Schools/colleges

BOOKWORM pupils can once again borrow their favourite titles after a new library was officially opened at Glebe Primary School last Tuesday (3).

The school, in Sussex Road, Ickenham, was forced to forgo the library for several years due to a lack of room, until two new classrooms were opened in the summer.

The project was partly funded through an extended schools grant and will enable an after-school homework club to be set up, using new IT facilities.

IT IS the time of year which sets parents nerves jangling, with the seemingly crucial decision to make of choosing a Secondary School for their children. Reporter DAN COOMBS spoke to Robert Lobatto, headteacher at Barnhill Community High School, in Yeading Lane, Hayes, about the process.

THE parents of a nine year old girl who passed away after a long battle with cancer opened up a memorial garden at her school in her honour.

Shona White, a year four pupil at Glebe School, in Sussex Road, Ickenham, died this summer hours after attending school, 'a place that she loved.'

A SCHOOL reunion was held to raise money for two former pupils who died separately but equally as tragically over the past year.

Sarah Snelling attended Bishopshalt School, in Royal Lane, Hillingdon, leaving in 1989, but died from cancer aged 35 last July.

AN ENGINEERING apprentice and a retail manager were two of 200 airport based graduates to join the Heathrow class of 2009.

The Heathrow Retail Academy is backed by the Learning and Skills Council and provides a number of significant qualifications from degrees to NVQs to staff working in the airport's shops and restaurants.

THERE were whoops of joy at Vyners School as pupils picked up their exam results.

The school, in Warren Road, Ickenham, saw 82 per cent of its pupils get five A* to C grades or more.

CHILDREN will be the stars at the launch of a new look Ickenham food store tomorrow (Wednesday 29/1).

The Co-operative food store in Swakeley's Road has undergone a £300,000 revamp and
pupils from Breakspear Infant School, Bushey Road, Ickenham, will cut the ribbon at 10am and will also receive a cheque for £200 for school funds.

Sanjay Sharma, store manager, said: "As a community retailer it is important we involve our community in our special events and we are delighted our local school is playing a central role in the relaunch of our store."

A SUCCESSFUL meeting has been held to address problems with student and non-residential parking in Ickenham.

The meeting was held at Vyners School, Warren Road, and was prompted after residents petitioned Hillingdon Council last month following a surge of speeding drivers and what they believed to be inconsiderate parking.

The problems were attributed to sixth form students at Vyners School and non-residents, which led to increased police patrols in the road, and the meeting was held to iron out the issues.

The forum was attended by school governors, the head teacher, councillors, residents and safer neighbourhood teams.

Councillor John Hensley, who represents Ickenham, and who is also a governor of Vyners School, said: "The meeting went very well and the bulk of the issues were resolved with the head teacher."

THERE was a high demand for babysitters when parents and teachers gathered to enjoy a black tie dinner.

The first Breakspear Autumn Ball was held at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge, on November 22 and it raised nearly £1,250 for the junior and infant schools in Bushey Road, Ickenham.

Over 100 guests attended the evening which took months of planning, and was the brainchild of Chairman of the Parents Association, Tracy Connolly.

The guests were served with a three course dinner with wine and danced until midnight while listening to the Vyners Swing band, who performed throughout the evening.

One lucky child will also be celebrating after a parent won a bike which was first prize in the raffle, and plans are already underway to hold a similar event next year.

A SUCCESSFUL meeting was held on Monday, December 1 to address problems with student and non-residential parking in Ickenham.

The meeting was held at Vyners School, Warren Road, and was prompted after residents petitioned Hillingdon Council last month following a surge of speeding drivers and what they believed to be inconsiderate parking.

The problems were attributed to sixth form students at Vyners School and non-residents, which led to increased police patrols in the road, and the meeting was held to discuss the problems.

The forum was attended by school governors, the head teacher, councillors, residents and safer neighbourhood teams.

Councillor John Hensley, who represents Ickenham, and who is also a governor of Vyners School, said: "The meeting went very well and the issues were resolved with the head teacher."