Staff Stories

Mr John Brown- English Teacher 1907-51.

It was not till November 1907, that I joined the staff of the school. Airdrie Academy was a great school then just as it is a great school now, but in some ways, it was a different school.

Perhaps the "toughs" of long ago were a bit tougher than their successors. I think they were. But on the other hand, the good little girls were very, very, good indeed. I think, too, that the pupils of 30 or 40 years ago had more initiative than the moderns, and certainly were not molly-coddled so much.

Now for the teachers! As you might expect they have always been good with a few exceptions, of course, but before the First World War they looked somewhat different. The Rector, for instance, instead of being a tall man in a lounge suit and soft hat, was a little stout man with a frock-coat and tile hat, but, tile hat or not, we all liked him very much. As for the rest of the men teachers we all wore bowler hats and stiff collars, at least in the very early days, and for some time, also, gowns were worn in school.

Another marked difference between the ‘old’ school and the ‘new’ was in the teaching of the junior pupils. Every young teacher, as a matter of course, was expected to teach almost every subject. Now I cannot honestly claim that I taught German or Domestic Science. Who knows what might have happened? As it was, I had a Latin class of my own, assisted in the Science and Woodwork Departments, and I am thankful to report that they have left me undisturbed. During all these long years in the English and Geography departments, where I not been wholly wasted, I learned quite a lot about lots of things, including the mysteries of "Mensa" and Metre Sticks. It is only fair to state that I have since learned from Mr D-k-s that the metre which is a stick has qualities and possibilities of which I had never even dreamed.

I am sure you would have liked the old-fashioned exams we used-so delightfully free and easy- unlike these stern and formal ordeals you undergo nowadays. Each teacher examined his own class in his own way. I can remember occasionally dictating the first question and thinking out and writing down on the board while the pupils answered. A wrong thing to do, no doubt. Some of my students became great people-famous professors, surgeons, etc., etc., just as I hope some of you will become.

I'll finish with a short note on the difference in the size of buildings. In the old days the Junior Secondary school, known as ‘The Sup ’, occupied only three rooms in the oldest of the three Airdrie Academy buildings. Now it fills two whole schools and has overflowed into two more. Its numbers have risen to over 1000 mark. The Secondary department since it moved to its new home up the hill has averaged roughly 600 pupils.

I should like my very last written words to you to be these: -

"Never forget that you belong to a great school with a very

great tradition indeed. See that you are worthy of it."

Published in the school magazine year 1951.

1940s

MissJessie Ritchie- Mathematics Teacher 1942-75

The war years necessitated members of staff taking their turn fire watching during the night. It was sad that it was due to such a circumstance as war that the expertise in table tennis of some may have increased!

Elsie Lindsay, a young science teacher with us for a short time, organised our first venture in taking senior girls berry picking in Blairgowrie. For the next two summers two groups of our pupils each year, one after the other, shared in this work at the same farm as before where the farmer’s seven delightful children soon made friends with the girls. The girls were quite impressed that the authorities allowed them a double ration of cheese!

Happily, the air raid shelters erected in the playground were never needed. There came the end of the war, followed by the welcome return of our colleagues, but sadly not all our former pupils.

Miss Sorley Maidment- Staff member 1934-4

I remember visiting the Commercial college in Pitt Street, Glasgow with the rector to see the equipment used there. The same type of equipment- desks, chairs, cupboards, and specially lined blackboards- was ordered for the new school in South Commonhead Avenue.

I also recall fire watch duty which was compulsory during the last few years of the War. It was mostly done by female teachers. Three ladies and one male were on duty each evening. Sometimes it was quite frightening walking up the long dark road on winter evenings as the town was in complete darkness. The beds provided were not comfortable, so we made our own sleeping bags from sheets and used the dark grey blankets provided.

Perhaps the only bonus from moving to Commonhead was the fact that because the new school was further from the town, the lunch hour was extended to one and a quarter hours for quite a considerable time!

Mr R.A Sinclair- Rector 1943-53

Mr John Brown is an inspiring teacher with a keen sense of humour, a staunch supporter of the Former Pupils' Club, author of innumerable “quizzes" which not only provide amusement but help to fill the coffers of the school. His going will leave a gap which it will not be easy to fill.He has given a lifetime of service to the school and he will carry into his retiral the good wishes not only the present staff and pupils, but of all who have been privileged to come under his influence.

