Dunbar Primary School

New Headteacher May 28, 2008

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Our Ref: DJL/MJH/dunbarprimary
Tel: 01620-827596
e-mail: dledingham at eastlothian.gov.uk

27 May 2008

Dear Parents

Appointment of Head Teacher – Dunbar Primary School

Shortleet interviews took place on Monday 26 May for the position of Head Teacher at Dunbar Primary School. The interview panel consisted of 2 parents from the Dunbar Primary School Parent Council; Don Ledingham, Acting Director of Education and Children’s Services; Paul McLennan, Dunbar elected member. The panel was chaired by Peter Mackenzie, Convenor of the Education and Children’s Services Committee.

Following a very extensive advertising process and a preliminary longleet interview, the shortleet candidates were required to complete a comprehensive in-tray exercise which involved them completing a number of tasks which a head teacher would have to complete in a time limited manner.

These exercises were then reviewed by the interview panel prior to interview.

Following the interview, it was unanimously agreed to offer the position to Mrs Helen Gillanders, currently Acting Head Teacher at Stenton Primary School. Mrs Gillanders has an outstanding record as a teacher and Depute Head Teacher, having previously worked for ten years at Longniddry Primary School.

An interesting dimension to Mrs Gillanders background is that for eight years she was the manager of Halls of Residence at Edinburgh University which involved her managing a £1 million budget and a large number of staff.

Mrs Gillanders is a graduate of the Scottish Qualification for Headship course and a very strong classroom practitioner in her own right. This unique combination of business management skills, allied to her commitment and passion for education, made her an outstanding choice for the future of Dunbar Primary School.

Mrs Gillanders has made it clear that her commitment is to develop a long-term collective vision for the school involving all stakeholders including parents, teachers, pupils and members of the community.

We are confident that her management and leadership skills will enable the school to fulfil her ambition to create ‘one of the most outstanding schools in the UK’. Undoubtedly she will be convening an early parents’ information evening to meet with you and to share her vision for the future.

I am sure you will join with me and her colleagues at the school in giving her our full support to take the school forward over this important period in the history of Dunbar Primary School.

Yours sincerely

Don Ledingham
Acting Director of Education and Children’s Services