Latest news with #DundeeHighSchool
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- The Citizen
Dundee learner explores German life through Rotary exchange programme
From Dundee to Deutschland, former Dundee High School learner Andiswa Lukele is flying the flag high for both her school and South Africa as she makes the most of her year abroad through the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme. Now living with a host family in northern Germany, Lukele has traded her school uniform for pottery classes, bike rides and flea market treasure hunts. Her days are filled with wholesome adventure – learning the German language from a bubbly six-year-old host sibling to braving the weather for outdoor soccer drills. As a keen participant in cultural activities, she's already visited the Netherlands, joined fellow exchange students for Rotary sleep-overs in Bremen and Nord, and walked the windswept shores of Nordeney Island. A recent highlight was a six-day service and cultural immersion tour in Forchheim, followed by a school history trip to Berlin, where Germany's past came vividly to life. 'Every day brings something new,' said Lukele. 'It's more than just learning a language – it's about becoming part of a new community and culture.' The staff at Dundee High School have expressed pride in her achievements. 'Andiswa's spirit of curiosity and service truly shines. She is an outstanding ambassador for our school and community.' The Rotary Exchange Programme continues to open doors for learners like Lukele, offering them not just travel opportunities, but life-changing experiences that broaden global understanding. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Why are natural burials growing in popularity in Tayside and Fife?
Natural burials are growing in popularity as people seek more environmentally conscious and personalised alternatives to traditional funerals. These green, or woodland, burials reflect a broader shift towards sustainability, a preference for simplicity, and increasingly secular attitudes. But what sets natural burials apart – and do local funeral directors believe demand will continue to rise? Just three miles north of Dundee, nestled in the rolling farmland of Angus, CairnBrae Natural Burial Ground near Kellas offers a strikingly different vision of death and remembrance. There, the landscape is not dominated by polished headstones or manicured rows, but by open skies, meadows, and native trees – a place where people return to the earth gently and naturally. Julie Anderson, who manages CairnBrae, says families are choosing natural burial not only for ecological reasons but because it offers a peaceful, personal farewell rooted in nature. Originally founded by Angus businesswoman Alma Kettles in 2018, the site has been managed by Julie since 2021 after being taken over by her family's business, Sturrock, Comb and Davidson, a Dundee-based funeral firm. CairnBrae, once a potato field, has steadily grown in popularity. 'We've sold around 380 plots so far,' Julie explains. 'People come from all over – Fife, Aberdeen, Perth. It's more than eco-consciousness. Some want a tree planted, others like the simplicity. It's a softer, more personal way to say goodbye.' Julie, 49, who grew up in Monifieth, has deep roots in the land. Her brother, Bryan Comb, still farms nearby. Formerly a barista and full-time mum of four, the former Seaview Primary and Dundee High School pupil now finds purpose helping families through difficult moments. 'We get a wide range of people,' she says. 'But many have country or farming backgrounds. They like the idea of being buried in a potato field.' Natural burials forego embalming and traditional coffins, opting instead for biodegradable options such as wicker or cardboard. At CairnBrae, burials are done at four feet rather than the six or seven typically used in council cemeteries – a depth that supports natural decomposition. Only one coffin is permitted per layer, unlike standard cemeteries which may allow up to three. David Wightman, 49, a funeral director with Sturrock, Comb and Davidson, often assists at CairnBrae. With 30 years of experience, he has witnessed a growing shift in attitudes. 'People are more aware of sustainability,' he says. 'But it's also the look – no tall headstones, just flat stones and native trees. It doesn't look like a cemetery – and people really like that.' CairnBrae's long-term plan is to evolve into a silver birch woodland, where every tree and marker tells a story. Families can plant a tree, lay a flat stone, or leave the grave unmarked. No manicured lawns, no flower arrangements, and no chemical treatments. The wildness is intentional. The site, which won Best Natural Burial Ground in Scotland in 2023, follows standards set by the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, ensuring responsible care and land stewardship. Elsewhere in Tayside, another natural site exists near Crieff at Strowan Woodland Cemetery. Dundee City Council also provides woodland burials at Birkhill Cemetery. However, Scotland still trails England, where dozens of such burial grounds already flourish. In Fife, where concerns have been raised about cemeteries nearing capacity, a family firm's proposal to create a green burial site near Elie was turned down in 2023 due to road safety concerns. An appeal was also ejected by a Holyrood Reporter. St Monans-based funeral director Alan Stephen, who submitted the application, says the idea had local support but feels they can no longer pursue it after the council's rejection. 'It's been a while since we applied for planning permission,' he says. 'Local people supported the idea, including one community council. We already look after four graves on our land that have been tended by our family for generations. 'We thought a small, personal site for family and friends to gather would meet a real need.' Alan notes that people do ask about natural burials, but distance to the nearest suitable site often discourages them. 'Having to travel puts people off,' he adds. Fife Council says it is working with the Kinghorn Community Land Association in the development of an eco-cemetery, which they hope to open later this year. When it comes to natural burials, environmental concerns are certainly part of the appeal. Traditional burials can involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable materials, while cremation – chosen in around 70% of Scottish funerals – releases carbon emissions. Yet natural burial is often about something more: a sense of beauty, peace, and connection to the land. That was true for Blairgowrie resident David Merrie, 89, who passed away on April 9 after a short stay at Ninewells Hospital. His obituary appeared in The Courier. A lifelong adventurer and outdoorsman, David chose a natural burial at Delliefure in Speyside, part of Leedam Natural Burials in the Cairngorms National Park. His daughter, Tessa Merrie, recalls: 'He always wanted his body to return to the earth, naturally. He wasn't religious – his only church was the great outdoors. 