Albion give school a cash kick-start

KATIE BOWLER

A NEWLY opened primary school has received a welcome boost in the form of a £500 grant from Burton Albion to buy new books.

301109 Riverview Prim - BMSDRiver View Primary and Nursery School, in Suffolk Road, Stapenhill, opened its doors to pupils at the beginning of the autumn term in September, although an official opening ceremony, attended by Brewers stars, took place yesterday.

The new school has been formed through the amalgamation of Short Street Infant School and Waterside Junior School.

Staff and pupils were joined by Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido, along with players and mascot Billy Brewer.

The school, which can hold 315 pupils and 26 nursery children, was officially opened by deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, Ian Parry, and Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson.

A £500 grant was donated from the proceeds of the club's FA Cup run to help the school provide new books for its pupils.

Peschisolido said: "We are delighted to be here and to open up the new school. The team has very good community links which we are proud of."

The new school's head teacher, Chris Bell, said: "We have all been very much looking forward to the opening of our new school, and it's great to see the Burton Albion players here."

To celebrate the move, pupils created a tiled wall painting display of self-portraits of all the children and staff, for the new school's mission statement Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM).

Mr Parry said: "I am delighted the schools are finally joined and, hopefully, it has all been worthwhile. It is a tremendous asset to the community looking at leadership and teamwork, with a great connection with Burton Albion."

Pupil Danica Warrier, 11, from Stapenhill, said she thought her new school was 'brilliant'.

She said: "I think it's going to be a really, really good school and more people will want to come here. I love school. It's very interesting having lots of visitors."

Meanwhile, Edwin Marshall-Fox, also 11, and from Stapenhill, said: "I think it is great and I really like the new part of the school. We can now play with new children, too."