1950s

MissJessie Ritchie- Mathematics Teacher 1942-75

In the 1950s we shared in an exhilaratingly happy fellowship of young folks at a monthly Saturday rally in Glasgow organised by Rev. Tom Allan. We were very pleased when other local Airdrie based fellowships joined us. In the 1950s we took part in a summer mission at Portobello. We also heard Billy Graham preach at Ibrox. The members of the CF came from all years. We would watch weekly films including the ‘Fact and Faith’ series. Down the years our programmes included bible study and we sometimes welcomed thrilling talks by members from all over the world. We also organised treasure hunts and panels of staff answering pupil questions. We had weekend trips at Winston Lodge near Biggar, and one at St Ninians centre in Crieff. I recall a day trip to Dunblane where we visited the cathedral and church house before playing games on the riverbank. Strathaven afforded us a venue for an evening sausage sizzle. The members collected used stamps and knitted blankets for the leprosy mission. They visited the old folk’s home, joined with the choirs on a project for Shelter and visited Quarriers homes.

There were always at least two members of staff involved in CF. I was aided through the years by Miss Jamieson, Miss Bormond, Mr Stirling, Mrs Lawson, Miss Robertson, Mrs Alexander and Mrs McGinn.

A former Airdrie Academy pupil and founding member Margaret Duncan thrilled us with an account of her experiences as a missionary in Malawi. She later joined the staff. Upon my retiral she led the CF and Mr Duncan supports with his guitar playing. It gives me great joy to see the CF is still part of Airdrie Academy forty years after it was established

(from an interview in the Golden Jubilee Magazine 1991)

Mr William 'Paw' Brown- P.E Teacher 1954-84

I came to Airdrie Academy on the fifth of January 1954 after having had a spell at Uddingston Grammar. After having met W. C. Henderson I was ushered upstairs to the staffroom to meet some of my colleagues, and what a gang they were. John (Daddy) Allan reigned supreme, and no young teacher called him by his Christian name; Walter Paterson, John (Butch) Craig, Jimmy Inglis, Roy (Mighty Joe) Young, Jimmy Russell and what seemed to be a corpse lying on top of the lockers. I later discovered that this was Willie (Claude) Gibson - he was the only man I knew who would sleep on wood using the Oxford Dictionary as a pillow.

Miss Marie Henderson- Domestic ScienceTeacher 1951-80

One of my best memories of teaching at Airdrie Academy was when the school was chosen to host a United Nations Day celebration in 1958. The school was turned into a type of camp and the funniest moment was when the Police took on the BBC Sports Department in a spaghetti eating contest. One of the competitors was commentator Peter Thompson. The local traders supplied us with the spaghetti, and I wanted it to be as long as possible. When it arrived at school the box looked like a coffin!

MrWalter Henderson-Rector 1953-1975

By Christmas 1957 the so called ‘Asian Flu’ is almost forgotten but there is no doubt that the epidemic, or whatever name may be applied to the malady, affected seriously the work of the school. For a brief period, attendance fell to about 60%; more than half the pupils were ill at one time or another and in some classes, few escaped. Perhaps we were fortunate that the attack came early on in the session, but it would be unwise to congratulate ourselves until winter is over.This session there has been a marked increase in the school roll, especially in senior classes.

1960s

MrIan 'Barney' Walker- History Teacher 1964-79

One of my proudest memories of the time I taught at Airdrie Academy came on Tuesday the 16th of May, 1967. Airdrie Academy’s football team players were victorious in the final match against Our Lady’s HS in Motherwell at Hampden Park in Glasgow. It was the team I managed and had selected the line up.

They won the prestigious Scottish School’s Football Association, Secondary Challenge Shield.

Back L-R Bill 'Pa' Brown, John Whiteford, Jim Glover, Andy McInnes, John Traynor, Colin Griffin, Tom White, Stuart Ross.

Front L-R Walter C. Henderson, Ian Burke, David Smillie, Jimmy Henderson, Les Mottram, Walter Clarke, Ian 'Barney' Walker.

In 1967, the players and reserves of the team were rewarded with a European trip. This was when they played two games in Germany and against Primorje in the Trieste area. There was football team and choir who made a reciprocal visit to Airdrie in 1969.

1970s

Ms Elizabeth Pearson- Music Teacher 1967-2001

I spent 25 years teaching Music in Airdrie Academy. I have wonderful memories of both colleagues and pupils - too many to mention by name.

One of my most memorable is of Head Teacher, Walter Henderson, suggesting that I should wear a longer skirt when going for my interview for Principal Teacher. Didn't have one but still got the job!

