Rector's Newsletter - June 2004

Dear Parents, Former Pupils and Friends of Dollar Academy,

For the second time in the past three years, the main athletics event on the Saturday afternoon of Sports Weekend had to be postponed, but mercifully, the senior athletes were able to perform on the reserve day. Once again, the variety of events at Sports Weekend ensured that Dollar former pupils congregating from around the world had the opportunity for conversation and conviviality. The magnificent art exhibitions provided a real focus in the school.

The Senior musical, Copacabana, sparkled, and the choreography, singing and stage design surprised the audience with its professionalism. All the performers showed vitality and concentration, and much credit goes to the hard working Music Department. The Junior musical, Trolls, during the previous week provided evidence of a wave of talent ready to engulf Senior School drama in a short time. Thank you again to the performers and the producers.

In the giant marquee, on Saturday evening, over 200 salsa'd the night away. A pipe band display the following morning attracted a huge crowd, and showed the innovation, the musicality and the extraordinary range of band talent. The young pipers and drummers in demonstrating their skills at the beginning showed that there was another wave building up.

And in the midst of this enterprise, the whole school community was cheered to learn that the Planning Committee of Clackmannanshire Council had unanimously approved the plans for the new Sports, Art and Drama building named after the late Mr Brian Maguire, FP. While Historic Scotland remains to be fully convinced, it is pleasing to know that not only the members of the Academy, but also the wider community of Dollar, and of Clackmannanshire recognise the potential of this vital next step in the Academy's development.

This has been a very successful third term, and I thank all colleagues, pupils, Dollar families and friends for their outstanding support of what takes place here. I wish you all a most enjoyable summer break.

Rector
J S Robertson MA

PUPILS

Accountancy
Lorna Gunn (VI), who has boarded in Heyworth House for the past two years, has been awarded the Bill Stiles Scholarship by the University of Aberdeen in recognition that she has "the potential to make a distinctive contribution to the life of the University".

Army Scholarship
Malcolm Peebles (V) is to be congratulated on having secured an Army scholarship award after he attended the Regular Commissions Board at Westbury. He has been presented with his certificate in Assembly.

Athletics
This has been a very successful athletics season for Dollar. In the Regional Athletics Championships held at Grangemouth Stadium, the boys won at each of the age groups - Form I, Form II and Form III; the girls won the Form II age group, and came third at FIII.

Matthew Gillespie (II) won the Gold medal at U14 for his commanding performance in the 1500 metres event at the Scottish Schools Championships. Michael Gillespie (III) has been selected as one of six Scots in the Bank of Scotland team for the forthcoming Black Forest Teenage Games in Germany. These games will feature international teams of young athletes from a number of countries in Europe.

Boys' Brigade
Steven Campbell (VI) has just been awarded the top BB distinction - the Queen's Award. He received a certificate at a ceremony in Dunfermline Abbey.

Cricket
The level of success experienced by the younger year groups in summer term has been considerably higher than that of their elders. A young 1st XI registered victories against Glasgow High School, Watson's and Stewart's/Melville, and secured a worthwhile draw with the XL Club. Greater consistency in batting would have been welcome. Graham Wilson (VI), the Captain, played particularly well against MCC, with figures of 4-29, and a score of 92, described by a former Scottish Internationalist Hamish More as the best innings he had ever seen by a Scottish schoolboy. Graham as a result was called up for the Scottish U19 squad. Particular mention must be made of the Form II XI, where Joe Fitzgibbon (II) scored 100* against The High School of Glasgow.

Robyn Daniel (V) and Stephanie Malcolm (IV) have been selected to join the Scottish U21 Women's Cricket Squad.

Drama
Julia McDonald (II) has been awarded a place at the Scottish Youth Theatre's residential summer school at Glasgow University.

Equestrian Vaulting
Joanne Eccles (IV) and her sister Hannah (I) have been selected to represent the UK at the World Equestrian Vaulting Championships in Austria at the end of June. They will also take part in the Vaulters' Cup in Munich. Joanne is one of three vaulters who have been selected to represent Britain in the World Championships, in her first year of eligibility. The other two women are from England, and are aged 23.

Fencing
Fiona Winchester (III) won the U14 Girls' Foil in the Edinburgh round of the Scottish Fencing Youth Series. She also won the previous event in Fochabers last month.

