October 6, 2009
Sunday’s sponsored cycle around Cumbrae in aid of the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association went well, with everyone enjoying themselves in the glorious Millport sunshine, even the staff.
A big thank you goes to Mrs Zambonini, Mrs King, Mrs Mulholland, their families and friends, and of course all the 6th years who took part. Also a big thank you to Bothwellpark High School and Mr Walter Hall from Halls Coaches for their kind donation of the transport.
September 22, 2009
Report by Sarah Lennon and Collette Reid
Our largest ever group of pupils and teachers took part in this annual event, which sees volunteers from schools across Scotland either walking, jogging or running 6K for to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice.
The event took place in Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, on Sunday 20th September 2009, starting at 10:30 am.
£44,000 has to be raised each week to help St Andrews Hospice provide their vital services. Therefore, this event helps raise money more quickly because of the amount of volunteers that take part.
We think that it was very beneficial to the Hospice and also to the volunteers to take part. It made you feel better in yourself because you were helping the Hospice and doing something that could change lives. To see over 2,000 volunteers attend was very moving for such a worthy cause.
September 14, 2009
Report by Mrs Tulley
A Mass to celebrate the life and work of former colleague Mrs Clare Kemlo was held in the school’s Memorial Chapel on Thursday, 10th September celebrated by Fr Kenny Campbell. The Mass was attended by Mrs Kemlo’s family, colleagues past and present, and pupils.
Mrs Kemlo was a popular and highly respected member of the Support for Learning Department, who died suddenly after a very short illness.
The Mass was organised by Mrs Kathleen Sinclair, HT, Mr Liam Mulrooney, Head of Middle School and Ms Mary Tulley, Principal Teacher, Support for Learning, with contributions from Mrs Kemlo’s former pupils and her Registration Group, 5A.
The Mass celebrated Mrs Kemlo’s work within the Support for Learning Department and her wider contribution to the life of the school. Mrs Tulley spoke of Clare’s compassion, integrity and commitment to all pupils, especially those who were amongst the most vulnerable. These sentiments were echoed by Mrs Sinclair who, despite joining the school after Mrs Kemlo’s death, nonetheless recognised the legacy Clare has left within the school. Pupils spoke movingly about their memories of Mrs Kemlo, including her patience, good humour and ability to comfort when they experienced difficulties.
Linda Gallagher, a 4th year pupil summed up the emotions of many, describing one of her teacher’s favourite sayings:
“ Mrs Kemlo said ‘Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out’ and at that moment, everything seemed better.”
At the end of the service, a cheque was presented to Mrs Kemlo’s parents and family who have worked to raise the profile of a national charity for research into brain tumour, the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust. The cheque, for £250 was raised through a coffee morning and ‘sandwich run’ for staff organised by class 5A, with the help of Guidance teachers Mrs Connor and Mrs McGuigan. The cheque will go directly to Mrs Kemlo’s fund at Mrs Kemlo’s fund at the Brain Tumour Trust.
Mrs Kemlo’s family have expressed their deep gratitude to the school for the service, thanking all involved, with particular thanks to the speakers and to the members of class 5A who sang so beautifully and contributed so much to the ethos of the Mass of Celebration. They also expressed their delight and appreciation of the money raised for The Brain Tumour Trust. The family were also grateful to all members of the Support for Learning Department for their hospitality and the opportunity to spend some time in the Support Base where Clare had worked.
September 1, 2009
Sam Lavery, MBE, from St Andrew’s Hospice, spoke to S4, S5 and S6 to promote the work of the Hospice and encourage their participation in the 6K Road Race and Fun Run on Sunday 20th September.
August 29, 2009
Last May, a group of 1st year pupils, accompanied by some brave staff, climbed Tinto Hill to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice.
Many congratulations and thanks to all staff and pupils who contributed to this successful event which raised £700!!
May 29, 2009
Bright, early and cheerful, we set out on a double decker bus to the Lanarkshire hill known as Tinto. The challenge was to raise money for St. Andrew’s Hospice. We had before us 2000m of steady incline, with several steeper bits to break up the delusions of adequacy. Separated into groups by pupil determination of how easy it would be to climb, each group set off with a member of staff accompanying them and a natural inclination to spread out. Sheepdog-like the staff kept them together and those pupils falling behind were readily integrated into the following group.
… and when they were up they were up, and when they were down they were down, and when I was only half way up I was an exhausted wreck and requiring oxygen. Fortunately our sturdy S1 pupils were mountain goat like in their cheerful enthusiasm … at least for the first few hundred metres. Then, “What ?”, “ There’s more ?”, and “Look sir, there’s clouds before we reach the top !”
Several times on the ascent, groups rested and enjoyed the scenery … or chatted about the myriad conversational topics that those of us over 16 find somewhat incomprehensible. Up into the damper mistiness we progressed, reduced chatter and steely determination becoming evident. Finally, scrabbling for breath on the gravelly slope, we reached the top!
Report from Mr Law
Well done Our Lady’s High, thank you St. Andrew’s Hospice for the chance to challenge ourselves.
May 11, 2009
The total raised from this year’s Lenten Charities events is a whopping
£4,078
Massive congratulations to everyone for all their hard work.
Funds will be distributed as follows:
May 7, 2009
Our school show, Guys and Dolls, will be showing from Monday 15th – Thursday 18th June in the theatre at OLHS.
Tickets will be on sale shortly from Mr Love at morning interval.
Staff enjoyed a lovely strudel and cheesecake lunch in the Citizens’ Cafe on the Tuesday in-service day to raise funds for the show. We are also planning a Film / TV / Music / Drama themed quiz night for 5th June in the school hall. Teams can include up to 6 people. Keep an eye open for further details around the school.
April 30, 2009
We are very proud to report that Lenten Charities fund-raising has so far this year raised £3670, with further money to be handed in. 50% of the total will be donated to SCIAF, and the remainder will be split between the various House charities.
Ms Sneddon will be visiting our Ugandan partners in Kamwokya on a staff study trip over the summer and will present the raised funds to Francis Mbazira, Director of the Kamwokya Community.
The funds will be used to help build a proper canteen for pupils who currently have to sit around on the ground for their lunch. Work has already started as can be seen from the photos below.
April 30, 2009
While our performers are busily rehearsing, the Guys and Dolls committee are planning some fundraising ventures for the near future, including a Bring and Buy sale, a Guys and Dolls day in school and a Performing Arts themed quiz night. There will also be a Strudel and Doughnuts event in the Citizens’ Cafe on the Inservice day for staff.
Meanwhile, staff and pupils are working away on rehearsals and stage design: the stage crew are busily sourcing props; Ms Steinert and helpers are slaving away on the backdrop and the Technical Department are building the set. Mr Harkess is also turning his artistic talents to creating particular specialist items like a doorway for the nightclub and the sewer scene (it’ll make sense when you see it).
