Rector
David G Girdwood, BSc St Andrews, MEd Stirling, SQH
Born Tillicoultry in Clackmannanshire, 14.10.57. Mr Girdwood has been Rector at St. Columba’s since 2002 having previously been Head of Upper School at Daniel Stewarts and Melville College, Edinburgh 1996-2002 and Head of Chemistry and Head of Science 1987-1996. He began his teaching career in Alloa at Lornshill Academy in 1979 where he became Assistant Head of Science.
He was an Associate Assessor with HMI education and was the first teacher in the Independent Sector to be awarded the Scottish Qualification for Headship in 2001. Mr Girdwood is married to Lisa who is a Solicitor and has two children, Megan and Caitlin, who attend St. Columba’s.
Senior Depute Rector
Mrs Jennifer Wallace, Dip.Ed, Dunfermline, DipSEN
Educated at Ardrossan Academy and initially trained at Dunfermline College of Physical Education, she taught in three Ayrshire schools during which time she completed her Support for Learning qualification.
1988 brought a move to Strathclyde Regional Council where she became Regional Adviser in Delegated Management of Resources. After a spell as an Education Officer in Dumbarton Division, her final local government post before joining St. Columba’s in 1997, was Depute Director of Education in East Ayrshire in charge of personnel and budgets.
Mrs Wallace recently visited Ontario, Canada to look at staff development and exchange opportunities for students.
Head of Junior School
Mrs D L Cook, DCE, ITQ, Jordanhill, DipAdPrStudies, DipEdMan, Strathclyde
Mrs Davida Cook has been in post since August 2000. Prior to joining St. Columba’s she was Depute Head of the High School of Glasgow for 8 years. She has worked closely with Strathclyde University as part of the team helping to validate professional qualifications.
Mrs Cook has a firm belief that the basis of an effective school is a caring and positive ethos. She also believes that it is important to create a strong partnership between home and school in order to promote a climate of lifelong learning.
Depute Head of Junior School
Mrs Diane Hecht, DCE, Jordanhill
Mrs Diane Hecht was appointed as Depute Head of the Junior School at St. Columba’s in August 2003.
She previously taught in the Infant Department for 11 years at a school in the south side of Glasgow, where she held a variety of posts; as ICT co-ordinator and Acting Senior Teacher and Depute Head. She has also taught in a Nursery School and as a peripatetic Learning Support teacher for several years.
Secretary to the Rector
Mrs Dorothy Motherwell
Born in Chester. Educated at St. Columba’s School and Strathclyde University. A former pupil she joined the staff in 1991.