CHRISTMAS CONCERT

This year's Christmas Concert will be taking place on TUESDAY 15th DECEMBER in the Dining Halll at 7.00pm.

The entertainment will include performances by the concert band, choirs, guitar groups etc. and there will also be a Panto.

Tickets cost £8.00 for adults and £5.00 for concessions.

Please note that there will be no tickets for sale at the door.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Curriculum for Excellence Information Evening

The Parent Council is holding a Curriculum for Excellence Information Evening at 7.00pm on Monday 30th November.

All parents are welcome, particularly parents of Primary 7 pupils who will be starting with us next year, as they will be the first pupils to undergo the full Curriculum for Excellence exeperience.

Please come along and find out more about the exciting changes that are taking place.

Derek Thompson
Head Teacher

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Please help our chosen charity by buying some of our Christmas Cards designed by Westhill Academy pupils.

All proceeds will go to our chosen charity: Natural Research Ltd. (which is a wildlife research charity registered in Scotland.)

10 cards =  £3
20 cards = £5.

Cards are on sale in the School Office.  Please fill in the order form and place in the box; cards should be ready for collection within a week of the order being placed.

Merry Christmas.

Ms. H. Young
Art Teacher

S4 ESTIMATES

Please note that S4 Estimates will begin on Monday 30th November and finish on Friday 11th December, 2009.

PARENT COUNCIL

Dates have been set for the next two Parent Council meetings. They are:

Tuesday 9th February, 2010
Tuesday 27th April, 2010

S1 PARENTS EVENING

Please note that Parents Evening for S1 takes place on Wednesday 25th November, 2009, from 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

Parents will receive a letter and an appointment list in advance so that their children can make appointments with staff during the week prior to Parents Evening.

S5 & S6 PARENTS EVENING

Please note that Parents Evening for S5 and S6 takes place on Thursday 12th November, 2009, from 5.00pm to 7.30pm, so pupils should be busy making appointments with their teachers this week.

CAREERS EVENING

Our Careers Evening will take place on Thursday 19th November 2009, from 7.15pm - 9.00pm.

Representatives from a wide range of industries, services and companies will be present, so we look forward to seeing you and your children on what we are sure will be an interesting and informative night.

HALLOWEEN

In the past Halloween has led to a number of problems in Westhill involving anti-social and sometimes down right dangerous behaviour. Last year a number of former pupils were charged by the Police following serious damage to a number of cars. As a parent myself I know how difficult it is to keep a track and always know what my children are doing. Please encourage your son or daughter to act responsibly if they are out and about on Saturday night. As a community we do not want any repeat of past problems, and even more importantly we want to know that our young people are safe.

I thank you on behalf of the wider community for your continued support.

Derek A Thompson

PARENT COUNCIL MEETING

The next Parent Council meeting will take place at 7.00pm on Tuesday 3rd November, 2009.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Tickets are available for the two performances of Blood Brothers, which take place on Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th October at 7.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the Drama department, priced at £5.00 and £8.00 - Please note that no tickets will be available on the door.

Parent Council Conference - Saturday 31st October 2009

Parents are welcome to sign up for the forthcoming Parent Council Conference which will take place at Meldrum Academy on 31st October.

This event will give an insight into how parents can get involved with school, for the benefit of their children.

There will be a range of workshops during the conference, covering a variety of topics around parental involvement including:

- Parental Access to GLOW

- Parental Involvement : Leading Learning Experiences

- Additional Support Needs : An interactive seminar where you can get advice and support from Enquire and Aberdeenshire about Additional Support for Learning.

- Young Engineers – South Park Sparks : How the parents, pupils and staff worked together to build a racing car.

- P7 – S1 Transition through ICT

- Active Schools – How We Can Help : This workshop will provide you with a brief overview of Active Schools and how we involve many people to make sure children and young people have the opportunity to be healthy and active.

- Alford Primary Culture Vultures – Growing Doric Roots

- What can a Parent Council Achieve?

- Keeping Aberdeenshire’s Children Safe and Protected : An opportunity to hear how schools ensure that children are safe and an overview of school staff guidance and training. How parents and staff can work together to keep all children protected.

