STAFFING - JUNE 2007
A number of staff left us at the end of last session. Mr Paul Crankshaw retired as Principal Teacher of Business Studies. We send him all good wishes for a happy retirement and thank him very much indeed for his long years of sterling service. Mr Alan Stewart retired as Depute Head Teacher, formerly Principal Teacher of Guidance. He contributed enthusiastically to many areas of school life and will be missed. Good wishes to him too for a happy retirement – and keep your mobile switched on, Alan, in case we cannot find anything!
A number of probationer teachers, with us for one year only, also left us to continue their careers elsewhere. Thank you very much and good luck to – Mr James Carrigan in Mathematics, Mr Alistair McDougall in Modern Studies, Mr Chris Kilpatrick in Modern Languages, Mrs Rhona James and Mrs Amanda Walton in Biology. |
Mr Kirkland - PT Technical Ed. |
NEW PT TECHNICAL
At the end of June, Mr Deane Monachan left as Principal Teacher of Technical to take up a new post as Head of Design in Hamilton Grammar. We wish him (as well as the staff and pupils of Hamilton Grammar) good luck and thank him for everything he has contributed to Kilmarnock Academy.
Our new PTS, Technical Education, is Mr J Kirkland. We welcome him and the other new members of staff to K.A. and hope they enjoy their time here.
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STAFFING - JUNE 2006
"Och, Jean, lass, enjoy the ......FREEDOM!"
Mel Wallace Gibson
Mrs Kulma who in her time in the History Department at K.A., served under Frank Donnelly, David Bunyan and Graeme "Wing Commander" Dick. |
Mrs Kulma Retires
After many years of devoted service to Kilmarnock Academy, working in the History Department and as a Principal Teacher of Guidance, Mrs Kulma retired at the end of June 2006.
When she first arrived at K.A. as Miss Templeton, in the early 1970's, she added a certain fiery glamour to an otherwise staid department (sorry Frank). Suddenly, boys were opting for History - and when they heard her teach, the trend continued.
In History, she combined great subject knowledge with a passion and enthusiasm that really engaged and involved her pupils. In her work throughout the school, she was an articulate and dynamic presence who exuded integrity and real intellect. And she could really give those who deserved it a right royal row - at times it seemed that Jean possessed the ability to make 'baddies' spontaneously combust from twenty paces just with the pitch and intonation of her voice.
However, despite the cool and professional exterior, in her roles as a classroom teacher and as a Guidance teacher, Jean always had great sensitivity, compassion and warmth - qualities that benefitted so many pupils over the years. Throughout her time at Kilmarnock Academy, her care and concern for the school and the pupils in it were always passionate and genuine - and that's why she really will be missed. |
New Single Released (22.06.06)
Look out for "Unchained Birdie Song", the latest release from Murdoch & Jerome. With Robson Green busy making a new television series, Mr Murdoch has taken his place for the latest album "The Songs Your Granny Sung" and he is hoping the new single will give the duo some real musical credibility.
Speaking exclusively to KA Web, Mr Murdoch said, " I have always been a big fan of the lads so when I was spotted by the producer in a Young Farmers' production of 'The Alexander Brothers Story', I jumped at the chance of being a part of this new project. Anyway, I've always had a powerful voice - ask anyone on B floor."
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"At first Murdoch & Jerome is going to sound a bit strange. But through time we hope to become a household name - one of the great duos like Simon & Garfunkel, Sonny & Cher ... Pinky & Perky."
Mrs Neilson has already started a fan club and, in her spare time, Mrs Ford is knitting new birdie suits for the lads. She expects to have finished them within a couple of days. |
Super-Group Finally Revealed (03.03.06) |
Billy-Bob Lawson
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At last we can reveal the line-up of Woodstock Lindsay's all-star band. The final piece in this musical jig-saw fell into place last week. "For us it's all about the music but we don't want to ignore our under-65 audience. So, we decided to bring in some muscle - you know a really good-looking dude who would set the chicks' pulses racing and could move and groove like Justin Timberlake. We asked Mr Murdoch but he had catering commitments. Obviously Billy-Bob was an able replacement."
