Hillside's Journey to Excellence

Hillside were back on the glory trail after their bitter disappointment last week of losing the match in the dying seconds of the game, determined this time to fight to the end on their hallowed home turf.

It was yet another wild and windy Wednesday afternoon, with the Kingdom of Fife suffering post Hurrican Katia blues. Hillside School, playing in red and yellow, opted to play into the wind and uphill in the first half.

Kick off was at 12:55 am, and immediately the visitors poured the pressure on, aided by the wind. With just under a minute of the game played, the Tans attacked down the right wing and slotted an air assisted ball high into the top left hand corner of the net well out of the keeper’s reach. A stunned Hillside couldn’t believe they were restarting the game so soon.

Gielsland were quick to congratulate themselves and announce they were going to give the home side the tanning of a life-time, fully convinced of their own hype. Having quickly purloined the ball, Gielsland piled on the pressure, pummelling and pinning the home side into their own half, with change in game play looking unlikely.

Keeper Ardle, mustering all his agility and athletic prowess, dived upon ball after ball, saving Hillside from a red-faced humiliation.

Hillside’s luck changed when player-manager Craig Logie’s kick at last found the distance to new signing Jordan, who running passed an over confident defence, levelled the score for Hillside. The young lad’s promise of the previous two games coming to fruition at last. By now just over five minutes of the game gone.

It was now Gielsland who looked shocked at the restart, their bubble burst, and fingers pointing at one another, a pattern which would later send the Tans spiralling out of control. But that would be later. In the here and now, the Tans attacked again, and again, using the wind, the 6% slope of the pitch and their physical size to great advantage.

But Hillside’s defence held, but out of nowhere a seemingly innocuous punt put the visitors 2:1 up. With smiles and congratulations, Gielsland were again quick to predict the final scoreline and boast of an impending rout of Hillside. But Hillside held fast.

Keeping calm, cool and determined to play football, they looked very much like the Kibble team of the week before, supporting each other, keeping quiet and just playing football. The visitor’s could not capitalise on the advantages, as their game-play descended into anger and frustration.

The more Gielsland played in anger and fury, the cooler Hillside remained. At half-time it was 2:1. But now Hillside had the slope and the wind, factors about which player-mananger, Craig Logie, was quick to remind them.

Taking the half-time talk to heart, erstwhile defender, Dylan, launched a one man attack from deep in his own territory. Few would have given him much chance of success with such a distance to traverse, but he delicately danced and weaved his way passed the defence to put the ball cleanly in the back of the net, with barely a minute of the second half played. Screams and howls of rage bellowed from the visitors that their entire team could be so easily beaten by a lad two years younger than the average age of the Gielsland squad.

Inspired by this performance, the two Aberdeenian forwards, James and Jordan, took them on in their own half, their effort converted into two goals for James, leaving the visitors heads reeling and spinning. With just 7 minutes of the second half-played, Hillside found themselves 4:2 up and now the rout was looking good from the other side. But, the Tans were not finished yet.

Mentally they collected themselves, reminded themselves of their early promise to each other, and channelled their energy into charging uphill at keeper, Ardle, who was once again faced with making save after save. But not even the mighty Ardle could hold this onslaught at bay forever, and in a mirror image of James’ goals, the Tans scored two in just over three minutes.

The score now stood at 4:4 with the match up for grabs and 7 minutes to play, plus two for extra-time for the ball getting lodged in the nettles behind the goals. Thanks to young Adam for braving the stings and barbs to rescue the balls and ensuring a degree of continuity.

The air thick with tension, both teams knew that the next goal would likely be the decider as they nervously attacked and defended. Hillside attacked from the restart, pouring into the box, and to Hillside’s good fortune A Gielsland defender handballed in the box, but hoped no one saw it.

But … unlike last week’s game, where four penalty handballs went noticed, Tam Young, in semi-retirement from professional sports but acting as volunteer linesman, raised the flag, his eagle eyes spotting the infringement even though the goal area was not marked by lines, relying on the impressions in the grass from endless seasons of play at Hillside School. After a quick chat with the ref, a penalty was awarded. James wasted no time in tapping the penalty passed the seemingly injured keeper to secure his first hat trick for Hillside School since the 2008-2009 season.

