Pupils sent home for school's grand opening (From Southend Standard)
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Canvey school criticised over opening day
10:00am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Echo News
By Lauren Hockney
A band perform at the opening of the school
IT was meant to be one of the biggest days in Castle View School ’s history and everyone was there to be a part of it - except its pupils.
The school decided to only open for half a day when its new £28million building was formally opened by 1968 Olympic 400m hurdle champion David Hemery last week.
All of its 1,200 pupils except the head boy and girl are believed to have been turfed out at lunchtime, leaving Canvey town centre “mobbed with children” and the school empty for the civic occasion. Janice Payne, Castle Point councillor for south ward, decided not to attend as she felt the decision was wrong.
She said: “All students should have been embraced in that opening, a lot of parents said beforehand they were disgusted the school was closing.”
Nobody from the school or Essex County Council would say why the decision was taken.
Comments(9)
Nebs
says...
12:18pm Tue 2 Oct 12
bonytony wrote:I think the majority of children these days, given the choice between a half day and attending an official opening, would choose the half day.
What is a school for? Its for children, I am sure they would loved to be part of it and something to remember throughout their life. Its not for bigwigs basking in their own glory and quaffing the wine.
SHAME ON YOU whoever made the dicision.
I tthink Councillor Payne was right to boycott this event, a pity a few more did not.
Brunning999
says...
5:48pm Tue 2 Oct 12
As long as the 'look at me I'm very important brigade' are there.
APR
says...
6:09pm Tue 2 Oct 12
How stupid !!
Diannah
says...
8:44pm Tue 2 Oct 12
City Zen
says...
10:37pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Curlydave
says...
1:26am Wed 3 Oct 12
bonytony wrote:Councillor Pain Boycotting this event because of personal beliefs is a very noble thing and to be applauded to a certain extent, however accusing the local dignitaries, including our newly elected Mayor of "quaffing / necking free wine" not only very short sighted for a woman of her position but shows a level of flippancy i find rather distressing! I fear no amount of penny sweets can take away the bitter taste these comments have left......
What is a school for? Its for children, I am sure they would loved to be part of it and something to remember throughout their life. Its not for bigwigs basking in their own glory and quaffing the wine.
SHAME ON YOU whoever made the dicision.
I tthink Councillor Payne was right to boycott this event, a pity a few more did not.
A130Gordon
says...
1:29am Wed 3 Oct 12
beaulocks
says...
7:10pm Wed 3 Oct 12
In all fairness i wouldnt invite kids or Janice to any of my partys either.
bonytony says...
10:47am Tue 2 Oct 12
SHAME ON YOU whoever made the dicision.
I tthink Councillor Payne was right to boycott this event, a pity a few more did not.