Naturewatch: Snowdrops
Galanthus Nivalis
February blew in over-night: a
biting wind wrapped in overcast robes.
Heralding its arrival with
their own quiet, white trumpeting,
the snowdrops defy the frost.
They shove their heads up
and out of the
sodden, bleached leaves that
the trees cried in October.
Phoenix flowers - born again to eternal life.
They will come again in glory
each winter-tide.
A milky army, their ranks swell
on the riverbank, their white helmets catch
the weak winter sunlight and simulate snow.
I can’t help but join their rally-
two months till spring.
by Anna G-H, Lower 6
We celebrated our beautiful crops of snowdrops on Sunday 23rd February by opening our doors to the public for the annual Snowdrop Festival, as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Click here to read more.
Junior Team Maths Challenge
Twelve teams of pupils from schools across Scotland came together at Kilgraston to compete in the Junior team maths challenge.
The competition was a qualifier for the regional final, so it was all to play for, with the Kilgraston team putting in an excellent performance, earning a very respectable fifth place.
First was the group round, where teams work to solve ten questions of varying types and difficulties during the time allowed. Each team had to decide their own strategy, whether that be to work in pairs, individually or as a team.
Next was the ‘crossnumber’ round. This round consists of teams solving a puzzle similar to a crossword, but with numbers. Teams worked in pairs for this task, one pair had the across clues whilst the other had the clues for down. The pairs had to work independently to complete the grid using logic and deduction.
The penultimate round was the shuttle task. Teams competed against the clock to correctly answer a series of four questions. Each team was divided into pair A (given questions 1 and 3) and pair B (given questions 2 and 4). Question 1 could be solved independently of the others, but the answer to each subsequent question was dependent on the answer to the previous one.
The last round was the relay. Teams split off into pairs, taking it in turns to solve problems. This was an active round with a lot of movement and maths, all against the clock!
Ski Trip to Alpendorf
During half term, 40 students and 4 members of staff travelled to Alpendorf in Austria for a week of skiing.
The trip took girls of all abilities; some had never skied before, and others were well seasoned on the slopes. The week began with those less experienced learning the ropes and gaining confidence whilst the more experienced skiers explored the runs that Alpendorf had to offer.
The staff put on a fantastic range of evening activities for the girls after their days on the slopes. Activities included a bingo night, Austrian bowling and tobogganing.
All the girls did exceptionally well and even those who had never set foot on the slopes before were skiing down blue runs by the end of the week. There were also some spectacular falls, but luckily all girls and staff returned home in one piece!
Naturewatch: The Deich Burn
The next instalment of our tour of the grounds of Kilgraston must focus on the focal point of the gardens – the 700 metre long winding Deich Burn which cuts diagonally across our land from, the southwest corner of our 58 acres to the north west corner, entering from the adjoining fields and exiting in Bridge of Earn, before joining the River Earn. We have no fewer than five bridges criss-crossing the stream. It flows gently most of the time, occasionally rising to a menacing spate after heavy rainfall.
A journey down memory lane is testament to the past glory of our precious water way, now a haven for plants and birds, as described in The Courier History Notes:
“It was at the end of the 18th century when the so called ‘healing wells’ of Pitkeathly, near Bridge of Earn began to be developed. The Grants, newly arrived at Kilgraston bought the adjoining property of Pitkeathly Wells.
As the years went by, Pitkeathly Wells became a popular spa for which many healing properties were claimed. For many, the attractions were as much social as medicinal.
All through the Victorian era, Pitkeathly Wells continued to flourish. In the extensive grounds there were facilities for playing tennis, bowls and croquet. Pitkeathly water enjoyed a large sale. It could be supplied at a cost of 6d per gallon and was available in jars at many chemists. It was also sold as far afield as London. Before the first World War, the Wells were leased and later sold to Schweppes. As the years went by its popularity dwindled and finally in 1949 the Spa was closed.” John L Wilson Perthshire Diary; www.perthshirediary.com/html/day0618.html
The polka dot parade now adorns the banks of the burn. Go and see them at their best!