"We're thinking about calling ourselves Ionic Bionic but we'd love to hear other suggestions from all the fans out there." |
Ionic Bionic?
(click picture to enlarge)
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Before and After
For the benefit of all the fans out there who didn't know the supergroup when they were normal teachers and before they had their style make-overs, I have included the necessary "before and after" shots. All of the members of the group have been good sports about their new-found fame and Eddie Van Rigg has even autographed pictures of himself. The only problem with the popularity of the group is that the female members of staff are definitely feeling a bit left out of things and are rumoured to be starting their own group. Watch this space..........
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Graeme Richardson |
Alvin Richardson |
Andy Lindsay |
Woodstock Lindsay |
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Jim Rigg |
Eddie Van Rigg |
Jim Lawson |
Billy-Bob Lawson |
Eddie Van Rigg |
Latest Super-Group News (17.02.06)
As we reported last week Eddie Van Rigg has been confirmed as a member of Woodstock Lindsay's all- star band.
Well we can now report that the latest recruit is Alvin "Koochy Koo" Richardson. After an unsuccessful bid at a career as a magician and hypnotist, and a brief spell driving an ice-cream van, Alvin is returning to his musical roots and can't wait to get back on the road. "It's gonna be so good being on the road and playing different songs each night. After three months driving the ice-cream van playing the same tune every night, man, that Greensleeves was doing ma head in."
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Alvin Richardson |
Retired Depute Head forms Super-Group (08.02.06)
Our sources in the music biz have reported that recently retired Depute Head Teacher, Andy "Woodstock" Lindsay has formed his own Super-Group. We contacted Andy to confirm the news but he wasn't giving much away. "Discussions are still happening, man, and I don't want no bad karma. Once everything's cool, the guys and me are just gonna chill, lay down some vibes that will blow your mind and make some real psychedelic sounds. I've put a new fuse in my lava lamp so things are looking good. We don't want no jive from the system, man, we just wanna get it on and be where the action is. In a couple of days, I'll be able to tell you more."
Check KA Web over the next few days to see exclusive pictures of Andy's all-star line-up.
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Andy "Woodstock" Lindsay |
2004 and 2005 have been years of significant change at Kilmarnock Academy with the departure of many of the familiar faces and the arrival of many new faces among the teaching staff.
Kleboe bows out with a hat-trick
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Peter Kleboe retired recently from the Art Department. The fact that he celebrated his retiral with a game of indoor football speaks volumes for the charcoal diet he has adhered to over the years. Peter also finished in top form, scoring a hat-trick and only expressing his frustration once with his trade mark, "Ya beast ye".
As can be seen from the picture on the right, some of the finest athletes in the school turned out to pay tribute to Kleboe Kleberson.
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The Voice of K.A. retires
Mrs Jessie Farquhar retired in July 2005, after twenty-five years as a member of the clerical staff at Kilmarnock Academy. During much of that time she worked on the switchboard, answering calls to the school, and her patience and warmth were an integral part of the welcoming voice that greeted thousands of callers to the school over the years. Jessie's patience and professionalism helped her through the many changes in the location of the school office and the many upgrades to the school telephone system. "I leave with mixed feelings," said Jessie,"but I won't miss getting up early to come to work. I wish Kilmarnock Academy and staff all the best for the future in the world of education." And all at Kilmarnock Academy wish Jessie a long and happy retirement.
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Dave receives news of a package. |
Dave McMeekin retired in July 2005 "after 35 years of teaching Russian, German, French, Guidance, PSE, taking football teams and the umpteen other things I've been involved in during my teaching career." Dave's approach to teaching deployed the dedication, honesty, humour and integrity that are key elements of his approach to life in general. One of the "good guys", he will be missed. |
Dave holds the 'good news' letter. |
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