THANKS to the efforts of Headteacher Joanna Stratton and Governor Philip Gray, Hever Primary School has two new classrooms.
The facilities at the 129-pupil Church of England school were unveiled in a special service led by Reverend Wendy Izod, Priest in Charge at the Three Spires churches in Hever, Four Elms and Mark Beech.
Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat attended the launch and said: “It is so important that each and every one of you are part of a community.
“It doesn’t matter what your background is, who you go on to marry, how many children you have, Hever will always be in your heart and in your history. Be proud of your school and go on to achieve great things.”
The service ended with the burying of a time capsule, the brainchild of Year 6 pupil Morgan Davis, who wanted to create a lasting record of her primary school life before she leaves for secondary education.
Pupils from every year group contributed ideas and materials for the capsule, including examples of their work, class photos, information about the school and a photo of Mr Tugendhat with speculation about his future potential as the Prime Minister.
Miss Stratton said: “This was an aspirational and celebratory day for our students.
“Tom Tugendhat sent a pertinent message to all the children and the community as he opened our new build. He inspired us to be nostalgic and remember our community and how important it is to understand the responsibilities we have as citizens of this country.”
The classrooms were made possible thanks to donations by the Combe Bank Educational Trust, the Coldman and Guthrie families, Gatwick Airport PLC, Hever Parish Council and The Friends of Hever School.
Mr Tugendhat added: “It was a huge privilege to open new classrooms at Hever School and see again what staff, parents, governors, and most of all the children, are doing to build a community and grow the roots that make confident, capable young people. Thank you to all. You’re working miracles.”
