JIM LOGUE Local schools are ‘amazing places’

This is a special time of year; I have had the enormous privilege over the last few weeks of visiting many of our schools for prizegiving, school shows and sports days.

I am reminded of the incredible talent of many young people across North Lanarkshire; and the dedication of their teachers and support staff at schools who teach and encourage them to go further, to push themselves and to succeed.

For those leaving school, this should be a time of possibility, whether going to college, university or into a job or apprenticeship. I wish everyone who has left school nothing but the very best.

Our schools are amazing places. They are no longer just about lessons and exams; they provide skills and training related directly to the world of work; they provide incredible facilities for sport, drama, music and art; and they are thriving, vibrant communities.

It was a particular pleasure for me to be able to attend the St Ambrose High School show. The talent on display, and the commitment of the pupils and staff to the show, was plain to see. But what was also apparent was a real sense of community; a strength in adversity.

There is no doubt that the St Ambrose and Buchanan High schools’ communities are enduring a difficult time. The head teacher said as much in a newspaper interview recently, describing the community as “wounded”.

The council has made its position clear; nothing at the site is causing illness, the appropriate action has been taken to ensure a water supply that meets drinking water standards and the work that was done at the time to ensure a safe site was carried out in accordance with the law – and to a high standard.

That, of course, is not just the council’s view; it is supported by evidence from doctors who are specialists in public health at NHS Lanarkshire.

The council has put all the information it has online – at www.northlanarkshire. gov.uk/BuchananStAmbrose. It has also written to all parents and carers.

Clearly, however, there are still concerns from a number of parents and staff at both schools.

That is why I fully welcome the independent review commissioned by the Scottish Government, in agreement with the council and NHS Lanarkshire. The council has already cooperated fully with the independent review team and will continue to do so.

I have spoken to depute First Minister John Swinney and we agree it is important that the review is afforded the time and space necessary to carry out its extremely important work.

In the meantime, I would urge everyone to take a measured approach to these issues. The debate, and some of the public comment, has been polarised and – in some cases – highly sensationalised; I don’t believe that serves either of the schools or their communities well.

In fine voice Councillor Logue has hailed the talented pupils at schools across Monklands, who include Elena Margiotti and Katie Beekman, both 14, of St Ambrose High who were crowned winners of the Crown Office and procurator fiscal service’s national schools’ public speaking competition