Parent power has helped to tick a few maintenance jobs off the list – and save a Dartford school some money too.
After the May half term, children at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School returned to find the school hall painted, newly-painted fences, new gates, block paving and borders dug up ready for planting.
And it didn’t cost the Chatsworth Road school a penny. Paint was donated by parent Mr Slater and Johnstone’s Trade Paints and time was donated by staff at Murphy’s, a North London-based Company.
Headteacher Vikki Wall, said: “As with all schools, budgets are shrinking and whilst my main priority is the children’s education and the resources needed for this, a safe and well-maintained environment is also important to the children. If the school is smart, the children take pride and work smart.
“It was very generous of the two companies to donate their time and resources as they worked the whole of the half term to get these massive jobs done. It also means that in the summer holidays, our caretaker is freed up to take on some other much-needed projects for us ahead of the new school year in September.
“We are always very grateful for contributions and donations particularly in the climate of today’s decreasing budgets. We would welcome help from other companies in our community too, if they would like a social responsibility link into a local school.”
A spokesman for Murphy’s, who provided the week’s labour, said: “We were asked by one of our staff if we could help out and were pleased to. It’s nice to support a small school, knowing that our effort has made a real difference to them.”
A spokesman for Johnstone’s Trade Paints who provided the paint, said: “We were happy to donate the paint needed by the school to help them out when we know budgets are being carefully watched. It’s a nice partnership for us to have made and we’re pleased we could help.”
If you’re a local company or are based further afield and are able to support the school in any way, please contact Mrs Wall:
01322 224474
postbox@holytrinitydartford.co.uk
Students enjoying the facilities
