THE New Year saw the start of a fresh chapter at Chester’s most recently formed primary school when children and staff welcomed Vince O’Brien as their new headteacher.
Mr O’Brien, formerly headteacher at Tarporley CE Primary School, has taken over at the new Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School from acting heads Moira McCallum and Amanda Ellis-Rushton.
The new school has replaced Victoria Infants School and St Thomas of Canterbury Parish Church school.
In a letter to parents, Mr O’Brien outlined the big changes ahead for the school, with work expected to begin on a new school building next month.
He said: “I've had a lovely welcome here, from the children, staff and families.
“I’m delighted to join the school at such an exciting time, with so much to look forward to.
“It’s a fantastic community here with a great future!”
Meanwhile, the existing buildings are a “hive of activity” as pupils enjoy the new term.
Infant and junior pupils enjoyed a visit from Dee Valley Water consultant Tony Cope, who explained how drinking water reaches homes.
Mr Cope explained the filtration and pumping processes involved and the ever-increasing demands on the city’s water network.
Year 4 pupils experienced a school trip with a difference when they were suddenly ‘evacuated’ as part of a Second World War project.
An elaborate plan by class teachers Cheryl Siddall and Catherine Barker involved the children walking to Bache Railway Station and catching a train to Port Sunlight, to await further instructions from a ‘billeting officer’.
The event was then revealed to be a hoax before the group returned to school in time for lunch.