Page 17 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • December 2010 17
Leaving Freshbrook

a stronger community

Millbrook Primary School head Clare Griffi n-Felton is saying farewell Rendcomb College
at Christmas, leaving a legacy of a community standing together and
looking forward – an amazing change from when she came in 2007.
Arriving in Freshbrook from priority and Clare was delighted & Junior School
Bath, Clare faced parents and that the children came together
others still hurt and confused by without any concern for the past. An HMC co-educational boarding & day school for 3-18 year olds
Swindon Council’s decision to close “The majority of children merged
Windmill Hill Primary School and very quickly, almost within two
merge it with Freshbrook - albeit weeks. Most of them already knew
with the promise that a brand new each other and we had ‘shuffl e up
school would be built. days,’ outings and trips together
As a mother of fi ve children, prior to the move.
Clare, 46, drew on her experience Now, preparing to say goodbye,
of helping two schools become one Clare is very sad to leave to Mill-
in North Somerset and she wasted brook. “I’m going with a really
no time in looking for the positives heavy heart, but with my youngest
in people and helping them focus daughter starting school in Bath I
on what might be, rather than what need to be nearer home.
had happened. “Millbrook is a wonderfully
She said, “the biggest challenge friendly and welcoming place that
was to regain the trust - of the com- refl ects the area it serves. We have 11+ ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
munity, parents and staff. a fabulous, well resourced, up-to-
th
“Communication is key to re- date learning environment which Thursday 20 January 2011
building trust. We had to be hon- will serve the community into the
est about the challenges and work future. I leave colleagues who I can 13+ ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
together to resolve them. A Parent only describe as ‘my dream team.’ Thursday 24 February 2011
th
Council was set up to resolve issues They work tirelessly and brilliantly
and I also went into the playground for the good of the children. Outstanding ISI Inspection Report • Outdoor Setting of the Year
at the beginning and end of the day I shall miss everyone terribly, we Means Tested Bursaries and Scholarships available
to chat informally with parents. really have become the Millbrook
Tel: 01285 832306 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

Improve your Swindon
College
English and Maths

at Swindon College

Start now - plaCES StIll avaIlablE!

Join a small, friendly, day or evening class at
Swindon College and you will be able to:
• Update your skills • Learn how to budget
• Gain qualifications (from Entry level to level 2 GCSE ‘C’)
Clare Griffi n-Felton with Millbrook youngsters in November • Gain confidence • Improve your spelling
“I reorganised staff so that they family. Thanks to everyone for all • Help your children or grandchildren,
were paired up with a teacher/teach- their hard work, smiles, tears and with their homework
ing assistant from the other school, laughter. It’s been the best.”
so that the children knew one adult Chair of governors Chris Davison All classes are FREE of charge
in their class, and we developed a said, “Clare’s passionate leadership
creative curriculum, which was new has successfully brought two school For more information please call 0800 731 2250 or visit:
to everyone. We then worked on a communities together. Along with www.swindon-college.ac.uk or email
shared vision for the school.” her excellent team, Clare has given [email protected]
During the building phase, along- us a great foundation to build upon.
side meetings with council offi cers I wish her all the best for the future
and architects, whilst managing a and in her new role.
split site, Millbrook had to be rear- “We all look forward to Karen
ranged three times in two years with Pyman joining us in January. She
year groups being moved between brings a wealth of experience and
the Freshbrook and Windmill Hill skills that will enable the whole
buildings which are separated by school community to achieve its
a busy road. full potential, by continuing to build
With almost 300 pupils in the on the solid foundations that have S w i n d o n C o l l e g e , N o r t h S t a r A v e n u e , S w i n d o n S N 2 1 d y
combined school, their welfare took been put in place.”

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