- A Curriculum Framework 3-18 for Aberdeenshire : The workshop will share with parents good practice in taking forward the Entitlements and developing the Aberdeenshire Curriculum Framework strategy.

- Are You Ready to Rock? : This workshop will demonstrate how technology is used to motivate and engage learners.

For full details and a registration form please contact the school reception on 01224 740111.

POP IDOL 2009

Pop Idol 2009 will take place at the Holiday Inn, Westhill on Wednesday 30th September.

Doors open at 7.15pm with performances starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available in school for £5.00 each.

S3 Parents' Evening

Parents of S3 pupils are invited to attend parents' evening on Tuesday 6th October from 5.00pm - 7.30pm. Pupils should be making appointments with their subject teachers over the next week.

Authority Visit

Last week's visit from the Aberdeenshire authority seems to have been a success, so thanks to all staff, pupils and parents for their help and support.

OCTOBER BREAK - ACTIVITY DAYS

Aberdeenshire Council will be running the popular P7 to S4 programme of Outdoor Activities and Trips this October holidays every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of exciting day trips - some new and some old favourites. Pick up points in Stonehaven, Portlethen, Banchory, Westhill, Huntly, Inverurie, Ellon, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Mintlaw. Now featuring early drop off from 8am and late pick ups to 5:30pm. Book now by downloading the details and an application form from

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/holiday

or request one by phoning 01467 628283.

Parents/Carers Survey 2009

Once again we are giving Parents/Carers an opportunity to contribute their views on the quality of service provided by the EL&L service. Please follow the link to the online survey, below, to log your views.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xAKY4EPINmne1FIMPcFBFw_3d_3d

Staffing Change

Mr Neil Morrison, Depute Head Teacher has been seconded to Peterhead Academy for the remainder of this school session.

Parent Council AGM Tuesday 1st September Westhill Academy

Hi
A reminder that the Parent Council AGM takes place in the academy staffroom on Tuesday, all welcome.

Parents may also be interested in a couple of items from the Scottish Parent Teacher Council.

The regular Newsletter Chat back is available at http://www.sptc.info/backchat/110.html

Additionally an excellent guide to School Inspections and Parent's Role in that can be found at http://www.sptc.info/leaflets/school_inspector_visit.html


Their Homepage is http://www.sptc.info/index.php

HPV Vaccination Consent Forms

All S2, S4 and S5 girls have received consent forms for this years HPV immunisation programme. Please ensure that forms are returned via the school by Friday 28th August. If you have any queries regarding please contact the school nursing team, Joanne Robinson or Susan Galashan who are based in the Academy.
Thanks.

Swine Flu

Please check your son/daughters bags for a letter that was issued late last week with advice regarding swine flu.

Exam Results: Due 5th August 09

If you have any questions about the results:
The SQA run a candidate advice line to provide general information regarding the layout of the certificate and how to understand it. The information on how to contact this will be with your certificate when it arrives. Information can also be found at www.sqa.org.uk .

This line will be unable to answer any queries regarding the actual results. Please note that only success is reported on the summary certificate, so a missing subject may be due to failure in the examination or not having passed all the units of a course. If you have any concerns regarding the results then contact the school. As the new term does not start until the 18th August we cannot guarantee that the member of staff you wish to speak to will be available. If that is the case your concern will be logged and looked at as soon as possible.

Appeals:
The school automatically considers for appeal any pupil who has performed below the estimate. You do not have to make a request. However we do not always appeal, it depends on how strong the evidence is. The purpose of Appeals is to provide an opportunity for centres to seek upgrades in Course awards for exceptional cases where a candidate has failed to perform to the standard expected, and where there is acceptable evidence of achievement, for example a very good performance in the prelim. We can therefore only make an appeal where the candidate has performed below the estimate AND we have sufficiently strong evidence that the candidate can perform at a higher level. If you wish to ask whether an appeal is possible then contact the office who will pass your request to the appropriate person.

When enquiring about results or about an appeal please indicate whether resolution is required for college or university entrance. You should provide the name and course for each College or University.

