinnon Hollie Gordon & Jack Savage James Taylor Jonathan Bates Katie Clark Laura Shanahan (& Student) Lauryn Steel Lesley McCally Lindsay Carson Liz Kent Lucy Tappin & Jack Peggie Mark McGrady Matt Titcombe Meghan Hamer Mick Welsh Morven Troup Mrs. Cathy Galligan Muniraju Thalakunte N Boyd Neville McEwen Professor Martin McCoustra Rachel Milligan Ranjit Thomas Rebbecca Chaffer Richard Mann Robbie McCreath & Jonathan Bates Robbie Totten Robin Wood Ross Gibson Sam Sadaat Sean Jakobsen Suzanne Broatch Wendy McLeod

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School Career Advisor Dean of School of Applied Sciences Apprentice Aircraft Engineer Risk Analyst Operations Manager/Fishery Biologist Occupational Therapists GP Clinical Psychologists Chemical Engineer Apprentice Manager Self-employed Joiner & Plumber Distiller Pharmacist 3rd Engineer Synchronous Product Engineer Lead Pharmacist Forest Manager Environmental Protection Officer - Land Unit Student Cardiac Physiologist Undergraduate Chemistry Students Staff Nurses Process Engineer Engineer Pharmacist Dietician & Dietetic Student Civil Engineer Clinical Tutor / Specialist Radiographer Quality Assurance Administrator Specialist Nurse Undergraduate Chemistry Students Chemist IT and Website Manager PhD Student Assistant Scientist - Hydrometry Offshore Chemist Community Pharmacist Consultant Physician & Nephrologist Technical ICT Support Manager Site Energy, Safety and Environmental Leader ScotChem Professor of Chemical Physics Medical Laboratory Assistant Consultant Haematologist Senior Scientist Dataflows Technical Consultant Dodman Ltd: Project Engineers Project Co-ordinator, Kicking Carbon Project Civil Engineer - Pilings Engineer; H&S CEO Chartered Civil Engineer/Structural Engineer Biochemist Software Engineer Chartered Building Standards Surveyor Senior Planner

SDS University of Abertay Airbus Deloitte Nith Catchment Fisheries NHS D&G NHS D&G NHS D&G Heriot Watt University Lantra BHJConstruction Ltd. Edinburgh Gin Clear Pharmacy Holland America line Gates Ltd NHS D&G Tilhill Forestry SEPA NHS D&G Strathclyde University NHS D&G Johnson Matthey SP Energy Networks Boots / NHS NHS D&G D&G Council NHS D&G Johnson Matthey NHS D&G Strathclyde University Dupont Teijin Films Operation Mobilisation University of Strathclyde SEPA SGS Boots PLC NHS D&G D&G Council Dupont Teijin Films Heriot Watt University NHS NHS SEPA Dodman Ltd SP Energy Networks Greystone Foundation Retired Asher Associates Antrim Area Hospital JP Morgan Chase D & G Council D&G Council

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

The Rural Skills group have started working with Nith Catchment Fisheries this term and will be carrying out various activities with them throughout the year. In November, they visited the salmon hatchery at the Blackwood Estate near Auldgirth to learn about the life cycle of the salmon. The class were joined by some Advanced Higher Biology pupils who were there to find out about the important work carried out by the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board who aim to protect, enhance and conserve stocks of salmon and sea trout in the river Nith. The Rural Skills pupils have made Salmon Life Cycle posters from what they learned during the trip.

At the beginning of December, Debbie Parke from Nith Catchment Fisheries visited the school and assisted the Rural Skills pupils in carrying out a dissection of a trout. From the activity, the group have learned much more about the anatomy of a fish.

Each pupil successfully identified the main organs within the fish and now have a clearer understanding about how fish function in order to live under water.

