Special memories for Aitkenbar Primary head

Jun 12 2009 by Lorraine Waddell, Lennox Herald (main ed)

Special memories for Aitkenbar head

AITKENBAR Primary’s head teacher is set to take her final lesson this month – just as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Lesley Robertson, who has been at the helm of Aitkenbar for 19 years, is bidding farewell to the school at the end of this term.

But she is set to end her reign on a high, as she helps current and former pupils and staff celebrate a golden half century of education.

She said: “I’ve had a good time here and it’s a great time to be going. It’s a great atmosphere with the celebrations.”

One of the unusual activities being planned is for a quilt to be made out of Aitkenbar’s school jumpers throughout the years.

Former teacher Gina Watson is a keen quilter and has volunteered to take up the task, along with pupils at the school.

She has worked with the school on various creative projects and this most recent one is tying in with the celebrations as well as focusing on recycling to help the school towards their eco schools green flag award.

Lesley continued: “Gina works with the children and they have lots of ideas for artwork which they transfer onto quilts. The idea for the school jumpers was rather than buying in fabric, so we could use material which is recycled.”

A host of special events are planned before the summer holidays, including two concert performances this afternoon (Wednesday) and tonight.

On Monday, there will be a buffet in the school for ex-staff members and an open week will be kick-started for people from the local community to go along and visit.

On Wednesday, June 17, there will be a special open evening when everyone is invited along to reminisce about old school memories.

To prepare for the night, staff have been collecting pictures and memorabilia and are asking anyone with these items to contact the school or hand them into the office.

After the summer break, there will be more events including a church service.