Cries of delight mixed with protests of wrath as the visitors challenged the linesman and ref on their decision. The stalwart referring team were having none of it and called for a return to order and to the game. An enraged Gielsland were unable to penetrate the calm Hillside defence. The score remained thus until the final whistle of a very eventful, emotional and enjoyable match, giving Hillside their first win of the season. Final Score: Gielsland: 4 Hillside 5 Man of the Match: Ardle Goal of the Match by: Dylan

Hillside’s away match against Kibble was always going to be a tricky one for the aspiring youngsters. A busy morning of intense learning in the ivory towers of Hillside,  followed by an epic journey to a destination unknown in the depths of Glasgow, left the squad a tad weary before a single ball was kicked on the Renfrewshire astro-Turf, on a  wild and windy Wednesday afternoon.

Young pretender, Andrew Skinner, assumed team responsibility, assisted by Colm Allen, defence coach, and Peter Thow, football analyst and strategist. Andrew quickly set to work organising the squad with a 4:4:2 formation.  Aaron and super-sub Wee Corey served as replacements.

The game kicked off at 2:03pm sharp and both sides immediately threw caution to the wind and piled on blistering attack after attack; Hillside’s passion versus Kibble’s training and discipline.

The game soon settled into long periods of sustained pressure. First, Kibble turned the screw on Hillside. Fortunately, keeper Ardle, whose biorhythms were firing on all cylinders, played the game of his life, making save after spectacular save, diving all over the astro-turf,  neither skin abrasions nor injury worrying the young person.

Defence and midfield, aided by super-sub Wee Corey, absorbed the pressure, threading the ball forward to new signing Jordan and stalwart James, who turned the tables on Kibble and put Hillside in the driving seat. Despite all the chances, the Kibble keeper was having just as good a day as Hillside’s, and nothing was getting past him. In case anything did get through, the Kibble defence were ready to punch it out of danger, which they did on three occasions. The strong cross-winds evidently affected the referee’s eyesight and Hillside were denied their penalties.

At half time it was 0:0.

Back in the changing rooms, the managers and coaches talked their squads through a hurried analysis of their opponents’ game play and alternative plans discussed in a fraught attempt to get that elusive goal.  With barely time to draw breath, both teams were back out, ready to cross swords.

A repeat performance followed with alternating passages of pressure, but with no break in the deadlock in sight. As the final whistle drew close, up and down the sidelines rationalisations were being readied with the customary clichés  of  ‘a draw is fine’, ‘a fair result’, ‘we’ll settle for that’, ‘no-bad’  and the ubiquitous ‘it’s the taking part that counts’.

The two teams of youngsters had different ideas.

James launched a series of fiery one-man attacks deep into Kibble territory, causing the management consternation and expectation in equal measure, but not troubling a fit and well drilled Kibble defence. His best solo-efforts efforts easily nullified, James had to make the occasional pass to fellow forward, Jordan. Working together, at last, they punched through the defence.  Sadly the ref., who did not spot any of the Kibble’s penalty hand-balls, had no problem spotting James offside and quickly dismissed his ersatz goal. Dismayed, defeated and dejected, the Aberdonian lad’s lungs and legs caved in with oxygen deficit and he crumpled onto the astro-turf, gasping for breath. Meanwhile, the Kibble boys launched a last minute assault on the Hillside goal.

It was obvious that the Hillside squad were running out of steam, but the Kibble boys looked as fresh as they had done almost 60 minutes before. In grim desperation they tried to hold on, but tired legs betrayed then.  Hillside lost ball after ball to Kibble.

Frustration etched itself deep into a heavy frown that scarred  Hillside manager’s face, downcast with his squad’s fitness and burdened with the knowledge that there was only two subs to rotate. Not even the mighty Pete Thow could devise a winning formula for Hillside School at this point; defence coach, Colm’s direction to the backs fell on deaf ears as their defence dissolved into disarray.

