Scottish Catholic Observer

The community of St Joseph’s Primary School in Milngavie is seeking support from all quarters, ahead of a vote next week that could result in the closure of the school.

Following a consultation period, East Dunbartonshire Council is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday evening at which, it is feared, proposals will be outlined for the closure of St Joseph’s.

Parents of children at St Joseph’s have reacted angrily to the proposals, arguing that the local authority is planning to remove denominational education provision for children in Milngavie and send them by bus to the neighbouring town of Bearsden.

Laureen McIntyre, chairwoman of St Joseph’s parent council, said that East Dunbartonshire Council’s consultation process ‘has been skewed from the beginning with St Joseph’s included in a cross boundary option and separate to the Milngavie option—the very community at which St Joseph’s is at the heart of.’

“East Dunbartonshire Council discounted mergers of denominational schools such as Castlehill Primary School, Bearsden, and Clober Primary School, Milngavie, on the basis of different geographical locations, why then is it okay to move Milngavie children to Bearsden as proposed in this merger?” Ms McIntyre asked. “St Joseph’s is a highly successful and sought after primary school situated in the centre of Milngavie and its children and their families are valuable contributors to Milngavie’s vibrant and diverse community.

“Closing St Joseph Primary School will have a detrimental effect on the community and local businesses and the Milngavie community in general. Life for children of St Joseph’s Primary School revolves around the school, St Joseph’s Church and Milngavie precinct and parks.”

Ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting, which takes place at East Dunbartonshire Council Chambers at 6pm, St Joseph’s parent council members are keen for as many people as possible to sign a petition against their school’s closure. The petition can be accessed by visiting: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-st-josephs-primary-school/