Music at St Columba's - St Columba's School

Issue 28 JuNe 2010
The Columban
Music at
St Columba’s
pages 5-7

Rector’s Message
Music plays an important part in life at st Columba’s.
There are a number of bands, orchestras and choirs which
pupils can join and plenty of opportunities to perform
throughout the school year – choirs sing at charity
concerts and prizegiving, our senior school orchestra
plays at Assembly each week.
In addition to studying music as part of the curriculum,
many of our pupils pursue individual lessons with our
visiting specialists.
I was delighted at the number of our pupils who took part
in the Inverclyde Music Festival this year, and that so many
of them enjoyed success. Indeed, on the strength of her
performance during the festival, one of our pupils, Melissa
Meighan, has received a scholarship to attend a European
Youth Summer Music Course. We are also pleased to hear
that once again pupils from St Columba’s will have a strong
presence in the NYCoS Girls’ Choir, and I understand that
a number of them have been invited to sing at the Opening
Concert of the Edinburgh International Festival at the
Usher Hall.
Staff News
Mr Calum ure, Head of Ancient and Modern Languages, is
leaving to take up a new post at George Watsons. Ms Lisa
Rodgers will be replacing him. Ms Rodgers is an honours
graduate of the University of Edinburgh and has nine years
of experience teaching French, most recently at Auchinleck
Academy, East Ayrshire.
We also bid farewell to Ms eileen Carey. Ms Carey is joining
the Classics Department at Hutchesons’ Grammar School in
August.
Mrs Christine Gillies, who has worked in Support for
Learning at St Columba’s for ten years, mainly at Junior
School, is leaving at the end of the Summer Term to pursue
other commitments.
In June there will be a chance to enjoy some of the musical
talent from the School at events such as the Silver Tablet and
the Beating the Retreat. I do encourage you to come along to
both.
As usual at this time of year many of our pupils are emerging
from a demanding schedule of examinations. For some these
weeks have been the most challenging of their lives so far, as
they hope to secure places at their chosen universities. I wish
them every success for the future and hope that we will see
many of them again soon at former pupils’ events. I would also
like to take this opportunity to thank all those members of
staff who have supported them along the way.
Enjoy the summer break and I look forward to welcoming
pupils returning in August.
Our best wishes to Mrs Jane Wild who is also leaving to begin
a new position at the University of Glasgow. Mrs Wild worked
first at Junior School as a classroom assistant, before moving
to reception duties, most recently at the Senior School.
Welcome back to Mrs Nichola McKay and Mrs Nicky
Gardiner, who have both been on maternity leave.
Ms Marion Boquet, covering for Mrs Pamela Kennedy, who
is on maternity leave, is leaving to go to Bangladesh with her
partner.
Mrs Gillian Green (PE) and Ms Tracy Wright (Business
Studies) will both be taking maternity leave in the next
academic year.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 sChooL NeWs | 1
Eco Week
Mr Patrick Harvie, Green Party MSP for Glasgow, opened
Eco Week with a speech at Assembly on the importance
of individuals getting involved in efforts to protect the
environment. He subsequently met with the Eco Committee
and a group of SVI pupils to continue the discussion. The
Committee organised a diverse schedule of events to raise
environmental awareness, including a sale of jewellery made
from recycled magazines to raise funds for an HIV charity in
Uganda, a book-swap and an interhouse quiz. Mr Quinn of
“Dell Scotland” kindly donated a laptop which was raffled.
This was won by Jonathan Robb (SV) and more than £300 was
raised to buy new recycling bins which will allow us to expand
the School’s recycling capacity.
The week was also used to promote new recycling initiatives,
such as the collection of batteries, printer cartridges and
mobile phones. This raised another £150 for School funds.
We are continuing to collect these items, so do please support
this initiative. Items for recycle can be handed in to the
Guidance office at anytime.
All Faculties participated in eco activities throughout the
week. In Mathematics pupils calculated a carbon footprint,
in Art they created collages, shoes and sculptures using
recycled materials and in Biology pupils investigated animals
threatened with extinction. One of the most interesting was
an experiment by Dr Spencer of the Physics Department,
who attempted successfully to power the lights in his room
solely with cycle energy generated by a group of volunteers
at breaks.

2 | sChooL NeWs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
The Future of Debating at St Columba’s
When current SVI pupils Megan Girdwood, Rebecca Meredith,
Hannah Reilly and Andrew Beverstock first got involved
in the discipline six years ago debating barely existed at
St Columba’s. Since then they have given up countless hours
to prepare for and travel to debates, as well as to training
the next generation of debaters. I am particularly grateful to
Megan, who has run a first year debating club with Rebecca
this year, and to Hannah for helping when she could.
The final three competitions of the year were very successful
for our pupils. At Edinburgh University Schools’ Competition
Megan Girdwood and Rebecca Meredith were the top team on
the tab and were then runners-up in the final. Calum MacEwen
(SV) and Elliot Gemmell (SIV) finished in the top ten teams.
In the Durham Union Society’s Schools’ Competition, in which
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Mr Keith Wilson of Smiths of Greenock
presented the successful candidates with
their awards at Assembly on 21 March,
and recounted his experiences of his own
DofE hike. As a former recruiter for the
British Airways Graduate scheme, he
shared with the pupils what he had been
looking for in a potential candidate –
academic success coupled with common
sense, decency, organisational skills and
an ability to work as part of a team – all
skills encouraged by the DofE award.
more than 200 teams take part from across the UK, Rebecca
and Megan were 3rd on the tab before again finishing
runners-up in the final. An excellent performance from
two very talented debaters.
In a new competition run by Georgie Barker from George
Heriot’s School, a pro-am in which an experienced debater
partners a novice debater, Rebecca partnered Katie McLean
(SI). Rebecca was the top professional, Katie the best amateur
and they won the final. Andrew Beverstock was runner-up
in the professional category. Amy Bretherton (SII) Heather
Fleming (SI) and Jazz Catto (SI) also did well in the amateur
category. In their hands debating at St Columba’s has a
promising future.
Alexander osbourne Bronze Alexander Bascetta Bronze
Joe Reid Bronze David Ferguson Bronze
Jordan McKinstry Bronze Fraser Quinn Bronze
Rachael McCabe Bronze Melanie McCarroll Bronze
Katie McAlpine Bronze Jamie Anderson Silver
stuart Wright Bronze Rebecca Grant Silver
euan Lauchland Bronze Kirsty Rarity Silver
emilie Anderson Silver

