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Thank You Shetland
02/03/2010
Education Secretary Michael Russell today sent a special message of thanks to all those involved in the effort to reopen schools in the Shetland Islands.
Following the recent closures caused by adverse weather, Mr Russell spoke to headteacher Mrs Hazel Cranie of North Roe Primary School which, like all schools in the islands, was again affected by last week's severe snowfall, but has now reopened.
He is also writing to every headteacher in Shetland personally to thank them and their staff for the hard work and effort that's gone into getting pupils back into classrooms.
Mr Russell said:
"The Shetland Islands has been one of the areas worst affected by the weather this winter. This has had a knock on impact with inevitable widespread closure of schools, in the interests of everyone's safety.
"I appreciate that many school and council staff have put in a great deal of work and gone above and beyond the call of duty to reopen their schools and keep them open if possible.
"I also know that teachers and other staff have been doing all they can to help their classes catch up with the work that's been missed when schools have had to close. That's why I have today spoken to Mrs Cranie and written to all headteachers in Shetland to say thank you to them and to their staff.
"We've seen a real determination to limit the impact the weather has on our schools. This more than demonstrates the real strengths of Scotland's education system and the people that make it a success."
Helen Budge, Shetland's Head of Schools said:
"Staff and others right across Shetland, in schools and here in Council headquarters, have worked tirelessly in the best interests of pupils, to minimise school closures and disruption to their education.
"The Cabinet Secretary's interest and letter of thanks will be well received and much appreciated."