| Senior pupils at the new Catholic school in Gillburn Road, which replaces Lawside Academy and St Saviour’s High School, were the first to see the school first hand today.
S3 and S4 pupils will arrive on Monday with the remaining children starting on Tuesday.
Over 1000 pupils will attend the school, which is the first new secondary school to be built on a new site in Dundee since the former Whitfield High School in 1976.
School headteacher Moira Leck led the pupils in the school prayer before they were able to explore the building this morning.
Natalie McIntyre (17), one of the school’s two head girls together with Charlene Shaw, said she was impressed with the new building.
“It’s a shame we’re only going to be here for such a short while,” said the former Lawside Academy pupil.
“It’s quite a privilege to be one of the first head girls.”
Among the guests invited to St Paul’s for its official opening were Dundee City Council administration leader Kevin Keenan, education convener Laurie Bidwell and Monsignor Ken McCaffrey, Roman Catholic representative on the education committee.
Mr Bidwell said, “This is yet another historic occasion for Dundee and I am delighted to see this new school opening for pupils. Pupils and staff have put in tremendous effort to forge the new identity of St Paul’s.
“I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the creation of St Paul’s and I am sure everyone is dedicated to the task of ensuring this new school builds its own traditions for the future.”
Cllr Keenan added, “The opening of these new schools highlights the real investment we are making for education in this city.
“I am sure pupils and staff will be impressed by their new surroundings as the schools have been designed to offer a very positive learning and teaching environment.”
Pupils have been involved in the creation of a new badge, uniform and identity for St Paul’s. The school’s facilities include a swimming pool, games hall and gyms.
Monsignor McCaffrey added, “The Diocese of Dunkeld congratulates Dundee City Council on the opening of St Paul’s RC Academy.
“The new school will bring together the rich tradition and heritage of Lawside Academy and St Saviour’s High School, as these state-of-the-art facilities will enhance the provision of education for young people in Dundee.” |
