Page 14 - link magazine

14 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Hreod Burna old girl is now Nova Hreod governor More primary
Carol Gibbons was among the first intake of Hreod Burna Senior High School in 1967. Forty years later places in the North
she is now vice-chair of governors at Hreod Parkway School, closely involved in the move to the new
building which will be called, as revealed exclusively in the February Link, Nova Hreod. While primary numbers in the
West are falling, resulting in
“I had a wonderful time at Hreod
and had a fantastic education,” she school closures, an extra 60 pri-
said. A civil service career fol- mary school places will be made
lowed, and Carol returned to Swin- available in North Swindon from
don only five years ago on taking September until 2010.
early retirement. After Haydon Wick councillor
At the time she was saddened to David Renard asked council offic-
see that the school was on the brink ers to calculate the likely demand
of going into special measures, then for places over the next four years
read a notice in The Link calling for they predicted a shortfall of 54 places.
governors to come forward. As a result coun Renard and
She immediately volunteered coun Garry Perkins, cabinet mem-
her services. “I feel honoured and ber for Children’s Services, met
privileged to have been part of the with officers and school governors
effort of turning Hreod around. and have agreed that Catherine
It’s remarkable that the head- Wayte and Abbey Meads primary
teacher Andrew Fleet did it in such schools will both offer an extra
a short time. Since then he’s worked form of entry of 30 spaces each.
so hard on achieving what we need Coun Renard said, “a couple of
in the new school.” as a 14 year old moving into Hreod vided especially for them by peo- years ago, there were insufficient
Carol has been involved with Burna, she hopes that today’s pu- ple who care about them.” primary school places for the chil-
the whole process of the school pils will relish the same opportu- Mr Fleet and his staff have been dren wanting to start school in
build; from raising finance, to nities. “I think they’re going to be planning a precise operation so that North Swindon. After a long strug-
choosing designs and equipment really pleased with their new Hreod Nova will open without a gle, an extra form was eventually
and now, planning the move. school. They’ve got something pro- hitch after an extended Easter break. provided at Bridlewood to relieve
“I’m so delighted with Nova the pressure until the opening of
Hreod. It’s one of the most reward- Governor vacancies at many schools Orchid Vale and Red Oaks.
ing things I’ve ever done in my School governors are critical to the effective functioning of schools. “I was determined that this situ-
life. I have lovely memories of be- They don’t have to be parents or have any specific skills or knowledge ation would not arise again since
ing a pupil and being a governor is of the education system to add value to a school governing body. parents, quite rightly, want to send
very exciting. The school is part of Anyone from any background aged 18 or over who can offer six to eight their children to school within their
my past and I’m so glad to be in- hours a term, is welcome to apply. community. I am pleased to have
volved in its future.” For details call the School Governors’ One-Stop Shop on 0870 241 been able to nip this potential prob-
Remembering her own feelings 3883 or mail: [email protected] www.sgoss.org.uk lem in the bud.”

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1 March 07 14 16/2/07, 9:45 am