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 PAReNTs’ AssoCIATIoN | 3
Parents’ Association
Over the last academic year the Parents’
Association has worked hard to promote
a positive school experience for parents
and pupils. The committee has had
regular meetings with Mr Girdwood
and Mrs Cook and has responded to
concerns raised by parents, such as
issues regarding parking at Junior
School.
As Chairman, I now meet with the Board
of Governors once per term in order to
represent the parents’ view on issues of
School governance and development.
The Parents’ Association Committee is
pleased to have developed such close
links with the School and we welcome
contributions from parents.
Our recent Ladies’ Lunch at Cail Bruich
was a sell-out success. The Ladies were
treated to canapes and a glass of fizz on
Children’s
Position Name email Year Group
Chair Joanna Robins StColms@aol.com SIV
Vice Chair Gavin Murray gavin.murray@talktalk.net SIII, Transitus
Treasurer
arrival, followed by a colour and
style presentation from Sark and
Charlotte Naturals. We were also
delighted to welcome Tricia Imrie
from Quarriers, who talked about her
work with children and young people.
This was a charming and thought
provoking presentation and resulted in
a great deal of discussion throughout
the gorgeous lunch which followed.
The afternoon included a Sark fashion
show and complimentary hand and nail
treatments from Charlotte Naturals.
Many thanks to Karen, Julie, Val, Debbie,
Sophie, Hazel and Fiona. Thanks to all
our sponsors, in particular Rox, Marks
Hotel, Tom Wylie Jewellers, Beanscene,
Java Minute, Pieri’s, Decorus and Sara
Bishop at www.eastcoastlets.co.uk, who
all helped make the afternoon a great
success. Thanks also to our generous
Ladies who attended and helped raise a
fantastic £1000 for Quarriers.
Our busy social and fundraising calendar
has also included teas and ice cream
sales at Junior Sports Day, the Halloween
Disco in Junior School and a Wine
Tasting Evening in Senior School.
We have postponed our Golf Day which
clashed with various events, including
an obscure football competition!
At the recent PA AGM we were delighted
to welcome a number of new committee
members. However, we are still looking
for a Treasurer. If you would like to find
out more about the role or you have
any suggestions please do get in touch.
Our contact details are on our school
webpage.
(Joanna Robins)
secretary Dawn Bliss dmb@blisses.plus.com J3
Committee Rhona Ritchie rhona@clanritchie.org SII, SIV
Committee Calum Jones calum.jones@kepstorn.co.uk J4, Transitus
Committee Ros Eatock roslawson@doctors.org.uk J6
Committee Rory Melville rorymelville@doctors.org.uk J1
Committee Helen Pearson h_pearson@me.com J1
Committee Lesley Potter rpp@btinternet.com J2, J5
Committee Roddy Davidson Roddy.Davidson@altiumsecurities.co.uk J1, J4, J6
Committee Alison Campbell ajmcampbell@mac.com J3, J5

4 | FACuLTY NeWs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
Chinese Language
and Culture
We said farewell in May to Miss Li, our first Chinese Language
Assistant. During her eight-month sojourn at St Columba’s
Miss Li introduced a wide range of pupils to Chinese language
and culture, from leading a short course in Mandarin for the
entire SVI throughout the Autumn Term, to working with
those in the Prep Department and Junior 6 after Christmas.
In addition, she found opportunities to engage pupils from
other year groups through contributions to SII Modern Studies
lessons and the establishment of a lunchtime club for pupils
in SI and SII – with a programme devoted to calligraphy, paper
cutting and Chinese knots, which culminated in the week
before her departure in a display of the art of Tai Chi and Kung
Fu by a guest teacher. Undoubtedly the highlight of her year
with us was a lunch in the Senior School hall in February to
mark Chinese New Year.
Design
Glasgow school of Art – First steps exhibition
Congratulation to Sam Conn (SV). Sam is one of 10 (out of
1,200) candidates whose folio was picked by the SQA to be
displayed as part of the First Steps Exhibition at the Glasgow
School of Art. The exhibition has been arranged to highlight
the quality of product design in Scotland and to identify upand-coming
talent.
Sam’s teacher, Mr Alan Morrison, said, “I’m extremely
impressed and encouraged to see the innovative design folios
on display, and particularly proud of Sam. A spokesperson for
the SQA noted that several folios from the school could have
been chosen for the exhibition, as the quality of the work
produced by the pupils from St Columba’s was extremely high.
I am proud of all the candidates for their hard work, especially
as this was the first year of presenting pupils at this level.”
Mathematics
uK Mathematics Trust Team Maths Challenge and
Intermediate Challenge
Amy Bretherton, Marc Smillie (SII), Heather Fleming and
Kieren Ferrier (SI) competed in the UK Mathematics Trust
Team Maths Challenge Regional Final at the University of
the West of Scotland on 5 March, and were delighted to come
7th. Nearly 1300 schools took part in one of 66 regional finals
across the UK.
Charlotte Mitchell (SIV) went through to the next round
of the Intermediate Challenge. Her score subsequently
qualified her to participate in the UKMT European Kangaroo
Competition. Three million students worldwide took part in
this competition.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 FACuLTY NeWs | 5
Ancient and Modern Languages
The Advanced Higher French class spent three days in Paris at the end of January,
enjoying the sights and brushing up on their language skills.
Physics
scottish space school
Keira Bowden (SV) has won a place on a science and technology skill development
week at the Scottish Space School. The event will be held at Strathclyde University
this summer. During the week a second selection procedure is operated to choose
young people to go on to one of the ‘space camps’ at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre
in Houston, Texas. The Physics Department congratulates Keira on her success thus
far and wishes her well for what should be a highly enjoyable experience.
English
Inspired? Get Writing! Competition
Saskia Cooper (SI) was awarded Special
Merit for her story based on the painting
‘The Independent Shoe-Black’ by John
Thompson.
The competition is a joint initiative
between the National Galleries of
Scotland, the English Speaking Union
and the Scottish Poetry Library. Saskia
and her class teacher, Mrs Brash,
attended the awards ceremony at the
National Galleries in Edinburgh.
Music
(and Drama)
Inverclyde Music Festival 2010
We were pleased to see so many
pupils from the School participating
in this event. Amongst the successful
performers were, Mark McGregor, who
was awarded the McCaig Quaich for the
competitor with best aggregate marks
in bagpipe classes age 14 and under, and
Dylan Ferguson, who won the Marie
Hagen Trophy for the best performance
by entrants in speech classes for set
poems. A full list of results can be found
on the School website.
Melissa Wins Music scholarship
Melissa Meighan (SIV) has been
awarded a scholarship by the Inverclyde
Music Festival Association to attend
the European Youth Summer Music
Course. Winners of the scholarship are
also presented with a Ronnie MacKay
Quaich as a permanent memento of their
achievement. Melissa won a number
of medals during the recent Inverclyde
Music Festival, including the A. Willis
Calder Trophy for the best performance
by any girl or boy entrant under 18 years
in a vocal solo.
Claire Eagle
RsAMD Junior Department
Claire Eagle (SIV) has been accepted for
the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
and Drama (RSAMD) Junior Department.
Claire, who recently enjoyed success
in a number of categories during the
Inverclyde Music Festival, has chosen to
pursue violin and piano when she begins
classes in August.

