After consultation with parents, staff and pupils regarding possible new names for the new amalgamated school, the following three names have been selected to be on the ballot:
Clyde Valley Primary; Garrion Primary; Orchard Primary.
The reason for these choices are as follows:
Clyde Valley Primary School: Parents and children recognise that it is on the same campus as the secondary and there will be benefits from the primary and secondary schools having the same name. The new school is situated to enable sprawling views over the picturesque Clyde Valley which can be seen from the school.
Garrion Primary School: In reference to the nearby historic Garrion Bridge (built in 1817) and the area around it. Also Clyde Valley High School is on the site of the old Garrion Academy, which was built in 1971. At the time, Garrion Academy had been purpose-built to provide a broad education for all young people, regardless of their background or ability, an inclusive ethos which the name suggestion would be remembered in the new school.
Orchard Primary School: In our area the orchards have a long history extending from the early monasteries to the industrial development of the Central Belt, when the area became one of the major fruit producers in Scotland. There are a number of orchards remain today on the Horsley Brae and surrounding areas, near to the new school. The positivity of the symbolism of an orchard/tree in growth, roots and life were all suggested.
All parents/carers, staff and pupils of both schools are entitled to vote on the new name. The pupil ballot will be carried out within the school.
Votes will be counted by the members of the Interim Parent Council on Monday 1st February. The result will be sent to North Lanarkshire Council for their approval. Once approved the new name will be announced to parents.
The letter and ballot papers are being sent home with the children today. It is extremely important that you vote and that ballot papers are sent back to the school in the return envelope no later than Friday 29th January. Any ballot papers returned after this date will not be counted.
