Thatcham primary school celebrates 10 years

A school in Cold Ash has celebrated its 10th anniversary since moving to a new location.

Pupils at St Finians Primary School had a celebration to mark the anniversary on May 18.

It was founded in 1977 as a voluntary aided school under the Portsmouth Catholic Diocese, set up by sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Order.

The old school was originally part of St Gabriel’s convent building, adjacent to the new school site in Cold Ash.

The new school was built in 2011 to secure its future and was officially opened in 2012.

A decade on, the school is celebrating the move with a set of anniversary activities for pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.

Children enjoyed a cushion decorating competition, celebrating pictures of the school building and school values.

The kitchen staff baked every child a cupcake to decorate in the afternoon and the entire school assembled for an aerial photograph in the shape of a 10 on the school playground.

Invited guests from West Berkshire Council, Portsmouth Catholic diocese, past headteachers, past governors and others, enjoyed a lunch reception. There was cheese and wine for the parents in the evening.

Headteacher Anna Jarratt thanked everyone who made the event so special.

She said: “It was a truly memorable occasion for all, made extra special by the support of all our guests, including Sr Charlotte, the founding headteacher of St Finian’s School.

“There was a real buzz in the air for the entire day. The children were so excited to be part of an aerial photograph in the playground, followed by cake decorating in the afternoon.”