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Balloon launch for Sittingbourne's Sunny Bank Primary School

More than 250 biodegradable balloons filled the sky to celebrate the first anniversary of Sunny Bank Primary School joining The Island Learning Trust.

The launch happened on Monday from the school's playing field in Church Road, Murston, Sittingbourne.

Balloon launch at Sunny Bank Primary School, Murston, to celebrate the first anniversary of being part of The Island Learning Trust
Balloon launch at Sunny Bank Primary School, Murston, to celebrate the first anniversary of being part of The Island Learning Trust
Balloon launch at Sunny Bank Primary School, Murston, to celebrate the first anniversary of being part of The Island Learning Trust
Balloon launch at Sunny Bank Primary School, Murston, to celebrate the first anniversary of being part of The Island Learning Trust

Head of school Darren Waters said: "It has been an exhilarating first year, a bit like a roller-coaster ride, but despite the coronavirus lockdown we wanted to celebrate it.

"All the balloons were given numbers, each assigned to a pupil, and an email address. All those found and notified to us will win a prize for its pupil and the one which travels the furthest will get a special prize."

Debbie Wheeler, the trust's chief executive officer based at Minster Primary School on the Isle of Sheppey, and executive head Ryan Driver, who runs Halfway Houses Primary School on the Island, helped land a hand.

Mrs Wheeler said: "The balloons represent what our pupils can aim for - the sky is the limit. Staff, parents and children have been working their socks off during the lockdown so we wanted to celebrate that."

Although only 40 youngsters of key workers were in school to witness the take-off, the ceremony was streamed live on Facebook so everyone at home could watch. It coincided with Express Yourself Day to mark the beginning of Children's Mental Health Week. Staff and pupils were encouraged to dress as they wanted.

Sunny Bank head of school Darren Waters digging a hole for a time capsule at Murston
Sunny Bank head of school Darren Waters digging a hole for a time capsule at Murston
Sunny Bank head of school Darren Waters digging a hole for a time capsule at Murston with, from the left, Ryan Driver, Sarah Riggs and Debbie Wheeler
Sunny Bank head of school Darren Waters digging a hole for a time capsule at Murston with, from the left, Ryan Driver, Sarah Riggs and Debbie Wheeler

Pupils also took part in The Great Sunny Bank Bake Off cooking competition, photos of which will be judged by governing body chairman Sue Batters. The Co-op has offered vouchers for a free cookie for every pupil.

The school, labelled "inadequate" by Ofsted in 2018, has undergone a radical transformation under the new trust which is working on a £4.1 million scheme for new classrooms and a nursery to cope with an expected increase in numbers from new houses.

Mr Waters also dug a hole for a time capsule which has been coordinated by assistant head Sarah Riggs.

Mr Waters said: "The capsule commemorates events which have happened this year including newspaper cuttings about the lockdown, a copy of our new plans, my old name badge and a video of our school song called Be The Best You Can Be, Aim High, No Limits."

Sunny Bank Primary School sign in Church Road, Murston
Sunny Bank Primary School sign in Church Road, Murston

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