Article Date: Thursday 04th December 2008
The 2009 edition of our School Handbook is now available in the Documents section of this website.
Article Date: Thursday 04th December 2008
It was necessary to conduct an emergency evacuation of our school this morning. This was in response to a fire alarm signal tripped by a fault in one of our boilers. Pupils and staff left the building in an orderly manner and we were able to re-enter once the Fire and Rescue personnel gave us the "all clear". There was some disruption to prelim exams but added time was provided for the pupils concerned.
Article Date: Tuesday 02nd December 2008
The afternoon of Friday 12th December will see the official opening ceremony for our school. On that day Mrs Linda Fabiani, MSP will mark the occasion by unveiling a commemorative plaque to celebrate the construction of our new building.
Local councilors and SLC employees will represent South Lanarkshire Council and our Learning Community.
Alongside them will be school representatives in the forms of our Parent Council, our Pupil Council, pupils from each year group, our Captains and Prefects and members of staff.
The programme for the opening ceremony will present a showcase of pupil talent for the invited guests and council representatives to enjoy.
The normal running of our school will be unaffected by the ceremony and pupils will be dismissed at 3.35pm as normal.
Parents as Partners
Congratulations to those parents who undertook the Maths Refresher Course to enable them to support their children with Maths homework in S1.
The plucky parents received certificates from our Home-School Partnership Co-ordinator, Mrs C Stewart, to acknowledge their participation.
I am delighted to extend a sincere thank you to our community partners in Westwood Community Council. The Council was kind enough to present us with a cheque to the value of £200. The money will be used to improve the physical environment of our school.
S3H&S Minicoaches
I am delighted to let parents know that H & S Minicoaches are the proud new sponsors of our school Rugby Club! They have very kindly bought 22 new
November saw a number of new members of staff appointed within our Social Subjects faculties.
I was delighted to appoint Mr J McSherry to the post of Principal Teacher of History and Religious and Moral Education.
Mr McSherry will lead the new faculty created by the merger of the 2 departments.
I was also delighted to make a double appointment in the Geography and Modern Studies faculty. Mr D Clark, who has been with us since last session, has been appointed in a permanent capacity. Mr Clark will be joined by Miss V Carrey who was appointed at the same time.
Pupil Successes
Congratulations to our pupils for their success in the Secondary group of this year’s calendar competition. Kirsten Moffat took overall first prize; a tremendous achievement in this highly competitive competition. To add to our delight, 3 other pupils gained “Highly Commended” awards:
Jack Izatt, Ben Fox, Nicole Wheatley
Kirsten has been invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Hamilton Town Hall to receive her award.
Doodle4Google
Jennifer Crombie, 3B1 has been awarded a Regional Finalist place in the Doodle4Google competition organised by the world-wide search engine, Google. Jennifer was one of only 480 winners from over 70,000 entrants, so getting to this stage was a huge achievement.
Duncanrig Christmas Card
Congratulations to David Dale, who won the competitions to design this year’s official school Christmas Card. David’s design will form the front of all Christmas cards sent out from Duncanrig this year.
Under 16’s Girls Football
After an excellent display of determination and good play, our under 16 girl’s football team won a place in the forthcoming SFA under 16’s South-West Finals Tournament. The finals will be held in Kilmarnock later this month.
Christmas Performances
Christmas Extravaganza
Many thanks to those of you who turned up to enjoy our recent Winter Extravaganza show. The range of musical and acting talent on display was a joy to behold. Well done to all the performers.
Duncanrig Pantomime
Oh yes it is! Panto time is upon us again and we have a selection of pupils and staff taking to the boards on the evenings of 16th, 17th and 18th of this month. We can guarantee a succession of seasonal jokes and suitable slapstick comedy. I am assured by Mrs Ramsay that you will thoroughly enjoy the diverse range of talents on display! Oh yes you will!
S4 Prelim Examinations
Thursday 4th Dec – Tuesday 16th Dec
Christmas Panto
Tuesday 16th - Thursday 18th Dec.
Early Closure
Friday 19th Dec - close at 2.30 pm.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all well for the festive season. I hope you have a happy and relaxing break over the Christmas period. I look forward to seeing the pupils bright eyed and bushy tailed on Monday 5th January.
Article Date: Wednesday 12th November 2008
GIRLS BASKETBALL
On 4th November the girls basketball team played Nicolson Institute who came from Stornoway. We had an outstanding win of 48:19. Team members who participated were: Zoe Fletcher
Ainsley Douglas
Amy Gray
Erin Hannah
Stacey Mitchell
Holly Morcos
Megan McLaughlin
Rebecca McGuinness
Shona MacKenzie
Hayley Middleton.