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Niamh Moran
National Youth Choir of scotland
Pupils from St Columba’s have once again successfully
auditioned for the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS).
Sally Bishop, Jennifer Faint, Caitlin Findlay, Melissa Meighan
and Rebecca Ronney (all SIV) have been accepted for the
NYCoS Girls’ Choir, and Luca Hlaing (SIV) for the Boys’ Choir
and the Chamber Choir. Lucy Bishop (SII) and Fiona Faint
(SIII) have also been invited to join the Training Choir.
Over the Easter break they all took part in a six-day residential
course, during which they received intensive vocal coaching
and musicianship training. The course culminated in a
performance at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, featuring both
scottish Fleadh
Niamh Moran (SIII) won two gold medals for singing at this
year’s Scottish Fleadh. She is the Scottish Champion for Under
15 girls singing in English and Irish and has automatically
qualified for the British Fleadh at the end of June. This year the
fleadh is being hosted by Niamh’s home branch, St James the
Great, at Jordanhill College.
Trinity College, London Practical examination Results –
March 2010
Jamie Beverstock Piano 1 Merit
Jessica Brown Flute 1 Merit
Flori Potter Piano 1 Distinction
Associate Board of The Royal schools of Music Results
Graham Allan Clarinet 1 Merit
Rebecca Anderson Flute 4 Merit
Julia Cunning Clarinet 2 Distinction
hannah Findlater Clarinet 1 Merit
Isla Lawrie Violin 1 Merit
stephanie Teague Clarinet 1 Merit
the established National Girls’ Choir and the newly formed
National Girls’ Training Choir. Fiona and Lucy were delighted
to be part of the first performance of the Training Choir under
the direction of Charlotte Jackson. Their repertoire included
Brahms’ Lullaby and selections from the film ‘Mary Poppins’.
In addition to having their performance recorded for release
on CD later this year, the older girls spent a great deal of their
time rehearsing their contribution to the opening ceremony
of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Luca’s week
ended with a concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Bottom row LtoR:
Rebecca Ronney, Luca
Hlaing, Caitlin Findlay
Top row LtoR: Fiona
Faint, Lucy Bishop,
Jennifer Faint, Sally
Bishop and Melissa
Meighan

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 FACuLTY NeWs | 7
extra subject Tuition
In addition to studying music as part of the curriculum, many of our pupils pursue individual lessons with our visiting
specialists. There are a wide range of subjects available, including saxophone, chanter and solo singing. Lessons are taught in
ten-week blocks and cost £135 per block. Full details and an application form can be found on the School website or from the
School office.
Drama
SI and SVI drama classes recently had an opportunity to
show off their theatrical skills for the first time. SI entertained
Junior School at morning assembly with a performance of
the brand-new play ‘Gateway to Neverland’. The script was
written by the class and featured many well-loved characters
from J M Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’. After a busy rehearsal schedule,
the group, which meets every Thursday after school, really
pulled out all the stops and impressed their audience with the
fast-moving play. The SVI group has only been running since
November and was really thrown in at the deep end when
invited to take part in a small festival of Youth Theatre entitled
‘Flashbacks’. This festival featured plays from Greenock and
Largs Youth Theatre and was held in Kelburn Country Centre
for its opening night, moving to the Arts Guild in Greenock for
the Saturday night performance. Again the group performed a
new play, called ‘Secrets’, which they had devised themselves
and which received great reviews, not only from those who
came along to watch but also from the other youth theatres
taking part. Hopefully this is the just the start of drama in
St Columba’s and we look forward to seeing more of these
young actors and writers in the future.