Next term Nith Catchment Fisheries will deliver salmon eggs to the school which will hatch in the fish tank in Miss McCormick’s classroom, and the Rural Skills class will release the salmon fry into the river Nith when they are big enough. They will also be helping to clear some of the fishing pond at Blackwood Estate and be given the opportunity to carry out river sampling and participate in a lesson in fly fishing.

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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For their IDL lessons, many students in S1 and S2 chose a Science option. In Engineering Challenge, students have been working towards achieving a CREST Discovery Award. They have put their research, problem solving, designing and teamwork skills to the test in order to build and test a bridge. The successful team (Kevin, Jack and Tomas) designed and built a bridge that managed to hold a whopping 3500g! The pupils then designed posters and delivered a presentation to the class explaining their bridge design and their successes during the project.

Pupils have also been working towards achieving a CREST Discovery Award in ‘From Plant to Product’. Working in teams of 4, they prepared some common cosmetic products before designing a new shampoo, lip balm or moisturiser for the market.

They soon learned about the fine balance between quality and profit. Pupils developed their problem-solving and teamwork skills as well as making use of their creative flare. Finally, the teams came up with a marketing campaign and pitched their product to Miss Morton (Sir Alan Sugar was sadly unavailable). The winning team of Eva, Darcy, Medina and Kayleigh designed a new lip balm called LipPro which was packed full of Vitamin C and E and shaped like a macaron.

S2 IDL Diseases throughout History has been focussed on looking at various diseases that have changed the course of history ranging from the Black Death of 1348 to the Spanish flu in the early 1900s. We have been able to do several practical projects such as growing our own microbes and testing different household items as potential antibiotics. At the end of our topic, we built a board game that was themed around the diseases that we have learned about. The winning team (Alicia and Tia) created the very complex board game that involved diseases like small pox and the plague and sent people to the graveyard!

S3 Chemistry students are currently collecting samples of water from the school building and local sources so that these can be analysed by Strathclyde University scientists for trace elements and pH. Rowan Patterson had the job of sampling from a local stream; Joshua Stewart, lives near the coast, so had to collect seawater and luckily for Calum O’Halloran the Dumfries weather made his job of collecting rainwater very easy!

Alyx Campbell had to come in to school early in order to gather water from an unflushed cold water tap, however Thomas Gourlay and Elliott Welsh picked the easy option of the water cooler only a few paces from the classroom door.

The class will now be involved in testing pH values and returning their data along with the samples to Strathclyde University. There the samples will undergo analysis for trace elements such as lead, magnesium and calcium. Once the data is returned to school in February 2020, pupils will be able to analyse it and complete some further work related to the global challenge of providing clean, safe drinking water for all. During the project, which is funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Strathclyde University is providing pupils with careers profiles of analytical scientists and information related to global fresh water supplies. Perhaps some of our young chemists will feel inspired to follow a career in this area.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

Young Stem Leaders - Science Club

The S6 Science Ambassadors who are working towards achieving the Young Stem Leaders (YSL) Award have been split into four groups and are involved in planning a programme of work for either S1 or Primary 7 pupils. This term Evie Porteous, Kaitlin Ritchie, Ellen MacLeod, Cait Notman and Hamish Anderson have taken on the role of planning ‘Science Club’ activities for primary 7 pupils. The primary 7 pupils from St Teresa’s and St Andrew’s have been attending Science transition lessons on a Wednesday morning with Miss McCormick. This has given them the opportunity to experience work in a St Joseph’s College laboratory. For a series of lessons within this transition programme, the YSL Science Club Team have planned a block of fun activities to challenge the P7 pupils and to promote STEM learning.

First was an ‘egg drop’ challenge in which the senior YSL students helped the junior pupils to design and produce a parachute and protective casing for an egg being dropped from a height. Next pupils were given the chance to explore signs of a chemical change by performing a series of four experiments involving Bunsen burners and various different chemicals.

