The Nicolson Institute

The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 gives parents the right to receive information about their children’s education and to be represented and have their views expressed through a Parent Council. Minutes of Parent Council meetings and the Annual General Meeting are available on request. The Nicolson Institute Parent Council was constituted on 11th June 2008 and a copy of the constitution document is available online here. The current membership of the Council is shown below: 

Chairperson – Caroline Maciver

Vice Chairperson - Rachel MacKenzie

Treasurer – Mairi MacSween

Clerk – Helen Macdonald

Parent members - Anne MacAulay, Sonja & Stephan Smit, Jacqui Ferguson, Greg Macdonald,  Anji MacRitchie, David Mackay, Alex Murray, Rhona Gallagher.

Council Representative - Norrie MacDonald

Advisor to Parent Council - Ms J Cairns

Contact email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Meeting Dates this Session ( subject to change)

 Why do we have a Parent Council?

The main functions of a Parent Council are to:

• Support the school in its work with pupils and parents;
• Represent the views of the parent forum;
• Promote contact and communication between the school, parents, pupils, the community, and other providers.

The aim is to ensure that, schools, parents, families and the community work together to give children and young people the best possible education. Schools serve the community in which they are located and a positive relationship with parents and the community is essential for the success of both the school and the community.

Whilst parents rely upon the skill, expertise and dedication of the officers of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and particularly the teachers within The Nicolson Institute, it should not be forgotten that parents also provide valuable skills, expertise and insight because they:

• Are experts in relation to their own children and have expert knowledge about their children’s needs;
• Have unique and varied skills, interests, knowledge and experience;
• Are members of the local community with links to businesses, commerce and services that the school might not have;
• Are in touch with other parents and can represent a wide range of views.

It is for this reason that parent participation in the school’s Parent Council is essential, to ensure that parents contribute to the success of The Nicolson Institute and the outcomes for all of the pupils who attend the school.

Community Vision

Parent Councils play an important role in delivering community vision. Local councillors are very supportive of Parent Councils and assist in the resolution of various issues and problems as well as attending events organised by the Parent Council.

Further details about your councillors and how to contact them can be found on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website Here