8 | sPoRTs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
Racing to Success
Tom Thickpenny (SI) got his first kart in January 2007 and
entered his first race at the West of Scotland Kart Club
(WSKC), Larkhall, in August that year. In 2008 he won the
National Kart Racing Association (NKRA) Comer Cadet
Championship and went on to compete in two National
Championships in 2009. This year, which is Tom’s last in the
Cadet class, he is contesting the Easykart Championships.
Two of the eight rounds have been held to date and Tom is
delighted to have won them both!
If Tom continues his winning streak he hopes to compete
in the World Finals in Italy in October. His main goal,
Scottish Primary Schools’ Cross
Country Championships 2010
The Scottish Primary Schools’ Cross
Country Championship was held in
Kirkcaldy in late April. Over 1200
athletes took part, with over 120
participants in each race. St Columba’s
pupils have trained extremely hard
throughout the season and were
rewarded with their best-ever results at
this prestigious event.
Individual medals were won in the Junior
6 race, with Laura Stark winning Silver
and Iona Miller Bronze. The J6 girls’ team
added to the medal tally winning Team
Gold. Other members of the winning
team were Eilidh Love (10th), Maddie
Cleat (16th) and Imogen Davies (17th).
The Transitus girls also excelled and won
Team Bronze. Olivia Gemmell, Kharis
Cunningham and Lauren Aiston came in
13th, 14th and 15th respectively and Sarah
Bradford was 45th and Olivia Cain 64th.
The Junior 6 boys’ team achieved 7th
place in the team event, with Josh
however, is to be offered a place on the coveted International
Easykart Driver Programme. Signed by legendary Italian kart
manufacturer Birel Spa, this would give him the opportunity
to test-drive a KF3 kart (contested internationally) with the
possibility of being selected for the Birel works team. As
well as competing at Cadet level this year, Tom is currently
practising in a Junior kart to maximise his chances of
progressing with Easykart / Birel next season. Keep up-to-date
with Tom’s karting career via the following links:
Tom’s website: www.tom-karting.com
Easykart: www.easykart.co.uk
Hendry the best placed St Columba’s
athlete in 11th place. Rory Davidson,
Jamie Eatock, Jack Guthrie and Scott
McConnell were the remaining team
members.
The Transitus boys’ team were also
placed 7th in the team event. Owen
Bannatyne was 15th and Campbell
Gibson was 28th. Other team members
included Jonny Murray, Edhan Gemmell
and Adam Martin.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 sPoRTs | 9
Rugby
The Rugby 7’s was played at the High
School of Glasgow. After beating
George Heriot’s, Kelvinside Academy
and drawing with the High School to
progress to the semi finals (as group
winners), St Columba’s faced tough
opponents in the form of a Canadian
touring team from Vancouver. After a
well-fought battle and a late try from
Hal La Thangue, the boys tasted victory
and secured a place in the first 7’s final
in the School’s history. There they faced
Stewart’s Melville and were narrowly
defeated 24 – 7.
There were a number of outstanding
performances on the day, but the
St Columba’s player of the tournament
was Jonathan Robb (SV).
Sports Dinner
We were delighted to welcome Alastair Kellock, Captain of the
Glasgow Warriors, as our guest at the annual Sports Dinner.
It was an excellent occasion, which allowed us to reflect on the
past season and recognise some of those pupils who had been
instrumental in its success. Sean McAlindon was presented
with the Rugby Captain’s Trophy and Hugh Gillies was Player
of the Season. For hockey, Hannah Simpson was awarded the
Captain’s Trophy, Catriona Dickson received the Goalkeeper’s
Shield and Stephanie Kirkland was Player of the Season.
Alastair Kellock and Mr Eric Milligan, Director of PE, with award winners
Bishopbriggs Triathlon
2010
St Columba’s School pupils, staff and parents took part in this
event in early May. Iona Miller (J6) was 1st, Sarah Bradford
(Transitus) was 2nd and Eilidh Love (J6) was 3rd in the
Tristars 11/12 event. Jono Bradford (J5) was the youngest on
the course, but still managed to take 7th place in his event.
A number of parents also performed well. Ros Lawson, mother
of Jamie Eatocks (J6), was 1st in her age group and Iona’s
mother, Annie, was 2nd in her group.

10 | sPoRTs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
Junior Swimming Gala
New records were set by:
Kim Crawford (J4) Girls’ Back Crawl 21.08 sec
Eilidh Love (J6) Girls’ Championship 65.06 sec
Girls’ Junior Campionship Boys’ Junior Championship
1st Eilidh Love 1st Josh Hendry
2nd Iona Miller 2nd Calvin Wardell
3rd Kim Crawford 3rd Jonathan Bradford
Girls’ Butterfly Boys’ Butterfly
Iona Miller Josh Hendry
house Championship
1st Strathgryffe 159pts
2nd Duchal 142pts
3rd Craigmarloch 140pts
4th Kilallan 130pts
Senior Swimming Gala
It was an exciting afternoon with strong performances from all houses. In the end
Duchal was victorious.
Transitus Girls’ Champion Kharis Cunningham
Transitus Boys’ Champion Garth Finch
Junior Girls’ Champion Chloe Hardie
Junior Boys’ Champion Josh Nandwani
Intermediate Girls’ Champion Fiona Bell
Intermediate Boys’ Champion Gregor MacEwen
senior Girls’ Champion Laura Pirrie
senior Boys’ Champion Jonathan Robb
Girls’ Butterfly Fiona Bell
Boys’ Butterfly Jonathan Robb
Results of the Badminton
Club Championships
Boys’ singles Winner Steven Leighton
Runner up Marc Smillie
Boys’ Doubles Winners Steven Leighton, Marcus McLaren
Runners up Greg Cunning, Cameron Davies
Girls’ singles Winner Morven MacEwen
Runner up Ellen Halliday
Girls’ Doubles still to be completed
St Columba’s
Equestrians Enjoy
Extravaganza
Eight riders from the School enjoyed a
fabulous day at the Scottish Schools’
Equestrian Extravaganza held at
Ingliston on 15th May. With scores
of riders participating from all over
Scotland, Hannah Edmundson (SV),
Alexandra Findlay (SV), Kirsten Findlay
(SIII), Emma Findlay (SIII), Jessica Lee
(SIII), Niamh Allen (SIII), Jillian Craig
(SI), and Georgie Gilmour (Transitus) did
extremely well. St Columba’s came 6th in
the Team Showjumping. There was also
a clutch of individual rosettes – Hannah
came 2nd in the Dressage; Georgie came
6th and Jillian 7th in the Individual
Showjumping. In the Intermediate
Event (dressage, jumping and showing
combined) St Columba’s took three of the
six rosettes awarded, with Jessica 3rd,
Kirsten 5th and Georgie 6th.
Many thanks to all the pupils, staff and
parents who came along to ride, support
and muck out on the day. Particular
thanks to Hannah who was the driving
force behind our competitors and
organised the teams.
The following day Olivia Finch (SI)
competed in the Pony UK Showing
Competition and won 1st place in the
Show Hunter Pony section on her
fantastic pony Bob. This qualifies her
for the next stage of the competition at
Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre later on
this summer. She also gained 4th place in
the Show Pony section. Congratulations
to everyone who took part.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 sPoRTs | 11
Inverclyde Spring
Netball Tournament
The St Columba’s A team won their second tournament this session. Playing over
the 9th and 16th March, they won all but one of their eleven games. St Mary’s
Primary School came a very close second and their netball club subsequently
accepted an invitation to play some friendly games at St Columba’s in mid-May.
Some of the girls have also enjoyed attending Paisley Grammar Netball Club on
Tuesday nights to compete in friendly games. The girls have really benefited from
the additional opportunity to develop their netball skills and learn from other teams.
Gymnastics
st Columba’s Junior Gymnastics Competition 2010
Pupils competed in vault, floor and bench. Congratulations to everyone who
took part.
1st Connie Dodds Joint 3rd Catriona Allan
2nd Caroline Dale Joint 3rd Laura Stark
National
Gymnastics
Competitions
Lachlann Murphy (J4) won Team Gold
in floor work at the British Gymnastics
Championships in Liverpool for
Dynamite Gymnastics.
Lachlann Murphy
Hockey
St Columba’s 1st XI won the South West
Cup against Marr 2-0.
Kirstin Bailey (SIV) and Laurie Kirkland
(SIII) played as part of the national team
in Wales during the Easter holidays.
Laurie was then due to play in Germany,
but was unable to do so when all flights
were cancelled due to the volcanic ash.
She did manage to get to Ireland in mid-
May to play.
Scottish Schools’
Cross Country at
Irvine Beach Park
Andrew McAlpine took the individual
Bronze Medal at the Scottish Schools’
Cross Country Championship. Kirsty
Harper was 7th and Katie McAlpine 23rd.

