Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell Diocese (above) celebrated an anniversary Mass for St Cuthbert’s Primary at the end of 2018 in recognition of the many years of teaching carried out by the school.

Headteacher Martina Hendry delivered a speech to her staff and pupils on the day.

She said: “It is indeed an honour and pleasure to be the headteacher as we gather to celebrate 125 years of the school community of St Cuthbert’s primary school.

“In this year, when we mark 100 years of state funded Catholic education.

“It is testament to the strength of Faith in our community that 25 years prior, our school began.”

Referring to the school’s first ever log book from when it was founded, she explained how the initial ‘certified mistress’ Ada Callaghan opened the school with 250 pupils, and come 1907 it was serving more than 700 pupils in Burnbank.

She continued: “The log books of the school tell of very challenging times for our community with families having to endure two world wars and many very problematic health issues.

“We must admire and applaud the courage of early families who valued education and fought to keep St Cuthbert’s school a vital part of the community.”

Over the years, the school has moved to different locations in the town.

Its most recent move was in 2007 during a school modernisation programme by South Lanarkshire Council.

Mrs Hendry added: “Our rich history tells of a school that was highly valued by the people of Burnbank.

“Today in 2018 much has changed within the education system. However, we continue to have a strong, Catholic, welcoming ethos in our present school as was recorded in years gone by.”

Expressing her gratitude to the whole school for making St Cuthbert’s what it is today, she concluded: “Finally, a special thank you to our current school community.

“All pupils, staff and families who continue to work together to ensure St Cuthbert’s Primary remains a place of Faith and learning within the community of Burnbank Hamilton. We look forward to a bright future together.”