It was my privilege to teach music both curricularly and extra-curricularly to many gifted and talented pupils, many of whom have become life-long friends. The support of staff in all the extra-curricular work was wonderful and I owe a lot to their enthusiasm.

Like in all jobs there were ups and downs, but the happy, wonderful moments far outweighed any downs.

MrJim Smillie- Geography Teacher 1973-86

I returned to my former school, Airdrie Academy, to start teaching Geography in August 1973 under the guidance of Jack Heron as Principal Teacher. There was another new start in the Geography Department. Since I was a former pupil, it was agreed that I wouldn't have a permanent room as I knew my way about the school. However, the other new start decided teaching wasn't for him and left. The first term to Christmas was hard going as his classes were allocated among the other three members of the department and the fact that there was no October break. However, having Room A22 as my base during my first year certainly helped.

This is marked number one on the photo.

When Woodhall House was set up, the new PT Guidance John Dickson was also a Geography teacher. The decision was made to give him Room A22 as the nearby old science storeroom would become the Woodhall House office. So, for session 1974/75 I would be teaching in a hut on the edge of the school grounds. Room X14. No. 2 on photo. However, before the hut was ready, I taught for six weeks in a small science lecture theatre.

With the building of the House Block which opened at the start of the 1975/76 session I was based in Room H3/10, on the top floor overlooking the playing fields. No. 3 on photo. I was based there for almost eleven years and thoroughly enjoyed my times there.

By then the school roll had increased significantly. At its peak there were over 1700 pupils attending Airdrie Academy. The house block accommodation was required to cope with demand. The order of the houses is alphabetical. It always goes Cleddans , Faskine, Glentore, Monklands, Rochsoles, Woodhall.

It depended largely on your surname to see what house you were in.

When the house block opened in 1975 my registration class was 2W1.

In a class of 30+ there were 7 Stewarts and 5 Thomsons.

The house block had 3 floors.

The houses looking at front doors of building were as follows:

Top Left Rochsoles. Top Right Woodhall

Middle Left Monklands. Middle Right Glentore.

Bottom Left Cleddans. bottom Right Faskine.

Each house had a house office, common room and dining area.

I coached football as a member of staff and one of my proudest moments came in 1977 when my team won the Maxwell Cup.

Maxwell Cup Lanarkshire

Schools U14 winners 1977.

Back L-R

Jim Bettley, Steven Spiers,

David Smith, Simon Smith,

George Shanks, Jim Smillie.

Front L-R

Stewart Cook, Keith Shanks,

John McGregor, Gardner Speirs,

Archie Dickson, Cameron Graham.

Archie Fallow- Technical Teacher & Housemaster 1970-1990

During the days of the House system we had every Tuesday, a social eduction activity. At one point I counted 63 different offerings including knitting, crochet, building model aircraft and bridge.

There were six Houses in the mid 1970s and at lunch times daily each would open its own tuck shop run by the prefects. There would be table tennis and 'pool competitions, even the odd lunch-time disco. I oversaw Cleddans House, on the first floor of the House Block, and Mr. Fletcher in charge of Glentore, on the second floor. One day I thought the building was going to collapse - my ceiling was heaving at least 6 inches. I charged upstairs to find Glentore having a disco and about 200 weans, all in time, stomping out The Hucklebuck`', led, I may add, by Mr. Rodger

(Maths).

I was involved in setting up our outdoor centre ‘Daerhead Cottage’. At one time this had been the home of a shepherd and his family. We, that is myself, several other members of staff, parents and senior pupils, renovated- no make that rebuilt- the place to accommodate 18 beds. A diesel engine generated our own electricity, water was piped in from a spring and two separate toilet blocks provided all the ‘home comforts’ needed. It took around two years to complete the conversion and for several years after that, each and every S1 pupil would be given the opportunity to spend at least three days there accompanied by staff in the summer term. There would be hill walking, dooking in the burn and visits to places of interest in the locality. I have lots of good memories from that time!

Innes Alexander- English teacher 1974-1982

Airdrie Academy features in many aspects of my life. I was a pupil there from 1963 to 1969, met my husband there when we found ourselves in the same class and I returned after five years study in Edinburgh as an English Teacher for my first teaching post in 1974.

Those were the days- classes of 40. Trying to teach English as a newly qualified teacher in a science lab when half the class had their backs to you. Part time education for 4th years and 5th year Christmas leavers following the raising of the school leaving age (Rosla) with no additional materials available. Happy days though!

