New Portobello High School - on going issues

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 27 May 2008, 16:08

From today's EN (final two letters on page):

Priceless park just cannot be shared

New school would improve pitches

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 May 2008, 17:12

I attended a brilliant if at times heated and challenging meeting of Portobello High school parents last night.

Brilliant because of the sheer passion for parents for education, campaigning for a school that their own children are unlikely to experience.

Heated because the person who the parents really wanted to question was not there (the Convener of Education, Children and Families) who sent four slides of bullet points instead, (no I have not made that up… I couldn’t!)

Hopeful because there is a sign that the SNP/Libdem administration are beginning to see the political reality and suggesting that instead of building 5 schools (as would have happened had we been in power) they only have money for one or two and so they should just choose 2 and get on with it.

I will be arguing that Portobello should be one of those two. I suggested that it could be funded through a local trust to maximise the return from the present site, a suggestion which seemed to go down well.

As ever, of course, what this takes is decisions, something this administration is not good at….

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 May 2008, 17:40

If the Convener of Education, Marilyne Maclaren finds herself under pressure to resign then she hardly did herself any favours last night by failing to turn up to the Town Hall meeting for parents of PHS and feeder primaries.

I understand that she was offered a choice of dates in order to fit in with her schedule but she still couldn't find the time for a 2 hour meeting. You might think that someone like the Convener of Education would have a deputy to speak on her behalf in such cases, but we didn't even get that.

Many parents were angry and some are even talking of making a formal complaint against her. She showed contempt for the Parent Council, for the many parents who turned up expecting to have the opportunity to ask her questions, and for the children themselves.

Kenny MacAskill was there, Stefan Tymkewycz was there, Gavin Strang was there, Ewan Aitken was there, George Foulkes was there, Mike Bridgman was there. Even Stephen Hawkins made a brief appearance. All busy people but they made the effort.

Maybe Marilyne didn't fancy facing an angry audience? We're twice as angry now.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 May 2008, 20:29

From Maureen Child's most recent newsletter:

Funding Needed for New Schools

Congratulations to everyone involved in getting the Portobello High School building up and running again after a leak in the hot water system, over a May holiday weekend, caused extensive damage. It was not, as once thought, caused by vandalism. The incident underscored the absolute necessity to find an early resolution to rebuilding the school – and, of course, St John’s Primary School too. I have facilitated a briefing meeting with a senior Council finance officer and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Parent Council of Portobello High School. They now have a very clear picture of what is or is not possible, within the law and within the Council Budget. It’s now clear to us that if the Council has been given all the money the Scottish Government is currently prepared to commit, then there is a need to phase Edinburgh’s school building projects in order to make any progress on and school buildings at all over the next three years. All the schools currently being built, or already completed, are the fruits of the joint labours of previous Council and Scottish Government administrations.

Children’s Vision for Our New Community High School

It was fabulous to see the work of the youngsters on display in the local primary school, brought together in an exhibition in Portobello Town Hall. A huge amount of credit goes to the parents who helped organised it alongside a Queen Margaret University student on placement and school staff. Each and every one of them is a star! The work they have done will prove a brilliant staring point for any future architect charged with the brief of designing their new School building. Portobello High School is the only school in Scotland to have earned a third eco school Green Flag and this kind of work, involving their feeder primary schools, consolidates their lead in Edinburgh.

Maureen's May-June Newsletter in full

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 27 May 2008, 22:47

Some info culled fro, the EN comments section about Edinburgh Parks and Portobello Park in particular:

Edinburgh has 144 parks and they fall into different classifications such as: Community Parks, Natural Heritage Parks, Premier Parks and Gardens. Portobello Park is a city Park. Here's the definition of a City Park.

"City Parks: Parks providing facilities that are used by people who may live anywhere in the city. Many include sport pitches and other formal facilities."

Here's the official entry for Portobello Park in the council list (excuse the formatting):
Portobello Park Milton Road East EH15 3 City Park
Roseburn Park Riversdale Crescent EH12 5PT City Park
Union Park Saughton Road North EH12 7
City Park
Victoria Park Newhaven Road EH6 5PY City Park
Abercorn Park Abercorn Terrace EH15 2 Community Parks

Portobello Park is one legal entity of 19ha and has been configured in its current format for less than 25 Years. There used to be two full size rugby pitches too.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 28 May 2008, 21:34

The Parent Council of PHS have been allocated a week in the main window of the Library to display some of the entries from last weeks art competition along with some graphics from the consultation. I understand that a mix up occurred, which has now been fully rectified. Instead of the PC displaying PHS on the park they displayed a graphic of the smaller St Johns School as it would have been on the park.

