| The dream becomes a reality! |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 00:00 |
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The results of all the hard work - and unstinting resolve in overcoming what at times must have seemed like insurmountable obstacles - are now clear for all to see. The construction of the new building is complete and all that remains is for the fitting-out of the interior, including installation of some state-of-the-art ICT facilities. This work will be carried out during the summer break so that the building will be ready for use at the start of the term in September. We are delighted that Bishop Kieran will be presiding over our official opening ceremony on Monday 15th September. Although this is an event that will take place during the school day for the children and staff, we are extending an open invitation to anyone who would like to view the building between 7pm and 9pm; refreshments will be available. Please do come along and see what your tremendous financial support has helped to achieve; the photograph does not do justice to the quality of the building; the best way to truly appreciate this superb enhancement to our school will be to step inside the real thing! The children at St. Anne’s can always be relied upon to show great enthusiasm and commitment in supporting their school to achieve its goals. This was never more evident than when they participated in a whole school Fun Run event at Lady Neville Park in the summer term. A wonderful example of team work – children, staff, parents and the PTA all pulling together to achieve success, which in this case was to raise a staggering sum of £4200 for the new building!. The children thoroughly enjoyed the event – keeping fit, having fun and raising funds for the school all at the same time! We were very privileged to secure a visit by the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Cllr Roger Newstead, to award the prizes to the fastest runners in each year group and to the children who raised the greatest amount of sponsorship money. Thank you for your continued support with this project and, if you have not yet done so, please consider participating in our “buy a brick scheme” – booklets are still available at the back of the Church. Reaching out to the local community St. Anne’s has always enjoyed actively participating in and contributing to the local community. An excellent example of this recently was when our Year 4 children visited a local residential home for the elderly. The afternoon began with the children distributing gifts of flowers and chocolates. They then went on to provide an absolutely wonderful programme of entertainment, including poetry (composed by themselves), music, dancing and singing. They had learned a number of war-time songs such as My Darling Clementine, Old Bull and Bush and Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner and it was great to see the delight and pleasure on the faces of the men and women residents as they joined in with the children singing these old favourites. Once the entertainment had finished, the children went around the group talking about subjects which they had researched themselves and asking about things such as what life had been like during the war. Initially a little wary, the children soon realised that elderly people don’t bite (!) and within a few minutes there were some very animated conversations taking place! Cakes and biscuits were handed out during this period of informal chatter and it seemed a real shame to draw things to a close when it was time for the children to return to school. The residents were extremely complimentary about the children, who I’m sure will remember this experience for a long time to come. The summer term is always an incredibly busy time with so many different events, activities, visits and performances. If you would like to read more about what has been happening at the school this term, pick up a copy of our school magazine “Ad Astra” from the back of the Church or, if there are none left, try to borrow a copy from someone who has children at the school – it’s well worth a read! Maria Foster Governor, St. Anne’s Primary School |