With everyone clock watching and praying for the final whistle, Kibble pushed seven up front and one into the back of the net.

Hillsides saw their dream of a draw dissipate before their very eyes in the dying moments of the match.

After the restart, Kibble wrenched possession of the ball from the war-weary midfielders and were back into the attack zone, down the right wing. A precisely positioned pass, and an unchallenged cross led to an easy header that pushed the ball beyond the keeper’s grasp to put Hillside out of the game with less than a minute to go.

Final score:   Kibble 2 Hillside 0

Man of the match:  Matty

CC image by Robert Burdock

Both teams arrived at the venue raring to go, and after a quick setting up of nets and flags the game kicked off at 2:07 pm.

Hillside’s fears of being overpowered by the visitors were quickly quelled in the first moments of play as the ding-dong battle took shape up and down the park.

A three-way clash of bodies, and a couple of high boots, forced a hasty substitution for the Reds and Hillsidewere quick to apply pressure to a weakened defence. But it was the Reds who drew first blood on the break, after Kyle decided it was too early in the game to score and so launched the ball into orbit over the crossbar with just the keeper to beat.

As the game resumed, Hillsidewere looking good to equalise as St Philips keeper was unsure what to do in a pass back. Two free-kicks in quick succession helpedHillsidemaintain the pressure.

Then at last, Aberdeentransfer, James slotted one into the back of the net, pulling the Blues even.

St. Philips were clearly stunned at Hillside’s display having expected an easy victory, even asHillsidestarted to believe they could win the game.

Hillside’s hopes were further raised whenCraig Logie cleared the ball as it was about to cross the line.

The Red’s pushed forward, but the Blue’s stood fast, and the game was once again up and down the park, the ball bouncing around like a balloon in the wind.

At half-time it was 1:1.

The reds launched an all-out assault on Hillside’s goal as the second-half began, but fortunately for the Blues, St Philips kept straying offside. Each infringement was spotted by eagle-eyed Pars fan,David Nobletaking his responsibilities as Linesman very seriously, having to pass on his position as referee having failed the S.P.L. referee fitness test.

With 20 minutes to go, Hillsideeased off the pressure and counter-attacks, seemingly content with the 1:1 score line and numerous infringements from St Phillips. A few of the boys decided to play referee and football pundit, instead of football itself, with one Hillside player getting ‘red-carded’ and receiving a suspension.

The Reds took advantage of Hillside’s temporary disarray and blasted on into the back of the net.

Hillside quickly brought on super-sub, Wee Corey, to shore up the defence. He immediately made his mark preventing the Reds from going 3:1 up with a blistering goal-saving header, and securing his future within the team.

Now just 10 minutes of the game remained.

Midfielder James sensing that Hillside were grasping defeat from the Jaws of victory gave a rallying cry to his troops and led the counter-attack deep into the Reds’ territory. Within no time, the Aberdeenian smacked one into the corner of the net to keep Hillsidein the game.

As the game entered its final phases, it was once again James who led the way and was looking good to score his hat-trick when he was called offside in a highly controversial decision that will keep the pundits, critics, and experts busy for months to come as they carefully scrutinise the video tapes, over and over again.

At the final whistle it was 2:2.

Man of the Match: James

Special mention: Matty for impeccable work rate, attitude and enthusiasm.

Videographers: Tom and Leah

Unanswered questions:

1. Why was James called offside?
2. Why did Kyle kick the ball over the crossbar?
3. Did Craig Logiescore an own goal?
4. Why is Dunfermline Athletic Football Club called the ‘Pars’?

We are linking what we are learning about electricity to our bodies and health. We are starting with a bit of chemistry and learning more about what everything is made of. This includes atoms and the chemicals in the periodic table.

Some important elements are Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen. We learnt the elements by listening to The Element Song by Tom Lehrer. Afterwards, Mr Walker showed us when and how to wear safety goggles, and how to light a Bunsen burner safely. Mr Walker then let us burn Iron and Magnesium. These metals are also used in fireworks. The Iron sparkled like a sparkler and the Magnesium became a very bright light once it was lit.

