The pupils at Leswalt pride themselves by arriving at school on bicycles and scooters. Last year they were the Scottish champions for pedal power in “The Big Pedal”, a National competition to encourage pupils to cycle more.
However, they were all shocked and saddened at recent events. Ola, a Primary 1 pupil had been coming to school on her scooter which she was given by Santa. One night she forgot to take it home, and left it round the back of the building. Unfortunately there were intruders in the school grounds at night that not only wrecked the little pink scooter; they threw it into the nearby burn.
The scooter was beyond repair. Ola was upset. All the pupils in the school were upset. The school put a poster up in the Leswalt Stores to explain what had happened and ask for any witnesses.
The police were informed and PC Kevin Wyllie came out to the school to speak to the children. He has since ensured there have been regular patrols of the school grounds at night.
The children decided they would like to show Ola that the community of Leswalt is really kind. They decided to each bring in money so that they could buy Ola a brand new scooter. The generous response was amazing; children brought in their pocket money, all the staff contributed, people handed in money to the village shop, people with no connections to the school contributed after hearing the story – even PC Wyllie the policeman gave some money into the scooter fund!
At a special assembly in front of the whole school, staff and parents Ola was presented with a brand new Disney Princess scooter. Ola was delighted, and let out a scream of joy! The rest of the pupils were happy.
This sad tale of needless vandalism had a happy ending. The children of Leswalt have shown their caring considerate nature as “Responsible citizens”.
Mrs Baillie had one final surprise for everyone. Such was the generosity of the collection, there was money left after buying the scooter. So Mrs. Baillie decided that as the pupils had all supported this they too should be treated. Mrs Baillie handed over A Nintendo Wii game to the school, bought with the change. However, it was pointed out that there is nothing in school to use it on. At that point Mrs Baillie called upon members of the school fundraising group to present the children of Leswalt Primary school with a brand new Nintendo Wii, which can now be used for games based learning, wet weather playtimes and after school clubs. A huge cheer went up and suffice to say the boys and girls were ecstatic, everyone went home with smiles on their faces!