Maggie Saunders, English Department
i25 Awards filming
Having been shortlisted in the prestigious, UK-wide independent schools’ iExcellence competition, this week a film crew has spent the day at Kilgraston, creating a video for use at the awards ceremony at the Waldorf Hotel, London, on March 19.
Community passion, for all matters environmental, was conveyed by pupils, staff and Mrs MacGinty.
“We’re passionate about change, root and branch,” said the Head.
Detailing grass-roots changes, like shorter showers, wearing vintage fashion and using soap bars were all highlighted, in conjunction with larger issues like the avoidance of fast-fashion, mileage considerations and the importance of planting carbon- absorbing trees.
“We all have a responsibility,” said the Head
So true.
The video will be made available to the school in April.
Goals Week
This year’s Sacred Heart goal is ‘Character’, also known as personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Ann Miller led sessions with pupils across the school, including debates about character, moral dilemmas and leadership in different contexts.
The Sixth Form kick-started activities with a sunrise swim at St. Andrews (the sea temperature meant it was most definitely a character-building exercise!). Other activities included a cake sale, with the girls being asked to make cakes that represented an aspect of their character; inter-house competitions for dance and the game of castles; team-building games for boarders and movie nights (with specially chosen films that highlight the theme of character); there were opportunities to learn new skills in special tutorial sessions, led by both pupils and staff, as well as taking part in litter-picking and recycling around school; pupils also had the chance to learn more about the character of their teachers with special teacher scavenger hunts and human bingo!
The Art and Design Department made a fantastic, creative contribution to Goals Week. Preparations were made, first of all, with work stations in the Art Room and the Staff Room, then it was all systems go with paper heart crafting stations in the Art & Design Department, Locker Rooms and the Sixth Form Centre. The Library became a haven for stitching hand sewn tartan hearts filled with lavender – a great way to de-stress and lots of thanks must go to Ms Newton and Caitlin (L4) who gave expert guidance. Upper Sixth girls including Art prefect, Kirsty, scurried between the paper stations to replenish with more supplies. Clara and Natasha put together an amazing tower of paper hearts in the Art Gallery, all for the projected Installation for the Central Hall. So many pupils enjoyed the activities and they are looking forward to the installation instilling a sense of calm and happiness in the Central Hall, at the heart of the school.
This wide range of activities was planned by the Sixth Form to support the key themes of uniqueness, worth, self-development, personal formation and sharing gifts and talents – a task they have certainly risen to!
Business Women Scotland Awards nominee - Fiona Frew
The final nominee to be featured in our series about the Kilgraston School sponsored Business Women Scotland Awards, is Fiona Frew.
With a wealth of experience in Financial Services, Fiona joined Murphy Wealth last year as an Operations Manager. Murphy Wealth is a Glasgow-based wealth management advisory firm, that provides independent financial advice and creates wealth for businesses. Fiona was promoted within her first 3 months following the prominent impact she made to the firm and is now Murphy Wealth’s first female board director. Fiona has also been integral to the relationship her company has built with Business Women Scotland since partnering with the network. Her efforts were significantly reflected when she was asked to join the committee this year.
Fiona, like many of Kilgraston School’s students, loves all types of sport, especially football, and enjoys supporting charities through fundraising and volunteering. She has also recently joined the ‘Killie Striders’ Kilmarnock running club which keeps her active every week!
Kilgraston School - Business Women Scotland Awards nominee - Suzie McCafferty
Our next featured Business Women Scotland Awards finalist is Suzie McCafferty. Suzie is the CEO of Platinum Wave Franchising – a business consultancy firm that specializes in franchising. It helps entrepreneurs franchise their businesses all over the world and provides a full recruitment service to ensure they find the best staff and franchisees. Suzie has worked in franchising for very nearly 20 years now. Right after university, she opened a refillable ink cartridge shop in Edinburgh. Customers came in and asked if it was a franchise so often that Suzie decided to find out what a franchise was. Fast forward a few years of seriously hard work, taking advice, ignoring advice and Suzie had 70 franchisees in 6 countries from the Middle East to the Caribbean. Suzie offers her advice to Kilgraston School students:
1. What do you enjoy about your work?
Every day I work with very like-minded people with drive and ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit. This pretty much guarantees an element of excitement to each day because things happen at pace, people have great new ideas, or somebody comes to us for advice on a project that no-one has ever tried before. The great thing about franchising is that it involves every business sector you can think of and it can take you all over the world.
