Opening of Whitechapel C E Primary School

I attended the official opening of Whitechapel CE Primary School this afternoon and met up again with the Mayor and our MP, who had both attended the same event as me this morning. The school came into being following the re-organisation of the Whitcliffe Mount pyramid from a 3-tier to a 2-tier system and replaces both St Luke’s and Moorend First Schools.

A lot of effort has gone into refurbishing and extending the old Middle School, to make it suitable as a primary school and the result is a light and airy, magnificent school. The outdoor space is extensive and comfortably meets all the needs of a primary school.

There was a celebration assembly which included readings and singing from the children, who conducted themselves impeccably. They were a credit to the staff and of course to their parents.

There were inspiring speeches from the Chair of Governors, Bishop Steven Platten, the Head teacher, the Vicar of Cleckheaton and also from John Edwards, our Assistant Director for Learning. We were reminded that the decision to discontinue the middle schools, had been made almost exactly four years ago and we were now seeing the outcome. The new school is a great learning environment, it will serve the school community well and I am sure they will respect it, enjoy it and look after it well.

The children showed their appreciation of the new school by reading out what they liked about it and in their enthusiastic singing of their hymns, with hand gestures to add depth to the meaning. Their songs were welcoming, enthusiastic and joyful, I felt privileged to be able to share the occasion with them. The oldest child and the youngest child in the school were chosen to unveil the Opening Plaque, an inspired idea from the Head. The final part of the celebration was for the children to release hundreds of green balloons, each with a message attached.

Whitechapel Primary has a very apt school motto, Learning, Caring, Succeeding and this was clearly visible today. I would like to thank the Head teacher Mrs Bouabida, her staff and all the children, for inviting me to their celebration and wish them all, every success in the future.