Teacher

St Columba’s Primary is a co-educational, Roman Catholic school situated about a mile to the south of Oban’s town centre on the A816 (Oban/Campbeltown) road.

It forms part of Oban Primary Campus, a modern building constructed in August 2007. St Columba’s occupies the top level of the Phase 1 section of the building and consists of six classroom areas, two resource rooms, a staff base and a library/ICT suite. Shared areas within the campus include a gymnasium, pupil changing rooms, a multi-purpose hall/dining area, a meeting room and a large staffroom. The head teacher’s office and the main administration office are situated within the central entrance area. We have a large, landscaped, multi-level playground space which incorporates an all-weather pitch, a pre-5 outdoor play area and several playground markings. Over the next few years we will be working collaborately with out partner school, Rockfield Primary, to develop an eco-garden/outdoor learning space.

The school, which serves Oban and the surrounding rural areas, is located near to a mixture of local authority and private housing.


 

Community

The school aims to play an important participative role in the local community, particularly in the parish community of St Columba’s Cathedral. Our pupils and staff are involved in the performance of music and dance for senior citizens, sponsored activities in support of charities, sporting events, local Arts Festivals, religious services, etc. Our Choir and Guitar club are often invited to perform at concerts organized by voluntary groups. During the period of preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation, members of the parish community are invited to become prayer partners with the children.

In February of each year our Primary 7 pupils accompanied by members of school staff, travel to Castle Toward in Dunoon to participate in a week of outdoor education activities including hill-walking, orienteering and rock climbing.

Our Parent Council which has been in place since January 2008, work very closely with the staff and pupils. The Council organised an ‘Easter Fun Day’ which was enjoyed by all and funded all our school trips. We look forward to continuing this success in session 2008/09, with a ‘Family day’ arranged for September.


 

Conclusion

Oban, the 'Gateway to the Highlands' is a busy West Highland seaside town where the main industry is tourism this the population swell considerably during the summer months. There are bus and rail links to the central belt and ferry links to the Western Isles.

The town’s close proximity to both countryside and seaside offers the children the opportunity to live a healthy outdoor life and many of them are competent swimmers and enjoy pursuits such as shinty, football, rugby and netball.

There is a local leisure centre, cinema and sailing club.

For further information about the area and the diocese please visit: 
www.oban.org.uk
www.dioceseofargyllandtheisles.org