A message from Margaret James, Headteacher

1959-1984

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to send my best wishes and warm congratulations to everyone at Tenby Infants School, now celebrating 50 years.

I was an assistant teacher at the Parochial Church School in Park Road, now the site of the multi-storey car park, where my Headteacher was Miss L. P. Brinn.

In 1953, we all moved into this lovely new school in Heywood Lane.

Miss Brinn retired in 1959 and I was very proud to be appointed Headteacher.

It is a very happy and successful school and I congratulate Mrs. Gill John, her staff and children on this happy 50th anniversary, and wish them continued success in the years ahead.

Reflections 1984-1998 - by former Headmistress, Brenda Price

As Tenby VC Infants School embarks on events to celebrate its 50th anniversary, it is a joy and a privilege to share in those celebrations and to have been part of the school for 14 very happy years. The school has much to be proud of and much to celebrate.

Tenby Infants will always be special to me, since my first introduction to the school in the early 1970s when we moved to Pembrokeshire and I was a supply teacher at the school. The welcoming ethos established by the Headmistress, Mrs. Margaret James, and her committed staff made a lasting impression on me.

In September 1984, after three years as Deputy Headteacher in Pembroke, I inherited this lovely school, with its well established reputation and ethos, from Mrs. Margaret James. I was delighted with my appointment to this prestigious church school and hoped I could continue the ethos and high standards already established.

My first day was one of great excitement, mixed with apprehension. All my fears were soon dispelled as the welcome I received from staff, children, parents, governors, clergy and the general community was one of warmth, friendship, co-operation and support, which continued throughout my time at school.

Initially, my role was a dual one as full-time class teacher, in addition for my duties as Head, I loved my continued contact with the children as class teacher and my new management role as Head. The challenge was invigorating and stimulating and with everyone's support continued this dual role for two years.

The ensuing years saw many changes. The growth and development of the Nursery and the Welsh Class were important facets in the life of the school. New members of staff replaced those who retired, while the large increase in pupil numbers necessitated the recruitment of additional staff, the acquisition of an additional recreation area and extra temporary classroom accommodation, culminating in the creation of permanent classrooms in 1998.

The formation of the PTA, known as FOTIS (Friends of Tenby Infants School), was also established during this time. This group worked tirelessly over the years to organise events for the school, consistently raising money to support the school and other charities. The contribution to school life was invaluable and appreciated.

From 1989 onwards, new Government legislation also resulted in extensive curriculum and management changes embracing the National Curriculum, improved provisions for Special Needs Pupils, Desirable Outcomes for the Under Fives, Local Financial Management of Schools. The Five Year Cycle of Schools Inspections, Staff Appraisal and increased Governor Responsibilities - to name but a few. The school responded and adapted positively and professionally to this decade of reform and new developments, while the Inspection Report, given to the school in June 1997, confirmed the high standards achieved within an ethos of hard work, care and commitment by staff and all involved in the life of the school.

Over the years, many happy and memorable events punctuated the life of the school - the excitement of our first Annual Sports Day in 1985, the visit to the Royal Welsh Show with pupils to collect first prize in the 'Paint a Litter Bin Competition', the annual Christmas visits to the Torch Theatre, participation in the Tenby in Bloom and the Winter Carnival, the many parties and concerts shared with parents and friends, and events to support local, national and international charities - are just a few, while the celebration of church festivals at school and at St. Mary's Church, participation in Education Sunday and visits to the school by the local clergy and Bishop Dewi Bridges were happy and enjoyable events affirming the school's Christian foundation and ethos.

Thank you everyone for 14 very happy, exciting and rewarding years as a member of such a committed team, and to all the children for the joy they brought to us all.

The appointment of Mrs. Gill John as Headteacher in September 1998 commenced another chapter in the life of the school. Since that time I have followed the school's exciting developments and many achievements with great interest.

Well done, Tenby VC Infants' School. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary and all best wishes for continued deserved success, fun and happiness in the years ahead. Llongyfarchiadau, bawb, a pob Iwc.