Inspiring Young Women at the Scosh Paliament

http://www.sgoillionacleit.org.uk
March 2015
Inspiring Young Women at the Sco sh Paliament On the 22nd of March Kirsty
MacLean, Amelia Lane, Mairi
MacIntosh and Michelle MacDonald
travelled to Edinburgh to represent
the Western Isles at the first
Inspiring
Young
Women
Conference. The chance to go to
the Scottish Parliament was a great
privilege and we all took full
advantage of the opportunity.
The Parliament building was very
different and unusual: for example
there were no right angles and the
multi-coloured ceiling lights in the
lobby were very impressive. The
Parliament
staff
were
very
welcoming and there was a
pleasant, friendly atmosphere.
During the event we were split into
groups and taken to different
committee
rooms
where
inspirational women such as Amal
Pictured above: Kirsty MacLean S4, Amelia Lane S5, Mairi MacIntosh S4 and Michelle Azzudin (leader of the ‘Glasgow
MacDonald S4 taking their seats in the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber, Edinburgh.
Girls’ campaign to stop deportation
of asylum seekers) and Cara Henderson (Founder of Nil by Mouth anti-sectarian charity) shared their stories. This was
followed by a question and answer session. We then had to think about and discuss, the barriers today’s young women face
under the topics: sexism, leadership, courage and body image. We were shown a video clip of how images of woman are
often photo edited before being used in the media to make them appear flawless - an unachievable goal. We then went into
smaller groups with students from other schools and discussed issues relating to the video. The main ideas that came up
were that the video showed how difficult it is for young girls to be comfortable in their own bodies because the ‘perfect’ image
is completely unrealistic and fake. It also showed the pressure girls are under to meet these expectations.
After the workshops and lunch we were taken to the Debating Chamber which was very impressive. Photos of the chamber
do not do justice to the actual size of it.
In the Chamber Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, read out questions that pupils had come up with during the conference.
Answering the questions were the deputy leader of Scottish Labour Kezia Dugdale MSP, leader of the Scottish Conservatives
Ruth Davidson MSP, Alison McInnes MSP for the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Alison Johnstone MSP for the Scottish
Green Party. The MSPs gave a lot of good advice about how to deal with the issue of inequality and that this is something we
do not have to put up with. They were encouraging us to think about how we can change gender inequality right now. This
country has come a long way but a lot more work has to be done to make this country 100% gender equal.
We all came away from the conference a lot wiser about the issues that affect young women today and everything that was
said will stay with us for years to come. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity and definitely something to get involved with so
that we can overcome gender inequality in the future.
Michelle MacDonald, Amelia Lane, Mairi MacIntosh and Kirsty MacLean
S5 Buddies for the New S1s
On the 25th of February our S5 pupils set out on a
ground-breaking visit to the local primary schools. There
they met up with their Primary 7 ‘Buddies’ and began the
bonding process that is designed to help the younger pupils
when they move to S1. The visits were a resounding
success and both sets of pupils were very positive about
the experience. Iain MacPhee from S5 stated:
“Going to Daliburgh School allowed me to pass on to my
buddy, knowledge of transitioning from Primary School to
High School. Given this opportunity my main piece of
advice was not to be nervous and to ‘be yourself.’”
This was echoed by Daisy Melnyczuk who said:
‘My experience at Balivanich was really enjoyable as my
buddy was very talkative and friendly! It felt nice to help the
new P7s feel less scared about coming to Lionacleit.’
The P7 pupils were equally positive about the experience.
Floraidh Gray and Summer Harrison from Daliburgh School
wrote the following:
“We all felt really excited when we were told we were going
to get S5 buddies from Lionacleit. We were all really
nervous when we met them, but as we got to know them we
didn't feel as nervous and we liked talking to them.”
“They were really kind to us and they told us all about Pictured above: S5 Buddies at Daliburgh Primary getting to
Lionacleit. We discussed our interests and dislikes and know the forthcoming S1 pupils, during their visit in February.
talked about all the clubs in Lionacleit. We are looking
forward to going into Secondary even more now because we know we have someone that we know there.”
The Head Teacher of Balivanich Primary School thanked all of the S5 Buddies and commended their positive attitude to
the P7 pupils who were made to feel very special.
