Rogart Primary back on track, says PTA chairman
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Rogart Primary School is on the up following a taxing few years, according to William Sinclair, chair of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
The tiny east Sutherland school has successfully overcome staff recruitment difficulties and a falling school roll. A new teaching team has been put in place under the strong leadership of newly appointed cluster head teacher Alan Danson, who also looks after Golspie Primary School.
The school roll appears to have stabilised with 16 pupils this year and 18 forecast for the following year.
And the icing on the cake came recently when the school was granted £15,000 from Kilbraur Windfarm Community Benefit Trust and also received a £500 donation from Pittentrail Inn.
The funding is being used to transform the playground and provide pupils with exciting outdoor play equipment.
"There is a recognition that the school is now on track," said Mr Sinclair. "Things are going the right way. We think this is a massively exciting time for the school."
Indeed, he added: "Rogart could possibly be one of the best schools now in Sutherland. I don’t think you could get a better education or facilities in the private sector."
The school is throwing its doors open next Tuesday, 28th June, to showcase a Schooltime Memories project which pupils have been working on in conjunction with Brora Learning Centre.
Mr Sinclair said: "We want to welcome everybody in our parish, old and young, to the open day. We have had a bit of a rough ride and we want everyone to see how far we have come in the last couple of years."
As part of the Schooltime Memories project, pupils filmed an interview with local crofter and historian John MacDonald. The film will be shown throughout the day on a continual loop.
The youngsters have also been undertaking a lot of work in connection with the Campbell Diaries – diaries uncovered at the school and written by a previous head-teacher.
They contain a wealth of fascinating historical details about past times, particularly in relation to schooling in Rogart but also about the wider community.
Earlier this week, Hector Miller of the Pittentrail Inn handed over the keys to a new playhouse, purchased with the £500 donation from the hotel.
Mr Sinclair explained: "Hector keeps a magnum bottle on the bar and encourages all his customers to put their loose change into it. He has really supported the school."
The £15,000 award to Rogart Primary is one of the largest made by Kilbraur Windfarm Trust.
The money is to be used to purchase and put in place an obstacle course, and wooden play equipment similar to that at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre.
"It will be just fantastic for pupils," said Mr Sinclair. "We expect work to start soon and are hoping the equipment will be put in place over the school holidays or shortly afterwards."
