A MUSICAL maestro has come home to pass on his passion to pupils at his old school. New teacher Greg McGonigal is among the latest intake of recruits to take up probationary posts in Inverclyde for the start of the new school session.

Former Notre Dame head boy Greg, inset, learned his love of music at his old school under the wing of his mentor Gerard Gordon, the principal of music.

He rose through the ranks of the school orchestra as an accomplished flute player and went on to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

On his return Greg, 21, of Greenock said: “I honestly feel like I have come home.

“I am working in the one of the best music departments in the country and it is just amazing.

“Anyone would love to work in that environment.

“I always wanted to be a teacher then when I went to high school I discovered music — now I get to do two things I love and it is lovely to be in Notre Dame.

“I had such a great learning experience and I want to pass on the same to pupils. The great thing about music is that most people are doing the subject because they want to be there.” Like others in the new probationer intake, Greg will enjoy teaching in one of the best facilities in the country, after millions of pounds was spent on upgrading Inverclyde’s schools.

When he left, Notre Dame was in the old Welllington Academy awaiting the brand new school to open.

The music teacher added: “I just missed it, the school opened just after I left. It is amazing. The music department is state-of-the-art.” Joining Greg in taking a step back in time to teach at their old schools are Stephanie Barr, 24, at Kilmacolm Primary, Fiona McCready, 22, at Moorfoot Primary and Emma Mulgrew, 21, at St Francis’ Primary plus Angela Rebecchi, 22, at St Patrick’s Primary, Lynn Anderson, 21, at Inverkip Primary and Matthew McGregor, 21, at St Mary’s Primary.

They are among the 29 probationers who were welcomed to their position by education and communities committee vice convener Councillor James McColgan.

He said: “They have all worked extremely hard to get their teaching degrees and will now gain that vital first year of experience in Inverclyde, which I am sure will be a rewarding and a hugely enjoyable one.”