12 | JuNIoR sChooL THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
A Note from Mrs Cook
As we approach the end of another academic year
I think we can say that 2009-10 has been a busy one.
I’m incredibly proud of the hard work of both staff
and pupils. Together we have achieved a great deal.
In November 2009 we received our silver eco Award as
a result of a number of initiatives we have put into place
at the Junior school, including a ‘Recycling Centre’.
We have enjoyed two hugely successful shows. The most
recent, ‘The Rocky Monster show’, was a real team effort
with the children contributing and developing many
aspects of the production themselves, including the very
energetic choreography!
Much of the effort this year has been related to consolidating
areas of the Curriculum for Excellence. We have seen children
taking a much more active role in their own learning,
particularly in the development of their research skills and
use of technology. The learning experience has also greatly
benefited from parental involvement. I would particularly like
to thank the parents who have contributed to the Junior 1-3
Active Learning activities.
We will soon be bidding farewell to our Transitus pupils, who
will begin a new stage in their education after the summer
holidays. We wish them well and hope that their time with
us will hold them in good stead at Senior School. To those
returning in August, I look forward to welcoming you back
soon, but in the meantime, enjoy a well-earned rest.
Junior School Show
‘The Rocky Monster Show’ performed by Juniors 4, 5 and 6
was a huge success. The story centred on Rocky Fenton, a
“Phantom of the Science Lab and a Professor of Rock and
Roll”. There was a wide range of characters from the faithful
retainer, Mungo, through to well-known celebrities such as
Gok Wan, Paris Hilton and even Elvis Presley! There were two
casts so that every child starred in both a matinee and evening
performance. The pupils were involved not only in the acting,
but in wider aspects of the production, such as marketing,
choreography and technical support.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 JuNIoR sChooL | 13
Book Fair
Junior School pupils were delighted to learn that they raised
£1600 in commission during the recent Scholastic book
fair. This means that each class is able to purchase books to
the value of £100. We would like to thank all parents who
supported this endeavour.
Junior 1
Children and staff had enormous fun dressing up as a
character from a book to celebrate World Book Day.
In February the pupils invited their parents along to a special
Assembly about Our Local Area. The children performed a new
song all about Kilmacolm to the tune of Balamory.
Junior 2
This year the children have enjoyed a more practical approach
to their learning. The classrooms, resource room and outdoor
area have been used for a variety of activities including topic
work, problem solving and mathematics. The children have
been learning to co-operate effectively with each other whilst
having great fun. Everyone has particularly looked forward to
Thursday mornings when family members come along to help
out with our Active Learning.
Junior 5
Towards the end of our studies on the 1960s, the children in
Junior 5 enjoyed making and sampling convenience foods
developed during that decade. Angel Delight appeared to be
the firm favourite! The children also tried their hand at tiedyeing,
a popular craft from the 1960s.
This term’s topic about electricity began with experiments to
create static electricity. The children had great fun finding out
what happens when you rub a balloon with woolly material.
The children will now be moving on to building circuits and
designing circuit diagrams.
Junior 6
In January Junior 6 visited Burns Cottage as part of their study
of the poet. They enjoyed the Tam O’Shanter Experience, with
a film based on the poem and a walk around Alloway Kirk
where it is set. There was also a visit to the Burns Memorial
Gardens and to Burns Cottage, where the children had the
opportunity to take part in some role play activities recreating
life during the 18th century. The topic was brought to a close
with a Burns Supper during which pupils performed Burns’
poetry and enjoyed a ceilidh.
In May Mrs Shona Bradford, a physiotherapist, came to talk to
the children as part of their Human Body topic. Mrs Bradford
explained all about the workings of bones, joints and muscles.
They particularly enjoyed the practical demonstrations and
showing off how flexible they were!
Transitus
Transitus attended “Choices for Life”, a multimedia
presentation designed to help children of this age resist
peer pressure and show them the benefits of choosing a
healthy lifestyle, free of tobacco, alcohol and other harmful
substances. PACE theatre group performed a powerful drama
which made a great impact on all the children.
The children are now looking forward to their Geography
field trip to Culzean Castle and a visit to Stirling Castle and
Bannockburn as part of the History course.

