Published on:
27
August 2012
Sharee MacKerron began this week as the new Head Teacher of Alva Academy, succeeding John Meney, who retired at the end of the last term.
The new head teacher was welcomed to the school by Clackmannanshire Council's Convenor of Education, Councillor Ellen Forson.
Councillor Forson said: "It is with the greatest of pleasure that I welcome Sharee to the school. She brings with her a wealth of experience in teaching, both north and south of the border, as well as having worked previously in rural communities.
"I am sure that she will prove to be a very capable successor to Mr Meney and continue to take Alva Academy forward."
Sharee, 53, originally from Auchterarder, Perthshire, began her 23-year teaching career as a chemistry teacher in Northallerton Grammar School in North Yorkshire.
From there she moved to Stokesley School, also in North Yorkshire, as an assistant head of sixth form. After that she enjoyed a spell at Egglescliffe School in Stockton-on-Tees as head of sixth form before returning to North Yorkshire as assistant head teacher at Thirsk School.
Her career continued to move upwards when she was promoted to Deputy Head Teacher at Billingham School in Stockton-on-Tees, where she spent three years, before returning to her native Scotland and to Perth Academy, also as Depute Head Teacher.
Following that Sharee, an MSc BSc in Chemistry and NPQH, was appointed Senior Depute Head Teacher at Broughton High School, Edinburgh, where she has been for the past three years, including spending a term as Acting Head Teacher.
She succeeds John Meney as Head Teacher at Alva Academy, John having retired at the end of June at the end of last term.
Sharee, who arrived at the school this week, after a smooth, well organised and efficient handover, said: "Having been in the school over the summer I believe that I have come to a very good school and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with as very strong and committed staff at Alva Academy.
"Results have improved tremendously in recent years and the school offers first class care and support to young people.
"I am looking to build upon the work of Mr Meney, the previous Rector, in order to continue to move the school forward. Altogether I believe we can make this a reality through effective partnership with the parents, the staff and the wider community.
"These are indeed exciting times in school as we continue to implement Curriculum for Excellence."
Sharee is clearly focussed with a map for the future of all who have an involvement with Alva Academy.
She added: "I want to make aspirations for the young people, the teachers and the parents, become a reality.
"My ambition is that every young person derives the maximum benefit from the highest quality educational experience possible so not only do they achieve the very best they are capable of but that they also take with them life-long learning skills, confidence, will power and goal setting abilities into the future.
"In essence the young people will leave Alva Academy as, thoughtful people equipped to play an effective role in our global society and their local community.
"Being a Head Teacher of a school is a great privilege and I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards that go with it. The message I have given to staff is that we are good, but we can always get better."
Outside of teaching Sharee is a keen jogger and has successfully completed both the Stockholm and London Marathons, at the same time fund-raising for charity. She has also run numerous half-marathons, including the Great North Run from Gateshead to Newcastle.
Sharee added: "Hill walking is another of my favourite pursuits. I also enjoy visits to the Lake District. Keswick is one of my favourite areas, in particular the spectacular views from the summit of Catbells
"For relaxation I also enjoy travelling, reading and listening to music."
Mother of two, her children Briana, 30, and Graham, 28, have also carved out successful careers.
Briana has a pharmacy degree from Nottingham University and is working as a Team Leader within Sunderland Hospital, while Graham, who recently graduated from Glasgow University as a doctor of engineering, is presently working with Selex in Edinburgh.