I also remember when we had to queue up at the Rector, Tom Henderson’s office to collect our pay cheques at the end of each month. No electronic banking in those days! He had everyone’s pay slip neatly laid out on his desk.

Subsequently I took up the post of Assistant Principal Teacher of English in Airdrie Academy before moving on to posts in other schools.

There were many inspiring and many kind teachers too in my years both as pupil and teacher in Airdrie academy. Indeed there were many great characters amongst both staff and pupils. So many stories, so many memories.

Mike Rawlinson- P.E teacher 1975-1989

When I started in 1975 Airdrie Academy had a considerable reputation in sports. Many pupils had achieved success at international, regional and divisional level. At that time there were nine football teams, four rugby teams and four hockey teams. There were also cricket, badminton, basketball, cross country and athletics teams. Lots of Airdrie Academy pupils had proudly represented their school through the 60s and 70s. By the late 1970s there were new activities added to the list including a trampette and gymnastics club, dance groups, aerobics and table tennis.

Isabel Morrison- English teacher 1975-2009

Why did I become an English Teacher? Well, in that amazing first year, aged 11/12, I had a crush on our English Teacher, Mr Jimmy Mason, and all notions of being a journalist or an air-hostess were replaced by wanting to be like him in the only way I could: being a teacher of English in a secondary school. It was exceptionally lucky that I spent almost all my teaching career in Airdrie Academy.

Throughout my teaching career I have been a dinosaur, a technophobe, and a total klutz as far as computers are concerned; but I had the cavalry come to my rescue in the shape of John Kerr, Ian Dalton, and Jackie, Theresa and Janey in the office, who made sure that all my forms (especially registration – thanks, ladies!) were completed correctly.

The end-of-year bun fight was always looked forward to. I remember one in particular: Ian McLaren, aka the Doc, aka the Deputy Head, had been more than generous in dishing out the dreaded “please takes” to those of us in the English Department. We were getting so fed up that we kept these nasty wee slips as evidence (for what? a grievance procedure?). On the last day of term we attached our own personal please-takes to T-shirts which we wore proudly as we sashayed in for our tea and cakes! Ian had the grace to blush.

Over the years I have regaled friends and family with stories about classes and pupils – too many to even begin recounting here. There was much affection and laughter, respect and a solid work ethic on both sides of the teacher’s desk. This has led to many encounters with former pupils in all sorts of situations: shops and supermarkets, restaurants, weddings, airports, hairdressers, doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries, and, on one memorable occasion, on South Street, St Andrews.

James ‘Jimmy’ Rodger- Maths teacher 1976-2013

I left school in 1972 and returned to teach Maths in 1976. I was fortunate to teach in a department where my colleagues became my friends. Many of us taught in the department for over 30 years. Looking back, I can see how difficult it was in my early years with 1800 pupils and a lack of differentiated teaching material. The heating in the House Block was a constant problem.

The sudden death of John McDonald at the time of the meningitis outbreak and the Lockerbie disaster in 1988 was a particular low point but it gave me the opportunity to take over John’s roll in Career Education, which in time led me to be involved in Work Experience, Enterprise and being part of the UCAS team that processed university and college applications.

This was a rewarding part of the job, and many pupils went on to be doctors, dentists, lawyers, vets, teachers, accountants and those who had no idea what they wanted to do when they left school have had successful careers in a range of areas.

Following my retirement in 2013 I did supply teaching until the pandemic and now I maintain my relationship with the school by doing supported study and exam invigilation.

1980s

Miss Ellen Maxwell - Mathematics Teacher

This is Daerhead cottage, the Airdrie Academy outdoor centre and the scene of many S1 trips in the early 1980s. The school purchased the site and fundraised to buy materials and equipment to make it functional. It proved to be very popular. A lot of school groups and clubs used it.

There were day trips from Daerhead to Moffat with the boating pond or Drumlanrig Castle with the adventure playground. Washing facilities at the cottage were minimal and the toilets were outside. Luckily there was a stream right outside the front door. Trips were Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri and you were desperate to get home for a good wash! Fun times and lots of memories made though!

Mr David Brown - Technician 1974-2103

I assembled and mortared in the wood burning stove in an afternoon and made all of the reinforced concrete sections for the bridge over the burn in the Technical Dept of Airdrie Academy before it was assembled at Daerhead over three weeks. I think that was in school year 1979 -80.