The P7 pupils have very much enjoyed working with our YSL Science Club Team. As part of the evaluation process, P7 pupils were asked to provide written feedback. Here are some of the comments: Cerys – “We have learned about air friction”, Nick – “there is nothing the 6th year could improve, they did a good job”, Sophia – “I enjoyed burning the magnesium with the Bunsen burner the most.” Maca – “We learned about chemical reactions. We also learned about how to recognise one.”

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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D&T Making In Design & Technology. Each of our year groups have been designing and making a variety of projects We do have some incredibly creative young people.

S1 and S2 Design and Technology Our S1 & S2 classes have been making clocks and storage boxes that they designed. These should be completed by the Christmas break.

S3 Woodwork & S3 Design, Manufacture and Graphics class The woodworking classes have swapped over and are completing their unit projects and have been making clocks and mechanical toys. They will be moving on to making a foldable shelving unit. Our Design Graphics class have been making their Alessi tablet stands and will be finished by the Christmas break.

They have been focussing their time on using the drawing boards and developing their skills using inventor.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

DT &

Certificated classes

As we approach a pivotal time for our senior pupils we are busy working on completing the project work. Alongside this we are preparing for our prelims and final assignments.

N4/5 D&M Projects

Our design and Manufacture class have completed their chair project and have started their shelf designs. This will continue to build their skills in materials and processes.

N4/5 Practical Woodwork Projects The woodwork class are well underway with their final course project and developing their final set of required skills before they embark on their final SQA assessed project.

St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

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he Design & Technology department maker club have been busy making products to sell on a stall in the Christmas Market. The club learned much from the experience including skills in business enterprise, like profit, mark-up, upselling and sales. Some of which were extremely passionate in generating sales pitches that almost offered no option but to buy and also included dressing in a banana suit to try and encourage sales to a wider audience. The main product that was on offer on the night was a print created with the vinyl cutter to cut out an iconic shape with a mount and a background of either a map, Tunnocks wrapper or a music sheet. The finished product was wrapped in cellophane and looked very professional indeed. Over a selling period of around a week the group made around ÂŁ450 and are working to fulfil all orders, some of which include bespoke commissions from lorries to wedding cakes. We will be able to take orders for anyone who missed out. Please contact the office, care of Mr MacKellar and the Maker Club. We will be reinvesting the full proceeds into the school and the maker club in their next enterprising activities.

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

S2 Football Team St Joseph’s College U14 football team have had a successful term, winning two and drawing one game in the Dumfries and Galloway Large Schools’ League. The pupils recorded an impressive 1-1 draw away to Dumfries High School, before defeating Annan Academy 3-1 and Lockerbie Academy 12-1.

The team have two games left to fulfil after the holidays, away to Wallace Hall Academy and Douglas Ewart High School. Well done to all the players involved; your effort and attitude have been exceptional!

Girls Football Well done to the under 14 Girls 7 aside team who competed in the regional schools competition at the end of November. The girls won four out of their five matches competing against teams from Stranraer, Dumfries High and Dumfries Academy. A fantastic effort from all the girls who represented the school exceptionally well. Girls indoor football club will continue on a Thursday lunchtime after the holidays. Girls of all abilities are most welcome.

Back Row: Neve caven, Shannon Brown, Molly Currie, Connie McGowan, Victoria Shaw, Front Row: Shannon Sellers, Eve Crombie, Kayleigh MacKay, Francesca Seton

U13 Football Congratulations to our U13 Football team who competed in the Scottish Schools FA Soccer 7s Regional Competition on Thursday 5th December.

The yellow team won one game and lost two. The navy team won all three and progress onto the West of Scotland round which will take place in Hamilton in 2020. Well done to all boys who took part. The attitude and effort was exceptional.

Pupils need to bring the appropriate footwear to use our 3G pitch. Incorrect types of footwear will shorten the lifetime of the pitch. So for all lessons and for lunchtime football remember to bring along a change of footwear in order to be able to participate.

