Page 14 - link magazine

14 The Link Magazine • October 2004
Welcome to Swindon's newest school

I

First assembly on the first dais of term for children, Staff and goz'ernors of St Francis Church of England School, Taw Hill
Children, parents and staff gathered in the car park at Taw Hill The late omission of a church at the village centre from the original
Medical Centre and Worship Centre on 2 September to cut a ribbon plan for ajoint building caused a delay in the start of construction work
before entering the classrooms at St Francis Church of England which meant the 112 children have to spend their first term in a
School, Taw Hill for the first time. temporary building. The permanent school is well underway and will
be ready for occupation in January.
Headteacher Clive Westall said preparations for opening day had
gone smoothly. "The staff had a couple of training days in late August
and we also unpacked furniture and materials ready for the children.
"We're already using the playground of the permanent building
which will be ready in good time for the classrooms to be set up before
we move in at the beginning of the new year."
School governor Barry Luffman said the governors had been work-
ing towards the day for over two years. "It's been an exciting time for
parents seeing their new school being built and also for the children
getting ready to start at St Francis."
Bristol diocesan education director Caro Barker-Bennett agreed. "A
church aided school was first planned as part of Swindon's northern
expansion well over ten years ago. It's wonderful to see this important
focus for the community now open."
The reception class is full but there are places in Years 1 to 6. The
catchment area and enrolment information can be found at
www.stfrancis.swindon.sch.uk or call 727624.
• The first ever fete organised by the Friends of St Francis School on 11
September raised over £800 for school funds.

SPECIALISTS IN WEDDING HIRE
SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM
KING SIZE MENSWEAR
OF GORSE HILL AND OUR OWN IN-HOUSE ALTERATION Open: 9am - 5.30pm

TAILORING DEPARTMENT Wed & Sat 9am - 5pm
Free car park
124 Cricklade
Road

Gorse Hill
Swindon
Tel: 642211