The Higher Chemistry pupils have been investigating the surface tension of water. How many 1p coins did they suspend on this glass of water? Take a guess and find out the answer here tomorrow! #chemistry

COMPETITION LAUNCH: YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR The competition is open to musicians in Forms I-VI (Woodwind, Strings, Brass, Piano and Percussion players). First rounds will take place in November, second rounds in Jan/Feb with a Winners' concert in March 2018. Please see the noticeboard in the Gibson building for further details or ask music staff for more information. Entry forms can be picked up from the Music Office or from any of the Music staff. Closing date for entries is Thursday 12 October 2017.

This year we are returning to Perth Concert Hall for our annual festive celebrations. There will be two concerts: Tuesday 12 December: Prep 5, Junior and Senior pupils Wednesday 13 December: Junior and Senior pupils The Orchestras will perform on both nights, with Strings playing one extra piece on Tuesday evening and the Wind Band on Wednesday evening. Pre-concert music will be provided by the Chamber Choir with post-concert entertainment from our Jazz Orchestra. Tickets go on sale from 10am on Monday 25th September and can be purchased through the Perth Concert Hall Box Office, Tel: 01738 621031, or online - see the attached link.

The #Running Club took full advantage of the good weather earlier this week. 44 pupils headed off for a steep run on Tuesday, first to Dollar Glen then on to Bank Hill. All Senior pupils are welcome to join the club - see Mr Johns if your are interested or meet at the PE benches, in kit, after school. #Tuesdays

Indoors and outdoors, the Prep 1 pupils have been putting imagination and creativity to good use this week. After reading Julia Donaldson’s ‘The Gruffalo’, they were inspired to make these wonderful headbands. And meet ‘The Enormous Crocodile’, made from leaves and flowers brought from home…

For pupils in Form V who are interested in #STEM courses, Headstart provides a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience at university. A wide range of courses are available from Engineering to Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science. The application process is open now. Places tend to be snapped up quickly - if you are interested, it is worth having a look as soon as possible.

Thanks to Captain Montgomery who had Prep 5 pupils captivated with stories of aviation. He also offered a few words of advice...

We are delighted for Mark Beaumont who has broken the world record for cycling around the world. Mark was our Prize Giving Speaker in 2016. #inspirational #79days #artemisworldcycle

Our peer mentoring sessions began last week, a new scheme in which Form VI mentors work with Form I classes in #PSE discussing issues such as bullying, cybersafety and peer pressure. Form I pupils found the sessions extremely helpful. More peer mentors will be chosen in the coming weeks.

Discovering Engineering: Programme for Form II Girls Strathclyde University is running a 2-day course designed to inspire young female pupils to discover the excitement and personal satisfaction behind a career in engineering through participation in team-based challenges. Details and further information can be found at: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/outreach/weir-wise. The closing date for applications is 1st October 2017.

This information evening is suitable for all parents living in the Dollar community, not only those with children at Dollar Academy. The talk may not be suitable for children under the age of 11. Understanding “Stress” and the Teenage Brain’, by Nicola Morgan, aims to help parents and pupils understand and support issues associated with ‘stress’. On Wednesday 25 October, Nicola will present a revealing look at what ‘stress’ is and deal with a number of issues that can affect teenagers – from anger, depression and relationships to social media, exams and eating disorders. She will present some thoughts on how to deal with and prevent symptoms of ‘stress’, as well as healthy ways of looking after the teenage mind and body. It is hoped that this information evening will be a useful and interesting event providing advice and guidance on how to support your teenage children. Join us at Dollar Academy on Wednesday 25 October from 7:00pm–8:30pm in the Gibson Auditorium. Please reserve your places on Eventbrite.

Last week, Form III #PSE pupils were visited by campaigner for mental health, Tina McGuff. Pupils heard about Tina’s struggle with anorexia in her teens and were inspired by her courage, honesty and sheer determination to not let anorexia beat her. Tina’s book, ‘Seconds to Snap’ is now available in the school library.