Monday November 1, All Saints Day, was an historic day for the pupils, staff, parents and governors of St. Oswald's VA School in Jeffreyston. It marked the end of a three-year journey which began when the former schools of Jeffreyston VC School and Loveston CP School amalgamated to create the then new Church in Wales School of St. Oswald's. No one could have anticipated during those heady, exciting days that it would take quite so long to design and construct a building. Built on Glebe land which was owned by the church, the land was purchased by the Diocese for the purpose of building the new school. The contract for the design and build was awarded to Pembroke Design, who in turn employed Cottons to complete the construction. The building is adventurous, employing dramatic views and light, with an amazing and constructive use of space. It is a school built and designed for the 21st century and has been the 'baby' of its architect, Julian Mansel Thomas, since the beginning. Funding for the build was achieved through the Welsh Assembly Government, the Diocese of St. David's, and Pembrokeshire County Council. Despite unforeseen delays and set-backs, the school was ready for the children as they returned from their half-term break. They were quite simply 'wowed' by everything that they met and saw. The school had, since September 2001, worked on two sites using three buildings, two of which were of Victorian design and build. Monday was the first working day ever when all children and staff worked together under one roof. The decision to wait until the half-term break enabled the staff to 'move' the school prior to the holiday, to unpack, clear and sort the classrooms and the whole building to make it functional for the children. This enormous challenge was achieved with the support of personnel from Cottons, who remained on site throughout the move and who, despite still having tasks of their own to complete, were helpful in sorting out minor problems which the teaching staff encountered during the move. It also presented an opportunity for the staff to meet some of the many individuals who had been responsible for the construction of the building and to gain an awareness of the skills and workmanship employed within creating the physical surroundings. Monday was therefore the making of a dream come true. As the building opened its doors to the first generation of children to use it, it also welcomed parents, governors, friends and members of the Parish of St. Oswald's and St. Jeffrey in Jeffreyston. Father Paul, parish priest, began the day with a celebration of the Eucharist in marking 'All Saints Day' and in thanksgiving for the school. As the school settles into new routines and adjusts to its new setting, there will be time for reflection on times past and time to build on what has gone for the future. St. Oswald was a builder and peace-maker; it is the prayer of all involved within this school that the children will grow in the faith and love of the Lord Jesus Christ surrounded by a world which supports their hopes and dreams for the future.
