Saturday, May 19th 2007
On Tuesday May 8th we all sang this song to Ade Adepitan at our official opening ceremony. Surrounded by balloons, flowers, colleagues, parents and friends, the staff and pupils helped Ade unveil the plaque and cut the ribbon to open our school. The ceremony was enhanced by members of the Royal Marine who played a trumpet fanfare just as the ribbon was cut. The sun came out and great cheers could be heard across Milton and Southsea!
The formal proceedings included performances by pupils and speeches from people representing all those who have been involved in the development and opening of the school. Our distinguished guests included:
Ade Adepitan, famous basketball player, the Deputy Lord Mayor and Deputy Lady Mayoress, Lynda Fisher, Strategic Director, Rear Admiral John Lippiett, Chief Executive of The Mary Rose Trust, Mark Mitchell, chair of governors, staff and pupil representatives, parents, members of the LEA, all the architects, staff and governors from East Shore and Futcher schools, and many, many more—at least 150 people joined us for this event.
During the afternoon visitors were free to look round our magnificent school building and to meet staff and pupils. In addition the Royal Marine’s played their drums and bugles to the children outside on the playground. Also the MAG run (bikers) brought their gleaming motorbikes along for pupils to see and sit on.
In the afternoon Ade Adepitan visited all the primary classes, spending time with staff and pupils. Finally we had a basket ball session with pupils in the hall. Ade showed us his special wheelchair and then took our breath away with a fantastic demonstration. Pupils and staff were then encouraged to have a go and some of the pupils also tried out Ade’s special chair. It was a wonderful day, enjoyed by all. What a great way to mark the opening of our very special school.