School’s new head boy and girl are appointed
Pupils at Gleniffer High are knuckling down on some hard work with the start of the school term — and so is the new head teacher.
It has been all systems go at the Paisley school, as recently appointed head Lisa Chalmers got to work on selecting the sixth year head boy and head girl for 2017.
After getting to know some of her new pupils, Miss Chalmers chose Ciara Phillips as head girl and Robbie Campbell as head boy for this session.
The two sixth year pupils were named after a ballot of their peers and an interview with the senior management.
Also appointed were two depute head girls — Esther Crockett and Chloe Frater — and depute head boys, Cameron Cochrane and Jack Field.
Miss Chalmers, who was formerly head teacher of Ardrossan Academy, said: “Along with depute heads Aileen Sangster and Heather Prentice, we spent a full day interviewing and then deliberating over the candidates who put themselves forward for these positions.
“The quality of interviews was exceptionally high and the candidates all brought something unique to their presentations.
“It was clear how proud they are of their school and the panel was very impressed with the ideas they have for continuing to take the school forward.”
Miss Chalmers has taken over the reins from Gleniffer’s ex-head, David Nicholls, 60, who retired last term after nearly 30 years at the school.
Originally a physical education teacher, Mr Nicholls was thrown in at the deep end as headteacher in 2004 as the school was preparing to move to a new building.
After a long and successful career, the respected leader has passed the baton to the next generation of teachers, a challenge Miss Chalmers says she was honoured to accept.
The new head will work closely alongside the sixth year badge holders to deliver school programmes and provide leadership to the student body.
She added: “I am very much looking forward to working with the badge holders, who have already demonstrated their leadership skills by organising a fantastic quiz night for all S6.
“This was a very enjoyable social occasion, with a big turnout of over 60 pupils and staff.
“It was just one of many occasions that have demonstrated to me what a wonderful school this is.
“I would like to thank the Gleniffer High community for the warm welcome they have given me and I look forward to continuing to build on the fantastic work which is evident throughout the school.”