John Bell- teacher 1981-1986

There was a bronze bust of the first rector of Airdrie Academy, John Anderson at the entrance. I remember it being ‘stolen’ around the early eighties. I heard the 4GC2 boys in my class talking about it and passing the information to Pa Broon, doing the right thing as a responsible teacher. The next day, the bust was back in its usual place. I walked into the 4GC2 boys to find a rather large turf of grass sitting on my desk top.. those were the days!

Geraldine Caufield- English teacher

I taught in Airdrie Academy, English Department from 1981 -1984 when I moved to teach in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for two years and I returned to Airdrie Academy in 1991 until 1993.

My first Head of Department was Iain Morris, APT Innes Alexander and APT Vivienne Fullerton. When I returned in 1991 Brian McLean was Head of Department, Walter Hayburn was APT and Bill Watson was APT. I think Isabel Morrison and Isobel Randall were in senior teacher posts.

I remember that Iain Morris had the former Head Teacher of Dalziel High School, Mr Scobbie in to talk about Shakespeare to the upper school.

Julie Austen former PT Drama use to have lots of actors and actresses to come into school to give talks to pupils. Jane Burns, Isobel Randall, Isabel Morrison and Fiona Shand had numerous writers and poets invited to the school.

Low points for me were definitely the sad passings of Vivienne Fullerton and John MacDonald, both huge losses to the school community.

One of my memories was promising my hardworking class a video day. Mr Smith, Head Teacher, was doing his classroom rounds came into the class as someone in the video was being hurled out of a helicopter. Not sure what he or I knew to be the connection to English.... I just said it was a treat for all of the hard work!

I met lots of inspirational teachers and many I am still friends and meet socially not just from the English Department but across the spectrum of departments. I think that was the unique bond of Airdrie Academy, it was a school which made you feel welcome and very much part of it.

Isabel Murray- School Nurse 1980s

I am former Nurse Murray at Airdrie Academy and its primary schools. I worked there from late 80s until I retired when I was 64, I was very fortunate to work alongside the teachers and students also not forgetting the office staff and all the other staff members who worked there e.g. the janitor, catering staff and most importantly the students and their parents.
My time at Airdrie Academy was the happiest years of my nursing career, I have so many happy memories and some sad ones but as I said it was a great experience and I was very happy and grateful to be the school nurse at Airdrie Academy. Thank you to everyone who helped me through my journey.

Jane Burns- English Teacher 1985-1995

My ten years at Airdrie Academy from 1985-1995 were among the happiest of my 30 years teaching career.

One of the standout memories was the production of a play I had written: The Haunted Hotel.  It was a true whole school production because of the numbers of staff involved in all aspects of the show as well as the range of pupils who took on the acting roles...from first year through to fifth year.

Billed as a 'spooky comedy', the talents of so many people made the production match any professional play of the era: original music and poster design by Art Teacher Tony Regan as well as set design by the Art Department; our two drama teachers Mrs Lorna Watson and Dawn Ferguson were responsible for direction and movement.  The standard of acting from pupils of all ages was a revelation.

I am still proud to this day of the hard work and dedication of all involved...including my two sisters Monica and Lucille who made the souvenir keys of The Haunted Hotel which I presented to those involved in the show.

Memorable moments indeed!

Mr Alex Keegan - Technician 1989-2013

In 1989 the opportunity to form a sailing club arose when the Glasgow Schools Sailing Club had boats based at the Glasgow Garden festival and a group of pupils was invited to try sailing. The first group was about 30 strong but this had to be reduced as the size of the group was dictated by the size of the mini bus!

In 1989 we arranged weekend trip for the sailing club at Blairvadoch outdoor centre on the Gareloch. The club aimed to give pupils the opportunity to take part in an outdoor activity and train them to RYA levels of competence

1990s

M. Riddell – staff member 1989-1998

The tuck shop has become a vital source for pupil energy during the school day! It is housed in a small storeroom at the end of one of the link corridors leading to the assembly hall, and since its opening the room has almost been rebuilt to accommodate a better variety of stock

At first the tuck shop opened only at lunchtime but after some customer pressure the hours were extended to include the interval. At school discos and Christmas dances the tuckshop does a roaring trade.

Prices in the tuck shop are lower than those in the ice-cream van and the local shop, yet a good profit is made. Stock is ordered on Friday night and delivered on Monday morning. Orders used to be taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well, but because of some break-ins orders are now only once a week, to keep stock down at weekends.

Prefects help to control the queues and to serve although some of them need their calculators! It's hot unusual now for pupils to expect us to be able to change a £10 note first thing in the morning most amusing when all they want is a 10p packet of crisps.