14 | CoMMuNITY AND ChARITY THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
St Columba’s Chinese Club
Raises Money for Chinese
Earthquake Victims
The St Columba’s School Chinese Club held a sale of Chinese
arts and craft to raise funds for the victims of the recent
earthquake in China. It is estimated that over 2,000 people
were killed, 12,000 injured and tens of thousands left homeless
by the powerful quake in the eastern province of Qinghai.
The Chinese Club is run by our Chinese Language Assistant,
Ms Li Jie and met once a week when pupils learned crafts such
as calligraphy and paper cutting. They sold some of the items
they made to raise £119. This was donated to the International
Red Cross to help with their work to relieve the suffering
caused by the disaster.
Giving to Haiti
After seeing footage of the earthquake in Haiti a group of
Junior 6 pupils, Ewan Rintoul, Alexander Wilson, Eilidh Love,
Jack Guthrie and Maddie Cleat gave up their breaks in the
run-up to the Easter holidays in order to market and sell bags
of mini eggs. Demand was very high and often outstripped
supply! They raised over £200 and the money was split
between the Haiti Earthquake Appeal and the Disasters
Emergency Committee www.dec.org.uk
Donation to Inverclyde
Piping Project
The St Columba’s School Pipe Band is delighted to be able to
donate a number of tenor and snare drums to the Inverclyde
Schools’ Pipe Band.
Helping Grace
and Her Friends
Grace is Chairperson of a cooperative of about 15 women
living in Kampala. Together they produce handmade beads
from recycled magazines. Each bracelet, necklace and pair
of earrings is unique. During Eco Week we held a sale of
the jewellery and made nearly £350. However, it’s not only
Grace and her friends who benefit from this sale. While the
cooperative will receive 10% of the profit the remainder goes
to Open Arms to support a three month training project.
On this occasion the project will focus on helping other
members of the community to develop design and sewing
skills so that they can produce fashion items from local
materials and provide themselves with an income.
Sports Relief
SI, II and III took part in some fun activities to raise money for
Sport Relief. The charity raises money to help people in need,
both here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.
This year they have already raised over £40.6million and some
of this money will be spent to support children who are unable
to pursue an education due to poverty attend school.
The afternoon, which was organised by Mr Morrison of the
Design Faculty, included a quiz, a one-mile fun run and a ‘Beat
the Goalie’ competition. (Full details of the winners will be
included in the next issue.)
Pipe Band Are
Always Prepared
The School Pipe Band is always prepared to help groups in
the community celebrate special occasions. In February they
played at the Brownies’ Centenary Parade and more recently
they were invited by the Scouting Association to participate in
their annual parade in Greenock.

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 CoMMuNITY AND ChARITY | 15
Building Lives in Bolivia
How many of us enjoyed an ice-cream during the recent
hot spell? Probably, a lot of us did. According to the charity
Orkidstudio, Europe alone spends more on ice-cream per year
than it would cost to provide shelter to the world’s 640 million
children who live without a roof over their head.
Former St Columba’s pupil, James Mitchell, is one of the
founding members of Orkidstudio, the inspiration of students
of architecture from Malaysia, Uganda and Scotland, whose
aim is to help change the lives of children and communities
worldwide through the provision of shelter. In 2008, the charity
constructed a new kitchen for The New Hope Orphanage in
Uganda, this summer James will join the other students in
Bolivia to build a carpentry workshop and classrooms for The
Alalay Foundation. Here, hundreds of street children will have
the opportunity to learn new skills. St Columba’s is pleased to
support this project and the collection from the Christmas Carol
Service was donated to the charity.
Orkidstudio which will be officially launched in Scotland on
22nd June received huge encouragement for their endeavour
when broadcaster, Kirsty Wark, recently agreed to become
the official patron of the charity. The launch will take place
at House for an Art Lover. Tickets cost £25 and there will be
music from four time National Mod Gold Medalist clarsach
player, Ailie Robertson and the award-winning band Breabach.
Every ticket sold will help to enrich of hundreds of children
in need.
If you would like to attend this event or make a donation
to support the work of Orkidstudio please visit their
website www.orkidstudio.co.uk or contact Mrs Jill Mitchell
jmitchell03@St-Columbas.org

16 | FoRMeR PuPILs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
Hello and Update from the FP Committee
It was wonderful to see so many former pupils and parents
turn out for the FP and School matches. Despite the near
arctic conditions, the hockey girls, young and ‘old’, kept the
action hot with a very close and exciting game. It was the
former boys, however, who showed that they hadn’t forgotten
everything they’d learned at school; they looked very smart in
their blazers and ties. For some of the participants it was sadly
their fourth and final outing, but we hope that they’ll come
back next year as spectators.
Congratulations to the winning teams.
FP v School Hockey 1-0 to the School team
Player of the Match Stephanie Kirkland
School Captain’s v 6-0 to the Vice
Vice Captain’s Team Captain’s team
Player of the Match Chris Rhodes
FP Rugby Team A v FP Rugby Team B won by Team A
Player of the Match Haddon McPherson
Congratulations also to former pupil Alexander Wood who
was recently named Scotland’s adult apprentice of the year
at the James Birnie Awards. The awards, which are run by the
Scottish Building Apprentice and Training Council (SBATC),
recognised Alex’s “natural talent, un-rivalled enthusiasm and
knowledge and understanding of theory”.
Dates and Events
Coffee Morning
Former pupils, former staff and some former parents enjoyed
an informal coffee morning at Senior School on Saturday
24th April. Leavers from the forties right through to the
noughties attended and, with plenty of old photographs,
school magazines and other memorabilia on display, many a
childhood memory was shared. Guests enjoyed the morning
(not to mention the home baking) and requested that it be
held every six months. Once agreed, the next date will be
published on the Events and Reunions page of the Former
Pupils section of the website and in The Columban.
50-Year Reunion – 1960/61
It is the 50th anniversary for those who left school in 1960
or 1961. Margaret Tindall (McNeill) is organising a class
reunion to be held at School on Saturday 17th September
2011. The 40-year reunion was a great success and as 10 years
have passed there’s sure to be plenty more to catch up on.
For further details please contact:
Margaret Tindall (01360 310911),
margarettindall23@talktalk.net or
Morvyn Hood drmorag.hood@hotmail.co.uk.
Alex Wood
Alex, who left St Columba’s in 2002, is currently an apprentice
joiner for CBC Central Building Contracts. He also works
as a volunteer at a theatre workshop, making sets for the
Edinburgh Festival and for ITV television series ‘Rebus’.
We are delighted that he maintains strong links with the
School, acting as a volunteer leader of the Silver Duke of
Edinburgh Award.
Class of 1960-1
Former staff Lunch
A former staff lunch will be held at Kilmacolm Golf Club on
Thursday 17th June. Please contact Rosemary Hammond for
further details – 01505 872345 or andros@talktalk.net
Ladies’ Lunch
We hope to hold a Ladies’ Lunch (provisionally) on 3 October.
Watch the School website for further details.
Please make sure we have the right contact details so that
we can keep in touch with you about this and other events.
You can update your contact details online or if you prefer to
write to us our address is:
Former Pupils’ Association, c/o St Columba’s Senior School,
Duchal Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AU