We also tried an experiment that one of our boys asked to try. We learnt how to do this experiment safely, though we nearly jumped out our skin!

Mr Walker put Calcium in a test tube and added water. He then told us to hold our thumb over the top of the tube. We thought this would be another boring old lesson, but how wrong we were!

Almost instantly, we felt the pressure of the gas building up until it became almost too much to hold. Mr Walker gave us the lit splint to hold over the test tube and as soon as we took our thumbs away it popped. It was a wee bit scary, but funny at the same time.

Then, Mr Walker put a balloon over another test tube and built up the gas. He proceeded to put the lit splint next to the balloon and held it there until the balloon exploded!

We had made some hydrogen and the occurrence was similar to when the Hindenburg Air Ship blew up.

This was the funniest and most enjoyable lesson of my two years at Hillside School.

Written by Liam T

The week started-off quite busy, with a number of boys ducking and diving about the place. There was a fair amount of transporting, getting boys home, bringing boys back.

However, for the boys who did not get much ‘home leave’, there was a wee surprise organised for the end of the week.

I packed our three boys into the car and headed up to Landmark, Aviemore. On arrival, monkey-man Liam got straight into a harness and went on the sky dive, followed by Kenneth and myself. Unfortunately, Kenneth has not yet overcome his fear of heights and had to climb back down, at least he tried. Lee disappeared on the rope section while we were being supermen!

Kenneth, undeterred, kept the harness on and went over to the Tarzan rope maze, however he could not step off the platform, so off with the harness and over to the rollercoaster. This he enjoyed over and over. Then he found the water slides! Up and down he went; absolutely loving it.

Then we went for a walk around the treetop trail, where the boys found out some amazing facts and saw a tree that was hit by lightening in 1982 (it still has the burn scar!). Finally, it was back to the climbing frames for a game of tag, while I had a cuppa.

As with all good days out, you have to head home (bummer!). Never mind. Dinner in Pitlochry was great too.

Raymond

Class 4 have been busy learning about propagating plants for their Rural Skills course with Bruce Robertson from Elmwood College.

This is the group potting up small plants into bigger pots – Bruce assured them this would make a 99p plant into one worth £3.99 with a couple of months growing on.

Here the group are learning how to make more plants by taking stem and leaf cuttings.  This is something for nothing apart from a bit of time and patience.  The cuttings should be rooted and ready for potting on after 8 weeks.  The lads all thought this would make a great enterprise project.

This is a close up of the finished tray of cuttings.  The group were amazed how many they could get from one plant.  The trays now go into a warm, steamy atmosphere to encourage them to root.

Preparation also started on the orchard in the walled garden.  The area needs cleared, dug over and turfed before the apple trees can be planted.   So the group got a chance to use the strimmer and rotovator one week.

The boys also visited Elmwood College.  They were very impressed with the facilities the college could offer.  They were even more impressed with the variety of tractors, grass cutters and rotovators they would get a chance to play with.

We all sat around the table. Dylan welcomed us in and Matty read his poem. We ate our haggis, neaps and tatties. We also got to drink Iron Bru. I read my poem and then had shortbread, then we had a class picture. Finally, I went to my unit. It was a good period.

By Liam T

We all read stuff and we all ate lots of Scottish food.  Liam read a poem, then Kyle read his poem. We all enjoyed this time.

By Liam H 

Me and Miss Birss took the haggis out of the oven. Then we took it to the class. We all had a toast and a drink to the bottom of the glass. Liam read his poem. After, we had our neaps and tats.

By Danny

Yes, on the 30th of November and for the next three weeks we were all in Wonderland; trying to figure out what the heck hit us. Snow, snow, quick, quick snow. The snow fell and remained like we have never experienced before; Winter chaos long before we expected it. It wasn’t so much a blanket of snow, more like a continental quilt! We were not alone in suffering the adverse effects. With cars snowbound in the driveways, trains and buses not operating for one reason or another, boys were restricted in returning to school from weekend leave and the staff faced challenges in getting to their work.