HEADLINES FROM
Head Teacher
Mr Miller MacDonald
‘Developing the Young Workforce’ is a report that sets out how schools, working with employers, will enable all young people to achieve their poten al. Ge ng our young people ready for work has always been a key strategy for Sgoil Lionacleit. Recently, several local employers put our S5 pupils through their paces by holding mock interviews in prepara on for when they apply for employment or for college/university places. I wish to thank all the employers that interviewed pupils and Include Us for suppor ng this event. Several Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ac vi es were held in Sgoil Lionacleit this term. The Engineering Club, the STEM workshops for S3 and a trip to Inverness to compete against other schools in various STEM challenges have all raised awareness of Science and Engineering in the workplace. The school was invited by the Presiding Officer to take part in the Inspiring Young Women event at the Sco sh Parliament on Monday 23 March. May I take this opportunity to thank parents, employers, members of the community and school staff who lead and accompany school trips and extra‐curricular ac vi es for pupils. Your support is much appreciated. I hope you have an enjoyable and res ul holiday but, with the SQA examina ons star ng on 28th April I would like to remind pupils in S4, S5 and S6 that to ensure the best possible grades they must devote me to study. Best wishes to all those si ng exams in the coming term. rmation
ntact Info
School Co
acDonald
r Miller M
her, M
nbecula
Head Teac
acleit, Be
Sgoil Lion
5PJ
Isles, HS7
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te
es
,
W
0 603690
Tel: 0187
es.net
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@
it
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llionac
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Email sgoi
cleit.org.u
.sgoilliona
http://www
Making the Most of Opportunities
Duke of Edinburgh
(DofE)
is
a
programme
for
young
people
aged 14 to 24, run
by volunteers. It
helps people to
develop life skills
and to get involved
in new, interesting and challenging (but non-competitive) activities. Sgoil Lionacleit is
currently supporting ten S6 pupils that are doing their Silver award and twenty two
S4 and S5 pupils working towards Bronze.
There are three different types of awards in DofE: Bronze, Silver and Gold. At each
level you have to do so many hours of a physical activity, volunteering , learning a new
skill and a final assessed, overnight expedition.
It is a really rewarding, fun activity which makes you get active and helps you
develop your communication, team work and problem
solving skills.
If there are any adults reading this that have spare
time, and would like to get involved, we would like to
hear from you because we need volunteers to help
with all aspects of DofE e.g. assisting with
expeditions, map reading, assessing and training.
You can get in touch by contacting the school at
[email protected]
Christopher Palmer S4
Following on from her participation in the Nuffield Science Bursary
Programme at Marine Scotland Science Laboratory in Aberdeen, S6
pupil Erin Warner travelled to the NECC in Birmingham to present
her Sandeels project to judges at the National Science and
Engineering Competition held in mid March at the Big Bang Science
Show. There were over 300 competitors at the event and on the
strength of her presentation Erin was advised to enter her project in
the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management’s
Tomorrow’s Water Competition. This is an annual scientific event
aimed at pre-university students. The competition encourages
educational projects that focus on improving quality of life and/or the
environment through topical water issues such as water conditions
and biodiversity, water resources management, water protection and
conservation, water and wastewater treatment as well as social
issues related to water.
Award
In February of this year Erin received a runner-up award from the
Donald Stewart Memorial Trust.
Impressed by Erin’s many
achievements, within and outwith school, the Trustees
commended her not only for her academic achievements, but also
for her drive to take advantage to opportunities that present
themselves to her, for example, volunteering in school and the
community, the Traditional Boat Building course and her
participation in the Nuffield Science Bursary Programme above.
Pictured above top: Rhianna Gordon, Catriona MacLeod, Curtis Ireland, Fergus MacVicar
and Lee Stewart. Above Middle: Roddy Thomson and Christopher Palmer.
Above lower: Diane MacVicar, Rachael MacDonald, Kirsty MacLean and Charlotte
Morrison on their Duke of Edinburgh camping expedition in North Uist.
CAR WASH, COFFEE AND CAKE
Pictured above back row: Huge Paterson, Maddy MacMillan, Mata MacIsaac,
Duncan Rossi. Front row: DJ MacMillan and Cameron MacInnes.
All S3 pupils recently took part in an afternoon of STEM (Science Technology
Engineering and Maths) workshops.
They were challenged with solving a variety of problems related to STEM
activities. Pupils took part in each task e.g. building structures from spaghetti,
making steam powered boats and making a working train for a monorail. Pupils
also had the chance to gain first-hand experience of computer programming
S3 Skills for Work pupils thanks to Howard Manning from Qinetiq who showcased the Raspberry Pi
Stephanie McPhee, Megan project that the Senior Engineering Club have been working on, some of whom
MacLeod, Anna MacRae, DJ acted as STEM mentors for each of the challenges.