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 FoRMeR PuPILs | 17
Photo
Competition
We are delighted to announce that the
winner of the photograph competition
(Issue 28) is Anne Findlay (nee Smith).
The photograph was of the cast of
the 1950 production of ‘A Midsummer
Night’s Dream’.
The competition elicited some lovely
emails from former pupils. Amongst
them, one from Kirsteen Scott (Taylor)
who vividly recalls her school days at
St Columba’s 1946-50:
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw
in The Columban that old photo of
Midsummer Night’s Dream. There I
am – a rather tall Oberon, King of the
Fairies with the Queen, Jean Wallace. I
can still put names to some of the fairies.
Fiona McAdam was a ‘born’ Puck! And
I see Mairi Crawford there – or Mairi
Hedderwick as she is now.
My father farmed in mid-Argyll; there
was no school to take pupils up to 6th
year so I had to leave home.
I sat the scholarship exam for a place
at St Columba’s – and won. I was dying
to go. Then the list of essentials, the
trunk, name tapes, a panama hat and
knicker linings. Fighting back tears as
my mum and dad drove up to the front of
Shalott. We unloaded the trunk and said
‘goodbye – see you at half term.’
And my world grew. I arrived knowing
why blackbirds pattered on the grass,
how a raised beach came about and
how to grub for earth nuts in Spring.
Now I learned about what it was to have
parents in India or South America and
not being able to go home for holidays,
about perms and hydros. That first term
was hard.
As boarders, I think we thought we WERE
the school. Daygirls came and went but
we were always there. Saturday we got
our pocket money – all of half a crown
– and were allowed into the village. The
Barnshake Farm Dairy… and a small shop
which sold haberdashery. We bought
what didn’t need clothing coupons –
hanks of darning wool which we knitted
into gloves. From our pocket money
we had to keep enough to put in the
collection plate on Sunday and perhaps
this is the place to reveal my own creative
accounting. We each had a notebook in
which we were expected to mark down
how we had spent our money and there
were occasions when I noted sixpence
for collection and only a penny was put
in the bag. I really didn’t think God would
mind.
What did I learn? All the subjects one
would expect to learn when the aim was
university. Who do I remember? Miss
Sheriff with her wispy white hair and
her love of Maths ; Miss Reid who taught
Geography, for which I had no aptitude,
but who still encouraged me in my
whims about a career, which included
at that time joining the Grenfell Mission
in Labrador or becoming Governor of a
women’s prison! Miss Haggart in History
and Miss Walker in Latin – both so softly
spoken. And of course, Dr Macdonald,
in whose class I grew to love French.
A special mention for Miss Sutton,
House Mistress in Shalott, who saw my
homesickness that first term and called
me to her room. I don’t remember her
words, but in that short visit she taught
me to value who I was and everyone
else around, no matter how different we
might all appear to be on the surface.
How hard did I work? For gym stripes
and the joy of a long fly over the horse
with Miss Havelock catching; for the
coveted white girdle of the lacrosse team
and that one winter Saturday when, for
the only time in my life, I outran Joan
MacRobert going for a ball in a match
between the School and Glasgow Ladies.
Later I went on to play lacrosse for
Scotland – due much to Joan’s teaching.
I live now in Edinburgh, by way of
Glasgow, Washington DC and Dundee.
My children and grandchildren are all in
Scotland and it is a delight to see them
grow up. I write – for the pleasure and
surprise of where words take me – and of
course, still love the theatre!
Classnotes
Becky Marshall (2009)
Becky Marshall, former captain of the
1st XI, has continued to play hockey at
university. Earlier this year she achieved
an Oxford Blue for playing in the Oxford
vs Cambridge Varsity match.
stuart Buchanan (2006)
On the 31 August 2009 at 8am, having
set out at midnight, I and seventeen
other students from the University
of St Andrews made it to the summit of
Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest point in
Africa. It is one of the proudest moments
of my life, and all of us felt a great sense
of achievement sitting next to the old
wooden sign that marked the end of our
ascent. The climb, up and down, took
six days and each was filled with its
own challenges both personally and as
a group.
I signed up for the climb at the beginning
of my third year, when the charity
Childreach International came to
the university looking for volunteers
to attempt their ‘Climb Kili 4 Kids’
challenge. In order to take part in the
expedition each of us was required to
raise a minimum of £2200. With the
help of generous donations from friends
and family I was able to raise £2542.
This money and the money raised by
all the other participants from several
universities has been spent improving
local primary schools and vocational
centres in the Kilimanjaro area. I was
able to see how the funds were used
firsthand when we were given the
opportunity to visit projects funded by
the charity after we completed our climb.
During my three-week stay in Tanzania
I was able to see what an incredibly

