THE NAME GAME Pupils delighted with choice
School pupils are jumping for joy after their primary was given a new name.
Springhill and Auchenback Primary, in Barrhead, will be renamed Hillview Primary School, after the plan was given the thumbs-up by councillors.
East Renfrewshire Council bosses said the change has come about following high levels of support from across the school community.
A consultation process – which included assemblies, meetings and voting – showed that 80 per cent of pupils, 65 per cent of parents and 100 per cent of staff wanted an alternative and shorter name.
Headmistress Jannette Black said: “The children are excited about the new school name being in place for the start of the new session.
“Given the involvement our pupils had in deciding the name it will be a lasting legacy for all of them to look back on in the years ahead.
“Changing the school name provides us with a fantastic opportunity to forge ahead with our exciting plans for the future of the school, as we aim to provide the very best opportunities for all our pupils to achieve their goals.”
The school says it will now take a phased approach to changing the uniform, allowing children and parents to be involved in the design process.
This will also ensure that the cost of new clothes can be met by parents in a staged and affordable manner.
Three options for names were put forward by pupils. These were Barrhead Primary, Springhill Primary and Hillview Primary, the latter because of the school’s elevated position.
Each class compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages for each of the suggestions before casting an individual pupil vote.
The Pupil Council supported the headmistress in a review of the advantages and disadvantages.
Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education, said: “I’m delighted that this fantastic school will now have its own unique identity.
“The pupils, and wider school community, have clearly expressed their wish for the school to be renamed.
“Changing the name to Hillview Primary is a great choice and I welcome this decision.”
Springhill Primary School and Auchenback Primary School merged in August 2012 to form one school.
The name given to the newly-merged school was Springhill and Auchenback Primary as a compromise solution. following a lack of agreement at the time within the school community.