Official opening of new £2.7m Clarkston Primary

Oct 22 2008 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

CLARKSTON Primary School has opened its doors to 300 excited pupils embarking on a new chapter in their educational lives.

The official opening marked the completion of the state-of-the-art new-build primary school, which boasts a fantastic range of features bringing benefits to pupils, staff, parents and the local community alike.

Also included in the building is a nursery class with facilities for 30 places for children aged three to five-years-old.

To mark the completion of the year-long build, a red ribbon was cut by Convener of the Learning and Leisure Committee, Councillor Jim Logue, and local councillors Campbell Cameron, Jim McGuigan and Tommy Morgan.

During another special moment children were piped into their new school by Christopher Geddes from Coatbridge’s St Andrew’s High School’s fifth year.

Councillor Jim Logue said: “It’s always a pleasure to be a part of such a very special day and an occasion that I really enjoy.

“The opening of the new £2.7 million school represents a real milestone in the local community and in the Education 2010 school modernisation programme.

“This £150 million public private partnership programme, which will see 24 new schools open by the end of this month, is delivered on time and on budget – a real achievement for everyone involved.

“Clarkston Primary School is the second-last school opening in this programme, with Coatbridge High School being the final one.

“I wish the teaching staff and pupils a bright and happy future in their new school.”

A range of features in the new school include a noisy/quiet room, interview room, audio/visual room and a floodlit, all-weather sports pitch.

It has also been built with a fully-equipped catering kitchen, a full sprinkler system, CCTV security, on-site parking and drop-off facilities, landscaped grounds, a secure outdoor play area for the nursery and complies will disability legislation and requirements.

Sandra Summers, head teacher, said: “both staff and pupils are delighted to be moving to a new school which provides an excellent environment for learning and teaching.

“Clarkston Primary prides itself in having very strong and productive partnerships within the local community and the new facilities will ensure this continues and develops.”