Pupils Carl Ward and Bethany Smith with, left to right, deputies Barry Paint, John Gollop, Rhoderick Matthews and Martin Storey on yesterday’s fact-finding trip to St Sampson’s Infants’ School. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0683050)
ST SAMPSON’S INFANTS opened its doors to deputies yesterday.
The school, which has been earmarked for closure by the Education Department, wanted to show politicians what it has to offer before January’s debate on the matter. All States members were invited and 16 turned up.
The open day was arranged by the PTA and secretary Tracey de Carteret hoped it would persuade some to vote against closure. ‘We thought it would be a good idea if the deputies got to see the school. Most don’t know where the school is or what wonderful facilities it has.’
Mrs de Carteret is a former pupil, one of her children is currently attending the school and she hopes to eventually send her youngest child there.
The deputies were given a tour and met PTA members. ‘We have all done a lot of writing to them, but this allows us to meet face to face, which has been really useful.’
Deputy Martin Storey was one of those present.
‘I feel that small schools are more conducive to instilling a sense of community in children,’ he said. ‘The children feel more at home. In a large school it’s easy to get left out and they can become isolated.
‘I came to see what the school’s like. It seems to me there’s nothing wrong with the building. It doesn’t seem as if it would need a lot of money spent on it.
‘I am looking forward to seeing the case that Education comes up with.’
Deputy Graham Guille said Education was faced with some difficult choices.
‘These are the sorts of decision that are forced on States members.
‘Some very hard decisions are going to be made. All require States members to have the courage to make them.’
Deputy Barry Paint said he would not like to see the school close.
‘I think small schools like these give a much better education,’ he said. ‘I don’t think large is beautiful, but we have to find the cash and I’m not in favour of borrowing. Small, private schools are something we should look at as they seem to manage it.’
Head teacher Anne Brouard said she was happy to be able to open the school to States members.
‘We were pleased to invite the deputies to see the children and the school in action. We are very proud of the school and wanted to share that with the deputies.’
Article posted on 5th December, 2008 - 1.00pm
4 Article Comments
Let’s hope the deputies who came to visit the school realise what a huge mistake it would be if this school were to close. We are grateful to those who clearly realise the massive impact on its community that the closure of this establishment would have. What a pity that more deputies did not attend. How will they be able to make an informed decision if they have not seen the school and the way it operates so superbly? Please, deputies, please make a point of seeing this great little school before you cast your votes, so that your choice is absolutely the right one.
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I agree Tom I also find it disappointing that more deputies did not attend the open invitation to visit the school. I appreciate they may have other business on but surely if they contacted the school they would be happy to show them around at another date before the states meeting in January.
I firmly believe in making informed decisions and I dont honestly believe that those who have not visited the school can. I also think that they should also be looking around the Vale school or at least driving past there and Capelles at school rush hour to see just how chaotic it is and how increasing the number of cars in the area is ridiculous. Lets not forget that children from St Sampsons school have only been guarranteed places for Sept 2009 and Sept 2010 as I dare say they will then play with the catchment boundaries and several others school will then also be affected.
This school must stay open especially with all the planned development for housing in both St Sampsons and Vale Parishes as Vale can not possibly cope with all of these children.
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I found Deputy Trott’s remarks quite puzzling about “it shouldn’t close on cost grounds”. Wasn’t he pushing, as T&R minister for ‘belt tightening’ following the hasty introduction of a flawed corporate tax regime and that the school closures are as a direct result of that?
It’s not like St Sampsons has suddenly become a well-liked and well-supported school. What he’s actually saying, then, that when it comes to a vote, unless Education can say “it’s closing because it’s rubbish and is clearly failing”, then he will vote against closure.
Is he in direct opposition to Education, therefore? Or was he saying nice things for the cameras. I wonder.
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Nice to see that our unelected CM is wishing to magnify any amount of support for himself again. Cuddly topic but we ain’t buying it.
He wishes to have the agility of a flea. Whilst this may be true amongst our mainly badly elected? Still waiting for action actually before I decide. Lots have been itching for far too long thanks.
We all have rashes. You poorly selected politicians are the only ones that don’t for the record. How about proper democracy then? We are sick of one that is manipulated thanks for nothing at all!
We need people with a sense of direction. How about answering everybodies questions on this site regarding racism then trottski and co?
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