One of our best sellers must be ice-poles', even when the snow is inches deep and pupils are dancing with cold; and they don't just buy one at a time . It's sometimes as many as six! We recently branched out and are now selling school jumpers and sweatshirts (at lunchtime only).

Not to be left out, when the school is involved in fundraising, we do our bit by encouraging pupils to "Chuck Change for Charity" into our collecting bucket. We also collect empty cans for the can bank', raising even more money for charity.

Annette Laird- senior technician 1980-2013

In 1983 Airdrie Academy netball club was re-established. There were more than 50 players spread across three age groups. By the early 1990s the club was taking part in the National Youth tournament and the Scottish Knockout. One year the Academy entered six competitions over three age groups and won 17 medals.

Jonathan Naylor- music tutor and band leader 1992-present

We ran a very popular concert band starting in the mid-90s. They attended several recitals and competitions and were very successful. One major festival was in Italy.

So many stories come to my mind from that time! I can’t believe I have been working with Airdrie Academy pupils for over thirty years now!

Arthur Bannister- science technician 1991-2013

Every year when the PE department organised sports day, I oversaw the fun day held on the ash pitch. Every department manned one of the stalls. We had traditional games like ‘Roll the Penny’, ‘Bat the Rat’ and ‘Roll the Ball’, which all made by the technical department. There was an ice cream stall, burgers and hotdogs, and many others.

In the years I worked at Airdrie Academy, we had a very good social committee. They organised lunches, quizzes, Christmas activities and summer nights out. Mrs Wilma Gilluley was in charge, and I was soon her second in command. After a very gruesome HMIE inspection I was nominated by the headmaster Hugh McCallum to go to the Queen’s Garden Party in Holyrood. This is an experience I and my mum will never forget. Wilma got a CBE, with both of us nominated for services to education.

We had a wonderful time when the school turned 150 in the year 1999. We had a Victorian day where we all dressed up and tried out old fashioned lessons. We then gathered everyone together up in the ash pitch to get a full school panoramic photo.

2000s

Catherine Watson- English teacher 1992-2021

Kerowin Frew worked in Airdrie Academy from 2002 until her passing in 2020. She was such a warm, kind, sensitive and talented woman. I knew Keri for 20 years as a colleague and as the years went by more and more as a friend. I shall miss our daily chats in the morning before class and will fondly remember her as part of our little group, laughing and joking in the corridor. She had an infectious laugh when you said something that amused her, and her love of reality TV and online shopping always made me smile. Her love for Tam and music was obvious as she spoke to me a lot about both on our journeys from school - always on hand if I needed a lift back home. I shall miss her terribly and I know I shall never forget her.

Gail ( Simpson ) Crosbie English teacher 2004- present

I remember coming for my interview as a newly qualified English teacher in 2004 and marvelling at the beauty of the administration corridors and offices behind the assembly hall. It gave quite the first impression! Going up the stairs to the department felt quite special, as if you were joining a long history of teachers who had taught there.

The assembly hall and administration offices were still in very good condition but the same can't be said for the rest. Contaminated water supply, mice infestation, broken windows and a leaky roof were features of my time there.

My first classroom in the English department was on the top floor right at the end, A32. It had tall windows, a raised front (great for me being 5ft 3) and built in cupboards. They had uncovered murals in the classrooms down our corridors. I made the room as bright and colourful as possible and had two happy years teaching a broad range of pupils and integrating myself into the wider life of the school.

The room was always either roasting hot or freezing cold- no in between! The huge radiators used to blast out heat, but this was countered by the numerous broken windows. I clearly remember teaching classes wearing an outdoor jacket, hat, and gloves as it was snowing inside the room in the middle of winter.

We had traditional blackboards and I often returned home caked in chalk dust. I once innocently asked about the availability of digital technology and Mrs Morrison brought me in a long armed stapler! I remember helping Ms Randall to staple down a section of the carpet in her room as it had become a real trip hazard.

We couldn’t use the taps in A block because the water supply was contaminated. Some of the old stairwells had been blocked up and stank to high heaven! By the time we were ready to move to the new building the excitement was tangible.

In my first three years two things stand out in my memory: the trip to Euro Disney and our first act in the staff talent show.

I remember the very first time we persuaded the English department staff to take to the stage in a staff talent show in 2005. We dressed up in school uniform and hastily cobbled together a set to ‘School’s Out for Summer’. The pupils were delighted to see some of their favourite teachers in a new light including Mrs Morrison, Mrs Randall, Mrs Firth and Mrs Shand. I also remember our faces when Cath Watson arrived at school dressed up in full costume- a uniform she had borrowed from her daughter who was p6 or p7 at the time! We got a huge cheer and a roar of applause on stage. Isabel Morrison had the genius idea to throw lollipops into the crowd. I think that’s why we were awarded first place!

