New chapter for Purbrook pupils as parent-funded library is opened by Havant mayor

A NEW chapter has begun for an infant school which unveiled its new library following fundraising from parents and teachers.
Belinda Dickins
By Belinda Dickins
Published 6th Oct 2020, 15:26 BST
Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Head teacher Lisa de Carteret with Cllr BainsPurbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Head teacher Lisa de Carteret with Cllr Bains
Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Head teacher Lisa de Carteret with Cllr Bains

Lucky children from Purbrook Infant School were treated to a sneak peek of the new facility as mayor of Havant Prad Bains officially opened the library and read some books with pupils.

Parents and supporters of the school had a huge part to play in putting together the new space, from enthusiastically joining in with fundraising to a couple of parents plastering and painting the room free of charge.

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One of the main sponsored events to make the library possible was a Beatlemania danceathon last year organised by Year One teacher Carlie Powell.

Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains reading to some of the children who will use the library Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains reading to some of the children who will use the library
Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains reading to some of the children who will use the library
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Carlie, who has now left the school but has children who attend, said: ‘The library is finished and it just looks wonderful. I think it’s almost come at a perfect time because during lockdown the children couldn’t access the library and they have really missed it.

‘It’s amazing to see it finished and I’m just so pleased they will be able to get so much use out of it. We couldn’t have done it without all the parents’ support.’

Cllr Bains cut the ribbon during a much smaller event than was originally planned, celebrating with tea and cake and enjoying a couple of books with the children.

Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library
Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library
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He said: ‘I know first hand how incredibly proactive the school is and have seen how they go that extra mile for all of their pupils, Purbrook Infants are a huge credit to our borough.

‘To see how excited the children were to have a brand new library in their school was heartwarming and to have the chance to listen to the impact this had on them was inspiring.’

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The facility cost around £10,000 in total, with more than £4,000 collected through the Beatles-themed event.

Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library
Purbrook Infant School had their parent-funded library opened by Havant mayor Prad Bains. Pictured: Cllr Bains meeting some of the children who will use the library

Headteacher Lisa de Carteret said: ‘It is with great pleasure we open this library, this would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our families and staff at Purbrook.

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‘It has been a real team effort to raise the funds, such as Christmas markets and Discos provided by the PTFA, led by Lesley Parris, forest school Christmas events led by the teachers and a Beatlemania sponsored danceathon led by Carlie Powell and the children of Purbrook.’

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