Tenby’s smallest school is celebrating after parents and pupils raised £25,000 in just three years to update its 60-year-old playgrounds.
The Friends of St Teilo’s Roman Catholic Primary School celebrated the official opening of Phase 2 of their “Play for Life” project on Friday 6th October.
The ribbon was cut by Simon Hart MP (with a bit of help from the school council!) and attended by Tenby Mayor, Sue Lane, Pembrokeshire County Councillor, Michael Williams Pembrokeshire County Council Chair of Education ...,school Governors and local businesses.
A party was then held after school to thank all pupils (past and present) teachers, parents, grandparents, family, friends and businesses for all their help.
‘This is a wonderful resource for the school’ said Mrs Nicholls (head teacher). ‘The playground has been unchanged for over 60 years and in under 3 years, the Friends of St Teilo’s have raised over £25k which has paid for new equipment in the infant playground and now a trim trail in the junior playground. These are invaluable to the school and will help improve health and fitness in the pupils.’
The Play for Life Project was launched with a gala dinner at Trefloyne in September 2014 and since then the Friends have arranged numerous events, including Christmas and summer Fayres and even a sponsored abseil down the Keep at Pembroke Castle!
‘To raise over £25k in under 3 years is a huge achievement for such a small school. So many local businesses have contributed and supported the fundraising efforts and we want to use this opportunity to say how grateful we are for this.’ Said Hannah Arentz, Chair of the Friends of St Teilo’s.
Simon Hart MP added: “This is a huge achievement by a relatively small school. Having been involved in a few fund raising projects I can appreciate just how much hard work goes into collecting such a large sum. I am sure that all the pupils who get to play on this equipment in years to come will be very grateful for all their efforts.”
So what’s next in the Play for Life, how about an all weather pitch on the playing field?
Notes:
What is the Play for Life Project?
The project will provide new outdoor equipment and improve the playground environment.
These improvements will be age related and robust, whilst allowing pupils to be curious and inventive in their play. By developing their spatial awareness, balance, control and co-ordination children learn to use their bodies effectively.
Businesses that have contributed