Well, we were not going to be totally outdone. Thanks to those who owned 4×4 vehicles and the ‘never say die’ attitude of numerous staff, we managed to remain probably the only school in the region displaying the Open for Business sign. Yes, some of our boys from around the country couldn’t get back, but with service provided by the 4×4 specialists (led by Captain Courageous Coups and Magnificent Major Mike), we managed to provide a shuttle service, back and forth, almost from front door to the various homes of local staff; ensuring consistent and quality care for those children present. The school operated almost as normal, with sufficient staff members to cover the various departments and our shift system. Teachers, Care staff, maintenance, kitchen and cleaning staff doing their utmost to be present for the cause.

We may have got our hair soaked, fingers frozen, boots/wellies wet, and felt cold in our clothes through the snow and ice, but “hey”, it did not dampen our spirit. We remained committed to the classroom curriculum, diary duties and the Christmas planned festivities, to educate, entertain and cheer us up in general. Granted, more free time may have been given during class periods, but the rearranged studies, activities and interests did provide fun, laughter, excitement and entertainment. Staff and boys mixed well doing all sorts of outdoor activities; from clearing the snow on paths and driveways, to sledging, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Indoors, card and board games were ‘on the go’, as well as indoor football and badminton; with full use of the Art and Computer classes being made.

These alternative arrangements led to boys and various staff members mixing, communicating and relating in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere; fostering mutual respect, acceptance and appreciation of one another. Of the lighter moments, Cameron, when helping to clear the snow, was offered three shovels and told to ‘take his pick’. He replied, “a canny take a pick as there are only three shovels available”.

As I mentioned earlier, we tried to keep everything ticking over as normal and we managed to fulfil the programme of festive entertainment for the staff and boys. This included the units going to various pantomimes. either locally or in Edinburgh. “Oh no you didn’t”, I hear you cry. “Oh yes we did!”

Christmas dinners took place in the four units on the 16th. After that we had our annual Xmas Concert. The Staff Christmas dance took place on the 18^th, courtesy of Mrs Smith, our Director. May I take this opportunity to kindly thank her for her generosity, as a great night was had by all.

As for the panto, our only option with trains not running was to go via the Bus Park and Ride at Inverkeithing. We weren’t to be out-done, so off we ventured with about twice as many staff members as boys! We traipsed up to the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh after being dropped off at Princess Street. We arrived in plenty of time with a pleasant surprise in store. With many people failing to turn up for the matinee performance due to the adverse weather, we were kindly offered an upgrade to, wait for it, the Royal Boxes. Well before you could say “Jack and the Beanstalk” or “behind you!”, or any of that palaver, we filled five boxes. Dressed in our winter woollies (appropriate and practical unfashionable attire), we may not have looked like Royalty but we certainly felt it.

The only downside to this was that certain boxes were used by cast members during the performance. No problem, but this in itself provided a bit of laughter as they would come into the boxes unexpectedly during the show and do their piece. This gave several of us a fright as we were engrossed in the activities on stage at the time. Karen took a bit of stick and humiliation from Grant Stott (playing the baddy), when he entered her box. When Jack arrived thunderously into ours, undetected, Maureen and Denise about died. I thought they were going to be first in the ice cream queue, which was about to build up in the stalls below us, as if it wasn’t for the height of the banister they would have both leapt over it instinctively due to the fright.

We all enjoyed the show and then it was off to the best part of the day. Yes you’ve guessed it, the meal at the surprise venue, Jimmy Chungs. As we were going into the restaurant I remarked to Pete that I hadn’t eaten Chinese food before and I wasn’t sure what to choose. He replied “Chow Mein”. Well I thought “that’s kind of you, Pete”, though a bit uncouth. I immediately replied, “I’ll eat whatever I decide to choose Pete and you can chow your own”.

Once inside, I soon got the gist of what he meant and not only did I have the Chow Mein, but also the chicken noodle soup, egg fried rice, satay chicken, sweet and sour, beef curry, king prawns, prawn crackers and Beijing duck (formerly known as Peking Duck). Now that I think of it, the only dish I didn’t try was Number 56, as this reminded me too much of my age. Young Liam apparently raised some hysterics at the far end of the table when he tried eating mussels for the first time. As Karen would say, “He had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp”.

