A SELKIRK school with just 15 pupils gave a big welcome to their Archbishop on a special visit.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, in the town’s Back Row, invited Leo Cushley last Wednesday.

They were joined by pupils from St Margaret's in Galashiels.

Archbishop Cushley said: “St Joseph’s Selkirk and St Margaret’s Galashiels stem from close-knit communities and have positive learning environments, and headteacher Nicola McLeod and her team are doing a wonderful job.

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"I was also grateful to Mr Sinclair and Mrs Robertson of Borders Council, as well as our council representative Mrs Docherty for their presence and support.

“It’s always a pleasure to visit our schools and to discover more – a big thanks to the pupils for telling me so eloquently about what they are learning. They are proud of their schools and rightly so.”

Peeblesshire News: Archbishop Leo Cushley chats with children at St Joseph's PrimaryArchbishop Leo Cushley chats with children at St Joseph's Primary

The event began with Mass celebrated at Our Lady & St Joseph’s Church in nearby High Street, before pupils gave the Archbishop and visitors, including parish priest Fr Andrew Kingham, a presentation and Q&A session.

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Headteacher Ms McLeod said: “It was a great honour and privilege to welcome Archbishop Leo Cushley to St Joseph’s. The children and staff worked extremely hard to share the uniqueness and ethos that is present in both St Joseph’s and St Margaret’s, which stems from our Christian values.”

Peeblesshire News: Archbishop Leo Cushley with headteacher Nicola McLeod.Archbishop Leo Cushley with headteacher Nicola McLeod.

Melissa Gavan, the archdiocese’s religious education adviser for primary schools, added: “It was a wonderful occasion for all involved and it is evident how proud the staff, pupils and parents are of the great work taking place in the schools. St Joseph’s roll may be limited but there are no limits in the rich experiences had by the children attending there. Fond memories will be cherished by all who were present.”

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Also present was Marian Docherty, church representative for the Scottish Borders; along with Justin Sinclair, chief education officer; and Christian Robertson, a quality improvement officer.