Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Ms Ellen Douglas, the headteacher of St Ambrose high school in Coatbridge.
Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, I thank you very much for this opportunity to address you.
Today marks a very significant date in the school calendar, as young people across Scotland receive their exam results. Of course, there is great interest in how pupils have fared in the first year of new national qualifications. As headteacher of a large Catholic secondary school, I am acutely aware of the importance of qualifications as stepping stones for our young people in moving to the next stage of their young lives. It is indeed always a pleasure and a privilege for me as a teacher to share in the successes that are secured as dreams start to materialise.
Alongside that, however, is the absolutely critical role of schools in delivering a values-driven education that is based on gospel values such as faith, love, equality, compassion, dignity and integrity.
Of course, schools do not act in isolation in cultivating values. That is achieved in collaboration with family, the faith community and the wider community to which our young people belong. The wisdom of the Indian chief Sitting Bull resonates. He said:
“Let us put our minds together to see what life we can build for our children.”
As a nation, it is important that we continue to work collectively to foster a common understanding and commitment that serves the best interests of the young, and especially those whose lives are vulnerable and blighted by disadvantage. Those whose endeavours seek to close the poverty, attainment and achievement gap are to be commended for their labours.
I am frequently humbled and heartened by the generosity of many of the young people whom I meet daily. It is tremendously reassuring to see so many of them seeking to fulfil their ambitions in roles that offer service and support. Examples of their willingness to act in the style of servant leaders abound and give witness to the gospel values that they espouse. That desire to seek fulfilment by doing for others rather than by acting for self-interest and material reward mirrors the leadership of Christ and reflects gospel teaching.
As the new school session draws closer, I pray that all Scotland’s young people may be guided and supported in their learning so that they may develop their God-given gifts. In so doing, they will be able to shine as beacons of faith, hope and optimism for our country.
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Business Motion