The Official Opening of the new Frenchay School

On Monday 7th November we held our official opening of the school. This was a wonderful morning where the school and visitors shared in the celebration of our new building. Visitors included members of the Local Authority who designed and project managed the build, BAM, the construction company, Councilors for South Gloucestershire, members of the Diocesan board for Education, members of the Frenchay Residents Association and Open the Book, local clergy, governors to name but a few!

We also welcomed the two previous head teachers of the school, Mrs Thorne and Mrs Allen who joined us for the morning. This meant we had 34 years of leadership of the school represented between the three of us! Mrs Thorne also organised the planting of a Tulip tree, curtesy of Ron Crouch who’s great auntie was once a teacher in Frenchay. Mr Crouch sent us the funds to purchase the tree all the way from America where he lives. A big thank you to him and to Mrs Thorne for this gift.

We were also thrilled to have Bishop Lee, the Bishop of Swindon, and Bishop Viv, the Bishop of Bristol attend the opening, with Bishop Viv joining us in leading our worship as well as planting the new tulip tree and blessing the school. We were presented with not one but two presents in the service. One was a plaque from the Diocese to mark the official opening, and the other being a new candle holder from Revd. Charles and the Frenchay Parish Council. We are very grateful for both gifts.

We were privileged to have a child in year 2 play the piano when we came in and left worship, she did a fantastic job. Members of our Year 6 class made us feel very proud with their contributions, with children having written their thoughts on the new school, each linked to our values. Ivy gave special thanks to everyone and Hugo lead us in a prayer he had written. The final icing on the cake as when two children pulled the large blue ribbon to officially signify our opening!

It was a really great morning and thanks to all those who attended, and helped with the organisation. The children were a credit to us all in their excellent behaviour and manners throughout the morning.

Katherine Marks