Without further ado, we give you our very own amazing Mrs. McArdle, in a first-hand exclusive interview by two of Trinity’s budding journalists!  Furthermore, we have managed to grab some other staff’s attention, to answer some fun questions too!  

Mrs. McArdle: Interview! 

Have you had to face any new challenges as headteacher that you didn’t have to face before? 

“I feel extremely lucky that I have been a deputy headteacher for 10 years in Trinity High School, so normally I think one of the challenges for a new head teacher, is the relationships with pupils, parents and staff. I understand the school culture and the processes within the school and the school community. So, I feel like I have avoided those challenges because of my experience in the school because I know the pupils, staff, parents and community. One of the biggest things I would say that I do although I do not see as much as a challenge is to make sure that I introduce myself as the head teacher and people see me as a head teacher, rather than a deputy head teacher. I hope I've done that being visual and just attending as many events as possible.” 

Why is it important to push uniform and spot checks?  

“First of all, I feel it is important to focus on uniform as it shows the pride that you have for your school.  It gives you a sense of belonging and it makes you feel like you belong to us and nobody else, because it's clear when you have your tie on, and it saves you thinking about what to wear on a daily basis. As a member of staff every day we're getting up, we're thinking what different colour of coat will we wear today. Whereas you guys, you're up and you're ready, you get your uniform, and you are ready to go. We are also focusing on the cost for the school day with uniform at the centre . So that's one of the biggest things as to why we push uniform, because we see the importance of it. Also, the deputy headteachers and myself have been going to classes and we are calling them spot checks if you like formally but it's just really to ensure consistency across the school in relation to areas like the use of mobile phones. There was a lot of work done in 2022 for the mobile phone policy, it involved pupils, parents and staff at the time. It's an agreed policy. So, we've just been going into classes to make sure that pupils know what the policy is. The biggest thing is making sure that it doesn't take away from the learning and teaching because you know if the phone goes you will want to answer it so we're just making sure that that is a smooth process across the school. So, you know what expected in RE, you know what is expected in Maths and English . It's the same policies we are all using, it's really just trying to help you concentrate as much as possible.” 

Have you thought of any new ambitions you would like Trinity to achieve in the future? 

“One of the ambitions that I would really like to push forward is the UNCRC. That is something that I feel as a school we do but not explicitly. I would like to make it more explicit, so for example, if you go to a math's class and you are asked for pupil voice, this is your right to get your voice heard in a school. So, we need to make sure you feel like you are listened to and that we hear you. So, the UNCRC is one of the big areas we are hoping to push we do it, but we just need to make it more explicit. So that you know you are being heard and you relate it to UNCRC, that is one of the biggest things I would like to push.” 

What have you loved most so far, about being Trinity’s Head Teacher?  

“I would need to say the feeling of pride. I love Trinity High School, and I think you know that. I'm always smiling and that isn't a forced smile, and on a daily basis I'm reminded how lucky I am. We have got fantastic young people and great staff, and supportive parents we are all working towards making sure you are the best version of yourselves for when you leave school. Also, I have been able to go to events now where I am representing Trinty high school as the head teacher, so it is just that feeling of pride.” 

What is next for Trinity’s phone policy? 

“After the Scottish Government issued guidance around mobile phones in September of 2024. We carried out surveys in PSE classes. You were asked about mobile phone usage and from that, the staff are now using that data to review our policy from 2022. Sometimes what the messages are coming through is that young people are wanting the mobile phone away, and you don't want to be distracted by it in the class, that you want us to kind of help you. Our main aim is to ensure that mobile phone usage does not impact learning. One thing I hope would be, is consultation with yourselves and then ask parents. I do not think we puplis, staff and poets will go down a complete ban in this school, that is not what we are looking to do. We are starting in the classroom. We are all about learning and teaching and making sure you get the best learning experience you can at Trinity and if we have to take away mobile phones in the classroom, that is what we need to do.” 

Other Staff: Interviews! 

We asked some of our other staff members… 

1) If you could describe Mrs. McArdle in just one positive word, what would it be? 

2) Have you seen any changes made around the school lately by Mrs. McArdle? 

1)Mrs. McCulloch (Deputy Head) - “Nurturing. I would say that she is someone who really cares a lot about all of our young people, and wants the very best for everybody. She is genuinely someone who loves and cares for everybody within the school.” 

2)“I would say that just now we are doing a big push on learning and teaching within the classrooms. Something that Mrs. McArdle is doing just now is the use of mobile phones in classrooms, doing lots of spot checks around the school. Going into classrooms to make sure no mobile phones are being used in classes, to ensure all time in classrooms is being spent on everybody doing learning.” 

1)Maire McCrear (Office Staff) - “Inspirational.”                      

2)“Yes, I have. I think people are very comfortable and they are open to coming and speaking to her, she’s very approachable, including staff and pupils.” 

1)Lorraine Wall (Kitchen Staff) - “Always very very pleasant.” 

2)“I don’t really think there has been any trouble or anything.” 

1)Mrs. Steell (English Dept) - “Caring.” 

2)“Lots of really great changes, reinforcement of our uniform, and our vision and values as well.” 

1)Mrs. Thomson (Social Subjects Dept) - “Supportive.” 

2)“I feel there is a bigger presence of SLT. I feel that people are happier, and I also feel that people are quite positive.” 

Thank you to Mrs.McArdle and all the staff for taking time from your busy schedule for this interview. 

Interview and Article by Arinade Adediran and Caera Neeson (S2)