Ex primary pupils finally get send off they deserved

The community spirit of Carluke came to the fore as parents ensured pupils heading off to high school got the send-off they deserved.

P7 pupils returned to Kirkton Primary for a final time for a special event as they prepare to move on up to Carluke High.

The pupils were presented with their new high school ties by Councillor Poppy Corbett, which were paid for through the primary school’s PTA fund.

The leaving night was planned and organised entirely by parents who each gave £10 to purchase items for gift bags for the pupils.

Inside each was a class of 2020 poster, sweets by Jacksprout Crafts, and Beebomb wild flower seeds donated by local company Wellriggs Ecology and Learning Ltd.

The gift bag also included a USB drive containing a presentation put together by parent Amanda Stewart of the children’s time at Kirkton Primary from P1 to P7.

It featured class photos, and photos from gala days, school assemblies and events and celebrations of their time at the school through the years.

Amanda said: “This wee class is notorious for being one of the best classes in the school.

“They have been so close, many of whom were at nursery together and the parents have used the chat group to discuss homework, and plan parties etc.

“On the night we managed to use community spirit of Carluke, we borrowed a gazebo from Milton Rovers YFC and John from Stonehouse Pipe Band lent his services to pipe the children to and from the ceremony.

“Maim’s Posh Parties provided the balloon selfie station; Kirk Lothian Photography took the professional photographs; Lesley Ewing from Kirkton Church led the presentation for the children – most of whom she has known since they were the last primary one in the old school.”

Surprise of the night was special guest Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith of Motherwell Civic pantomime fame, who came along to cheer the children up.

He cracked funny jokes and gave a heartfelt speech congratulating the children on how they handled lockdown and missing out on the usual transitions to high school.

The children finished the evening by tying their Kirkton ties to the gates as a mark of solidarity and remembrance.

Alison Thewliss MP, a former Kirkton Primary pupil, and Aileen Campbell MSP both sent messages of congratulations to the pupils.

Although the pupils haven’t had an easy time recently and may not have got the send off normally afforded to P7s leaving for high school, the night was a roaring success and brought the closure that parents and children needed.

“We wish all the children very best of luck in making the transition to high school,” Amanda added.

“They have been through so much these past few months and have a tough time ahead, we wanted to give them closure on their time at school and that’s what we achieved.

“Thank you to each and every parent who helped and a special thank you to the teaching staff who supported our children throughout their time at Kirkton.

“We had hoped to share this with them but restraints made this sadly impossible to achieve.”