I believe this has rattled a few cages up park avenue way. They apparently sent out an undercover photographer to capture the incident!!! I'm temped to publish the lyrics of Desperado again but I will refrain.

Bet there's a few St John's parents more than a bit baffled as to why their school in the park didn't happen.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 29 May 2008, 21:45

From today's EN:

Schools rebuilding: 'Now there seems to be a chink of light'

Hard-up council faces trip to bank to pay for new schools

Stump up now for city's schools

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 May 2008, 17:15

From today's EN Letters Page:

Give green spaces a sporting chance

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 May 2008, 22:37

Motion submitted by Cllr Andrew Burns at yesterday's Council meeting:

11.6
By Councillor Burns - Scottish Futures Trust Strategic Business Case

I) Given that the Scottish Futures Trust Strategic Business Case (SBC) has now been launched, and comprises a total of £150 million per year to secure new schools, hospitals and transport projects for the whole of Scotland; Council agrees that the time has come to accept:

that no more new Capital monies, during the current 2008- 2011 settlement, are going to be provided by the Scottish Government for school buildings in Edinburgh

that the Council therefore needs to make immediate progress in delivering new school buildings, within its existing Capital allocations, by either:
a) prioritising the ‘Wave 3’ schools
b) developing an alternative funding model, such as a ‘Local School Building Trust’, for each of the five ‘Wave 3’ schools

2) Council thus instructs the Chief Executive to report urgently on the setting up of ‘Local School Building Trusts’ for each of the five ‘Wave 3’ schools - Portobello High School, St Crispin’s Special School, James Gillespies High School, Boroughmuir High School, St Johns Primary School

3) Each ‘Local Trust’ would have a minimum requirement of ensuring that all five schools were developed to ‘Stage D Design Level’ by the end of 2010/11.

4) The above report to be available within two Full Council cycles.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 May 2008, 22:51

From the same meeting:

Question by Councillor Burns to be answered by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee at a meeting of the Council on 29 May 2008

Given that the Scottish Government believes:

the required cash has been given in terms of the concordat (for all capital expenditure on schools)

the Scottish Government has no need to see any plans or proposals (for new school buildings)

that the Council can simply get on with it (building new schools)

- can the Convener please therefore provide a detailed timeline for the following four milestones, or at least give a credible answer as to why she cannot:
1. design stage
2. build stage
3. construction stage
4. completion date for the five “Wave 3” schools

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 31 May 2008, 13:51

From today's EN Letters Page:

Don't use vandals to fight for school

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 01 Jun 2008, 15:30

From PFANS:

GETTING A GREAT COMMUNITY HIGH SHOOL - HOW TO GET INVOLVED

The new City of Edinburgh Council administration has been in power for over a year now and we have seen no concrete progress towards a new community high school in Portobello - or indeed anywhere in Edinburgh - in place by 2012.

Other Scottish local authorities have allocated a far greater proportion of their capital funding over the next three years to school building costs than Edinburgh. For example, Edinburgh has allocated £33m over 3 years, while, for example, North Lanarkshire has allocated £250m; West Lothian, £55m and Highland £55m1.

Other local authorities have plans well underway to spend the money on schools. Edinburgh alone does nothing. It refuses to spend one penny of this £33 million on beginning the design and planning for the new school.

This school will not happen without all of us taking part and making our voices heard, many of you want to know how to get more involved in joint action.

Outlined below are 4 ways that you can get involved. Since many of us have busy lives already, these range from things that will take a few minutes to ones that will take a bit longer. But any time you can spare can help to make a real difference.

1. Send your e-mail address or other contact details to pfans@hotmail.co.uk.

You might want to say what level of activity you are willing to get involved in, from handing out a few leaflets to designing leaflets or planning further action. Send in any ideas that you have for further action that we can take. We have very few resources and we rely on volunteers, but we will keep you informed.

2. Attend parent council meetings
Look out for parent council meetings at PHS or your feeder primary school and find out what information they may have.