Of the remainder of the evening, we were entertained by the annual Boys burl on the big wheel; Pete’s plod along Princess Street; Mickey’s mayhem at the market; and Denise’s Dancing on Ice, on the driveway leading down to the bus depot.

We might have thought that was the end of the revelries, but no. Karen and her crew succeeded in causing us all some embarrassment on the way home on the bus. The crazy cackle from Karen and her comrades left Stuart, Denise, a few of the boys, staff, and myself all black affronted. Pete and Maureen were also in the mix as they all tried their best sitting ‘up the back’, to leave us all red-faced. They hee-hawed all the way back, cracking joke after pun after gag, with each trying to outdo the other in who could laugh the loudest. To say we were relieved when we got back to the Bus Park and Ride and into the car to drive home, would be very much an understatement. You would think that they were enjoying themselves on a night out or something! I question what was in the Coke and orange juice drinks at the Chinese restaurant.

Other items of note over the festive period are:

Ross has joined the staff group in the Cottage. Emma has also started as Houseparent and is settling in well.

Sam, one of our pupils, left and we wish him all the best on returning home and in pursuing his chosen career.

Laura and Gwen, students undertaking their HNC in Social Care, have started their placement.

Finally, Jean, a long serving member of thirty plus years, finally got to retire and attend her farewell presentation after several cancellations. Being part of the event, I feel it necessary to applaud and praise the appreciation and speeches of the boys who attended. They sincerely thanked Jean for her unstinting commitment to their care and welfare. We thank Jean for her service and wish her good health, happiness and a long retirement.

On that note I will sign-off and wish everyone a Happy New Year and “good luck in 2011!”

Tom

Daniel is a young man who resides in the House unit. He has been keyworked by me since his admission. During this time, I have built strong working relationships with his father, partner, and gran (Elizabeth).

Due to the relationship I have with the family, I was formally invited by Elizabeth to attend a book launch in Dalkeith Art Centre. Elizabeth’s book has been put together with stories of young people who are being looked after by their grandparents and kinship carers.

Elizabeth and friend, George Maben, are the founder members of Grandparents Parenting Again. This group started at “Hand in Hand”, Woodburn for what was originally planned as a ten week project, but has now been going for six years.

The group consists of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunties and uncles who have found themselves in a situation whereby they look after their kin children on a full-time basis, that is, the children live with them permanently.

The majority of the children are placed through Social Services and there can be, for most families, the added burden of conflict with their own children.

The group are a valued support to each other. Dealing with Social Services is something entirely new to the majority of the group and they seek advice and guidance at our weekly meetings.

The group is a self-funding and are always working to raise sponsorship. Through this, they manage to organise the occasional trip for the children and Christmas parties.

In June 2010, out of thousands of applicants the group were short listed to the final four in the Community Action Category of the Scottish Charity Awards 2010 and subsequently received a special commendation for their achievement.

For further information about this group, contact Laura Adamson on 07540300591. Alternatively, you can attend meetings on Thursday mornings from 9.30 until 11.30am in Gorebridge Parish Church.

Did you ever really listen
Did you ever really care
Did you understand me
And treat me just and fair
Did you ever really listen
Were you ever really there?

The ones that really listen
Can reach beyond my wall
The ones who will enable me
To stand upright, proud and tall
The ones that really listen
Understand when I feel small.

They don’t hold things against me
That happened in the past
They put these things aside
To build bricks thick and fast
Foundations for my future
That really need to last.

Did you ever really listen
When I could not verbalise
Did you hear the silent messages
I sent you with my eyes
Did you witness my inner torment
Or hear my anguished silent cry?

If you think that you have listened
Do you know that I am me
Not just a set of labels
People ascribed to me
When you really listen
And treat me just and fair
Is when I might start to believe
Someone really does care.

Did you ever really listen
Did you ever really care
Did you understand me
And treat me just and fair
Did you ever really listen
Were you ever really there?

Dedicated to Eddie Hamill, a man who did listen and care, and is missed at Hillside.

Flickr CC image by Melvin Gaal