With the sun shining, it made for a perfect day.

Whilst there were smiles and celebrations on the day, the reason for their visit is one that was tinged with sadness and has touched the hearts of many.  Tragically Raemonn Gormley’s life was snatched from him at the age of 19 in February of last year.  On a gap year Raemonn volunteered at the GCF in Thailand where he spent time in schools teaching Thai children English, including some of the songs from his beloved Celtic!  Raemonn’s cousin Orla Doonin is a pupil at Fernhill.

The children leave Scotland today after a 3 week visit aimed at raising funds for the Good Child Foundation.  Fernhill welcomed the children with P6 performing a song they wrote and produced themselves.  A cheque was presented to the Foundation from Fernhill School for £1132, money raised by the pupils through CD sales of “Share the Love of Our God” cake and candy stall and a healthy tuck shop.  The Thai children performed some of their great songs and created a party atmosphere enjoyed by all.

Go on Kate you can do it!

Best wishes from all at Fernhill.

 P1 – Iqra Bashir

 P2 – Arinze Onwumelu

 P3 – Michael Goodfellow

 P4 – Kate Rankin

 P5 – Mack Lockhart

 P6 – Euan Dunbar

 P7mb – Laura Gillespie   P7mg – Katelyn Andrews

Mrs Toole from the PE Department had the opportunity to present only one child from Fernhill to have the chance of carrying a torch – and Alice came up trumps.   

The success of the application came through joining the “Get Set Network” which is an organisation working in association with the Olympics, partnering schools and colleges that are committed to make the Olympic values such as excellence, respect and friendship part of their every day lives and being part of activities which support these values.

A personal character reference, presenting evidence of the good work and commitment to these values had to be considered by the decision makers.  Mrs Toole believes Alice posseses all of the values and commented,

“Alice continually strives for excellence in her school work and love for swimming.  Already at 12 she manages to balance her school work and intense training schedule, often swimming before school.  Alice is an inspiration to her peers and has used her swimming talents to help those less fortunate, raising £600 for Sport Relief. She herself aspires to gain qualification for future Olympics and the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch will motivate her to keep working hard to achieve her full potential.

In addition to her personal swimming success (Hamilton Baths Club Champion 2011, awarded for swimming the most PBs in one season) Alice is always willing and happy to represent the school.  In November 2011 she attended three inter-school galas in one week, swimming a variety of strokes and distances; more than many athletes would manage.”

Mrs Toole has demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment to this cause in order for Alice to be part of the biggest sporting event in the world.

Congratulations to both.  Check back soon for a picture of Alice with her torch.

Click here to take a look at the fantastic article in The Herald highlighting the increase in numbers and the positive outlook for our school.

P1 Eva O’Connor

P2 Tom Ralph

P3 Holly Henderson

P4 Ifeoma Onwumelu

P5 Helena Leite

P6 Sophie Currie

P7mb Millie MacBean

P7mg Annie McNamee

CHAS Fundraiser Nicola Gunn expressed her gratitude,

“We have really enjoyed working alongside Fernhill School and are so grateful for all the support we have received; from pupils fundraising in the school to CHAS receiving 50% of the funds raised from the schools 40^th Anniversary Charity Ball.  We would like to thank everyone at Fernhill School who has put so much hard work and effort in raising not only money but awareness for CHAS.  It really has been great to work with such a wonderful school.  All of the money raised will help us to keep on providing our vital services at Rachel House, Robin House and CHAS at Home to children with life shortening conditions and their families, all over Scotland.”

Pupils Orla Doonin, Euan Dunbar and Stella Telford from the primary department who visited the hospice with the committee wrote a few words about their visit.

Orla commented, “Last Thursday myself and a few others went to Robin House, I thought it was really good and fun, the children who stay there can decorate their rooms with personalised bed covers and posters.  Also they have a soft play, a pool and an under 13’s and over 13’s room.  It was also quite a sad place.  We went into the ‘Rainbow Room’ where the child spend their last few days.  The parents have a private sitting room and garden.  I loved learning about Robin House and their work”.

Euan also said a few words about his visit, “Last Thursday myself, Orla, Stella, Eve and Megan went to Robin House. The visit was good and the rooms were amazing.  The rooms have got more electronic things than I have in my house.  They also have a pool, a soft play and an under and over 13’s room.  It was sad at the end when we went into the ‘Rainbow Room’, where the children spend their last days.  They have their own private kitchen and garden. Overall, CHAS have done a brilliant job”.

Fernhill are very proud of their achievement with fundraising for such a worthwhile cause.  Robin House truly is a special place with incredible people.

P1 – Lauren Dunbar

P2 – Dominic Kono

P3 – Alex McWilliams

P4 – Ifeoma Onwumelu

P5 – Abby Black

P6 – Anna McCaig

P7mb – Andrea Craig

P7mg – Kiera Mullen

Monique McAdams, chair of the Foundation accepted the cheque and said “Fernhill Charity Foundation is delighted to benefit from the money raised by the staff, parents, pupils and friends behind Fernhill School’s 40th Anniversary Ball. The money will help the Foundation to continue supporting the school’s progress and development and the impressive amount generated by the ball proves just how hard-working our Fernhill Family really is.”