What happens to our RC Primary schools and need for a Secondary Catholic School in Aberdeen, UK

Aberdeen does not have issues with sectarianism, despite what some may accuse politicians of who openly practice their faith.

The important thing is we have got the conversation started!

It was said this was the only feasibility study to have these many respondents - 1300 people responded, of which approximately 750 were deemed eligible, as the views of grandparents and others were disregarded.

This debate is about children of all faiths, not just one. As a Catechist for the RC Diocese I do not condemn anyone!

The Lord Provost chaired the committee with fairness and balance in his approach.

The amendment for the need for a working group has been defeated 24 to 18. There is a clear lack of funding- 120 million is not easy to conjure up for ACC - so I feel Scottish parliament has to allocate that budget for the GB HQ of UK to make this dream a reality!

Please keep signing ✍️- pen is mightier than the sword!

The petition for the Secondary school is still valid! So I have hope!

Direct link to the recording of Full Council Debate

https://aberdeen.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/908918

Today, I spoke at the Full Council Meeting in support of establishing a Catholic Secondary School in Aberdeen.

You can watch it here, the votes will be cast and a decision will be made by 4 pm today if we get our Secondary Catholic Academy or not!

https://lnkd.in/eHXJqdBT

If approved, this will mark the first-ever council-funded Catholic Academy in our city — a school that welcomes faith and offers a unique environment for students. This is not just about education; it’s about showing that Aberdeen is ready to embrace diversity and move forward into the modern world. With the eye of the work on us as the GB Energy HQ we would want to show our inclusive ethos for those who have faith.

Historically, Aberdeen has maintained neutrality and rarely experienced sectarian tensions between Catholics and the Church of Scotland. In our Catholic primary schools we have children from different faiths and Nationalities. We only ask for the continuation of this into a Secondary Catholic School.

Below is the debate I had with the Head of Campaigns for National Secular Society hosted by GoodMorning Scotland, BBC Radio Host Graham Stewart on 26/09/2024

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAYe-kkC74F/?igsh=d3h2Yzc4andtOHNl

We need atleast 1000 signatures or more!

A Catholic Secondary Academy will be the first of its kind in both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire! Times have changed, and the need for it has never been greater!

Please share this message widely to help secure denominational Catholic secondary academies for our current RC Primary School students, as well as those in council-run secondary schools who currently have no other option!

Another important issue is the long travel times many children face to access Catholic education at the primary level. This highlights the need for more Catholic primary schools in Aberdeen as well.

With nearly 19,000 Catholics and an even larger number from other faith backgrounds choosing Catholic primary schools, this isn’t just about faith - it’s about the ethos and values that parents want for their children!

BBC Scotland News -https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crl8nxr8pz4o

The decision has been put to the council!
The SNP councillors will determine the future of the proposed Catholic Secondary School for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

It’s notable that the North-East of Scotland lacks a Catholic Secondary School, with only three Catholic primary schools located within Aberdeen City.

We need more people to sign the petition, and it’s crucial to encourage greater youth involvement as well.

After my deputation, I was moved to the public gallery because I wasn’t aware I couldn’t stay for the rest of the meeting (this being my first time). I’m now waiting to see if the education committee will vote in favor of the Secondary Catholic School in Aberdeen. I emphasised that, given the recent race riots across the UK, it’s crucial for Aberdeen to demonstrate solidarity with its minority and religious communities by supporting this much-needed Catholic secondary school, which would serve all of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s minority and religious populations.

https://aberdeen.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

This is the live feed of the fate of our “Catholic Schools”

I will be speaking for the need for a Secondary Catholic School in Aberdeen.

Please keep signing, because we haven’t given up yet!

Please find the rejection of our petition here.

https://www.abdn-emwomen.org.uk/blog/petition-for-saving-catholic-schools-rejected-by-aberdeen-city-council

I am sorry to update that our petition was rejected by Aberdeen City Council for the need for a secondary school.

Also, they said that our petition is rejected for saving the primary schools and they will update us of the outcome in September.

The letter from Aberdeen City Council can be viewed here for your perusal. Kindly get in touch with me if you can help us at [email protected]

We had our collective gathering today. We are so very grateful to all those who have supported us in this journey and continue to share this petition. 60 of us women and children came together today and we are absolutely looking forward to a positive outcome from this petition.

Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group and all the minorities of Aberdeen are hoping to be supported by Aberdeen City Council by helping us with practicing our faith and cultures in our denominational schools and hope to send our kids to a Secondary Catholic school after they finish their primary RC school education.

We have an in-person meeting in Aberdeen tomorrow with the petitioners. Only if you RSVP, you could find the address.

Meanwhile, we are awaiting some confirmations from Aberdeen City Council for submitting the petition as a collective next week.

Please continue signing. We will find a solution together, closing our schools is not the solution.

If the council agrees to have a secondary school along with another primary school, Counteswells development is an option. I am confident that all the parents would be keen to secure properties there if we are granted permission for a new Catholic secondary and primary school in that catchment.

I heard back from Councillor Stewart of Aberdeen City Council that the proposal to close down one of the schools is still on the cards, and the response to the newspaper article was deliberately vague.

The link is: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6483374/catholic-schools-aberdeen-consultation/

Please sign this petition, as requested by the Diocese of Aberdeen.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3gLXinBHCkM2VqBf/