Pupils bury time capsule of memories to mark opening of Chestnut Park Primary

Pupils from Chestnut Park Primary School prepared a time capsule today to officially mark its launch.

A capsule, filled with items donated by the children, was buried at Chestnut Park Primary School’s future, permanent home in St James’ Road, where it will remain until 2022 when it will be dug up as the Reception class of 2015 prepare to leave the school.

As part of the launch event, the children also designed pictures to go on the hoardings at the St James’ Road site and enjoyed a sing-a-long with the storytelling and singing group, Spud and Yam.

Headteacher Esther Brooks said the official launch of the new school was hugely exciting for everyone involved. "It has been a real privilege to celebrate the opening of Chestnut Park Primary School with a special celebration assembly," she explained. "The children also thoroughly enjoyed singing with Spud and Yam and putting the souvenirs of their special memories into the time capsule.”

Chestnut Park, whose motto is "dream, achieve, inspire", currently has three Reception classes and is based at Whitehorse Manor Primary's Brigstock Road site in Thornton Heath, until its permanent building is completed next September.

Mrs Brooks, who previously worked in Croydon and Surrey schools, continued: "It has been an incredibly special start to the term and I have been delighted to welcome our first cohort of children and their families into the school. We are all excited about the opportunity that opening a new school presents as we work together with our children, the families and the whole community in creating a school of which we can all feel proud."

The school has been set up in response to the needs of the local community, in an area where a requirement for further primary places has been identified.

Chestnut Park Primary School is part of GLF Schools, a multi academy trust with  14 academies across Surrey and Berkshire. Jon Chaloner, CEO of GLF Schools, added: "We are delighted that Chestnut Park Primary School has opened as one of our schools and that the children have made such a positive and enthusiastic start to the term. Chestnut Park’s children are supported to be the best they can possibly be by the new and dedicated team of staff.

The school is being built on the old St Mary's Hospital site and a memorial stone for the hospital will be displayed within the new building to celebrate the history of the site.