MacMillan,Bobby MacDonald Six of the S3 pupils recently went on to represent Sgoil Lionacleit at the
(pictured above);
Maria Highlands and Islands regional Celebration of Engineering event, in Inverness.
Steele, Sophie MacAulay Pupils presented to the judges the STEM related activities that had been taking
and Laura Steele (pictured place in the school and went on to take part in the Celebration of Engineering
left), hosted a car wash and challenges. The team worked to produce a steam powered boat and a train to
hospitality event on 11th carry apples along a track. The pupils from Sgoil Lionacleit created the most
March to raise money for successful train.
Iochdar Playing Fields and
St. Jerome’s Orphanage We would like to thank Deputy Head Teacher Mr K MacDonald and Mrs M
MacRury for accompanying the pupils. Thanks also to Mr Howard Manning and
as part of their course. It
supporting staff from Qinetiq for attending the school event and supporting the
was very successful and
pupils.
raised a total of £157.50.
We would like to thank It is hoped that these activities will raise awareness of STEM subjects in school
everyone who attended or and their relevance in society.
helped in any way.
Pupils are reminded that the STEM Club currently runs on Fridays after school.
Article by the S3 pupils Any pupils from S1-6 interested in taking part or finding out more should speak
Page 2
b
Developing the Photography Clu
Pipe Band at the Scottish Schools
The
Sgoil
Lionacleit
photography club was set up
on the 8th of December 2014
and has undergone a major
sort out. By the 6th January the
darkroom was ready to be
used by the pupils of Sgoil
Lionacleit. At the moment the
club has a total of nine
members and we hope there
will be more spaces available
at a later date.
The members have been
working
with
pin-hole
cameras made from biscuit
tins that have a pin sized hole
in the lid covered by black
card. The lid is securely fitted
onto the tin, the black card is
then lifted and it is ready for
use. A single sheet of light
sensitive paper is put into
May
n
Brendo
erson, Sean Francis and
the tin under safe light
Pictured above: Hugh Patt
conditions. Then an object is found to take a photograph
of and placed in front of the pin hole. The hole is then uncovered and left for
between 5 seconds and 5 minutes depending on the light conditions.
SL Pipe Band (pictured above) travelled to the Scottish Schools Pipe
Band Championship on Sunday 8th March in Edinburgh. It was an
opportunity to compete against bands from the same age group and a
chance for the newer band members to experience the buzz of a Pipe
Band competition for the first time. The band finished in the top 12 in
their category and the drummers were 2nd. The freestyle band
comprising pipes, drums and guitars, finished 5th in their category.
GAELIC UPDA
TE
In the future we hope to develop our own black and white films. The proceeds of
a recent bakesale that raised £46, will go towards photographic equipment,
photosensitive paper and cameras. The members of the club would like to
thank everyone who baked and everyone who bought.
Sean Francis S5, Brendon May S5, Hugh Patterson S3
Drama
Air 11 Am Màirt, bha
Debbie NicAoidh ann an
Sgoil Lionacleit. Rinn i
clasaichean
dràma
Gàidhlig
còmhla
ri
sgoilearan air S1, S2
agus S3.
Chòrd na
clasaichean ris a h-uile
duine agus abair gu robh
fealla-dhà gu leòr a’ dol!
Unicef Open Day:
A Mile in Their Shoes.
On Saturday the 18th of April Sgoil Lionacleit will host a UNICEF
fundraising open day. Pupils will run, walk or hop a mile in order to
raise money for this worthy cause. This will also be an opportunity for
family, friends and members of the community to come along and
enjoy a fun filled day and learn with Sgoil Lionacleit about the work of
UNICEF in countries all over the world. There will be a selection of
home baking, tea, coffee and soft drinks available throughout the day.
Pupils will have a choice of dates to complete their mile if they are
unable to attend on Saturday 18th April.
Pictured above: Gaelic drama workshop in the theatre.
Word Wizard
Tha sgoilearan Lionacleit air faighinn troimhe chun iar-chuairtdheireannaich de dh’fharpais Word Wizard 2015.
Tha Sophie
NicDhòmhnaill (S1) ag ionnsachadh mar a litricheas i 150 facal ann an
Gearmailtis agus tha Zoe Wilkie (S1) agus Catherine NicCarmaig (S1) ag
ionnsachadh mar a litricheas iad 150 facal ann an Gàidhlig. Bidh an
Eilidh Cameron and Joanna MacBain
fharpais a’ gabhail àite ann an Oilthigh Shrath
Chluaidh air 27 Am Màirt agus tha sinn uile
an dòchas gun tèid gu math leotha.