Future years saw English department performances of ‘Grease’, ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Hey Mickey’, ‘Shangalang’ and ‘Spice Up Your Life’. Always a great laugh and brought us all together.

I was part of the staff team for the Paris and Euro Disney trip in April 2005. We travelled from Airdrie on a double decker bus to get the ferry over to France. The teachers took turns supervising upstairs. We also had a tuck shop available on board and the subsequent sore tummies, trumps and sugar rushes were palpable!

We stayed at a Disney hotel, and I vividly remember a knock on the door around 9pm. A young lad had ‘washed’ his one and only pair of trousers in the jacuzzi bath and was using a hair dryer to dry them which had short circuited, and flames were lurching from behind!

It was a memorable trip for many reasons and will always be part of my stories linked to 20 years teaching at the Academy.

I have been fortunate to work with some amazing and inspirational teachers during my time at the school.

I came into the department after completing my probation year in Denny High. I was extremely grateful that my good friend Kelly Smith had been placed at Airdrie Academy too. We met as S1 pupils starting Cumbernauld High school. I am so grateful to have Kelly as a good friend and a colleague. She has been an incredible support, sounding board, uplifter and generally all-round lovely person through all the 32 years of our friendship.

Another stand out is Valerie Hunter, who joined the English department in 2005 and has been an amazing friend to me. Val is the most kind hearted and inspiring teacher. She radiates positivity wherever she goes! I was also always grateful for the learning support staff, in particular Lesley Hornell, Rona Ritchie and Elaine McGuire.

I was always guaranteed a kind word and encouragement from Janice Stevenson in Business Studies. She was my work ‘aunty’ and remains a close friend to this day. English teachers, Isabel Morrison and Isobel Randall were both great supports to us ‘newbies’ and throughout the early years. They were both always on hand for advice, ideas, a reality check, or resources where stuck.

I remember we had an open day to mark the closure of the old building. I chatted to so many different people who had attended or worked at the school. It was sad to see the building close, but the staff were ready and excited for what lay ahead.

We moved into the new building in 2006. Disappointingly, the allocated ‘classrooms’ for Val and I were in fact conference spaces with no suitable furniture, storage nor facilities ready for pupils. It took over six months of negotiations and swaps to finally have a workable classroom in s09 and stop using Pickfords boxes, A3 whiteboards and computer desks as temporary furniture!

Through the unwavering support and encouragement of senior depute John Johnston and headteacher, Hugh McCallum, I started the Chartered Teacher training and was part of a group working towards a degree level qualification in middle management in 2010-11. At this time, I was successful in being appointed to the post of Acting Principal Teacher. Permanent promotion however was not to be, so I focused on improving my classroom practice and my important new roles as wife and mother to my two young children. In 2015 I reduced my hours to part time. I have never regretted that decision.

My high points of working at Airdrie Academy all involve the people- staff and pupils alike. The friends and colleagues I have, hold so many good memories. Over the years I have entertained friends and family with stories about classes and pupils – too many to even begin describing here. There was and still is so much warmth and laughter, respect and a solid work ethic with pupils through my twenty years at the Academy. This project has been an absolute joy and privilege to work on. I have connected and reconnected with such an amazing group of people.

I always maintained a close working relationship with our school librarians. Joanne Thomson, Caroline Begaj, Shelagh Ewing and Anna Agnew were all fantastic colleagues and good friends to me. Anna and I worked hard to achieve Gold level Reading Schools Accreditation in December 2023. We put in a wealth of work to this and were the first school in the authority to achieve it. Unfortunately, this incredible achievement was overshadowed by the authority wide decision to permanently ‘delete’ school librarian posts and subsequently LRC centres from schools. This has been a huge loss to our pupils and staff.

The lowest point for me was the untimely and tragic loss of friend and colleague Keri Frew in 2020. Her death was a massive shock and really shed a light on some aspects of working life. This coupled with muddling through the covid years, teaching in large gym halls and having to constantly remind pupils to keep their masks on is something I would rather forget!

If I could sum up my experiences of working at Airdrie Academy so far, I would say significant, enjoyable, and rewarding!

