The merger of the new Harris Academy with Menzieshill High School is sure to bring some challenges.
But the school’s new headteacher Barry Millar reckons he’s in the best position to meet them head on.
Not only is Mr Millar, 40, a former pupil of Harris, but he also taught at Menzieshill for 12 years as a PE teacher, a guidance teacher and latterly as acting depute head.
And as the parent of a pupil at Menzieshill, Barry believes he is well placed to understand the concerns of both communities.
He said: “I recognise and appreciate that pupils, staff and parents of both schools have worries over the schools joining together under the banner of Harris Academy.
“Yes, there will be challenges ahead — but everyone involved in the joining together of the schools is ready to meet those challenges.
“There is a very strong will on both sides to make sure this works.
“I understand there are anxieties, but it is my job to make sure that everything possible is done to alleviate those anxieties.
“My aim is to make sure that both communities affected become one and I am currently focusing on that.”
Mr Millar said a lot of work is going on to bring staff, pupils and parents and the two communities affected together.
One initiative is a new selection process for prefects, which will see everyone in the school community voting for candidates.
And he said it was intended that aspects of Menzieshill would be remembered in little ways in the new school.
Mr Millar said: “One idea being considered is somehow incorporating the names of the school houses from Menzieshill into the new building.
“We do plan, however, to consult with pupils about the uniform.”
Mr Millar also answered concerns voiced by some parents that the new school would be forced to operate over-capacity when it first opens.
He said: “I have no concerns on that front at all.
“We are currently working on timetables for Harris and I am more than convinced that we can satisfy the school capacity comfortably in the new building. We’re preparing for a school role of 1,309 and everything is in place for that.”
While the newly-built Harris will have state-of-the-art facilities, the school will be very much more than just a super building, Mr Millar insisted.
He said: “I want to support all pupils and their families as best we can.
“Our job at Harris will be to make sure that all our pupils are safe and well and are properly prepared for learning.
“Anything that stops that happening we will immediately deal with.
“I am prepared for us to be able to support our pupils whatever issues they face.
“As a former guidance teacher, I am well aware of pupil concerns and I will always have an open door policy for pupils.”
Children from Menzieshill will join the new-look Harris Academy in August following the decision to close the Yarrow Terrace school.
The new school will retain the facade and the Harris Academy clock tower which will be placed outside an external plaza.
It will also feature a hospitality area and a new games hall will be built on the outside of the main building.