Pupils at Oakvale yesterday waved goodbye to their school which was opened over 15 years ago. They will, however, be looking forward to moving into Le Murier in St Sampson’s. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0604631)
JUST over 15 years after it opened, Oakvale School has marked its closure. Its schoolchildren are due to move into Le Murier at Les Nicolles in September and yesterday they held a celebration before it shuts today.
‘This is celebrating the end of Oakvale,’ said head teacher Alan Brown. ‘We did this as an open house and invited parents, students, ex staff and former pupils and people who supported the school. They’ve all come together to meet up before it closes tomorrow.’
To mark the occasion, the school held a barbecue with music provided by the school choir. There was also a demonstration from the pupils who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme a few weeks previously and a celebration book was opened for those attending to sign. The pupils also buried a time capsule, which will be opened again in 15 years.
Oakvale was opened on the 28 May 1993 by Lady Wilkins, wife of the Lt-Governor at that time. Originally, it was designed as a school for children with learning difficulties. It had 80 pupils aged seven to 16. It has since become a secondary school for those with a wide range of needs.
The new school will be able to cater for these better and will allow for more pupils.
‘Oakvale wasn’t designed for the group of students that we have now.
‘Le Murier will open up the opportunities to all those starting at the high school. It’s for the benefit of both schools,’ said Mr Brown.
Janina Almeida, 16, was one of the pupils meeting those arriving at the school. She has been taught at the school since she was eight.
‘I’m glad we are moving to the new school as it’s got too small here, especially for wheelchairs. But I will be a bit sad to leave here.’
Adam Eborall, 16, was part of the Duke of Edinburgh demonstration.
‘I think everybody is going to miss the school, but we are all excited about the new one.
‘There are more fields and better sports facilities than we have here. I think being with the other schools is a good idea.
‘I think it will go well.’
Article posted on 11th July, 2008 - 11.30am
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