A teaching career of thirty five years, with the last twenty years at Eastern Primary School, will come to a close today when Head Teacher Katherine Barclay retires. Katherine will be remembered as an able and popular Head Teacher.
HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths in Eastern PS in their last report on the school:
• Confident, well-behaved pupils.
• Pupils’ achievements in a wide range of activities.
• Inclusion of pupils with additional support needs in the school community.
• The quality of pastoral care.
• Positive relationships among pupils, parents and staff.
I think that sums up her leadership style striving for a happy school that promotes the attainment and achievement of all its pupils.
In August this year, Katherine calmly led the school through the move from Whinny Brae to its new home in the converted 'old Grove Academy' buildings on the south side of Camperdown Street.
First appointed as Assistant Head Teacher at Eastern in 1991, she brought a wealth of experience to her post having previously worked at Mossgiel, Kellyfield and Birkhill Primary Schools in the City. After a spell as Depute, she was appointed Head Teacher at Eastern in 2003.
I am sure I speak for many Eastern parents in The Ferry in thanking her for her leadership of Eastern Primary School and wishing her a long and happy retirement.