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Fourteen St Joseph’s College pupils took part in the Dumfries and Galloway School Swimming Championships at Annan Swimming Pool on the 11th November. There were a number of excellent swims during the timed trials. A combined 31 medals were won by pupils across different events, with 8 pupils achieving initial consideration times for the Scottish School Finals. Lexi Anderson (S2) broke a regional record in the 200m backcrawl event – a fantastic achievement! Well done to all swimmers who took part; your effort and attitude was excellent!

S1 - Bartosz Jastrzebski, George McGeoch, Niamh Stainthorpe S2 - Lexi Anderson, Isla Fyall, Mia Brownrigg, Dennie Caspari.

S3 - Alfie Buchanan, Reuben Kelly, Aimee Harkness.

S4 - Abi Fyall, Lindsay Cameron.

S5 - Daniel Wilson, Tyler Barnard

Back row (left to right): Isla Fyall, Aimee Harkness, Daniel Wilson, Tyler Barnard, Reuben Kelly, Lindsay Cameron, Abi Fyall.

Front row (left to right): Mia Brownrigg, Niamh Stainthorpe, George McGeoch, Dennie Caspari, Lexi Anderson.

Missing from photo: Bartosz Jastrzebski and Alfie Buchanan.

St Joseph’s College pupils have recently enjoyed curling success both nationally and in Europe.

Senior boys, Scott Hyslop and Jack Carrick, travelled to Oslo to play in the European Junior Curling Tour. This was their first venture abroad with Team Gallacher. The team achieved the perfect record of played 7 won 7 to secure their first tour victory.

Earlier in the season Scott, Jack and Finlay Kennedy had to find a replacement for Nevin Harmjanz, for the school team, they called up S1 pupil and Scott’s younger brother Archie Hyslop to fill the space. The team have qualified for the finals of the Scottish Schools Championships at Ayr in March, they hope to regain the title that they won two years ago.

Archie Hyslop who plays for Team O. Carson, also recently enjoyed success in the Asham U17 Scottish slam series. Team O. Carson will be one of, if not the youngest team taking part in the U17s with an average age of 12.5 years old. The boys have played two tournaments this year in the series gaining third place at Hamilton, before winning the Stevenson Trophy at Lockerbie, their first series win in the U17s.

First left: Jack Carrick

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Second from right: Scott Hyslop

Second from right: Archie Hyslop

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St. Joseph’s College Christmas Newsletter 2019

Auditions for the main roles in our eagerly anticipated school show have recently been completed. We had over 50 pupils audition for the main roles—a fantastic turnout! All auditions were extremely well prepared and performed to such a high standard that the job of casting the show was very difficult. The casting lists were displayed and there was much excitement in the department. We have a show cast of over 110 pupils, including our principal characters. It is not too late to sign up if you would like to be part of the on-stage cast—please see Mrs Somerville or Miss Edmonds to add your name.

From January, rehearsals will continue on a Monday after-school from 3:30pm— 5pm for principal characters only. Full cast rehearsals will continue on a Tuesday from 7pm-8:30pm starting on the 14th January and a Friday lunchtime in F1/2.

We would like to encourage all year groups to come along and take part so that this year’s show is a big success like its predecessors!

We would like to introduce you to our principal characters: Matthew as Danny

Katy as Sandy

Kenickie- Callum, Roger- Callum, Sonny- Connor, Doody- Kaz and Eugene- Finlay

Vince Fontaine- Anthony, Johnny Casino- Diarmuid and our Teen Angels Callum and Joe

Rizzo- Emily, Frenchy- Taryn, Marty- Hannah and Jan- Caitlin

Cha-Cha- Evie, Miss Lynch- Ella and Patty- Mia

*unfortunately there are a number of cast feeling unwell at the time the photographs were taken, some principal characters are missing. Let’s hope for speedy recoveries before the rehearsals start!

Those interested in production roles such as lighting, sound, set and costume should keep an eye on the pupil bulletin around January for their call.

We look forward to continuing with rehearsals after the Christmas break.

SJC Is The Word!

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