Big farewell marks end of school's life (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Big farewell marks end of school's life

1:20pm Sunday 1st August 2010 in

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IT TRULY was the end of an era as pupils, staff and parents said an emotional farewell to Chineham Park Primary School when its doors were closed for the very last time.

It was a sad time for everyone involved with the school in Shakespeare Road, Popley, but after months of waiting, the day had finally come to say goodbye.

The school is being closed down by Hampshire County Council because of poor performance and falling pupil numbers, but staff and pupils were determined to finish on a high.

And their efforts paid off when the last Ofsted monitoring inspection praised the school for its achievements in the last few months, and graded it as “good” since the last inspection.

Just 65 pupils remained at the school at the end of last week, but teachers made sure their last term was positive and packed full of fun activities.

Children watched chicks hatch and recorded their development in the last few weeks as they grew into chickens. Everyone was involved in a memory video, and bracelets were made as mementoes.

A tearful leaving assembly was held, with children standing up to share their favourite memories of their time at Chineham Park Primary.

A school rap song was performed, and children also did sign language to a song called Believe. One group danced to Michael Jackson’s Can You Feel It, before the final song, You are a Star had everyone joining in.

Sue Waters, who has been the acting head teacher since last November, said: “Every one of these children is a star, and they have been absolutely brilliant.

“Every time we close one door, another door opens and they are going to have a chance to have great opportunities in their new schools.”

Trudie Gregory, 38, of Milton Close, Popley, has been involved with Chineham Park Primary for 10 years since two of her four children started at the school.

She said: “I feel numb and empty. It’s because I have worked in the school and have always done so much with the kids. The children here are not just numbers. They are all an extended family. I still can’t believe it’s happening. It won’t sink in for a while.”

Maria Barker, 44, from Wordsworth Close, Popley, has had six children attend Chineham Park Primary over the years.

She said: “The best thing about it was that it was a small school. All my kids have loved their time here.”

Sharon Lunnon, from Marlowe Close, Popley, who led the campaign to keep the school open, added: “The children have coped with it really well and we are proud of them. But it’s still very sad.”

Sofia Reason, 10, is moving to Marnel Junior School in September. She said: “I will miss everything about Chineham Park, but I am excited about my new school.”