ANN LE BLOND
With the school holidays over, I want to start by wishing all those going back to school, the very best of luck for the year ahead.
I am sure we can all remember the nervousness we felt starting back – for some, this will be their first year at school and for others there is the knowledge that the next few years of exams will determine their future.
Although a little late, I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate everyone on the exam results from during the summer.
I remember how nervewracking it was waiting for those results but I am confident that all the hard work paid off for pupils in the area! They should be so very proud of their achievements.
A good education is vitally important to all, and we must remember our teachers work extremely hard every day to ensure this is delivered. I would like to thank them for their unwavering commitment to their pupils, often spanning over many years and indeed, for in the next one fast approaching.
I believe it is crucial, that those who teach and support our pupils day in, day out, should have more power and say over how their school operates.
I was saddened to see in the news over recent weeks that almost one in ten schools have staff shortages.
Research has found there are 231 schools actively advertising for classroom staff, with many requiring multiple vacancies. It’s unacceptable that just as schools are preparing to go back, hundreds are still advertising for staff.
This is a chaotic situation and really needs to be managed. We cannot let our children down and we as politicians and those in government need to listen to parents and teachers and focus on restoring Scottish schools to their rightful place as the best in the world.
I believe we can deliver a better educational system to support our pupils and teachers. As your councillor, I will continue to argue for these points to be delivered, so that we can see positive outcomes for all our children and young people.