School Marks official opening
Friends and family gathered to mark the official opening of the new £7 million St Mark’s Primary.
Although the school has been open for some time, it was a chance for the pupils to show off their new school.
Parents, dignitaries and staff past and present all got together to mark the occasion.
Head teacher Caroline Campbell said: “I am absolutely delighted to see so many familiar faces in the audience who have come to help us celebrate our special day.
“South Lanarkshire Council invested in the future of our pupils by giving us this fantastic building, which is fully equipped for 21st century learning and we certainly make use of everything that the building has to offer.
“At St Mark’s we do our best to equip children well for the future; we celebrate individuality and make sure our learners can work independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication skills.
“But most of all we try to make sure that our pupils are honest, hardworking and creative people who will thrive at secondary and in the world of work.
“I know our pupils will make a difference to the future of Scotland and our job here is to ensure that each pupil grows to be all they can be.
“We are fortunate that our pupils are supported by friends, family and the community.”
A piper set the scene as guests arrived to the festively-decorated school.
Art work displayed the many experiences the youngsters value in their school career.
Senior pupils performed a play they had written themselves, which looked back at a number of historic events that had happened through the ages on December 1.
The witty and informative drama production was written by Evie Seenan, Orla Halligan and Josh Kenna and was wonderfully introduced by head girl Orla Halligan.
The drama was interspersed by a variety of upbeat songs which the whole school joined in with.
They belted out Let it Go from Frozen, the Daily Mile Song adapted from the Proclaimers’ 500 Miles, Labi Siffre’s Something Inside So Strong, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship and they had the audience on their feet when they sang the uplifting Take On The World from Girl Meets World.
Pupils also sang an adapted version of the Proclaimers’ Oh Jean in honour of Councillor Jean Mckeown.
Councillor Mckeown, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, took to the stage to carry out the formal business of unveiling the plaque. She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed today’s entertainment. I’ve learned a few historical facts and the singing has been fantastic.
“I will treasure the special song forever, it was a wonderful surprise.
“It’s very special for me to open this school as I was brought up not far from here and spent my younger days playing in the area so it really is an honour to officially open St Mark’s Primary School.”