Many of the current pupils at Dunard Primary are the children, grandchildren (and perhaps even great-grandchildren) of former students; others are new Glaswegians, a diverse mix of nationalities from around the world.
So, the party being planned for next year’s 125th anniversary promises to be a really big one …
Depute head teacher Alex McLaughlin with nursery pupil Addison (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
“We just want to open the doors of this beautiful Victorian building and bring in our community and our former pupils to celebrate with us,” says headteacher Jane Cerexhe, warmly.
“The school has been at the heart of Maryhill for more than 100 years, and we want to celebrate that as we look forward to our future.”
The mood inside Dunard Primary on a rainy autumn morning is upbeat.
A recent follow-up report by Education Scotland inspectors has praised the school and it has been a “huge boost” for the staff, says Jane.
“We are absolutely over the moon with the follow-up report, particularly for all the staff, and our community,” she says, smiling.
“We have a really great staff team, many of whom have been here for a long time.”
Headteacher Jane Cerexhe, left, with depute headteachers Ray Viola and Alex McLaughlin (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
After a disappointing inspection in 2024, the Education Scotland team decided the school needed more support to make improvements in several areas.
On the follow up visit, the inspectors said there had been “very strong progress” made.
“It has been a difficult time for the school but everyone really pulled together and worked incredibly hard to make the changes,” says Jane, who joined the school last year after 18 years as headteacher at Oakgrove Primary.
Headteacher Jane Cerexhe (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow City Council’s education convener, said: “The follow through inspection highlights how well the school is supporting the children in their learning and achievement.
“The school community will be proud of the progress everyone has made and how positive the report is.”
Headteacher Jane Cerexhe with pupils Logan, Eilidh, Jahmasin and Mila. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Jane and depute heads Ray Viola and Alex McLaughlin lead a team of around 30 staff, looking after 220 pupils in primaries one to seven, and 20 children in the nursery class.
One of the strengths described by the inspectors was the way in which teachers successfully use digital technologies, including a project in which children created their own piece of music.
Logan Nimmo, Mila Ralston, Jahmasin Okunola and Eilidh Orr, who are all 11 and in primary seven, all took part in the digital music project using tablets.
“It was something really different for us to do and we enjoyed it,” explains Logan.
Jahmasin adds: “Our piece was instrumental, with beatbox and guitar, some keyboards and drums, it was good fun.”
Depute head teacher Ray Viola with pupils Logan, Eilidh and Jahmasin (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Eilidh agrees. “It was great to be able to use so many sounds,” she says.
Mila says the project made her feel more confident about music.
“I’m a footballer, I didn’t really have any interest in taking music but this has made me think I’d like to do more of it in high school next year,” she says.
Dunard Primary (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Other pupils are keen to share their opinions of the school and nursery.
Mabel Armstrong, 11, who is in primary seven, says: “I love the community learning and how the teachers are happy to help you if you get stuck in class.
“Our values are respect, honesty, effort and friendship, which I really like.”
Addison Dixon, who is four, says: “I love my nursery. I love painting rainbows and going outside with our jackets on. I am excited about primary one.”
Next year promises a packed schedule of treats to mark the school’s milestone birthday and as well as planning those celebrations, Dunard is building on its links with other big community organisations, such as the Children’s Wood and Claypits Nature Reserve, and hoping to establish links with Partick Thistle FC at Firhill, for example, and Queen’s Cross Church.
“We also want to look outwith our own school to others in the area, to strengthen our partnerships across the community,” says Jane.
“A school can’t stand on its own.”
She also paid tribute to the “amazing” parents and carers who support the school.
“They are wonderful in everything they do for the school, from fundraising to organising a day of action to clean up the playground – they are just incredible,” Jane adds.
“There is a lot of goodwill towards the school in this community, and we’re excited about next year. It’s a chance to mark the past, celebrate the present and really look forward to the future.”
