| The new school is to be known as St Paul’s, but it was claimed today the consultation process which led to that decision appeared to have been “seriously flawed”.
Organisers said they may stage a rally and put together a Keep The Name steering group if an on-line petition attracts sufficient interest.
Former Lawside pupil and teacher Mike Barile said, “Last night, I attended a centenary celebration dinner for Lawside Academy and preliminary investigations suggest the consultation exercise for naming the new school was seriously flawed.
“Simply not enough stakeholders were involved in the swift decision-making process.
I am confident that given more time to reflect on this issue, the Catholic authorities can and must review the proposed name of the new establishment.
“In normal circumstances, I do understand that during a school merger a brand new identity is desirable and usually the correct procedure, but this really is a special case.
“I certainly do not wish to offend those connected with St. Saviour’s HS as that truly comprehensive establishment has served the community of north east Dundee very well for three decades.
“But there is no comparison with the tradition, size and influential role that Lawside has played over the last century within not only Dundee but Angus, Perthshire and north east Fife.
“I suspect even those strongly attached to St. Saviour’s would be sympathetic to retaining the name Lawside as a substantial number are themselves Lawsiders.”
Mr Barile encouraged people who believe a review of the naming decision is required to contact the Lawside rector and The RC Bishop of Dunkeld, the Rt. Rev. Vincent Logan.
He said there was an opportunity to raise the matter at a special Centenary mass being held at Lawside tonight at 7pm. The petition can be viewed at www.ipetitions.com/petition/ LawsideAcademy
Construction of the new school is due to begin next month, with completion in November 2008. It is part of the council’s £90million Public Private Partnership schools project.
Bishop Logan said that the need to be fair to the staff and pupils of both schools involved in the merger was behind the naming decision.
“Whilst I fully understand the very special place the name Lawside Academy holds in the hearts of generations of pupils who have been educated there, it had to be taken into account this new school is replacing two schools,” he said.
“Former pupils of St Saviour’s feel, I’m sure, equally attached to the name of their school. Thus it was felt a new name was the only fair decision.
“What will not change, however, is the Catholic ethos of the new school.”
A Dundee City Council education department spokesman said, “The city council is keenly aware of the pride felt towards Lawside Academy by former pupils and staff and those currently at the school.
“The name for the new denominational secondary school was agreed between the city council and the Diocese of Dunkeld following consultation.
“The city council has always believed that a new name should be given to new schools following mergers.” |
