Children, staff and families reunited for a special carnival parade to celebrate returning to their Hebburn school following the RAAC issue.
St James Catholic Primary School was one of three schools in Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, and amongst many across the country, which was forced to close due to the Government’s announcement last September that any school which had Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) used in its buildings would have to close while safety mitigations were put in place.
Despite the challenges of having to close the school building and spreading the children across different sites, every pupil received face-to-face education throughout. The children were educated at St Aloysius Catholic Federation and St Joseph’s Catholic Academy – which are both in the Trust – and the Emmaus Room, which is part of St James Catholic Church.
To celebrate their full return to school in the summer term, St James held a special sponsored parade and carnival walk.
Everyone wore their brightest outfits and walked together as a school in the local community. They played instruments, sang songs and held their banners high for all to see.
Headteacher Frances Heslop said: “This was a true celebration of our togetherness which is always at the heart of St James. Home is where the heart is!
“I am extremely proud of our children, staff, families and whole school community. Despite our most unprecedented circumstances this year, we have all supported each other. It was wonderful to celebrate our long-awaited homecoming”
School places are available in September. For more information, email: info@stjameshebburn.co.uk
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