Just the day after that article about our caring school appeared in the Hartlepool Mail, disaster struck.
Only 24 Hours later, and how our high spirits were dampened!
Many of the staff, pupils and their families had to stand and watch their cherished
school burn to ashes, taking with it, their work, their planning, records and
achievements. Many of us openly wept as the fire-fighters battled to save the
lower (K-2) school from the flames that were being driven by strong, swirling
winds.
In this respect, fortunately, they succeeded, and thanks to their
efforts we are still left with something to 'start over' with in September.
For Grange School WILL be back, bigger and better than ever before! Our local community is just that - a commUNITY and their strength of character and determination will help rebuild this school as much as any construction company.
The borough council have vowed to support us in this, and along with many offers of practical help from overseas, including the crew and families of the mighty John C Stennis, as well as teachers from across the world offering their help and their prayers - we will rebuild and renew and in the process will unite to be even an even stronger family than ever before.
It will take time,
but plans are already underway to make our school ready for the education of
our pupils to begin in September, and longer term plans are being put together
for the building of a new school. Plans were soon underway for temporary accommodation
so that our school family should not be separated.
We lost eight classrooms, our library, our assembly hall, sports and gymnasium equipment store, dining area, kitchen and a wing of the school that was put to very good use by the Friends of Grange Primary School who've supported the school for several years.
Of course we also lost the contents of those rooms, from books to pens and pencils - to P.E. equipment - and every computer in the school.
But most of all, we lost so much of the pupils and staff's work, which is irreplaceable.
So, look on at the photo's of the dying moments
of our old school if you will - you may even share a tear with us at it's sad
end, but in it's place we will build a new school and we hope that you'll return
to our web site and watch the rebuilding and then celebrate with us on the day
that it re- opens.
With thanks to the Hartlepool Mail and photographer Tom Collins for the photo's above.
Our deepest gratitude
to the firefighters of the Cleveland Fire Brigade, some are seen in this photo'
with Hartley wearing his Fire Chief's hat.
On behalf of the governors, staff, children and parents of Grange Primary School,
Louise Conway
Headteacher.
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