Running start for Graeme

Graeme College headmaster Kevin Watson said planning for staffing, pupil numbers and textbooks in 2017 had started in October last year.

“So by the end of the year our timetables, our textbooks our subject choices, everything is finalised,” Watson said.

“The reason is so we can start teaching on the first day. At Graeme College we start early because we have a very busy schedule through the year.

“We need to be busy with our activities from day one.”

A couple of staff members have left Graeme College - promoted or gone to different schools.

“But we have managed to secure very good and experienced staff for 2017. Every pupil has a teacher and every single subject has a teacher qualified to teach it.”

Watson said they were aware of the challenges.

“For every one of the challenges there is a contingency plan,” Watson said.

“Where there is a shortage of textbooks, for example, we purchase them to ensure every child has a textbook for the start of the year.

“So we have no shortages of textbooks or stationery and things like that. We are fully functional from day one.

“The kind generosity of our parents and the good management structures we have here at Graeme – from our governing body down to the teachers and the Representative Class Leaders – ensures that everything runs smoothly.”