Recent News
St Ninian’s High School consultation begins
St Ninian's High School in Giffnock is one of Scotland's top performing and most popular schools.
Consultation begins this week on a plan to ease accommodation difficulties at one of Scotland’s most popular schools.
Parents, carers, pupils, teachers and families who have an interest in the school, even if they aren’t directly affected, are being urged to have their say in the consultation.
The proposal is to change the catchment of St Ninian’s High School, and remove that part of the existing delineated catchment area which is in Glasgow.
This would mean that children living in the new catchment area, attending Our Lady of the Missions, St Cadoc’s and St Joseph’s primary schools would continue to transfer to St Ninian’s High School. The parents of all children living in the current catchment areas of St Angela’s or the former St Louise’s primary schools would have to make a placing request for their child to be admitted to St Ninian’s from August 2012 and beyond.
Children living in the Glasgow part of the current delineated catchment area, who have a catholic baptismal certificate, and attend either St Angela’s, St Vincent’s, or one of the three associated East Renfrewshire primary schools would have their requests granted before any others.
The proposal to change the admission arrangements for St Ninian’s High School would come into effect for the start of the school session in August 2012.
Vice convener of education and chair of the short life working group that examined St Ninian’s accommodation issues earlier this year, Councillor Elaine Green, explained: “Despite two large extensions, St Ninian’s High School cannot cope with the demands placed upon it. Given a limitless budget and limitless space we would continue to accommodate as many children as possible. It is clearly a popular school where there is more demand for places than the number available.
“To handle that position, which clearly isn’t going to go away, we have developed a new proposal and are now consulting with parents, pupils, residents and other interested parties.
“We acknowledge that the proposal is a compromise but we believe it is a fair and workable solution that will address the issue of pressure of places and is broadly representative of the views expressed by the working group.
“I would urge all parents, carers, teachers and pupils to participate in the consultation, including families who have an interest in the school but might not be directly affected by the changes,” added Councillor Green.
The consultation runs until and including Friday 5 November 2010 and copies of the consultation paper can be downloaded at our St Ninian's consultation pages.
Residents, carers, parents, teachers and pupils can have their say with a new online form through the council’s website.
Talking and listening can save lives
East Renfrewshire residents are being encouraged to talk and listen in a bid to save lives.
Suicide prevention week from 6 - 12 September is highlighting the importance of speaking out to reduce stigma and make people feel more comfortable about asking for help, and increase knowledge about what can help and where to get it.
Social work and health convener, Councillor Douglas Yates, is raising awareness of this issue which claims the lives of two people every day in Scotland.
“Even though two people die by suicide in Scotland every day, the issue remains largely taboo.
“There is a myth that talking about suicidal thoughts makes the problem worse, not better, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Having the courage to speak out about our own emotions and to listen sensitively to those seeking support can actually help save lives.
“If you’re feeling suicidal, talk to someone you trust or phone one of the help lines. If you’re worried that someone you know is feeling suicidal don’t be afraid to ask them – it could help to save their life,” added Councillor Yates.
If you are feeling suicidal, don't hide it.
Talk about it to someone you trust or phone a helpline listed below.
Breathing Space – 0800 838587
Samaritans – 0845 7909090
ChildLine – 0800 1111
Or access the following web site: www.chooselife.net
If you are feeling suicidal please T.A.L.K –
Tell someone what you are thinking and how you are feeling.
Ask for their help or seek help.
Listen to their advice or advice from others.
Know who to call in a crisis and keep their number with you at all times.
Barrhead recycling centre set for resurfacing work
Barrhead’s household recycling centre is closing for four days while the road is resurfaced.
The centre in Carlibar Road, Barrhead will close from Monday 13 to Thursday 16 September and re-open on the Friday.
In East Ren the household recycling centres can be used to recycle electrical and electronic waste which includes anything with a plug or battery; textiles, fluorescent tubes and low energy lightbulbs; MDF; chipboard and laminates, car and household batteries and engine oil.
Residents can also recycle garden waste, paper, cardboard, glass, cans, food and drinks cartons and plastics.
During the temporary closure, the council’s Greenhags household recycling centre on Ayr Road, Newton Mearns can be used for waste and recycling.
You can now apply for 32 licences online any time.
You can now apply for 32 licences online through East Renfrewshire’s website.
At our licensing pages you can apply for everything from a street trader’s licence, a window cleaner’s licence or even permission to place a skip on the road.
It’s all part of the council drive to reduce costs and make more services accessible at times that suit residents.
Council leader, Councillor Jim Fletcher, said: “Online services can make processes smoother for customers and save money for local services. Doing business with the council doesn’t need to be Monday to Friday. Residents can apply for a range of services online in the evenings or at weekends. Now online licensing will help reduce barriers to accessing our vast range of services.”
Through the council’s dedicated licensing pages you can apply for an indoor sports entertainment licence, change a street traders licence and apply for planning, building standards for food hygiene certificates among a whole range on offer.