UNDER 16’S GIRLS FOOTBALL
After an excellent display of determination to win, good team play and spirit, our under 16 girl’s football team have won their place in the forth coming SFA under 16’s South West Finals Tournament to be held in Kilmarnock later this month. Good luck to our girls!
FLORA – COOKING WITH SCHOOLS
We are now collecting ‘Flora – Cooking with Schools’ tokens. If you use flora spreads at home can we ask that you collect the tokens from the specially marked tubs and hand them into the Home Economics department.
BELGIUM 2009
It is intended to take an excursion to Belgium in the summer of 2009, leaving the school on Saturday 20th June and returning on Friday 26th June. The party will be based in Ypres.
A full programme of excursions and activities is being planned, with proposed trips to: Walibi Park, Brussels, Chocolate Factory, Battle Fields, Ghent or Bruges.
The cost including 4 nights full-board and all entrance fees will be approximately £410.
Applications are invited from all years. Letters of application can be obtained from Mr Clements, Mrs Wilkinson or Miss Turnbull in Science and Mr Carleton in Computing. Reply slips must be returned by Friday 21st November 2008.
Article Date: Wednesday 12th November 2008
We were delighted to be the recipients of a cheque for £200 from Westwood Community Council. This generous donation will be used to support extra-curricular activities within and beyond our school. We are very grateful for the support we enjoy from the Council and are happy to have them represented on our Parent Council.
Article Date: Tuesday 11th November 2008
Our Music and Drama faculty would like to invite you to our Christmas Concert which is taking place this year in “the street” on Monday 1st December at
It will feature music from our bands, orchestras, choirs and various instrumental groups, a performance from our S1 Drama group and an item from our forthcoming Christmas Pantomime. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated from various local businesses and a very special guest visitor.
I hope you will support us in this venture, and clear your diary, in order to enjoy with us what promises to be a very entertaining evening.
Tickets, priced £4 (adults) and £2 (concessions), will go on sale from Monday 17th November.
Article Date: Wednesday 05th November 2008
A group of Duncanrig pupils and staff took part in a project that saw them go to Auschwitz, Poland on the 16th October for a day to visit the Concentration Camps. The pupils will be holding follow-up seminars to reflect on their experiences and will also be taking their work into our partner primary schools.
Article Date: Wednesday 05th November 2008
South Lanarkshire Council
Road Safety Calendar Competition 2008
Congratulations to our pupils for their success in the Secondary group of this year’s calendar competition.
Kirsten Moffat took overall first prize; a tremendous achievement in this highly competitive competition.
To add to our delight, 3 other pupils gained “Highly Commended” awards:
Jack Izatt,
Ben Fox,
Nicole Wheatley
Kirsten has been invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Hamilton Town Hall to receive her award.
Article Date: Wednesday 29th October 2008
Visit our new Art & Design website to see the amazing talent of our pupils at Duncanrig.
Click here or go to Subjects, Art & Design, Art & Design Website.
Article Date: Sunday 26th October 2008
Congratulations to Samantha Murphy, Lauren McLeod, Lynsey Gallagher and Thenneh Conteh who have been selected for the Scotland U21 Netball Squad. This is a remarkable achievement and we wish the girls every success.
Article Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2008
We were delighted to participate in this annual event in support of St Andrew’s Hospice which was held in
Great credit goes to our own Stephanie Wright. Stephanie finished as top female runner in an impressive time of 25 mins 17 secs.
Article Date: Tuesday 07th October 2008
In an effort to raise money to support school activities, our Parent Council has chosen to repeat last session’s successful issue of the Spree Voucher Book. Each book has hundreds of discount and 2 for 1 vouchers for a huge range of leisure and dining activities. Full details are contained within the Parent Council leaflet enclosed with this month`s Headteacher`s Newsletter. Please support this initiative to allow our pupil activities to continue and grow.
Article Date: Tuesday 07th October 2008
Your Parent Council are keen to engage with parents to ensure that we work together with school staff to provide the best possible education for our children.
Every adult who has caring responsibilities for a pupil currently attending Duncanrig is automatically a member of the Parent Forum and is encouraged to attend this year’s AGM.
The AGM will take place on Monday 27th October at 7 pm in the “street” area of the school and will include a presentation by Mr Wynne, Headteacher, about the development of “Curriculum for Excellence” and the review of National Qualifications exams.
Article Date: Tuesday 07th October 2008
It is my pleasure to invite parents of pupils currently at our partner primaries to our P7 Parents as Partners evening on Wednesday, 22 October from 7 pm to 9 pm. The purpose of the evening is to allow us to make you more aware of what life will be like for you and your child as he/she moves from primary to secondary school.
