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Sarah's memory lives on in new school
THE memory of an 11 year old girl
is to live on in a new school named after her. Building work has
started on the brand new Springwood Primary school in Woolton, which
is being renamed Springwood Heath Primary School, following the
tragic death of disabled youngster Sarah Heath.
Sarah was a special needs pupil who was the first at the school to
be included in mainstream education.
She started attending on a part time basis from Harold Magnay
Special School when she was six years old. She eventually became
full time, but sadly died in 1999 from complications caused by her
condition, a muscle wasting disease called spinal muscular atrophy,
which had left her wheelchair bound.
The new school, which replaces the ageing 75 year old building, will
be Liverpool's first purpose built all inclusive school, able to
accept youngsters who have physical disabilities as well as
mainstream pupils.
Sarah's mum, Pauline and other family members officially started the
work on the new school building on Wednesday 8 March 06, in a
special sod cutting ceremony. The spade had been specially inscribed
and will be displayed in the school when it opens, as a constant
reminder of Sarah.
Pauline Heath said:- "Sarah absolutely loved attending
Springwood. It made her feel as if she was the same as everybody
else. All of her friends were able bodied and they treated her as an
equal.
The teachers were absolutely marvellous and gave her lots of
support. She died just before her SATS exams and was expected to get
top marks.
I am really proud that the school has chosen to remember her in this
way. It shows how much of an impression she made during her time at
Springwood and highlights the fact that youngsters with disabilities
can flourish in mainstream schools providing they are given the
right support."
Councillor Paul Clein, executive member for Children's Services,
said:- "Sarah was a shining example of the benefits of
including special needs youngsters in mainstream education, and it
is fitting that this new all inclusive school is named after her.
The new school will be a fantastic learning environment for
youngsters, available to all children."
Headteacher Phil Daniels said:- "Sarah was a wonderful child.
Nothing ever fazed her and if there was something to be done, then
she did it.
The new school will give children space to be with whoever they
wish. Facilities will be readily available which give all children a
confidence that their particular needs are being catered for.
All staff have worked very hard to create one school out of two
different schools, and are looking forward to putting into practice
many of the ideas they've developed over the past three to four
years.
An all inclusive school gives everyone an understanding of their own
abilities and what they can achieve by working with each other."
The new school building will open early in 2007. |
Sefton Mayor at
Casino
SOUTHPORT'S Stanley Casinos on
Lord Street was delighted to announce the completion of an extensive
rolling refurbishment programme. Casino Manager, Angie Dorman, held
a spectacular party night to celebrate the completion of the
refurbishment and unveiled the new look facilities to customers for
the first time. The Lord Mayor of Sefton, Councillor John Walker,
was also on hand to make the first spin of the roulette wheel and
declare the casino fully open.
Customers can now take advantage of
enhanced and luxurious facilities as the casino boasts a new look
gaming floor, more spacious restaurant with a new menu, and an
updated bar. The latest in electronic gaming technology has also
been introduced and the changes ensure that the people of Southport
continue to benefit from a state of the art casino, a fantastic
environment in which to relax and a venue that complements the
current nightlife in the town.
The UK’s leading Casino operator currently owns 44 casinos across
the country, including four in the Merseyside area. An on-going
programme of refurbishments is currently underway at a selection of
its casinos to ensure its customers enjoy state of the art
facilities and the very best environment in which to relax and
socialise.
Speaking after the event Casino Manager, Angie Dorman, commented:-
“The refurbishment is finally complete and I was delighted to
be able to finally show off the results to our members. The party
night was our way of unveiling the new look Casino and thanking
everyone for their patience while work was underway. We’ve already
had lots of positive feedback and I’m sure the new look will prove
to be a winner with our members.”
The Lord Mayor of Sefton, Councillor
John Walker, was joined by the Lady Mayoress, Casino Manager Angie
Dorman, and Bobby McGhee, Managing Director of Stanley's Provincial
Casinos, as he marked the first spin of
the roulette wheel.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor John Walker, deals the first hand to the
Lady Mayoress, Bobby McGhee, Managing Director of Stanley's
Provincial Casinos and two Stanley Casino's customers. |
