Prestigious Unicef award goes to Mull primaries
Two schools on Mull have been awarded the prestigious silver Rights Respecting Schools Award by Unicef UK.
Lochdonhead and Ulva Primary Schools were presented with the award for their work in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practise within the school and beyond.
The award sees schools work alongside Unicef to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.
It embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
Joint headteacher of Lochdonhead and Ulva Primary Schools Susie Carmichael said: ‘We are delighted to achieve our Rights Respecting Schools silver award at both schools.
‘The pupils have enjoyed learning about their rights and sharing their learning with the wider community.
‘The rights of the child underpin everything that we do at the schools and I would like to thank the pupils, staff and parents for working together in achieving our silver award.’
Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: ‘This is a great achievement.
‘The values embedded in the Rights Respecting Schools award helps to ensure that our children feel empowered and gives them a voice.
‘The staff and pupils at these schools have worked extremely hard to achieve this; they have shown great commitment throughout and I am extremely proud of them.’
And there has been parliamentary praise for the two schools, with Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron submitting a motion in the Scottish Parliament.
He said: ‘I was delighted to learn about the success of Lochdonhead and Ulva primary schools.
‘It is wonderful that the efforts of the pupils and staff have won this recognition, and everyone concerned should feel very proud of their achievement.’