The evening will consist of a short presentation by the Headteacher, followed by the opportunity to visit the different departments. Staff will be on hand to answer any question you may have.
The evening will include a break for tea/coffee which will be served in the “street” area.
I hope that you can attend and look forward to seeing you.
Article Date: Wednesday 24th September 2008
Refresher Course in Maths
Are you nervous about helping your child with Maths homework now that he/she is at high school? Do you need to brush up on your Maths?
We are running basic Maths workshops for parents and carers of pupils in S1 at Duncanrig. They will provide help and support with various aspects of the S1 curriculum. Come along and learn in an informal and friendly environment.
Venue: -
Date: - 6 week course will commence on Wednesday 29th October 2008.
Time: -
To reserve your place or for more information, please contact Caroline Stewart, Home School Partnership worker at
Help your child be the best they can be!
Refreshments will be provided.
Speakeasy
Do you feel comfortable and relaxed talking to your children about growing up, sex and relationships? Do you want to be more prepared for the kind of questions your child may ask? Are you sure of all your facts? Would you welcome some support?
Come along to an informal 10 week course that will help you build on what you already know about sex and relationships. This course is open to parents/carers of children of any age.
Venue: -
Date: -
Time: -
For more information or to book your place, please contact Caroline Stewart, Home School Partnership Worker at
Article Date: Tuesday 23rd September 2008
A number of trade unions for local government employees have notified the Council that their members will be taking part in strike action on
However, I wish to advise you that:
· Our school will be open on
· Our Autistic Support base will be closed. Support Services have advised that as a result of the industrial action, an insufficient number of support assistants will be available to guarantee that pupils’ needs will be fully met. Because of this the base will be closed.
· Because of uncertainty over catering availability, all pupils are asked to either bring a packed lunch or make alternative arrangements for lunch on this day.
· Parents should be aware that the school crossing patrol(s) may also be affected. I would wish to remind parents that it is their responsibility to ensure their child(ren)’s safety to and from school.
The decision on whether a school is open or closed has been taken after assessing the impact of the industrial action on a school by school basis.
Your support in limiting telephone calls to the school on Wednesday to emergency calls only would be greatly appreciated.
Whilst the school will be open I also ask that in case of any unforeseen circumstances that you make precautionary childcare arrangements should the school circumstances change that may require the school to close at short notice on Wednesday.
Article Date: Sunday 31st August 2008
It is my pleasure to invite you to our S1 Parents as Partners evening on Wednesday, 10 September from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. The purpose of the evening is to allow us to help you support your child through the first year of secondary school.
The evening will consist of a series of presentations and workshops focusing on the main areas of concern for parents. Staff will provide advice and guidance on how you can become a more effective supporter of your child and how to establish and maintain positive relationships with key members of staff.
The evening will include a break for tea/coffee which will be served in the “street” area.
I hope that you can attend and look forward to seeing you.
Article Date: Sunday 31st August 2008
Many thanks to those parents who attended our recent Parents as Partners evening for parents of S5 pupils. The feedback on the evening was very positive and parents found it so useful that they have asked for a follow-up event on Wednesday 17th September. The follow-up evening is open to parents of pupils in both S5 and S6 and will concentrate on providing more subject-specific help and guidance from Principal Teachers. Letters of invitation were issued to Senior Pupils last week. If you wish to attend please complete the form issued with the letter.
In response to requests from parents, the presentations used on the S5 evening have been uploaded to the Documents Download Area section of this website.
Article Date: Friday 22nd August 2008
Article Date: Tuesday 19th August 2008
On Wednesday the 27th August we will be repeating our annual, highly successful, evening for parents of S5 Pupils. The evening will run from approximately 7 pm to 9 pm and will provide parents with advice and guidance to enable them to support their children better as they all cope with the increased demands of S5.
The evening will consist of a short introduction from the Headteacher followed by workshops and informal Q & A sessions. It will provide parents with an explanation of the SQA exam system in S5 and advice on how to help your child get the best exam results possible. The thorny topic of maintaining a positive relationship with your child during this stressful time in their life will be addressed. There will also be opportunites to talk to staff who can provide help and advice.
I very much hope that you will come and join us.
Article Date: Monday 18th August 2008
Our school will open as normal on Wednesday for staff and pupils. The only exception is the Autistic Unit which will not open for pupils.
A copy of the letter to parents handed to all pupils on Monday afternoon can be found in the Document Download section of this website.