High five for St Thomas’ primary in Neilston
St Thomas’ Primary School pupils celebrate their five ‘very goods’ from the recent HMIe inspection. With headteacher Maria McBride are Holly Moore, Kristopher Sweeney; Ross Miller; Anya McGuire and Casey Paterson.
St Thomas' Primary School is ‘very good’ – five times over!
The 172-pupil primary in the East Renfrewshire village of Neilston received the recognition from HMIe in its report following an inspection of the school in May 2010.
The five ‘very goods’ were awarded for improvements in performance; learners’ experiences; meeting learning needs; the curriculum, and improvements in self-evaluation.
Among the strengths of the school the inspectors found highly-motivated children who are keen to learn and proud of their own and each others' achievements.
The 'can do' attitude shown by children and staff was also highlighted by inspectors.
Head teacher Maria McBride is praised for providing 'very successful leadership' and for her involvement of children, staff and parents.
As part of the school's improvement plan, inspectors have asked that they build on current strong practice in self-evaluation to maintain a consistently high quality of learning experiences for children.
Head teacher Maria McBride said: “We are very pleased with the report which is a tribute to the effective team work of pupils, staff and parents. It is gratifying to note that the inspectors recognised the high expectations we have for our children and that the children have for themselves."
East Renfrewshire Council’s education convener Councillor Alan Lafferty said: “The five ‘very goods’ are a sign that St Thomas' Primary School is providing a very good quality of education in Neislton. I was particularly pleased to note that the inspectors recognised the partnerships the school has with parents and the wider community. They also highlighted the school's very effective arrangements to meet children's learning needs and the care shown by staff for children's wellbeing.”
Rachel collects keys to new Link flat
The first tenants of Barrhead’s new affordable housing project have collected their keys and will soon start moving into their properties.
Rachel Buchanan was one of the first to receive her keys for her John Street flat from East Renfrewshire Council housing officer Elaine Duncan last week.
The 41, two and three bedroom apartments were built in the town centre, on John Street and Henry Street, in partnership with Link Housing Association and East Renfrewshire Council.
Each flat is fully decorated and has gas central heating, a bath and a shower, secure door entry systems and an allocated private parking space.
Two flats have been specifically designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users.
And the rental price of £65 a week means the properties are affordable for people on lower incomes.
The first flats to be released are on John Street. And the rest of the properties, located on Henry Street, should be ready by the end of September 2010. All properties have tenants identified for them and are close to all local services and access to rail and bus public transport.
The council’s housing convener, Councillor Danny Devlin said: “East Renfrewshire has the highest house prices in Scotland and there’s a real danger of people being priced out of the market which has a knock-on effect for our local communities.
“Making local housing more affordable for local people can only benefit our communities in East Renfrewshire in the short and long term.”
Craig Sanderson, Chief Executive of Link Group said: “These high quality flats will contribute to alleviating the need for affordable homes in Barrhead.”
Topping out at Greenlaw Village
In celebration of the success of Greenlaw Village, a new £30m retail parade and neighbourhood centre, local
business leaders held a Topping Out Ceremony at the site located off Crookfur Road in the heart of Newton Mearns.
Developer, Bryan Wilson of Gleniffer Estates was joined by Councillor Tony Buchanan, Economic Development & Regeneration Convener, East Renfrewshire Council and Vicki Reid, Department Manager Retail at Waitrose Byre’s Road.
The trio gave a helping hand to the building works which will transform the 6.14 acre site and has already created vital new jobs for the community.
Since its launch last year Greenlaw Village has been a retail success with phase one attracting UK brands, such as Tesco Express, along with a string of local businesses creating much needed facilities for local residents.
Most recently Waitrose announced that it’s to develop its largest Scotland store at the development which is scheduled for opening in Easter 2011. Gleniffer Estates successfully sold the Waitrose development to an unnamed pension fund last month, off a yield of 4.75%.
Bryan Wilson, Gleniffer Estates said, “There’s been a tremendous amount of work to get to the position we are in today but we are over the moon with its success especially against a back-drop of such a tough economic climate.
“Waitrose is a perfect band for Newton Mearns and I’m sure it will attract shoppers from further a field. The job creation has also been a terrific boost locally and that, combined with the services which will now be available, is a great asset to the community.”
One class one and two class three units remain for lease within phase one and advanced discussions are underway for a proposed new medical and dental centre at the site.
Councillor Tony Buchanan, Economic Development & Regeneration Convener, East Renfrewshire Council added, “East Renfrewshire is widely considered to be a quality mark when it comes to areas such as places to live and raise a family and particularly in education. Having Scotland’s first new build and largest Waitrose store in Newton Mearns will enhance that reputation. It’ll add to the very good retail mix we already have and be an additional benefit to local residents for both shopping and employment opportunities. It also has the potential to bring new customers into the area which presents us with a further opportunity to promote a range of local services and opportunities right across East Renfrewshire.”
