Schools news round up (including fun day and two new buses)

Boxmoor opens its learning bus

After over a year’s preparation, Hemel Hempstead’s Boxmoor Primary School recently opened its new learning bus as part of its family fun afternoon.

Headteacher Vicky Evans proudly declared the bus open and invited pupils and their families to take a look inside the converted double-decker bus.

The bus has been a distinctive feature at the side of the playground since July last year.

But this was the first opportunity for everyone to see how the inside has been converted into a library downstairs and a science area upstairs, from which pupils will be able to observe the nature area and view live camera feeds from bird boxes.

Much of the work on the bus has been completed by the PTA and members of the school community, and the school ran an Usborne ‘Ready Steady Read’ event in March to buy nearly £1400-worth of new books.

Volunteers have also been working to resurrect the nature area, to allow pupils to make the most of the outside learning opportunities available at Boxmoor School.

As well as exploring the bus - opened on Saturday, September 6 - families enjoyed a barbecue and refreshments, games on the field, a bouncy castle and a raffle.

At the end of the afternoon, Boxmoor School’s second camp-out took over the field with around 30 families pitching their tents for an evening of marshmallow toasting and campfire songs.

First fun day, now help sessions at children’s centre

More than 160 families attended a recent fun day at a children’s centre in Tring.

The event played host to Appreciating Animals Petting Farm, Sunshine soft play and bouncy castle, face painting and treasure hunt.

Tring councillor Nick Hollinghurst popped in to say hello together with the Hertfordshire Library Bookstart bear and crews from the town’s fire and police services.

Refreshments were served by Joe’s Vintage Coffee Van during the event on Saturday, September 6, at Orchard Children’s Centre.

The centre is based on the site of Dundale Primary School in Silk Mill Way, Tring.

You can find out more about it by visiting www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/orchard/ or its Facebook page www.facebook.com/orchardchildrenscentretring

The centre will host a free support session for families on debt and legal advice on Thursday, September 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am.

The event will include information on budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, understanding financial jargon and staying in control of your finances.

Sessions are led by award winning debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty.

Booking is essential and to do so, phone Jan Nethercoat on 01442 401222 or email her at [email protected]

Dacorum Borough Council will be running a free monthly advice surgery at the children’s centre for people to access support and advice with any council housing queries.

This could cover issues including the bedroom tax, benefit cap, housing conditions, the points system, arrears and what to do if you want to move.

The first event will be on Wednesday, October 1, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. To book a 25-minute appointment, phone 01442 426922.

The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities.

The service offers confidential, helpful and impartial advice, supported by a qualified careers advisor.

You will be able to get individual advice to help you make the right choices about learning and work, writing a CV, interview preparation and job searching.

Appointments to the free event on Thursday, October 2 - which is also being held at the children’s centre - are available.

Booking is essential and open to all – phone 01442 426922 to book.

New minibus for school trips

Hemel Hempstead’s Broadfield Primary School now has a brand new minibus that it can use to take its children on a variety of different trips.

The vehicle was paid for with cash gained from fundraising and charitable donations and arrived at the school on Wednesday last week.

Headteacher Christine Hall said: “Wednesday was a very exciting day for Broadfield School. We were extremely lucky and grateful to receive a brand new minibus from a local charity.

“The West Herts Charities Trust have donated the minibus to us through their excellent fundraising efforts.

“The charity have donated over 60 minibuses over the years through their tireless efforts to help others.

“Broadfield’s parent association (BSA) contributed £5,000 towards the cost of the new minibus. Again, we are extremely grateful for all their hard work raising this large sum of money.

“We will be able to use the minibus for lots of activities such as football matches, trips to local schools, churches and other local visits.

“It will save money for the school by not needing to pay for coaches for these events.”

John Masters, the chair of the charity, presented Mrs Hall with the keys to the bus. A group of children had lots of fun being the first to be in it last Wednesday.

Mrs Hall said: “A huge thank you to the West Herts Charity Trust and the BSA for the donation which will make a massive difference to the children and staff.

“It is wonderful that there are charities like this to support local the community. They are very special people.”