Changing Courses for S5/6:

If you wish to change your courses following the results

. Contact the school to make an appointment to see your Guidance teacher. Please note that these interviews will be scheduled from the 18th August, the start of the new term.
. Before the meeting complete the change of course form which was issued before the end of term. If you have lost the form come into the school and collect one.
. The form should be signed by the pupil and parent/guardian
. Bring the form to the meeting with your Guidance Teacher to discuss your choices and agree any changes
. Your Guidance Teacher will check that the changes are possible
. The signed form will be passed to Mr Struthers to arrange for a new timetable

You will be issued with a new Timetable and a start date. Until then you should follow your existing Timetable.

Holiday dates 09/10

Holiday Dates and In-Service Days for 2009/2010

Term begins : Tuesday 18 August 2009
October Holiday : Friday 9 October 2009 (4.00pm)

Term begins : Monday 26 October 2009
In-Service Day : Monday 16 November 2009
In-Service Day : Tuesday 17 November 2009
Christmas Holidays : Friday 18 December 2009 (4.00pm)

Term begins : Tuesday 5 January 2010
Mid-Term Holiday : Thursday 11 February 2010,
Friday 12 February 2010 and
Monday 15 February 2010
In-Service Day : Tuesday 16 February 2010
In-Service Day : Wednesday 17 February 2010
Easter Holidays : Friday 26 March 2010 (4.00pm)

Term begins : Monday 12 April 2010
May Day Holiday : Monday 3 May 2010
In-Service Day : Tuesday 4 May 2010
Summer Holidays : Friday 2 July 2010 (4.00pm)

Please note that there is no holiday in September this year, as this day has been added to the Christmas Holidays.

Session 2010/2011

Term begins : Tuesday 17 August 2010

Westhill Academy Newsletter Summer 09

This has gone out as "bagmail" this week, have trawl through those school bags.

P7 Guidance Info Night Reminder Thursday 11 June 09 7pm

A reminder that the Thursday evening is a chance to meet your son/daughters guidance teacher and hear how the guidance system works and about the school's Personal and Social Education programme. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the school library and there will be a chance to meet other parents whose children are transferring to secondary. We'll also have on hand parents whose children moved to the Academy in previous years who can answer any queries new parents have. See you Thursday.

Summer 2009 in Westhill

Aberdeenshire are co-ordinating a range of activities and events for children, young people and families in and around Westhill this summer. Details are available at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/holiday

P7 Visits

We welcome our new first years for their 3 day visit on Wed, Thurs and Fri. this week.
A number of lunchtime activities will be available running from 12.15 to 12.45pm.
Wednesday
Library Board Games/Browse
Games Hall Basketball
Field Football
Thursday
Games Hall Badminton
T6 Ecocraft
Friday
Library Book Club
Games Hall Indoor Football
Gym Table Tennis
T6 Ecocraft

Thursday 4pm Games Hall - Basketball

Please bring appropriate kit for sporting activities.

P7-S1 Transition

We have two information evening events for parents in the next few weeks.

Parents Information Evening Tuesday 19May 09
6-7.00pm Guided tours of the school
7.00 onwards Information Evening with presentations by senior staff.

Guidance Information Evening Thursday 11 June 09 7-8.00pm
Come and meet your son/daughters guidance teacher and hear how the guidance system works and about the school's Personal and Social Education programme

Please note both evenings are for parents only.

Westhill Energy Challenge 6 May 09

The Westhill Energy Challenge takes place on Wednesday 6 May and is being hosted by Acergy in the Leisure Centre within their complex on the industrial estate.

· The day involves over 330 pupils, all S1 from Westhill Academy and all P7's from associated schools.

· Pupils will be working in teams of 6, 3 primary and 3 secondary pupils.

· They will be involved in listening to a variety of speakers and taking part in a number of different tasks related to teamwork, communication, name and logo design, energy use etc. The main challenge involves a simulation game about providing the energy requirements for Westhill using different power sources with their different prices and environmental effects.

· The day ties into the P7/S1 transition programme and a number of the Aberdeenshire 3-18 Entitlements – curricular coherence, creative and enterprising experiences, vocational experiences etc. and hits areas of all of the CfE capacities.

· Acergy have been good enough to provide the space and lunch. A variety of other partners are involved from business and across Westhill's Community School Network.

