October 2010 - Time capsule burial marks opening of new Churchfields School

Mulalley helped bury a time capsule in the school grounds, containing some of Churchfields School's most significant memorabilia to mark the official opening of the Junior School.

The time capsule included memories from a recent open day held at the school, excerpts from the school log books, clothing, badges, photographs, certificates of achievement from sporting and other events, information from pupils about life in the school and DVDs of concerts and the recent International Day held in the school. It will be opened in years to come giving a slice of history and an insight into life in 21st century.

Patricia Harland, year 3 teacher and resident historian has been running a successful memories club which has established an archive for the schools including old photographs, memories from ex pupils and the school log books which date back to 1874 when the first children entered the building to be educated at Churchfields. This has helped develop ideas for the time capsule.

Cllr Jim O'Shea, Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Alan Weinberg, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, pupils, members of the school's Governing Body, representatives from local faith groups and Directors from Mulalley, the building contractor, all attended.

Churchfields Junior School pupils had their first lessons in the new building on Wednesday 8 September and this ceremony marks the completion of the first phase of the new school.

The first phase of works included classrooms, a purpose-built library, an ICT suite and Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher's offices. The old building had been home to Churchfields School since 1874.

There is still more to do and phase two and three of the works are ongoing and will include a brand new administration block including a hall and demolition of the old school.

The school is due to take over the fully completed building and site in September 2011.

Wendy Thomas, Churchfields Junior School Headteacher, said, 'The children, parents, governors and staff are really pleased with the phase one of the completion of our new building. We think it looks stunning, a building we can feel very proud of. The wide corridors and open spaces allow for much greater freedom of movement and give the appearance of a light, spacious and modern environment fit for educating our children.

'We would like to thank all the tireless efforts of the Governors, parents, staff and community of South Woodford for supporting this new build over a long period of time. The team involved in making this building possible have been fantastic. All their efforts have paid off in creating an amazing first phase.'

Mulalley Director John Moore said: 'The time capsules were a great way for the pupils at Churchfields to get involved in the completion of phase one and do something special to mark the occasion.

'Our works are all on schedule, and it is fantastic to see that the classrooms in the newly finished building are already being put to good use.'