Familiar face takes up the helm at Sanday School

Sanday Community School has welcomed a familiar face to the post of Head Teacher - for Mrs Kristen Muir has spent her entire teaching career of almost 27 years at the North Isles school! 

Kristen had initially planned to spend her probationary period in Sanday – but she fell in love with the island, married a local chap and went on to have two daughters. 

Although she grew up in South Ronaldsay, going to the ‘Hope and Kirkwall Grammar Schools, Kristen says there’s no other place she would rather live than on Sanday – an island that shares the strong sense of community that she was brought up to value. 

After completing 6th year Kristen went to Aberdeen for four years to study B.Ed. (Hons) Primary. 

She said: “I hadn't really intended to 'come home' straight away to teach but in 1997 Orkney Islands Council had a number of vacancies due to early retirement opportunities. I was lucky enough to be offered the 'middle' class teacher post (Primary 3 and 4) at Sanday Junior High School by Roderick Thorne, the Head Teacher at the time. 

“I'm probably in quite an unusual and unique position in that I've only ever taught here in Sanday!  So that'll be 27 years comes August. My original plan was to complete my probation period in Sanday then spread my wings. Everyone likes to remind me of that story now, as soon after moving to Sanday I met my now husband James, built a house and had two lovely daughters Caitlin and Grace. 

“I can't really imagine being anywhere else to be honest. Sanday has a very strong sense of community and there's plenty to do if you're willing to get involved. Being part of the community has always been important to me as that was something I was brought up to value.” 

Over the years Kristen has taught Primary 3 to Secondary 2 and has been Principal Teacher since 2009, Nursery Manager and the Acting Head a couple of times. 

“My decision to apply for the Headship was as a result of having taken on the Acting Head role and studying towards my 'Into Headship' postgraduate qualification. I've really enjoyed the experience over the past year or so and it has taught me such a lot. 

“The whole process of applying, two days of interviews and activities was nerve-wracking, the other candidates were strong and you're just never sure how it is going to pan out.  However, I had to be myself and be passionate about the important role I play in our school and community. This must have worked as I was delighted to receive positive feedback and be offered the job!” 

Currently there are 60 pupils at Sanday School, six full-time teaching staff, eight part-time teachers and 12 non-teaching staff. 

Kristen added: “I'm definitely feeling very supported by everyone here in Sanday. My pupils, staff and parents really are fantastic, and I hope that I can continue to build on our vision of Sanday School being the heart, soul and future of our island community.” 

Gwenda Shearer, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “I welcome Kristen’s appointment following a rigorous recruitment process. 

“Kristen has an excellent proven track record at Sanday Community School having experience of every department and we are delighted that she is taking up the mantle as Head Teacher. At the heart of a thriving community is a school in good heart so I wish Kristen well in her new role.”