3. Send an e-mail or letter to your local Councillors and MSPs
If you do send in letters, we suggest you copy to all your local councillors, to Councillor McLaren marilyne.maclaren@edinburgh.gov.uk and to Councillor Dawe jenny.dawe@edinburgh.gov.uk, the Leader of the Council. This can be as short or as long as you want. You might just want to jot down a couple of lines asking why there has been no progress and saying that you want to see more action from the Council. You could also choose to use some or all of the following points, although try to personalise your letter in some way:

● We are being given no consistent information on progress towards a new PHS. The Council should be accountable to the entire school community and keep parents of PHS and all the feeder primaries updated directly and regularly. This is not the role of PHS parent council, which has few resources and cannot reach primary parents. Under legislation, the education authority has a duty towards all parents.

● By signing up to a Council Tax freeze and a Single Outcome Agreement with central government, the Council has accepted the terms on which the Scottish Government has said it is funding school building over the next 3 years.

● Based on the above contract, proposing to work on a business case to submit to the Scottish Government for extra funds is a waste of time and Council resources. The Scottish Government has made this clear and said there is no more money. Either the Council should refuse to sign the Single Outcome Agreement or it should find creative and alternative ways to deliver the school.

● Other councils are looking to deliver new schools using other funding options. As the capital city, Edinburgh should be leading the way in using innovative approaches, rather than trailing behind. We will be calling on the Scottish Government to release details of what progress is being made across the country.

● Out of the 5 potential new schools, PHS is one of only two which has an identified site. These two are the furthest ahead in the process. With £33m to be used over three years and the current PHS site potentially worth around £15m, I am urging you to take forward plans for the school now.

● Councillor McLaren must instruct officials to begin the design and planning process and identify a funding solution as a matter of urgency.

4. Turn up to see your local politicians
Your local Councillors hold regular meetings, often called surgeries, in your area. Our Labour councillors are fully supportive of the new school. Your Liberal Democrat and SNP Councillors are in power. They could make sure work on the new school starts now. Visit their surgery and ask them what they are doing to deliver the school and demand action.

Michael Bridgman: michael.bridgman@edinburgh.gov.uk. Surgeries at Portobello Library on 2nd Monday of the month; Binghan Community centre on 1st Monday of the month and St francis Primary school on 3rd Monday all from 6:30 pm

Stefan Tymkewycz: stefan.tymkewycz@edinburgh.gov.uk. 1st Monday of the month at Meadowbank; 2nd Monday at Craigentinny Community centre and Piershill library on the 3rd Monday. All at 6:30 pm.

Stephen Hawkins: stephen.hawkins@edinburgh.gov.uk. Every Wednesday at Portobello Library between 6 and 7 pm.

Gary Peacock: gary.peacock@edinburgh.gov.uk at Piershill library between 6.30 and 7.30 pm and at Duddingston primary school between 8 and 9pm on the 1st Monday of the month St Ninian’s school on the last Monday between 6:30 and 7:30 and Piershill library between 6.30 and 7.30.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 02 Jun 2008, 11:27

An update on the School flood from Maureen Child:

Dear All

A few people have got back to me challenging the view in my latest Report, which is also the view of the management team of Portobello High School, that the damage to the school by a flood - which damaged several floors - was not cased by a deliberate act of vandalism. I still hold that view and I’ll tell you why.

This flood story has grown arms and legs in the telling. Initial thoughts and speculation have become facts in people’s minds – and in print. This speculation has been repeated in a Council Report to the Education, Children and Families Committee which will be considered tomorrow. I have talked with the Head Teacher and intend to challenge the Council report. I believe that it gives a false interpretation of what happened and threatens to damage the reputation of this excellent school community.

At worst, whether or not the action which led to the flood was deliberate is still an open verdict.

It is more likely that a hot water tap was inadvertently left on in a sink on the Friday and ran for several days. In the sink was a small piece of Perspex, is normally used for mixing paint and – probably - it slipped to cover the drainage hole. This was an art classroom, on the sixth floor, with a large array of ceramics which were undamaged.

The cupboard doors, which were supposed to have been ‘ripped off’, had - in fact - come off cleanly. School staff did a practical experiment and showed that it was impossible for two grown men to rip them off like that, even using tools. On further close inspection, it was clear the glue had dissolved, probably due to the steam and the heat.

There was no trace of any intruder on camera, and no sign of anything untoward.

I believe it is significant that the school had dealt with a previous small incident when someone had left a tap on, accidentally. The vagaries of the School’s hot water system are such that you can turn on the hot tap and nothing happens, then a few minutes later, it starts to flow. A similar thing may well have happened here, but that small piece of Perspex had slipped to cover the drainage hole and the resulting flood wasn’t discovered for several days.

This flood could have been caused by someone filling a bowl of a bucket, or finishing off clearing up, oblivious of the idiosyncrasies of the hot water system.