Article Date: Monday 11th August 2008
I hope that your summer break was very enjoyable and that your child is looking forward to his/her first week of the new term. I hope that he or she is ready to face the opportunities and challenges of the new school session.
Examination results for pupils in S3-S6 were excellent this year and maintain our tradition of academic excellence. Staff at Duncanrig are committed to the continued success of our school and I trust that I can rely on the support of all parents to ensure that the we enjoy a successful session together.
The external aspects of our new building near completion with the construction of our car-park and recreational areas within the campus. Our external courtyard has had work done to it and now has increased capacity for pupils at lunchtime and intervals due to extensive slabbing of an area previously devoted to “soft” landscaping. We await the delivery of additional benches for this area.
The completion of the car-park led to a review of access arrangements by SLC Health and Safety personnel. They have advised me that the new pedestrian gate in Winnipeg Drive and the increased use of the vehicle area could create potential problems for pupil safety. Therefore, I have agreed with them that all pupils will avoid the main entrance and will enter and leave school through the pupil entrance at the rear of the school. This is a change of arrangements for pupils in S5 and S6.
Parents who wish to drop off and pick up their children at the start or end of the school day, or at lunchtimes, should do so in Vancouver Drive/Cree Place and not in Winnipeg Drive. Parents should not enter the car-park to drop off and collect pupils unless this has been agreed in advance.
If a pupil is to be collected or dropped off during the school day then the main entrance can be used as all other entrances will be secured.
I appreciate your co-operation in making these new arrangements work smoothly.
At the beginning of last session I made specific mention of our drive for high standards. I stressed our total ban on chewing gum, the drive for 100% full school uniform, the ban on mobile phone usage during class times and changes of period and consistent punctuality. Pupils responded very well to this and we witnessed a tremendous improvement in standards of pupil dress, punctuality and attitude.
We obviously wish to continue this in the new session. I ask you to ensure that your child comes to school properly equipped for classes and in full school uniform. School uniform is black trousers/skirts, black jumper, black shoes and a Duncanrig tie. Those of you who attended the uniform showcase in June commented favourably on the quality of the clothing, particularly the blazer.
Lockers will be available for all pupils who wish to hire one for the session.
All pupils are expected to pay £2.50 for a Duncanrig Pupil Diary. We hope that you will use it with your child to ensure that homework is planned and completed on time. The diary is invaluable for parents; it allows you to check the issue and completion dates for homework, it provides information about school contacts and school rules and gives you a copy of the school calendar. Please do not be tempted to buy a generic Pupil Diary from shops in the Town Centre: although they are cheaper they do not contain the information you need, nor are they the correct format. Sections of our diary are used in the course of lessons and your child will be unable to participate fully in these lessons without a Duncanrig Pupil Diary.
Departures
Last term saw 4 members of staff retire or move on after many years of service to Duncanrig. They left with our best wishes.
Mrs Bell in RME retired. Miss Anderson has been appointed as Acting PT RME until the post is filled.
Mrs Brady in Modern Studies retired.
Ms Hendry in PE retired.
Mrs Maxwell in History moved to Stonelaw High School.
Arrivals
We welcome a number of new staff for this session:
English - Mr Morrison, Mr McLean and Mr Newman.
Maths - Mr McDade and Mr Ferguson.
Modern Languages - Ms Dollard and Ms Henderson.
Geography - Mr McCallum
History - Mr Scott
RME - Ms Stewart
Drama - Ms Logan
Music - Mr Dyer
Art - Mr Ferguson and Mrs Frey
Technical - Mr Lamb
PE - Mr Geatrell and Ms Neilson
Business Education - Ms Higgins
In an attempt to save on paper usage and address one of our eco-targets, I would like to send future copies of the newsletter electronically to as many parents as possible. In order to achieve this I would ask you to send an email to our school office with just a heading - Eco Newsletter. Your e-address will be noted and you will be placed on our mailing list for future issues.
office@duncanrig.s-lanark.sch.uk
S5 Parents Information Evening
Wednesday 27th August.
S1 and S6 Photographs
Tuesday 2 September.
S1 Parents Information Evening
Wednesday 10th September.
September Weekend
Friday 26th and Monday 29th September.
October Break
Monday 13th October – Friday 17th October.
Article Date: Wednesday 25th June 2008
I am delighted to announce that we have successfully completed the criteria for a Silver Award. Our school will receive a certificate in the next few weeks.
Carbon Footprint
Congratulations to Iona Halford, Rachel Currie and Iain White who gave a presentation on carbon footprints to the East Kilbride Rotary Club. They won a laptop for our school and were presented with a trophy and a certificate each.
Burns Federation Art Competitio