Letter to All Islay and Jura Parent Councils 16th March 15
Dear Secretary/Chair
BowmorePrimary ParentCouncil and the Parent Council of the High School met last night to assess the views on the proposal by Argyll and Bute council to have a joint headofBowmore primary and the High School.
In February,the education department visited Islay andmet with both parent councils to seek their initial thoughts. However, the education department has offered no other details at present.
It was decided at last night’s meeting to ask for a public meeting before Easter between the education department and all parents on Islay affected by this proposal. Hopefully w/c 23rd March.
The meeting would be an information evening and give parents an opportunity to make an informed choice.
To assist with the organisation of the meeting a number of questions will besubmitted in advance, whichso far are:
- What is the reason(s) for this proposal?
- What are the educational benefits to the children of Islay in creating a joint campus?
- Is money savings the main reason for this proposal?
- Are you offering any new buildings /facilities with the joint campus ?
- Is the Council considering merging common services e.g canteen/administration functions etc?
- Will any staff lose their job as a consequence of the joint campus?
- What is the organisational structure of the joint campus with detailed costings?
- What roles will be advertised and when?
- Will the senior member of staff at the primary school be expected to teach?
- Will the primary school retain its principle teacher?
- Is the Council considering closing any primary school on Islay as a consequences of the joint campus?
- Has the Council considered moving the primary school into the High school?
- How many classes will be in the new primary school?
- What steps will the Council take during any transitions to a joint campus to ensure that the primary school will be on target to pass the HMI inspection?
- Will the Council drop their proposal if the Parent Council�s decide not to support it?
At this stage, we would like you to consult with the members of your parent councils and add any other questions you would like asked at thepublic meeting.
Please reply via email beforeMonday, 16th Marchas we want to submit the questions to the Council early next week.
FYI I have also attached a letter which was drafted by BPS and will be sent to parents of BPS and IHS.