2. What are the biggest challenges that they face with their work?
I travel a lot, but I have a thirteen-month old daughter at home who doesn’t care one bit if Mummy has to get up at 4am for the first flight down to London – so handling a full day of meetings on 2 hours sleep is probably my biggest challenge right now! But, because I have such a great team, I’ve been able to reward myself with a four-day working week. It doesn’t always work out, but I’m determined to make sure I get the balance right between business and home life.
3. What advice would they give to high-school aged girls wanted to follow in their footsteps?
My advice to you is to be brave and believe in yourself - if you don’t believe you can do something there’s a good chance you’re right. You will make mistakes, but they are only a problem if you don’t learn something from them, so don’t be afraid to make them! Don’t let your age hold you back either – there are self-made billionaires out there still in their twenties. However, the most important thing is to find something you love doing, that excites you to want to get up every day and do. Why not take a look at franchising – it can be a wonderful way to have your own business and be your own boss? Of course, I would say that!
The award winner will be announced on Friday 8th November 2019.
Business Women Scotland Awards - meet Susan Harkins
Our series on the Business Women Scotland finalists continues with Susan Harkins. She heads up Business Gateway Edinburgh, and over the last 15 years she has led her team to support over 25,000 small businesses to start-up and grow. Susan has a passion for working with SMEs, and has a keen interest in Women Led Businesses, Digital and Social Enterprise.
Susan chairs the Business Gateway National Operational network, is founder of Women in Business Edinburgh network, a member of the Scottish Government Women in Business Action Group, regularly contributes to the Scottish Government Cross party groups on Women in Business and Social Enterprise and is an active member of Scottish Local Authority Economic Development (SLAED) Business Group. She studied her MBA at Edinburgh University and has a Business Counselling diploma.
1. Can you give us a brief description of your business?
Public Sector Business support and advice service. It’s a public service, and the inspiration came from the market failure, start-ups failing within first year of trading.
2. What do you enjoy about your work?
The people, I meet people from all different backgrounds aiming to start and grow their business it is inspiring and no one day is the same
3. What are the biggest work challenges you face?
Not enough time in the day!!
4. What advice would you give to high-school aged girls wanted to follow in their footsteps?
Be confident and strong, and most importantly be yourself.
The winners of this year’s Business Women Scotland will be announced on Friday 8th November.
Business Women Scotland- introducing our second finalist
The Business Women Scotland Awards is taking place this week and Kilgraston is delighted to be sponsoring the new Inspirational Woman category. In the run-up to the event, we’re looking at the nominees for this award and now we’re talking to Celia Hodson. She is a multi award-winning entrepreneur and 2018’s Entrepreneurial Scotland’s ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ and was one of Saltire’s ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland 2019’. The mum-of-three set up Hey Girls in January 2018.
1. Tell us about Hey Girls:
I founded Hey Girls with the aim of eliminating period poverty in the UK. The social enterprise launched in January 2018 with a Buy One Give One business model, and has since donated over 6 million period products to people in need. Hey Girls has been listed in three major supermarkets, secured public sector contracts across Scotland, and run several high-profile campaigns to raise awareness of period poverty. Everything is driven by generating donations to alleviate poverty, but Hey Girls also operates to the highest environmental standards. Our products are plastic-free, sustainably-sourced, and biodegradable.
2. What impact does the organisation have?
Hey Girls actively supports other social enterprises and value-led businesses. We offer paid internships to women of colour, and are currently hiring mums returning to work. Our branding and packaging features real people who are part of the Hey Girls family – partners, employees, volunteers, and friends. Our education is trans-inclusive, and we work closely with our network of over 200 donation partners, partners to support marginalised women, refugee communities, and women of colour, to ensure that everyone has dignified access to high-quality products. No one should have to compromise their health and wellbeing.
3. What was your career path to setting up Hey Girls
I worked in social enterprise for over 15 years with roles including CEO of SSE Australia, Chief Executive of Journeys for Change, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Development Agency, Founder of the Eastern Enterprise Hub and Deputy Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK.