Aileymill Primary parents and pupils honour former head

Former head teacher Catriona Miller, right, with depute head Angela Ferrier Frank Smith and depute head Connie (Image: George Munro)

The parent partnership at the school has created a 'thank-you wall' to celebrate people who have made a major contribution to the school.

Recently retired head Catriona Miller, who had been at the helm for eight years, is the latest person to be added.

She spent 30 years in the school's catchment area, first as a class teacher at Ravenscraig Primary before going on to the top job at Aileymill, which opened 14 years ago following an amalgamation between Ravenscraig and Earnhill primaries.

Catriona follows in the footsteps of her predecessor Isabel Lind, who also takes pride of place with a name plaque on the wall.

The chairman of the school's parents group, Frank Smith, from Braeside, said: "We set up the wall to recognise the contribution of staff and others who have made a significant contribution to Aileymill Primary.

"Catriona certainly deserves her place there. She was a teacher, depute and then head teacher. She was an excellent head and knew the community in Larkfield so well.

"She was always supportive of the parent council as well. We wanted to say thank-you for alll her service. She was amazing and we miss her."

Parent Frank has been involved with the school for 15 years and his youngest child is now in primary six.

He helps to ensure the parent partnership plays an active role in the life of the school, organising fundraisers and the flagship sports day at Ravenscraig Stadium.

Catriona, who retired in June last year, is now enjoying a new career as a humanist celebrant.

Her name is on the school wall alongside Mrs Lind, former minister Reverend Allan McIntyre and the ex chair of the parent partnership Lesley Crumlish.

There is also a plaque installed in memory of former nursery teacher Connie McGowan, who sadly lost her battle with cancer four years ago.