Hamilton head teacher nominated for top award

Mar 18 2010

A HAMILTON head teacher is in the running for a major honour.

St Mark’s Primary parent council has nominated Caroline Campbell for the accolade 'Head Teacher of the Year' in the Scottish Education Awards 2010.

And dedicated parent-helper Alison McGrory has also been recognised by being put forward in the 'educational supporter of the year' category.

Parent council chairman Stuart Munro said : “Caroline was appointed head teacher in April, 2006. It was a difficult time for the school.

“Acting heads had taken charge for the previous two years, and a disappointing HMIe report, issued in June that year, highlighted the need for change.”

She had worked with the parent council and parent teacher association to promote extra-curricular activities and to improve parental feedback.

She also saw the benefits to be gained from parent helpers.

Parents, grandparents and other family members were brought into the school community to share the load and enhance children's learning.

Mr Munro added: “Caroline also knew that the key to the school's future success lay with the children.

“Their views were important, too, and in order to fully engage them she set up a Pupil Council.

“Asking the children what concerned them allowed Caroline to identify priorities for the school.

“She made the children realise that their contribution was important and positive behaviour was a key priority.

“Children became more aware of their place in the school, and took on more responsibility for their own learning experience.

“The growing sense of pride that the children felt in their school was palpable, in their appearance, their timekeeping and their behaviour.”

He said that children now learn Spanish from the age of four, a feature which has attracted considerable interest.

“Teaching staff are encouraged to develop their own skills through a range of learning opportunities”, added Mr Munro.

“Over the last four years, Caroline has been an inspiration to all at the school.

“St Mark's most recent HMIe report was extremely positive.

“However, Caroline's nomination is also recognition of the hard work put in by all of the teachers and staff at the school. They, too, deserve great credit.”

The parent council chairman also highlighted the efforts of Alison McGrory and said: “She gives unstintingly of her own time.

“She initiated the school singing club. The group started off with 12 pupils and has grown to more than 30.

“The singing group now play a major role in all school activities and add to the fun and enjoyment of education.

“We are very proud to have her as part of St Mark's as a role model for our children to look up to.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, June 18, at the City Halls, Glasgow.