Work is well underway for the new 36,000 sq ft Waitrose store. Vicki Reid, Department Manager Retail at Waitrose Byre’s Road, Glasgow, added, "Building on the success of our Byres Road branch, this is another exciting development in Glasgow for our business which will help bring our offer of quality produce and service to more shoppers.
"Since coming to Glasgow we have established a very loyal customer base and increased the number of Scottish farmers and producers who supply us both here and throughout the UK. We believe our Newton Mearns store will not only enhance the local area by creating up to 200 new jobs, but as part of the Greenlaw Village add to the vibrancy of the area and encourage further investment in the city. As the development progresses past this landmark stage, we can't wait to open in Easter 2011."
Further information is available from the Gleniffer Estates website
Mama Mia... Its a Nearly Naked Chef
Lisa Robertson and daughter Briony check out the new theatre programme
There will be everything from women behaving madly, Ali Baba and Abba to a nearly naked chef on offer during the winter months at Eastwood Park Theatre.
These are just a few of the listings in the theatre’s new programme for the September to December season which is now available from all council libraries, main offices and on line at http://tinyurl.com/356y7c4
Community convener Councillor Mary Montague officially launched the new programme at the Avenue in Newton Mearns this week when it arrived hot off the press from the printers.
She said: “I am very excited at the new programme and the wide range of performances we have on offer. Apart the many film classics that will hit the theatre’s big screen there will be a wealth of quality drama, comedy, music and art to attract the residents of East Renfrewshire to Eastwood Park Theatre.
“As well as all that there will also be masterclasses and workshops for those residents who want to learn new or develop their existing artistic skills. So pick up a copy from the library or go online and check it out.”
Payments4Schools On Line For Parents
East Renfrewshire parents will soon be able to pay for their childrens’ school trips and school meals online when the council’s new Payments4Schools project comes into being during the Autumn term.
By paying online parents would no longer have to engage in often precarious practice of sending their youngsters to school with money to pay for meals or trips.
Education chiefs also hope that, due to ease of use, there will be an increase in the number of pupils taking school meals.
The Williamwood cluster of schools which includes Williamwood High School, Busby, Carolside and Netherlee Primary Schools and Isobel Mair School will pilot the new project from early in the new term.
The project proper will be introduced in two stages.
In late September, every East Renfrewshire primary and secondary school will be enabled to take online payments for school trips. Then, in mid October, the system will be linked to the authority’s cashless catering system allowing pupils’ cashless catering accounts to be credited via an online payment.
The cashless catering system is currently installed in Barrhead, Eastwood, Mearns Castle, St. Luke’s, Woodfarm and Williamwood high schools as well as in Busby, Carlibar, Cross Arthurlie and St. Joseph’s primary schools.
In time additional options will be made available to parents for online payment.
Parents, via their children, will still be able to pay by cash or cheque over the counter at the school office or dinner hall but once the advantages can be seen in using the Payment4Schools system it is anticipated cash payments will become less frequent.
The system was relatively simple to implement as it linked seamlessly with the existing online system the council has for payment of council tax, rent and invoices set up by leading software based solutions specialists Civica.
Implementing the system has involved an integrated joint effort between Civica and the council’s IT, education, finance and revenues professionals.
Parents will be able to access the system via the council website or their child’s school website.
Education convener Councillor Alan Lafferty said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the introduction of this very worthwhile new Payment4Schools system. It will make life easier for parents to pay for various services and commodities offered by our schools and it will also give them peace of mind knowing their children will not have to carry often large sums of cash to school.
“East Renfrewshire Council is committed to its Public Service Excellence programme which is aimed at limiting service cuts and continuing to improve service delivery for local people.
“We plan to make a wide range of services available to book and pay for online giving our customers 24/7 access. We will free-up capacity by encouraging customers to self-serve and save money because online services are much cheaper to run than phone or face-to-face.
“The new Payment4Schools system will eventually be used to pay for a whole range of services and products. I certainly would actively encourage parents to try it out and to make full use of what the system has to offer.”
Look out for your right to vote in the annual electoral registration canvass
Residents across East Renfrewshire are being urged to look out for an electoral registration canvass form coming through their letterbox.
Every home will receive a copy of the form between now and mid September.
The annual canvass is being organised by the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board which manages electoral registration for East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.
Residents are being asked to check the details shown on the electoral registration canvass form and make their return as soon as possible.
This is the information used to make sure electors are able to vote in local government, Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and European elections and any referendum that might take place.
And election bosses are urging that even if the details are correct and your name appears on the electoral register you are still required to make a return.
Now voters can get in touch and confirm their details by FREEPHONE, internet or by text messaging. Simple changes such as opting out of the edited register and requesting a postal vote can be made using this option.
Full details are on the electoral registration form posted to households.
Where an amendment is made to the form, residents will need to return it using the postage paid envelope provided.
If you haven’t received your registration form by 15 September 2010 please phone 0141 842 5922 to arrange for a duplicate to be issued.