KI goes back to school

16 Feb 2007

Pupils from Lairdsland Primary School were given the chance to learn all about the new Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre last Friday. Representatives from Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI), Barr Construction and EDC Active Schools visited the school during assembly to talk about the facilities and programmes available when it opens.

The visit to Lairdsland was part of a programme of school visits, organised by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative which started at the end of 2006 and will continue into March. The visits have been designed to give local children the opportunity to find out about what the new centre has to offer, as well as put forward any questions to the representatives.

Billy Gibson, Health and Safety Adviser for Barr Construction was impressed by the interest shown from the pupils and enjoyed explaining all about the construction of the centre, as well as teaching them important rules on health and safety.

“The visits to the schools have been really enjoyable. The pupils asked a lot of questions, and it’s clear that they were genuinely interested in finding out about how the centre was constructed.”

During the visit last Friday, Kirkintilloch’s Initiative officially launched the art and word search competitions for all school pupils in the surrounding areas. A variety of prizes will be given to the lucky winners including sports equipment for schools, sports vouchers and various goody bags provided by Barr Construction.

For the art competition, pupils will be asked to produce a piece of work which reflects the theme of sport which can be anything from a sculpture to a painting or drawing. A panel of judges will select two winners; one primary pupil and one secondary pupil. The successful pupils will then have their work will be put on display in the leisure centre next to a plaque bearing their name and school.

KI Project organiser, Sandra Adams explained that she has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from the schools she has visited, and looks forward to seeing their efforts in the art competition:

“Each school has made us feel really welcome and I would just like to say a big thank you to all the pupils and teachers for allowing us to come along and meet with them. The pupils have all shown a great deal of interest in the leisure centre and are really looking forward to it opening.

She added, “The competitions are a great way to engage the children even more, and give them a chance to win some excellent prizes. I’m sure it will be really difficult to pick the winners for the art competition, but I look forward to seeing their work on display when the centre opens.”