The Case of the Mystery Print
When the Art Department set up for their exhibition for the recent S2 Parents’ Evening, they little imagined they would end up with a mystery on their hands. Once over, the exhibition was packed up by the janitors and stored away safely in their cupboard prior to being returned to the Art Department.
As he unpacked the exhibits, Mr Thomson was astonished to find a mystery print which he had certainly not sent over.
It is a limited edition print, number 12 of only 25, by the well-known Aberdeen-based artist Jennifer McRae, whose most recent exhibition was at the prestigious Thackeray Gallery in Kensington.
Entitled ‘The Swimmer’ it dates back to 1999 and, although framed, appears never to have been hung. Intrigued, Mr Thomson contacted the artist who was equally as bemused as he was, having never visited the school or knowingly sold any of her work here. The Edinburgh Print Makers’ Workshop, who had produced the print, could throw no light on the matter either.
So there it hangs at the back of one of the Art rooms. If anyone can throw light on how it arrived at the Academy or how it came to be locked away in a janitor’s cupboard for all these years, Mr Thomson would like to hear from you.
Thailand and Uganda, Here We Come!
Last year, the Press Group reported that two of the Academy’s S6 students had made contact with Project Trust, a gap year charity, in the hope of raising enough money to spend a year abroad.
But this is far from being any kind of holiday, as they plan to carry out charity work in their chosen destinations of Thailand and Uganda before they head off to University in 2011.
Since then, Cameron Rathie and Jordan Wilson have been busy thinking up ways to raise the money they need to realise their ambitions.
Cameron, who has plans to teach English to disadvantaged children in Thailand, has combined forces with Banana Green, a company that focuses on recycling old electronics, to try and reach his total. On top of this he has also been handing out Smartie tubes to friends and family and asking that after enjoying the sweets inside they fill the tube with twenty pence pieces. So far, he has raised £2885 and is over half way there!
Jordan Wilson, who has already gratefully received grants from gap year charities, also arranged a fundraiser which took place in Stow Town Hall in early February this year. Local DJs were joined by Berwick- based band, the Dull Fudds, to provide the night’s entertainment. The night proved to be a huge success and thanks to the £600 raised from ticket sales, Jordan is now one step closer to achieving her £4850 goal.
But both Cameron and Jordan are keen to hear from anyone keen to help out with what are highly worthwhile projects.
Alana Dickson and Fraser Brown
Course Choices
For the past few weeks, pupils’ futures have been very much on the agenda. With many talks already given to everyone from S2 upwards on possible careers, that side of things has been fully taken care of. More recently, however, we have been looking closer to home and deciding on school courses for next year, something almost as difficult as choosing a career!.
The forms given out in S.E. this week may only be drafts but were hot topics of conversations for those going into S6 in particular. Changes in the timetable mean that this years S6 will get less free periods which has caused some controversy but on the whole, pupils are happy with the new options, with one sixth year, Kathryn Lees stating, “They’re a whole lot better then last year.” S2s are also full of their subjects for next year and are already starting to talk of themselves in a very adult way.
Joshua Moir
Hopes of a Prom
For some time now, S6s have been campaigning and plotting and at last our dreams are coming true. The powers-that-be have decreed that, yes, we are allowed - a Prom!
To be held on the 7th of May, the very last day of school for the S6s, the event promises to be an emotional one. On the one hand, there is excitement and anticipation for the future and, on the other, there is sadness at our leaving our school days behind.
The dance, although still in the planning stages, looks set to be held at the Cardrona, Hotel, which will not only provide the venue, but a three course meal for a very competitive price. So far the idea has been received with enthusiasm
Details still remain to be worked out, but there is no doubting the enthusiasm in the air. It’s maybe a little early to arrange the limo, but thoughts are already turning in that direction.
Rosie Stephen