S1 English Pupils Telling Tales
Film G
Tha buidheann Film G Sgoil Lionacleit air a’
ghearr-liosta airson duaisean Film G 2015.
Tha am buidheann an aghaidh trì sgoiltean
eile airson duais na Gàidhllg. Tha Maryrose
NicIosaig agus Georgia Nic a’ Mhaoil a’ dol a
riochdachadh na sgoile aig cuirm nan
duaisean ann an Glaschu. Chithear, An Gaol
Dìomhair, am fiolm aig na sgoilearan air
làrach-lìn Film G. Tha sinn an dòchas gun
soirbhich leotha!
Mad Hatters
Fundraiser
Wear A Hat Day will
take place on Friday
27th March in aid of
the charity Brain
Tumour Research. The event
has been arranged to raise awareness and funds
for life saving research into the causes and cures
for brain tumours.
Pictured above are the S1s who entered stories into the 500 Words short story competition. The
competition is run by BBC Radio 2 and it has thousands of entries from around the UK. The pupils are All in school are encouraged to wear a weird and
very excited to enter and they all hope they will win a prize. There is also a class competition for the wacky hat on the day. Base your hat around a
best story in the class. We will announce the winner in the next issue of the newsletter.
theme that has some importance to you. There
will be prizes for the most imaginative hats on
Hannah Fox and Marion Steele S1
display.
Page 3
Pink Power on the Pitch
CROSS COUNTR
Y
In February S5 pupils Owen Johnson and Paul Morrison competed at the Sco sh Cross Country Championships in Falkirk, represen ng North Uist Athle cs Club. Both boys performed to a very high standard, placed 30th and 19th from a field of 96 in the Under 17 sec on. Owen Johnson then travelled to Gordonstoun School, Moray, to represent Sgoil Lionacleit in the North of Scotland School Cross Country Championships where he was placed 5th in a field of over 90 in the Under 17 sec on. PS NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHI
As part of the National 5 Physical Education
Qualification, S4 pupils Mairi MacIntosh and Calum
Fraser chose Athletics for their portfolio topic.
Both pupils competed at the Emirates Stadium at the
National Indoor Championships to meet the
challenges they had set for themselves, and trained
to overcome. Also competing at this event was
Heather Mackinnon S5 who achieved a personal best
of 10 metres in the Triple Jump, achieving the
standard to compete for the Western Isles at the
World Island Games in Jersey. Also competing and
achieving personal bests were DJ Macmillan S3,
Cameron MacInnes S3, Shona Steele S1 and Marion
MacCorquodale S3. The Pupils were competing as
part of the North Uist, South Uist and Eriskay
Well done to Sgoil Lionacleit girls football team (pictured above) who played a tournament
Athletics Clubs.
at home recently against two teams from Castlebay school. The team won both their
games, 8-1 and 3-1 and looked professional in their new pink strips. Thanks to their coach
Mary Ann Campbell, for her assistance sourcing the strips. The girls hope to travel to Barra
after the Spring Break for a re-match. Thanks to the girls from Castlebay school who The S6 House Captains successfully organised an Interhouse Football tournament during February. The results were: travelled to Uist in such windy conditions.
Interhouse Events
Recreation Pupils
Coaching Sucesses for Sport and
Pupils taking
Scolpaig in 1st place with 93 points part
Borgh in 2nd place with 76 points in the Sport and Recreation Course have had a busy year. They assisted with coaching
nd
Ormacleit in 3rd place with 50 points. pupils from Iochdar Primary School, whose boys’ team achieved 2 place at the North of
The House Captains are now planning a Basketball Interhouse Scotland Primary Schools Cross Country Championships. They also ran basketball clubs
and assisted in the running of the football clubs. In addition to this, the pupils have gained competition. two qualifications in basketball refereeing and a level 1 coaching certificate in badminton.
This was as a result of visits from
Development Officers from Basketball
Scotland and Badminton Scotland.
The pupils have been gaining many
volunteer hours to go towards their
Saltire Awards.
Dates For Your Diary

Friday 27th March
School closes for Spring Break

Monday 13th April
School opens

Tuesday 5th May - Friday
29th May: Study Leave

Tuesday 28th April - Friday
5th June: SQA Exams

Monday 4th May
School Closed for May Day
GOOD LUCK TO ALL
THOSE SITTING SQA
EXAMS NEXT TERM!
Pictured above: Sport and Recreation Pupils achieving their Basketball Officiating Qualification and assisting with a primary
basketball tournament.