18 | FoRMeR PuPILs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
The summit, Mt Kilimanjaro
beautiful, but also desperately poor
country it is. I thoroughly enjoyed the
time I spent there and the experience
of reaching the summit is something
I will never forget. The fact that we
were taking part in the challenge to
support the charity’s work for the local
communities helped to keep us all going
when it was so tempting to sit down
(that and the fact that if Chris Moyles
and Cheryl Cole can do it… so could we!).
helen Knight (2004)
Helen Knight
New York before moving to Houston,
Texas. He is now employed by Texas
Rush as Director of Coaching in the
Club’s Youth Academy. Philip is currently
working towards his UEFA Grade A
Licence. Philip married Chelsea Perry on
19th March 2010 at Ashelynn Manor,
Magnolia, Texas
Wendy hunter (1999)
After leaving St Columba’s, Wendy spent
four years at the Glasgow School of Art,
specialising in painting. Nowadays she
works full time from her Glasgow studio
and exhibits her work widely throughout
Scotland. She also sells very successfully
online to a worldwide market.
Helen is now in her final honours year
of the B.Mus. in vocal performance at
the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
and Drama. She specialises in Baroque
music, performing as a soloist and with
prominent choral groups in Scotland Katharine Parminter (nee shaw) (1993)
and abroad. Helen recently recorded
From School I went straight to university
a CD and aims to pursue advanced
and qualified as a registered nurse. In
postgraduate study.
May 2000 I married my gorgeous Aussie
hubby, Noel Parminter, at my parents’
Philip ebner (2002)
home in Kilmacolm. We then had a
Philip graduated with a BA from Stirling renewal in August 2000 at our home in
University in 2003. Whilst studying for Brisbane, Australia, where we’ve been
his Sports Degree he was recruited by living for the past 11 years.
Major League Soccer in the USA. For two
Shortly after I graduated as a midwife
seasons he worked for The Red Bulls in
we were delighted to add to our family.
Philip and Chelsea Ebner
We are pleased to announce the arrival
of our son Texas Gregory weighing
2160 grams and our daughter Erin
Alexandra weighing 2220 grams. Born
at 35 weeks on 19th September 2008,
they were a wee bit small and so needed
a stay in the special care nursery. Since
we got them home with us they have
come on leaps and bounds. They are
now 18 months old, very cheeky and
loud – taking after their father of course,
lol! Definitely double the joy! The photo
shows Texas and Erin on their first
birthday. We also have two gorgeous
dogs and a cockatiel, so we have a very
noisy household – just the way we like
it, lol!
Carolyn Freedman (nee Jack) (1962)
Carolyn waited till she was 58 before
finally getting married – to Arye in 2008,
the year they met. Since leaving
St Columba’s she has had a varied
‘career’: six years at boarding school, a
year au pairing in Germany, four years
studying language at universities in
Edinburgh and Geneva, a PGCE and 10
years teaching in London and Tunbridge
Wells. Further to that she has had a
variety of jobs and is now enjoying life

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 FoRMeR PuPILs | 19
Katharine Parminter’s twins Wendy Hunter Painting by Wendy Hunter
as a tour manager – using her languages
and travelling with groups, mainly in
Europe.
She is still in touch with several
St Columba’s friends and also with
Heather Woodward nee Collins, a former
member of staff.
Williametta Tubman Dennis (1963)
One day my friend at work and I were
speaking of our childhood and I began
sharing my experience at St Columba’s.
I decided to go online and google
St Columba’s School. It was such a
wonderful experience to know the school
was still open. I saw the school emblem;
it brought back memories of my role in
the school play. My part of holding the
largest part of the emblem was made
to be so important that I had a spirit of
inclusion.
Those were good memories, even though
I was thousands of miles away from
my family at the age of 10 years. I sat
many days in class and day dreamed
of my mom, dad, siblings and best
friends I had left behind in Liberia, but
obviously it did not leave any scars.
This is why I am excited to get in touch
with my friends. I still have our class
photo on my mantlepiece. My memory
of names are limited, but here are a few
Moira Galbraith, Patricia Scobie and
her first cousin Sherman the ice skater,
Chairmain, Byron Stone, Sarah, the
twins, and of course our teachers Ms
Hunter and Ms Lyndsay.
I am currently living in Atlanta, Georgia.
I have been in Georgia since 1980
after the coup in Liberia when both
President Tolbert and my cousin were
assassinated. We had a brutal period
in our nation, over 250,000 people lost
their lives; thousands were brutally
killed, including one of my brothers.
I have been married 35 years, have three
children and two daughters-in-law
and six grandchildren. I am anxious to
reconnect with anyone from my days at
St Columba’s but most especially with
my dear friends Moira Galbraith, Fiona
and Rowena Carswell. Moira has always
had a special place in my heart. The last
time we saw each other was when she
and her husband visited me in Rome,
Italy.
In Memoriam
Michael Coffield (1999)
The School was saddened to learn of
the untimely death of Michael Coffield.
Michael, who left St Columba’s from
Senior V in 1999, was a keen hill walker.
eleanor Macalister (nee Barr)
Eleanor attended St Columba’s first as a
day girl and then as a boarder from about
1932/33. She was rather a star in the
School’s first tennis team.

20 | FoRMeR PuPILs THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
School and Former Pupils Matches

THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28 FoRMeR PuPILs | 21

22 | The BACK PAGe THE COLUMBAN ISSUE 28
Session Dates for 2010-11
Autumn Term 2010
Monday 16th August
• Staff In-Service Day
Tuesday 17th August
• Staff In-Service Day
Wednesday 18th August
• School opens for pupils
Thursday 19th August
• J1 pupils commence
Friday 20th August
• Preparatory, Nursery pupils commence
Friday 8th october
• School closes for midterm holiday
Monday 25th october
• School re-opens
Tuesday 21st December
• School closes for Christmas holiday
Wednesday 22nd December
• Senior Ball
spring Term 2011
Thursday 6th January
• School re-opens
Friday 11th February
• School closes for midterm holiday
Monday 21st February
• Staff In-Service Day
Tuesday 22nd February
• Staff In-Service Day
Wednesday 23rd February
• School re-opens for pupils
Friday 8th April
• School closes for Easter holiday
Thank you to Chloe Lythe for many of the images in this issue, including those of the School and Former Pupils Matches.
senior school
Duchal Road
Kilmacolm PA13 4AU
T 01505 872238 F 01505 873995
e secretary@st-columbas.org
Junior school
Knockbuckle Road
Kilmacolm PA13 4EQ
T 01505 872768 F 01505 874642
e juniorsecretary@st-columbas.org
summer Term 2011
Tuesday 26th April
• School re-opens
Monday 2nd May
• May Day holiday
Monday 30th May
• Midterm holiday
Tuesday 31st May
• Midterm holiday
Wednesday 1st June
• Staff In-Service Day
Thursday 23rd June
• Junior School Prizegiving, Junior School closes
thereafter
Friday 24th June
• Senior School Prizegiving, Senior School closes
thereafter
Rector
David G Girdwood
DL BSc MEd SQH
head of Junior school
Davida L Cook
DCE ITQ DipAdPrSt DipEdMan
St Columba’s School Ltd is a
www.kennethgray.co.uk
registered charity SCO 12598
www.st-columbas.org Design