Page 8 - link magazine

SHAW
8
New head, traditional values 1st & 75th for
ShawW.l.
The opening of a second school "Society places great expectations
building on Shaw's Brook Field on families to be successful and keep
School site has also seen the arrival up appearances; there's a demand for Debbie Griffiths reports:
of Roger Nicholas, the new achievement. Children need to be What fun we had at Shaw WI's 1st
headteacher who has moved from a protected so that they can develop and WI's 75th birthday celebrations
school in Chippenham. their full potential academically and recently. We ho-de-hoed our
Coming originally from West socially. It's important they can do partners and swung our corners all
Wales, he brings a strong sense of this in a calm atmosphere. evening at our Barn Dance at
'community,' a solid feeling in the Thinking back to his boyhood in Saltway School. I recommend it as
traditional area he was brought up Wales, Mr Nicholas often compares an evening of fun (and exercise) for
in, but something that is still being schools and schooling. "My school all ages.
built up in Shaw. was one of those old Victorian WI's all over the country were
The idea of the school as a com- buildings with highwindows which celebration on the same night and
munity and the influence of school you couldn't see out of. Our schools in true WI tradition, raising money
in the community are important today children a rich environment for charity. We raised £64 to be
matters he says. "When I first vis- which is conclusive to producing donated to four children's charities.
ited Brook Field, I could sense the quality work. The first WI was formed in 1897 in
school had'personality.' Iwas struck "My 85 yearold uncle was head- Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada af-
by the warmth of the staff and the master and he told me recently that ter the death of a child.
children,and the settingof theschool there is a greater expectation of the Hard at work with Roger Nicholas, Our next meeting is on Monday
in the neighbourhood. primary child these days than there from left, Jenna Walsh, Lucie Haugh 15 October at 730p.m. at Shaw
"I immediately felt the potential ever has been in the past. and Elaine Meddlycott. Community Centre (the portacabin
for developing the partnership be- "The important point is that the by the shop). We're having a
tween the school and its community basic skills and values are still the speaker on Victorian Magic Lan-
which had already been started. I same. Mathematics, handwriting, Shaw Residents' terns which promises to be a very
want the school to be a positive in- good behaviour, concern for others Association meets on illuminating evening.
fluence and be part of creating a are just some of the things which the first Monday of the Anyone liking more details
history and a 'culture' within the were important in the past and are please telephone me on 875725. I
area. We do this by focussing on the just as relevant today." month at 7.45 p.m. in have one those dreaded machines
child's growth and by creating Mr Nicholas added that in addi- Shaw Church. so please be prepared to leave you
strong links with parents." tion to children's needs, the chal- If there are any matters name and telephone number.
Mr Nicholas is well aware of the lenge for the future is to build Apologies to the lady who rang last
pressures on education and on stronger partnership with parents that Shaw people would month. You didn't leave your
families but sees the role ofschoolas so that they become more involved like raised, just turn up. number!
a calming influence. in education. See Page 30 fora birthday photo.

Pis &k'
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Bamfield Road, Swindon
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