Once staff had looked at the scene and the situation more closely, there was no sign of a malicious act.

The school had absolutely fantastic support from officers in the Council and from all the contractors who put the school to back to rights in just one week – which was a tremendous feat. The school staff and pupils have been wonderful too. They do not need the cloud hanging over them of false accusations.

So - I would still say that there is NO real evidence that it was a deliberate act of vandalism. If evidence emerges, I’ll change my mind. But until then, I will persist in saying it was a very unfortunate accident and steps should be taken to ensure it does not happen again.

Maureen

You have to wonder about the people who are contacting their local Councillor to have her identify the incident as vandalism. What is their motive?

The latest schools letter in the Evening News

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lette ... jp#2858100

is so sick it can only have come from one or maybe two minds involved in this debate. I'm incredulous at "Mary's" statement that pupils, parents, parent councillors etc ought to be "ashamed of themselves" for voicing concerns. - The author is clearly prepared to stoop to any level.

To me it doesn't matter much if its vandalism- the fact is; one running tap caused around 900 children to miss a week at school. This is entirely down to the vunerability of the unfit for purpose building.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Jun 2008, 17:34

From today's EN:

School security review after city's £50,000 flood bill

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Jun 2008, 19:11

From today's EN Letters Page:

Park information leaves us in dark

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Jun 2008, 20:10

Ros Sutherland's letter, "Park information leaves us in dark" is truly pathetic.

I speak with some authority on the issue because the week-long window display in the Library was my idea. The art exhibition at the Town Hall had been a wonderful event and I was keen that as many people as possible should have the opportunity to enjoy the children's inspiring and imaginative work. Unfortunately, on the day in question I was unable to assist with setting up the display because of a family commitment. On my return to Portobello that evening I checked the window and noticed the wrong drawing, intending to sort it out the following day.

I was reminded of the mistake on Tuesday when Stephen Hawkins phoned me to complain about the drawing and I readily agreed that it should be removed as it could be construed to be misleading. Frankly, I knew that PPAG would seize on any opportunity to cause mischief and wasn't at all surprised when I received a report later that day that someone had been spotted taking photographs of the display. I also correctly predicted that PPAG would write to the EN about it.

I immediately phoned the person who had mounted the display to explain her mistake. She had no idea that the drawing was incorrect and in fact took some persuading since she had been supplied with the drawing by PHS. I then emailed her pdfs of both PHS on the park and St John's on the park.

For the record, this was her response:

From: xxxx
Subject: RE: portobello park drawing
Date: 28 May 2008 09:08:03 BST
To: bob.jefferson@btinternet.com

Thanks Bob
You're right. Not sure how this happened. I will print off a replacement and spray mount it onto the board tonight.

The point is that this was clearly a genuine error and to suggest that there was an attempt to deliberately mislead the community as to the impact of a school in the park is, in my view, quite disgraceful and sadly symptomatic of the desperate tactics of a misguided and discredited campaign.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 03 Jun 2008, 16:50

From today's EN:

School flood 'may not be act of vandalism'

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 03 Jun 2008, 17:18

Today's report to the Education, Children and Families Committee, referred to by Maureen Child yesterday:

Emergency Works to Portobello High School

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 03 Jun 2008, 22:07

REF: RECENT FLOOD IN PORTOBELLO HIGH SCHOOL

Yesterday - Cllr MacLaren said: "This was an act of vandalism.

Today when Challenged - Cllr MacLaren said: "We are currently waiting for the outcome of the police investigation when I will be able to give an update on the situation."

Strange how she did not need the outcome of the police investigation to put the boot into Portobello yesterday (or at last week’s Council deputation) but she has nothing to say today.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 04 Jun 2008, 19:45

From today's EN Letters Page:

Vandalism claim over flooded city school is a slur

Post by **wangi** » 05 Jun 2008, 18:46

admin: post(s) deleted

Lets keep the comments based on personality etc away from here and focus on the issues. I'm aware each side of the "campaign" has strong personalities and these are often stronger than the argument itself, but...

Subsequent discussion split to its own thread.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 07 Jun 2008, 05:13

I'm not interested in IDing Junk and Ghost. This is neither a courtroom nor cold case laboratory.

If simply drawing attention to these "personalities" and their baseless, poisoned and cynically calculated accusations can somehow stem the flow? Its a result.

Its a mistake to think they/he or she are idiots. They may demonstrate idiocy but in this case.the sum of the whole is less than the parts.

