Shake-up for schools after summer break
Primaries will have one head following retirals
There has been a major shake-up in the management structure of Arran primary schools with the departure of two long-serving head teachers.
As the youngsters, and teachers, enjoy their summer break there will be some big changes when they go back in August.
Head teachers Susan Kelly and Irene Markham have now left and will be replaced by a single head teacher for the island – with the exception of Lamlash Primary School.
The new island head teacher will be Shirley MacLachlan, who will be assisted by two deputy heads, each responsible for three schools. It is the culmination of the school restructuring proposals first reported by The Banner last December.
Head teacher Mrs Kelly, of Brodick, Whiting Bay and Pirnmill primary schools, and head teacher Irene Markham, of Shiskine and Kilmory primary schools, both retired from their positions at the end of term.
New head Mrs MacLachlan will be joined by Quinton Black, who will take up the role of depute head teacher of Whiting Bay, Shiskine and Kilmory Primary, while acting depute head teacher Jane Boyle will be responsible for Brodick, Corrie and Pirnmill primary schools.
Arran High School head teacher Barry Smith remains as head of Lamlash Primary School and early-years classes.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: ‘We would like to thank Mrs Kelly and Mrs Markham for the work and effort they have shown in leading their schools over a long number of years.
‘We are grateful for their significant contribution to the education of the children on the island and we wish them a long and healthy retirement, where they will have time to pursue their many interests.
‘After consultation with respective parent councils and staff on the island, a new management structure has been developed which we believe will allow the educational provision for children and young people to be further developed and also give opportunity for the growth of leadership on the island.
It was a day of mixed emotions at Brodick Primary School last Tuesday when teachers, parents and pupils celebrated the advancing of the P7 pupils to S1 but the day was tainted with sadness at the retirement of head teacher Susan Kelly and the leaving of administrator Fer Murchie.
The traditional leavers’ service started with a singing performance by the pupils before certificates were handed out for sporting achievements and accomplishments. The 13 P7 pupils then each did a short talk on how they remembered their school days at Brodick, with head teacher Mrs Kelly saying a few words of encouragement and her memories of each pupil, whom she has known throughout their school careers.
Pupils then sang the traditional leavers’ song, which includes the words ‘goodbye to old friends’ and saw the emotions of some starting to come to the fore.
Chairwoman of Brodick Parent Council Karen Adams then presented Mrs Murchie with a large bouquet of flowers in recognition of all of her hard work and to say goodbye to her before she moves to Shiskine Primary School.
New acting deputy head teacher Jane Boyle concluded the leavers’ service with a heartfelt speech outlining Mrs Kelly’s career, starting at Wellhouse Primary in Easterhouse in 1976 and how her initial six-month maternity cover evolved into what had become, 40 years later, Mrs Kelly being head of Brodick, Whiting Bay and Pirnmill primary schools.
‘Her succession was by popular demand,’ joked husband Alan Kelly, who taught English at Arran high school. Acting depu- summed up the feelings for a well-respected and much-loved head teacher by saying: ‘This week marks the end of an era, but Mrs Kelly has left her legacy in the ethos of all three of her schools and we are indebted to her for that.
‘She has that magical and children can relate to and we – children, parents and staff – wish her the very best for her retirement.’
Mr Kelly added: ‘Susan will miss the children terribly but, after a short break, we look forward to spending some time with our granddaughter.’