'He wanted to be buried under a tree, in a beautiful place. And after the burial, we were to go for a walk with a rucksack and sandwiches. So we did.' She describes his final resting place as a birch wood above the River Spey, with views of the surrounding hills. 'My dad didn't necessarily choose a natural burial for environmental reasons,' she explains. 'It was about recognising that we are part of nature. Conventional cemeteries and religious ideas of the afterlife didn't feel right to him. Being buried under a tree in a natural setting – that was his way.' Back at CairnBrae, there are also practical considerations for funeral directors. With no embalming, burials tend to happen slightly sooner than with traditional funerals. Dundee isn't yet facing a burial space crisis, but the pressure is growing. Barnhill Cemetery is already full. For David Wightman, the appeal of sites like CairnBrae lies in their simplicity and availability. Cost is another factor. David notes that natural burials can be comparable in price – or even cheaper – than traditional options, especially as council fees rise. 'Dundee Council increased their prices by about 15% this year,' he says. 'We've tried to keep ours steady.' For both Julie and David, natural burials aren't a passing trend – they represent a return to something older, more grounded, and more in tune with the rhythms of the earth. 'I'd want one,' says Julie, without hesitation. David agrees. 'When I'm up at CairnBrae, opening a grave first thing in the morning and looking around – you can't help but think, this is the place to be.' To find out more about where you can get a natural burial in Dundee, Tayside and Fife, read more here.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Young Dundee High hockey star is looking for sponsorship to represent South Africa in the Netherlands
Young Dundee High hockey star is looking for sponsorship to represent South Africa in the Netherlands Local hockey star Celiwe Zibula is calling on the community for support as she prepares to take her passion for the sport to the international stage. The Dundee High School learner is one of only 13 players selected to represent South Africa in the Netherlands from October 5 to 13, an opportunity she describes as a dream come true. 'I'm incredibly excited to share this journey and represent my community with pride,' said the dedicated athlete. 'Hockey has always been my passion and this tour is a chance to grow, learn and compete at a high level.' Zibula is appealing to individuals, businesses and organisations for sponsorship to help cover the cost of the tour, which totals R67,490 (excluding visa fees). Anyone interested in sponsoring Zibula can contribute to: account number – 62406256174; bank – FNB; account type – cheque. For more information or to offer support, Zibula can be contacted directly on 078 510 4826. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dundee Police Department releases statement on hazing case
DUNDEE — The Dundee Police Department released an update on a hazing investigation they're assisting with at Dundee Community School District. The post stated the alleged criminal incidents involving the Dundee High School wrestling team had occurred in Kalamazoo, though the parents of the victim in the incidents declined to seek prosecution. "The incident in 2024 in Kalamazoo was turned over to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office today for further investigation and eventually their prosecutor for a review of any charges," read the post. The Dundee Police Department was asked to assist the school district administration team with the investigation on April 16, after Superintendent Scott Leach received an anonymous tip notifying him of potential criminal behavior by the wrestling team members, including allegations of hazing and assault. More: Dundee High School wrestling team is under investigation for hazing "The high school administration and School Resource Officer immediately launched an investigation of the matter consistent with our school policies and procedures," Leach said in a communication to the district. The investigation included interviews with wrestling team members, coaches, and parents, and video evidence was discovered of additional incidents of hazing, fights, and physical assaults by wrestling team members against each other, Leach wrote. "We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, intimidation and we thoroughly investigate all reports consistent with our school policies and student code of conduct," Leach said in the communication. The district initiated a Title IX investigation that will be conducted by the Thrun Law Firm. A Title IX violation is any act of discrimination or harassment based on sex that occurs in a school or other educational program receiving federal funding. This includes sexual harassment and assault, and other forms of sex-based discrimination. All school-based wrestling-related activities have been paused pending the outcome of the investigations. — Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Dundee Police Department releases statement on wrestling hazing case
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Hazing complaint prompts investigations into Monroe County high school wrestling team
Siblings charged in deadly Foot Locker shooting, road closures in Metro Detroit and more top stories Siblings charged in deadly Foot Locker shooting, road closures in Metro Detroit and more top stories Siblings charged in deadly Foot Locker shooting, road closures in Metro Detroit and more top stories The Dundee High School wrestling team is under investigation after someone reported a hazing incident involving team members, according to Superintendent Scott Leach. School administrative officials and the school resource officer started investigating last month after Leach received the anonymous complaint, conducting interviews with coaches, wrestlers and parents. School officials discovered during the interviews that there were videos of hazing, fights and team members physically assaulting each other, Leach said in a letter to students, staff and families of Dundee Community Schools on Friday. The district has started a Title IX investigation that will be conducted by Thrun Law Firm. Local law enforcement is also investigating the reported incidents. Leach said all wrestling activities at the school are on hold pending the outcome of the investigations. Anyone with information is asked to leave a tip here, call OK2SAY at 855-565-2729 or text the state's student safety program at 652729. "At Dundee Community Schools, we expect our student-athletes to adhere to the highest standards of conduct," Leach said in the letter. "This situation does not represent the vast majority of our outstanding student-athletes who compete with honor, grit and integrity. Michigan's boys wrestling season begins on Nov. 17, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
