St Ninian’s parents take out full page advert to thank teachers

The salute was placed by St Ninian’s Parent Council to express their gratitude and appreciation to 
head teacher, Paul McLaughlin and his team for “going above and beyond” in caring for pupils during the covid pandemic.

The unique advert also said the teachers’ efforts would never be forgotten and “their dedication and self-sacrifice is appreciated and will be remembered long after our world returns to 
normality”.

Mr McLaughlin told the Herald: “To see an advert like that in our local newspaper gave everyone at the school a massive lift after what has been a very difficult year.

“I’m very proud of the way our staff have responded to the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus. To know that their efforts are appreciated by our parents means everything to us.”

Rona Mackay, the MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden also paid tribute: “Apart from being an excellent high-achieving school academically, the caring ethos led by Head Teacher Paul McLaughlin and his staff hits you as soon as you walk into the school.

“Pupils are motivated to contribute to the community all-year round and during Covid-19 they have delivered Christmas hampers to senior citizens, vulnerable residents and much more. “

East Dunbartonshire MP Amy Callaghan said: “Educators across East Dunbartonshire – including within St Ninian’s – have been incredible in their service, sacrifice and dedication to our young people during this dreadful pandemic.

“The leadership from Mr McLaughlin and the entire staff has been nothing short of heroic. They deserve to be recognised – now and forever – as indispensable members of our community who have safeguarded the education of their pupils during the most challenging of times.”

The last school inspection report from HMIE in 2018 gave St Ninian’s, which has served the community of Kirkintilloch and surrounding villages for almost 150 years, one of the highest grades in Scotland.

East Dunbartonshire Council’s Chief Education Officer, Jacqui MacDonald said: “We greatly appreciate this very kind gesture by the parents and are grateful to staff at St Ninian’s and all schools in East Dunbartonshire for their work and commitment throughout this difficult year.”