Allan Dougan: Maths Teacher 2003-2009

When I started at the Academy we were in the old building and my classroom was in the House Block. There was lots of water leaks and even a fire, I seem to recall. I remember watching the new building being built week after week from my classroom. The excitement grew. It was great to move into the new building though packing and unpacking boxes was not much fun.

There are lots of people who stick in my mind. Of course there was the maths team I worked closely with. Mr Kieran Ferguson in PE was a good friend and my sidekick—we had too much fun and got up to some mischief from time to time. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Lynn Watson who left such an impact in the lives of so many staff and students and was taken too soon.

I enjoyed teaching lots of different parts of the curriculum. I loved the introduction to Calculus in the Higher Course.

I remember Lightwater Valley trips, Alton Tower trips and Euro Disney Trip. All great experiences with a great bunch of pupils!

If I could sum up my experiences of working at Airdrie Academy, I would say my years were profoundly formative, fun and fulfilling!

Jimmy Rodger, Maths Teacher

From 2014-2018 Airdrie Academy stage performances included the annual Christmas concert, Young Musician of the Year, ‘Charioke’ and the popular end of year ‘Airdrie’s Got Talent Show’ where staff and pupils bravely got on stage to compete for the coveted trophy!

This is me with Andrea Watt who taught in the Maths Department at the time. This picture is taken in the afternoon of "Fun Day " - June 2015. The show was ‘Airdrie Academy’s Got Talent. Our act was Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers performing " Islands In The Stream " bringing undiluted joy to everyone! We were worthy winners!

Daun Ferguson, Drama teacher

This photo was taken in 2018 at the annual ‘charioke’ organised by the Airdrie Academy school captains. Our act was Tina Turner and friends. Kevin Beattie doesn’t take much convincing to don a pair of stilettos. What a hoot! We were crowned the winners.

Catherine Watson, English teacher

In 2018 we were the ‘Spice Girls’ minus Sporty who got stage fright at the last minute. Am sure we danced to ‘Spice Up Your Life!’ I always enjoyed taking part in these shows. They were a real chance to express yourselves, involve different people and show the pupils another side to your personality. A great way to end the term!

Michelle Green- Maths teacher 2006 to present

I have lots of positive memories associated with my time at Airdrie Academy.One stands out from 2016 when I got the opportunity along with David Buchanan, Allison Dewar and Daun Ferguson to go to Nairobi in Kenya to help with, work and support the charities ‘Seed of Hope’ and ‘Vision Africa’ in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Ruth Ross. What an amazing but eye-opening trip that was!

Since 2013, we have supported St Andrew’s Hospice with a sponsored walk up Tinto Hill. We usually take over a hundred S1 pupils and the atmosphere is positive. Lots of local schools take part and the pupils are always a credit to themselves and the school. I am proud to have been involved in organising this for over a decade.I also help to run the annual staff quiz where we raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice. This is always well supported and we have raised a significant sum of money to date.

I always play a part in the end of term Fun-D day. One of the most memorable for me was in 2017 when we played ‘It’s a Knockout’. The course was set up on the playing fields and we had such a great time- teamwork makes the dreamwork!

I have always been part of school shows and productions. From helping out with makeup and costumes to stagehand and choreographer. Some of my favourite memories from Airdrie Academy involve the staff talent shows and costume competitions. Our dedicated team always makes an effort!

In 2019 the Maths department did high school musical. I played Gabriella and we had such a laugh choreographing and performing together. The response from the pupils is always so positive. They love seeing their teachers up on stage!

In 2021 I was part of a group of Airdrie Academy teachers who organised a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis to raise funds for the school and its many projects and activities. We raised over £1000 for school funds.

I have been on so many school trips over the years to Lightwater Valley and Alton Towers. We had a trip to the Harry Potter studios in London and a favourite of mine, trips to Barcelona in 2022 and 2023.

Michael Doran-Maths Teacher 2007-2018

One of my first memories from my time at Airdrie Academy is meeting the headteacher, Hugh McCallum at my interview. The man could crush the bones of a wrestler with his handshake! He was a genuinely nice man and great boss to work for.

In 2009 I remember helping out backstage at ‘We Will Rock You’. The cast that year were amazingly talented. We managed to source a motorbike as part of the props. Lots of people had fun posing for pictures on that! The pictures show some of the Maths department staff and me on the infamous motorcycle.

I also remember watching some of the cast perform ‘I Want to Break Free’ in the social area on their last day. Absolutely amazing!

The annual FunD day was always a highlight of mine each year. Seeing both pupils and staff having fun together always filled me with so much happiness and was always a good start to the summer holidays.

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