Welcome to our S1 Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar 2024!
Stranraer Academy’s hardworking staff members have nominated 15 fantastic first-years who have stood out either in class or as part of the wider school community.
Some are responsible citizens or confident individuals. Others have shone as successful learners or effective contributors. Many embody all of these qualities, and one is described as ‘an all-round good egg!’
Starting on Monday, and for the 15 school days of December, these pupils will share a random act of kindness for other S1 pupils to undertake, aiming to spread some Christmas cheer among their friends, school, families, and the wider community served by our wonderful school.
If your child or ward undertakes any of the ‘random acts,’ feel free to share it with us by sending the details to gw08gibblyndsay@glow.sch.uk.
Well done to all those chosen for being fabulous!
Each nominated pupil will appear below, along with a short video introducing their random act of kindness. Stay tuned to see them in action!
Day 1: 2nd December
Meet Liberty Dunn. She was nominated by Mrs Gibb for being kind and helpful, and for always working to the best of her ability in English. Liberty performs with Stranraer Drama Club, but doesn’t let her commitments affect her schoolwork. She’s a star in every sense of the word, twinkling her way through life!
Day 2: 3rd December
Meet Jack Howie. Jack was nominated by Mr Dornan in Social Subjects for being polite, hard working and an ‘all round good egg’. Well done Jack!
Day 3: 4th December
Day 3’s S1 Superstar is Danny, nominated by Miss Baillie for demonstrating integrity and respect. He also received a second nomination from Dr Marshall for showing determination to succeed, but Dr M was nowhere to be found come photoshoot time! Well done Danny!
Day 4: 5th December
Here’s the next wonderful S1 to participate in our Advent countdown. According to Mr Holland, Charlie Allender is a confident learner in Music, and he was suggested by several teachers as an all-round asset to our school community. Well done Charlie!
Day 5: 6th December
Advent Week 1 is done! Beth, nominated by Mr James, is an exceptionally dedicated and engaging student. She consistently puts maximum effort into every task, approaching her work with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. She has also been a key participant in the Photographers of the Week competition, where her outstanding contributions have earned her a place as one of the grand finalists. The final judging will take place in just a few weeks, and she truly deserves this recognition!
Day 6: 9th December
Day 6 of our Random Acts of Kindness features Julia. She was nominated by Miss McKenzie for being lovely and always working hard, reflected in the fact she attained top marks in the recent S1 test. Her Home Economics Practical and Theory Skills are strong, she is helpful, and she has a great sense of humour. All-round brilliance, Julia – keep it up!
Day 7: 10th December
This is Lewis. He was nominated by Miss Baillie for always being a cheerful face first thing in the morning, and for being an all-round good guy! Keep smiling Lewis!
Day 8: 11th December
Day 8: This is Emily, missing the last 10 minutes of PE to make her Advent video, encouraging pupils to take part in tomorrow’s Christmas Jumper Day. Emily was nominated by Dr Marshall for being friendly and polite – wonderful qualities in a responsible citizen!
Day 9: 12th December
Day 9!!! Leo was nominated by Mrs Little for being polite, kind, trying his best, and always giving insightful comments during class discussions. Keep up the good work, Leo!
Day 10: 13th December
Day 10 – This hand belongs to Dylan, who’s very camera shy! Dylan admits to not making the best start to his time at Stranraer Academy but was nominated by Mrs Rankin for now being a responsible citizen in Social Subjects: turning up on time, working hard, and helping others. Dylan’s Random Act of Kindness is to encourage others to tidy their bedroom – including taking all dirty plates, cups and glasses to the kitchen and washing them!
Day 11: 16th December
Day 11 – This is Jenny. She was nominated for our Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar by Miss Baillie for being polite, hard-working and kind. And we had great fun filming her wee video! Thanks for the giggle Jenny
Day 12: 17th December
Day 12. Poppy was nominated for our Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar by Mrs Pearson. Poppy is always has resources ready and is enthusiastic to learn in every French lesson. A model pupil! Félicitations Poppy!
Day 13: 18th December
Day 13! Freya was nominated for our Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar by Miss McCrone for being polite, hard-working and kind. Freya is also a talented musician and recently appeared with the Rhins Brass Band to open the Academy’s Christmas Fair. Thanks for your contribution to our school Freya – you’re a real asset!
Day 14: 19th December
Day 14 – Niamh was nominated by Miss Baillie for being polite, hardworking and kind. She was also a ‘one take wonder’ with her video – a career in broadcasting awaits… Well done Niamh!
Day 15: 20th December
Day 15 – Miles was nominated by Miss Ferguson. He brightens every day with his wonderful smile and happy presence. He always tries his best in his timetabled lessons. To sum him up, he’s a champ!
The Random Act of Kindness for today is to let someone go ahead of you in the queue – the canteen, the supermarket, or any other place where you’re expected to line up politely. Everyone is excited and over-stimulated right now – please remember to be kind.
Today’s joke: What’s red and white and blue all over?
A candy cane holding its breath!
Other nominations we didn’t have time to include in our Advent (not enough days in December!) are:
Chloe McLeod (2 nominations)
Carly Sharpe
Connor Ritchie
Paisley Ferries
And a further mention for Emily and Freya who have already featured in our countdown, but received additional nominations.
Well done to all pupils we’ve featured over the last 15 days, and we hope everyone has enjoyed our festive celebration of small successes. It’s never easy getting used to new surroundings and expectations but our S1 pupils are a fantastic bunch who are now settled following their transition to Stranraer Academy.
