Elaine McGregor-Sloman, head teacher at Marr College, Troon
Elaine McGregor-Sloman has been appointed as the new head teacher at South Ayrshire Council's Marr College in Troon, and has set out her strong vision for the future of the school.
Elaine received her initial education at Beath Senior High School in Cowdenbeath, gained a degree at Queen Margaret College Edinburgh and her teaching qualification in Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow followed by teaching practice in the Gorbals.
With a teaching career and journey of professional and personal development spanning 30 years, beginning at St Andrew's High School, Clydebank then moving to the USA to teach at Stoneham High School, Massachusetts. Elaine then returned to the UK to Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire as head of department and was a depute head teacher for eight years, including time in her last post at Peebles High School.
Harry Garland, Executive Director Children and Community for the Council said: "Elaine is a very experienced and enthusiastic teacher who recognises the history of Marr College. Importantly Elaine is committed to providing pupils with the necessary lifeskills to equip them for work and life. Elaine is the ideal person to lead our school community at Marr College. She is a very experienced teacher.
Speaking about her appointment with South Ayrshire Council Elaine said: "It is a privilege to join Marr College as Head Teacher. The school is nationally respected and has a proud history. My goal is to ensure that this and future generations of Marr College students continue the high standards that have gone before them, maintaining the school's reputation for educational excellence.
"I am really looking forward to working with parents and colleagues in both the local and wider community to achieve this goal.
"My educational philosophy is simple. I want and expect the best from, and for, all pupils and staff in my care. I am totally committed to a system where learning and personal development are at the core of all that we do. Pupils should leave school valuing education, and be fully prepared to face the challenges of living in, and contributing to an international community.
"One of my favourite quotes from W B Yeats sums up my approach to education "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire" this is what I aspire to do for every pupil."