S3 Geography Fieldtrip Monday 11th May

The annual S3 fieldtrip to Glen Muick and The Burn O Vat runs on Monday 11th May. It is a tremendous opportunity for S3 pupils to see practical examples of many of the things they have studied this year. On previous experience the weather can be very changeable and it is essential that all pupils come prepared with warm and waterproof clothing. Some years have seen rain and mist but I can't remember a heat wave.

Events Day 09 Friday 15th May

All pupils from S1-3 should have signed up for one of the options with the regular Alton Towers trip and a host of more local activities. Any pupils not taking part in activities should come to school where a range of study classes will be available. Anyone not signed up should see Mr Thompson as soon as possible.

Staff Changes: Guidance Group E

Mr Kenny, the Principal Teacher of Guidance for the E group of pupils, has begun a Child Protection secondment with Aberdeenshire. Mrs Percival will take on the role of Acting Principal Teacher of Guidance for the E group for the 23 months secondment. We wish both of them all the best in their new posts.

Easter Holidays

The Easter holidays begin on Friday at 4pm and we wish everyone a restful and enjoyable time. We return to school on Monday 20th April at 9.00am as we do not have the Aberdeen local holiday or an In service day.

The SQA exams arrive soon after our return with S4 beginning on 5th May and S5/6 on the 14th May. While it is important that S4-6 pupils recharge their batteries during the holidays it is only a matter of weeks until the exams and planned and structured revision are essential. All subjects have provided materials for this purpose. A little and often is the key.

Comic Relief Latest!

The latest figure on the amount raised is a fantastic £5,475 - brilliant!

Comic Relief Red Nose Day 09

Friday was a fantastic day in the school with pupils and staff getting fully into the swing of things and raising over £3,900. Some pictures of the day are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/36316118@N06/

1second1life Road Safety Initiative

In September 2008 two Aberdeenshire pupils sadly lost their lives after getting off school transport. Aberdeenshire, in partnership with Talisman Energy, has launched a Road Safety initiative aimed at preventing further tragedies.

All pupils will see the videos that are part of the initiative at assemblies in March. Anyone wishing to see the videos themselves can access them at http://www.1second1life.co.uk/

S4/5 Subject Choice Information Evening 11 March 09

The S4/5 Subject Choice Information Evening takes place in the Trinity Church, Westhill at 7pm on Wed 11th March. It provides an opportunity to get answers to any of the questions you have around this important time for son/daughter.

S2 Subject Choice Information Evening Wed 4th March

The S2 Subject Choice Information Evening takes place in the Trinity Church, Westhill at 7pm on Wed 4th March. It provides an opportunity to get answers to any of the questions you have around this important time for son/daughter.

NESMA Student Finance Talk 7.00pm TONIGHT 25 Feb 09 Academy Staffroom

Come and get invaluable advice on student finance.

Blog Update and dates for your diaries

After one or two hiccups with the main website we are now ready to go with the Newsblog. The aim is to update readers on news and events on a regular basis. In particular we will alert you to things like parents' evenings and to any bag mail you need.

DATES

The S4 Parents' Evening has been rescheduled for Wednesday 18th February 5-7.30pm. Apologies for any inconvenience this causes. Appointment timings remain as per the original evening.

The S2 parents' Evening is scheduled for Tuesday 24th February 5-7.30pm

Our Blog

Hi
We hope to use this blog to allow us to quickly and easily post information about events and school news rather than you relying on the dreaded "bagmail" system. Its a new venture for us so it may take a short while to bed in so please bear with us.
Thanks
N Morrison

Dates For Your Diaries

Wed 21 Jan S5/6 Maths Prelim
Fri 23 Jan S4 reports will be issued
Mon 2 Feb S5/6 Prelims Start
Thur 5 Feb S4 Parents Evening 5-7.30pm
Wed 11 Feb S2 Reports and S2 into S3 Choice Forms will be issued
Thur 12 Feb Holiday
Fri 13 Feb Holiday
Mon 16 Feb Holiday
Tues 17 Feb In Service Day and S4 Work Experience starts
Wed 18 Feb In Service Day
Tues 24 Feb S2 Parents Evening 5-7.30pm
Wed 4 Mar S2 Information Evening to explain Course Choice
Thur 5 Mar HPV Vaccinations
Fri 6 Mar Return date for S2 Choice Forms and HPV Vaccinations