Football
The Dollar A team, comprising ten players from Junior 2 won the David Tait Fair Play Sevens on Sunday 13 June. Michael Hunter (J2) was awarded Man of the Match. In other matches, Matthew Mills (P4) and Cameron McKenzie (P5) were also awarded Man of the Match. Donald Sutherland (J1) was voted the Players' Player of the Year by the squad of Dunblane Soccer Sevens Club.

Hockey
Emily Bain (III), having arrived on the field as a substitute at half-time when she was selected for the Scottish U16 squad, scored twice in her first match against the North of England U16 squad. Emily and Fiona Carstairs (II) have also been selected for the Midland Schools and Youth Outdoor Hockey Squad (U15) in June.

Lord Lieutenant's Cadet
Dollar Academy has once again been honoured with a pupil's selection as Lord Lieutenant's Cadet. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sheena Cruickshank, will present a certificate to Alain Simpson (V) in Assembly early next session.

Mathematics
Drew Weir and Robbie Kirk (both Form II) gained exceptionally high scores in the Junior Mathematical Challenge, and will now go through to the Olympiad event later in June.

Music
Rowan McGirr (I) has recently taken part in the Edinburgh Music Competition Festival, and she was placed first in both the U14 and U16 Solo Violin competitions. She also played in a charity concert held in The Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling which helped to raise £1,200 for The Scottish Society for Autism's project to build a replacement school in Alloa. Thomas Adamson (IV) gained a composing place along with five professional musicians as a result of his Higher Music Invention submitted for the Scottish Arts Filmworks project. Thomas conducted the Brian Irvine Ensemble in the Tolbooth in Stirling, and his CD provides evidence of great achievement. Isla Winchester (J2) won the trophy for Musician of the Year in the recent Dollar Music Festival.

Pipe Band Competition
For the fifth year in succession, Dollar Academy's Pipe Band won the Scottish Independent Schools CCF Pipe Band Competition, held at Merchiston Castle School in mid-June. Dollar's achievement is unprecedented, as no school has won the competition five times in a row since the trophy came to be presented on a national basis. Mr Craig Stewart and Mr David Methven deserve particular praise for their part in this extraordinary achievement.

There were many individual successes in addition. Sean Sarafilovic (II) came second in Junior Piping; Andrew Shedden (III) was placed second in Intermediate Piping and Craig Carnegie (V), who has served the band very loyally over many years, came second in Senior Drumming. In the Solo Piping Aggregate Competition, Dollar won the Loch Nan Eun Quaich as a result of the achievements of our top eight pipers: Michael Coppock, Rory Dalgety (both VI), Andrew Shedden, Lisa Hammond (both III), Ross Hammond (I), Sean Sarafilovic, Euan Tait and Robbie Shedden (all II). Six of those pipers return to the Academy next session. The band also won the best Drum Corps and collected the Bob Montgomery Cup as a result. The drummers were Robin Crosbie, Andrew Adamson, Campbell Tait (all VI), Natalie Sarafilovic (IV), Jonathan Borland (VI), Jenni Turner (IV), Alexandra McNicoll and Romey Giles (both VI). In the Drum Major's Cadre, while Jonathan Borland (VI), who had been Senior Drum Major in the Edinburgh Castle Beating Retreat, came second, Iain McLaren (IV) collected the Ackroyd Quaich for the top Drum Major. Pipe Major, Rory Dalgety (VI) collected the Scottish Schools Trophy on behalf of the band.

Piping
In the Stirling Provincial Mod, Dollar's young pipers secured a number of awards. Finn Houston (P5) was placed second in U10 Chanter; Ross Geddes (J1) was second, with Christopher Whelan (J1) third in U12 Chanter; Fraser Stewart (J2) was second in U12 Bagpipes, and in U14 Bagpipes, Sean Sarafilovic (II) won the McNicol Memorial Quaich for first place, and Euan Tait (II) was placed third. At the Senior level, Michael Coppock (VI) came first in the U18 Bagpipes and Rory Dalgety (VI) second. Michael was awarded the McBeth Memorial Quaich.

Public Speaking and Debating
In front of a large and enthusiastic audience, the final took place of the first Dollar Academy debating competition. The motion was a tricky one: "That there is more sin in cinema than litter in literature". The arguments were wide-ranging and often witty, and the debate showed real quality and style. Everyone who has participated throughout the competition deserves credit, and the finalists are to be congratulated on their skill, their logic and their remarkable confidence.

The runners-up were Alexandra Bowie and Clemmie Farley-West (VI); the winning team was Cerys Williamson and Katie Trim (II), and the inaugural McCutcheon Trophy for Debating was awarded to the best speaker in the competition - Thom Gow (III).

Rugby
To cap an outstanding season for the 1st XV, Dollar Academy was selected by Rugby World magazine in July as School Team of the Year in recognition of the success of the team both in school fixtures and in the Cup. Mr Foster deserves particular credit for this achievement. Andrew McLaren, Euan George, Stuart Hazlett and Richard Allan (all VI) are to be congratulated on their selection for the Caledonia U19 squad.

Shooting
Philip Lucey (V) met with remarkable success in the Scottish Rifle Association main meeting. He was placed thirty-fourth in the grand aggregate, and seventeenth in the Scottish Championship final. He was the top schoolboy shooter.

Skiing
Dollar Academy's Senior A team was shaded into second place in the Scottish Schools Dual Slalom at Hillend in June. The team is to be congratulated on its excellent performance this season. Our Junior team went one better, however, and won the Junior title for the second year running, narrowly defeating Stewart's/Melville.

Swimming
Andrew Grant (J1), having won a swimming Gold medal for the 200 metres at Dunfermline, has qualified for the National Swimming Championships to be held in Glasgow at the beginning of July. Mairi Gillespie (J1) won six medals and two trophies in the Dollar Fins Swimming Gala. She was also winner of the Best Girl Swimmer competition.

Table Tennis
Corinna Whitaker (II) has once again represented Scotland in her sport. She has competed in the British Schools Tournament in Limerick, and will be competing in the European Youth Championships in Budapest in late July.

Tennis
In the Morrison's Academy Invitation Tennis Tournament, Jenny Waters and Elke Wynberg (both I) won the B section and were presented with medals. Calum McRae (I) won the East of Scotland Open Junior Championships U14. He was competing in the final and semi-final against boys a year older. The girls' U16 tennis team reached the semi-finals of the Kilgraston tournament. Dollar girls were runners-up in the U12 tournament.

Triathlon
Eilidh Hargreaves (J2) came second in the Scottish Schools Triathlon Championships held in Edinburgh, and she has been selected to represent Scotland in her age group at the GB Inter-Regional Championships. The event involves swimming, running and cycling.

Work Experience
Many Dollar pupils opt for work experience during term time or holidays. I hope to provide more information on this feature in future newsletters. Lynsey Wilson (V) is, for instance, taking part in Teen Ranch France, which pairs work done in Scotland with work in the St Etienne area.

Young Enterprise
This year's Young Enterprise group received certificates, with Emma Crookston (VI) the Company Director, being awarded a distinction after their work with chocolate-trading this year. The company was able to present a cheque for over £150 to The Scottish Society for Autism as a result of its endeavours. Mrs McFarlane, who has taken responsibility for the group, is to be thanked for her work, and she is looking forward to further successes in Enterprise next session.

STAFF

Ronan and Carole McGirr are to be congratulated on the safe arrival of a daughter, Orlaith Rose in mid-June.

Mrs Karen Thomson (Prep and Junior School) had a baby boy, Hayden, in late June.

Mr Andrew Morton (Head of Biology) spent a week in Armenia as a consultant with their examination board in a major development of Armenia's exam system.

Mrs June Tait (Modern Languages) and Mr Thom Irvine (Music) remain absent, ill.

Mr Bob Beath (Technology), who has been absent, ill, for much of this session, retires from Dollar this summer after thirty six years on the staff. He is thanked for his important contribution to the Academy since his arrival in the late 1960s. He will be replaced by Miss Anna Jeans, at the beginning of next session.

Mrs Joan Brown (Head of Home Economics) retires at the end of session. Her extraordinary contribution towards charity work in Dollar more than complemented her excellent contribution in the classroom. Many pupils and staff are proud owners of the Cordon Brown certificate.

Dr Claire Isaac (Prep and Junior School) has been appointed to a Science Co-ordinator post in the Junior School of Gresham's School in Norfolk.

Miss Diane Jamieson (History/Modern Studies) has been appointed to the Modern Studies Department at Watson's.

Miss Lucinda Elrick has taken up appointment as Administrative Assistant in the School Office.

Mr Simon Johnson (Head of Mathematics) will take up a new post as Director of Studies at the beginning of session 2004-2005. He will retain his position in the Mathematics Department at the same time.