I wish they would just agree to compromise. The kids, parents. parent council, councilors and staff would prefer to have the entire 19ha of Portobello Park as a canvas for a flagship educational and community facility. The wider community of edinburgh , who will pay for the school would be happy for us to have a high spec, high end School with the proviso that it has to be value for money,

We and they recognise that there are other individuals or groups that wish to protect their current position and who are against housing on the park. I support the latter and believe the former ought to be accommodated to a reasonable extent.

When the school is built on 15% of the park, it will be a bit of a triumph, not for the campaigners, whose kids will likely never see it, but for the students at the time, the staff, parents and guardians. It will also be a compromise for what might have been? The ambitions for the new school in the park will likely fall short due ti the intensity of the argument about building in the park. The next time round, in maybe 30,40 or 50 years time the argument will have shifted from where to how good are we going to make this? If we all got together and compromised we couldbe having that conversation now.

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 07 Jun 2008, 15:47

Police say vandalism not to blame for high school flood

Marilyne MacLaren eh?

Reassuring to know she's in charge of our children's education.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 07 Jun 2008, 19:52

The ultimate insult in politics has to be when you have made a complete mess of things and yet the opposition judges you to be such a liability to your own party that they consider it strategically more advantageous for you to remain in post than to demand your resignation. That's precisely the situation Marilyne Maclaren faces according to sources within the Labour group.

Funnily enough, I feel pretty much the same way about the unofficial spokesperson for PPAG in his many guises.

Perhaps the apology is in the post?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 07 Jun 2008, 20:06

MYTH

Personally I think it was a cynical act of vandalism to draw peoples attention to the school, which has backfired severely

FACT

POLICE today ruled that a flood at Portobello High School which caused £50,000 worth of damage was caused by an accident.

after a painstaking search through CCTV footage without a fast-forward facility, the police investigation has concluded that no crime was committed.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jun 2008, 15:12

Letter from Saturday nights evening news.

Its got the usual unsubstaniated theory about sizes, which Seanie puts straight in the comments section, but in some ways I find it encouraging. Seems like there's a bit of a change of heart in the PPAG camp or at least the Douglas household.

(Second letter down)

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lette ... 4162996.jp

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 10 Jun 2008, 20:20

From today's EN Letters Page:

Work together to deliver the best school for pupils

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 11 Jun 2008, 13:14

From today's EN Letters Page:

Courtroom battle won't be needed

What about cars in new school area?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 12 Jun 2008, 13:18

seanie wrote:Police say vandalism not to blame for high school flood

Marilyne MacLaren eh?

Reassuring to know she's in charge of our children's education.

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/getEd ... magesize=2

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Jun 2008, 16:17

From today's EN Letters Page (4th letter down):

Park base is vital for new Porty High

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Jun 2008, 21:50

Bob Jefferson wrote:The ultimate insult in politics has to be when you have made a complete mess of things and yet the opposition judges you to be such a liability to your own party that they consider it strategically more advantageous for you to remain in post than to demand your resignation. That's precisely the situation Marilyne Maclaren faces according to sources within the Labour group.

From today's EN:

OPPOSITION councillors considered calling for education leader Marilyne MacLaren's resignation after she was accused of a "witch hunt" against a parent, it emerged today.

Lynda Flex, a representative on the group considering the school closure programme, was ejected from the most recent meeting after being accused of leaking information to the Evening News.

One source today claimed that some members of the Labour and Green groups wanted to present a motion at next week's full council meeting, calling for a vote of no confidence in Councillor MacLaren. However, it is understood they were over-ruled by outgoing Labour leader Ewan Aitken.

Ironically, MacLaren's complete incompetence ensures that she could be around for a long time to come.

More seriously, she has to go.

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 20 Jun 2008, 12:15

14-year-wait to build new city schools

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 Jun 2008, 14:42

From today's EN Letters Page (3rd letter down):

An ideal solution to the school problem

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 Jun 2008, 14:55

Re Jean Douglas's idea of re-locating PHS to Lismore, I'm guessing that a school that currently accommodates around 100 children is unlikely to provide a site that would accommodate 1450.

On the other hand, I do see some merit in St J's moving there, assuming Lismore is forced to close. It would mean that pupils would be just a stone's throw away from Holy Rood, the high school most will go on to attend. It would also mean that the entire site at Portobello could be developed, which would raise much-needed capital for the school building programme.

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 20 Jun 2008, 16:04

The surrounding site was discounted for PHS in the consultation, mainly due to location and access.