ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY Weekly Newsletter
ISSUE 14.2
INSPIRE AND TRANSFORM: THE CAST OF ‘ROCKERELLA’
JANUARY 14TH
2014 FOR PARENTS, CARERS, FAMILIES & PARISHES
Ben Davis, Acting Headteacher Grassyards Rd Kilmarnock KA3 7SL 01563 526144 www.saintjosephsacademy.co.uk Twitter: @StJoAcad
END OF TERM PERFORMANCES As the Christmas term drew to a close we enjoyed not one, but two shows that captured the festive spirit and provided an excellent showcase for the talents of St. Joseph’s pupils. The first of the shows took place on Monday, December 16th when over 80 pupils took to the stage in the Christmas concert. Directed and organised by Acting Principal Teacher of Music, Miss Everett (who was assisted by Mrs. Duncan and a large team of staff from other departments), the concert contained solo and group performances as well as inserts from the choir. Between the musical performances pupils read the story of Christmas from the New Testament and the audience were asked to stand and join in with a number of Christmas carols. During the interval the Parent Council drew the Raffle which had on offer over 30 prizes and raised over £500. Later in the week, on Thursday, December 20th, a cast of S1 - S6 pupils performed St. Joseph’s first panto: Rockerella. As the name suggests its was a version of the classic Cinderella story updated for modern times and supplemented with a range of well-known songs. Written and directed by Mr Gillespie of the English Department, and also in the latter stages of rehearsal by former pupil Yvonne Kavanagh, the show was a big hit. Not only did the pupils involved perform with impeccable comic timing (Tyree McClung and Abbie Robb (S6), brought the house down as the Ugly Sisters), they also
showed that they could sing, improvise and portray their characters with great presence and confidence. This was shown by Conor McNamara as Tommy Prince and Katie Cameron (Cindy), who gave us a comic slant on the traditional love story we know so well. They were ably supported by Jai Smith and Alan Sneddon as a management double-act, Jade Connell as the Wicked Stepmother and Natasha Halliday as the Fairy Godmother. In addition a Chorus of 10 S1- S2 pupils provided other parts. The performance was supported and assisted by Librarian Mrs Kirkwood, Mrs. Hill (English Department) and Mr. Whyte (Music). Future Chef 2014 We are delighted to report that only this week, S5 pupil Marc Cope made it through to the Scottish Final of Future Chef 2014. At the East Ayrshire final, staged at Braehead Foods, Marc came up trumps with an outstanding dish of Guinea Fowl, Potato Galette with a Leek and Butternut Squash Risotto. Marc will now represent East Ayrshire at Glasgow City College in February and we all hope he makes it right the way through to the UK final. Marc hopes to open his own restaurant one day and has already made a huge contribution to food and hospitality at St. Joseph’s Academy. Our thanks to Miss Ness, Miss Northcote and all the Braehead staff who have supported him.