FORFAR ACADEMY'S PLANS FOR DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY
STAFF and pupils at Forfar Academy are beginning preparations for what they hope will be a memorable year for the school in 2015 - when the secondary celebrates two important anniversaries.
The 50th anniversary of the opening of the current building in Taylor Street by the Queen Mother will be commemorated on September 25, 2015, whilst the 2015-2016 session will mark 200 years of the opening of the old Academy buildings in Academy Street.
Mr John Vannet, depute head teacher, is conscious it takes a considerable length of time to prepare for special events such as a centenary celebration.
He said: "The school is beginning the project now to ensure all is in order for this landmark double celebration of the Academy's role in the provision of education within the burgh of Forfar.
"Over the next four years we want to gather as much information as possible about the life and times of Forfar Academy, the staff who taught at the school, the pupils who attended the school and what they have gone on to do, important events in the life of the school from years gone by and any school memorabilia.
"The end result is hoped to be a bi-centennial publication which charts the development of the school over the last two centuries."
Archives
Contact has already been made with Angus Archives to begin a search through their records, but an appeal has gone out to anyone in the local community who attended Forfar Academy, either as a pupil or a member of the teaching staff, who has memories of their time at the school which they would like to share.
Mr Vannet continued: "We just thought this was too important an anniversary to miss.
"The 25th anniversary of the current school brought the whole school together. There was a school fayre, a concert, some of the former pupils were involved in helping to look back former pupils and organise a re-union.
"We are putting out an appeal to people in the local community who attended the Academy, either as a pupil or a member of teaching staff, and we want to tap into their memories, good and bad!
"There is a huge amount of information out there in the local community about what happened at the Academy long ago.
"Let's pull all that together into a living archive of memories. From that we can then draw together threads, themes within the book from musical events to sporting achievements, trips that went abroad or within this country.
"We would like to build up our own archive of personal memories which could be used in our future publication.
"We would also like to see any memorabilia from former school days - old photos, school work, certificates, medals etc. which we would be able to take electronic copies of - again to add to our archive.
"We may hold a special exhibition of memorabilia during the bi-centennial celebrations when such items could be displayed."
The project will provide an ideal tool for the school community to reach out into the wider Forfar community over the next few years when senior pupils will meet those with memories of the school.
Mr Vannet continued: "The pupils can interview and take down their memories to get a feeling of what life was like for people in Forfar Academy long ago.
"One of the key words these days is "citizenship". This would be a link with the community, one of the things highlighted in the recent inspection report. We have got good links with our local community and we would hope to strengthen that.
"Other school events will, of course, be planned for the bi-centennial celebrations but former pupils may wish to organise special class reunions.
"The Academy would be very willing to assist former pupils with such events."
If you are interested in being part of this project, please write in the first instance to Mr John Vannet, depute head teacher, Forfar Academy, Taylor Street, Forfar, DD8 3LB or e-mail forvannetj@forfaracademy.angus.sch.uk
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Weather for Forfar
Thursday 24 May 2012
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