CHILDREN celebrated the official amalgamation of their two schools by burying a time capsule, planting a tree and laying on a performance for special guests.
The 504-pupil Grange Primary School came about after Grange Infant and Nursery School and Grange Junior School in Welbeck Road, South Harrow, merged in September, but it was not until now that the school has managed to organise something to mark the occasion.
Neil Carpenter was appointed headteacher of the primary school in September following the retirement of the headteachers of the constituent schools.
He said: “We had a lovely day at the launch of the new school. We held a concert with invited guests and had ex-Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Lurline Champagnie and Councillor Brian Gate, as well as previous staff and parents.
“It lasted an hour, in which every child was involved in one form or another. Some were samba drumming, some singing and some dancing – Bollywood dancing. It was really a terrific concert which was enjoyed by all.
“After that we had a formal reception for the guests during which the school council presented chosen items for a time capsule, which we buried in the grounds, containing lists of current pupils, staff, governors and Friends of Grange School, and drawings the children had made or collected.
“We also planted an apple tree near our new entrance and cut a cake. It was all very special.”
Each pupil received a commemorative mug to mark the occasion and each class took part in fun activities such as model making, arts and crafts and dance.
Governor Husain Akhtar, a Conservative Harrow councillor, said: “The amalgamation has been very smooth and the new school is establishing very well because of the hard work of the school community.
“The launch was very enjoyable, with a lot of colourful activities by the children, including music and songs.
“It was very good atmosphere throughout.”