Mr Robert Durran (Mathematics) returns after his year's sabbatical. Mrs Rhona Fenn is thanked for her excellent work during the past four terms, but she now moves north with her family. Mrs Maureen Pennie, who has offered excellent cover this session in addition, will return to Dollar next session, and Miss Sheila Cannon will join the department from Dundee High School.

Miss Helen Prifti (Modern Languages) will return to the Academy at the beginning of next session, after her eight months of sabbatical.

The UK Mathematics Trust has written to congratulate Mr Simon Johnson (Head of Mathematics) on his excellent support for Mathematics in the UK.

NEWS

Tesco Vouchers
Many thanks to everyone involved in providing Tesco vouchers this year. The total collected currently stands at 24,900, well over our original target. Any remaining vouchers would be most welcome.

Artist of the Month
The Prep School Artist of the Month programme is now fully up and running, and each class has studied the work of eight artists throughout the year. The artists chosen have been tied in wherever possible with the themes studied in each year. Mrs Ingleby-Letford and Mrs MacLean have provided excellent support in this matter.

Japanese Exchange
Again, we welcomed visitors from Kunohe Village in late May, and a party of seven pupils will go off to Japan in July to reciprocate. Dollar's links with Japan are being well nurtured.

The Couper Cup
During session 2003-2004, Mrs Fay Wedgeworth, née Leiper (FP 1966), brought the Couper Cup back to Dollar. It is a beautiful silver cup which was competed for during the first thirty years of last century in inter-school CCF competition. Dollar last won the cup in 1927, but it disappeared in the 1930s, only to be rediscovered in the storeroom of the Glasgow caterers, Strachan Kerr, where it had been lodged for sixty one years. The cup was presented to Dollar Academy, but the story behind the disappearance remains a mystery. We hope to reintroduce the cup to CCF competition.

FORMER PUPILS

Rugby
Despite the strength of Dollar's school rugby, it has been a long time since the last Dollar FP secured a full international cap for Scotland - Cameron Glasgow in 1997. In the first test against Australia, however, Graeme Morrison came onto the field as a late replacement, and the Dollar rugby community was delighted to see this early recognition of one of our best rugby players in recent years. Graeme captained the XV in 2000-2001.

Cricket
Becky Spendlove, who left the Academy at the end of last session, has just been awarded her first full cap after having represented Scotland women at cricket. The team was captained by Kari Anderson, FP 1999.

University Graduations
We have still to receive information from universities this year, but a number of young FPs have contacted us with their results:

v Paul Adams - First class honours in Software Engineering (Durham University)
v Lindsey-Anne Borrowman - 2(i) in Psychology (University of Aberdeen)
v Sally Campbell - First class honours in English (University of East Anglia)
v Rose Logan - First class honours in Psychology (University of Aberdeen)

CHARITIES EVENTS

This has been an extraordinary year for charities in Dollar. While the sponsored walk raised over £42,000 after it was held at the end of September, there have been many events in the past few months which have allowed everyone in this community to share in fundraising for good causes. Indeed, over £50,000 has been raised by pupils in the Academy this session. There will be fuller details on the website in due course, but typical of the enthusiasm was the total of over £2,000 raised by the Prep School between December and March - for Children in Need, for Save the Children and for Riding for the Disabled through a mixture of church concerts, baking and the Easter Eggstravaganza.

In addition, many other charities are supported by initiatives from Dollar Academy pupils, and we were delighted to be able to provide the pipe band which supported the fundraising for New Struan House in Alloa.

HELP PLEASE

Thrift Shop Opening - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
(2nd and 4th Thursday of the month)

Wednesday 25 August
Thursday 26 August Thursday 9 September
Thursday 23 September Thursday 14 October

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Tuesday 24 August Pre-session timetabling - FVI day pupils - 2pm
Wednesday 25 August Pre-session timetabling - all FV and FVI boarders - 2pm
Thursday 26 August School resumes - 8 40 am

HOCKEY AND RUGBY CLUB OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2004-2005

Hockey Captain - Jodie Fulton

Vice Captain - Jane Hendry

Secretary - Mary Drysdale

Rugby Captain -Cameron Ferguson

Vice Captain - Ranald Baird

Secretaries -Scott Borrowman and Alastair Robertson

HEAD GIRL, HEAD BOY AND DEPUTIES FOR 2004-2005

I am pleased to announce the following appointments for session 2004/2005:

Head Girl - Jane Hendry

Head Boy - Mark Nelson

Deputy Head Girls - Jennifer Brown and Rachel Silk

Deputy Head Boys - Duncan Munro and Malcolm Peebles