New St Bernard's Primary School gets top marks from pupils

Sep 24 2009 By Frank Hurley

St Bernards Primary

HUNDREDS of excited city primary pupils were jumping for joy when their brand new St Bernard's school and nursery was officially opened.

The s7.1million St Bernard's Primary in Nitshill replaces the old St Bernard's and St Robert's primaries. It also incorporates Woodacre Nursery.

The school has been built on the Dove Street site of the old St Bernard's Primary.

Pupils were taught in the former St Robert's building on Priesthill Crescent while the new school was being built.

The new St Bernard's has a roll of 278 but has a capacity of 396. Woodacre Nursery has the space for 60 three to five-year-olds.

Children and staff moved into the new school in November 2008.

And after almost a year of settling in, they now want to show off their dancing and singing skills in their sparkling new building.

Councillor Jonathan Findlay, Executive member for Education, said: "The new school campuses we've been building across the city over the last few years are having a major impact on the communities they serve.

"You only have to see the delight of pupils, parents and staff to understand why the council has invested so much in recent years in improving our school buildings.

"This is a wonderful time for the pupils and staff at St Bernard's Primary and Woodacre Nursery, and I wish them many happy years in their state-of-the-art new school."

The new school has 12 classrooms and two general purpose rooms, as well as a synthetic seven-a-side football pitch.

Head teacher of St Bernard's, Margaret Winters, said there has been great excitement since the move last year. She added: "The new school has so many facilities to offer. The classrooms are bright and spacious, and we have a fabulous gym and all-weather pitch. There is also a covered play area for the younger children and the grounds are beautifully landscaped.

"This is an environment which will promote a very positive attitude encompassing our whole community.

"It is a building which will enhance the ethos of our school, helping to promote the well-being and development of our children."

Linda Huisman, acting head teacher of Woodacre Nursery, said: "The children love their new surroundings and have settled really well. We have our own playground and are able to use the school's computer facilities.

"The youngsters love gym day when they get a chance to play on all the new equipment."