FANTASTIC news! I had a surprise visit from the painters yesterday to say that they have been contracted to paint the outside of our school building. They had initially planned to paint the inside of the building too. However, as the re-wiring next summer will involve the major upheaval of removing and replacing the existing false ceilings, I requested that the internal painting be postponed until September 2014. Nevertheless, the external painting will absolutely transform our building. Indeed, combined with the new windows, main entrance and blinds, St Bartholomew’s will look like a brand new school!

The painters are keen to make a start tomorrow. Given the short notice, I have asked Colin McFarlane (Chair of the Parent Council) and a staff representative to help decide on the colour. It’s probably worth mentioning at this point that the colours of masonry paint available to us are very limited (variations of cream, grey or brown). Of course, the final decision on colour will take into account any professional advice given by the contractors (they will be painting some sample colours onto the wall tomorrow); it’s essential that we not only choose a colour which looks good in the short term, but which will be hard-wearing and continue to look good for many years to come.

I’m sure pupils, parents, carers, staff and neighbours will be as delighted as I am at the great news!