education NEWS Jurassic Coast Youth Adventure – born in Dorset!
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Five trees represent five decades
he efforts of Dorset Freemasons with the support of others across the country have given more than 200 deserving children a free adventure holiday for a week. The Masonic Province of Dorset was delighted to host 209 deserving children for the Jurassic Coast Youth Adventure holiday in the summer break. 122 children from Dorset schools were joined by a further 87 from further afield, with all costs funded by English Freemasons. One of the organising team commented, “All the young people and many of the leaders were overjoyed and amazed at what had been provided for them. Several children were moved to tears
at not only being presented with T-shirts and a cap but pocket money as well. You could see on many faces that they were experiencing something beyond their imagination and dreams.” The children did dragon boat racing and raft building at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Also abseiling, fencing, aeroball, the giant swing, archery, rifles, Jacob’s ladder, a sensory trail and a beach walk. All were presented with a group photograph and a certificate in memory of their exciting stay. Pictured is Sir David Wootton, Assistant Grand Master, enjoying the activities with the participating children.
Hillside Community First School in Verwood held a tree planting ceremony on 6 September attended by the town’s mayor, Cllr Mrs Lindsey Dedden, the chair of governors, Mrs Sandra Groves, parents, staff and pupils. Five trees were planted to represent the five decades that the school has been open: a silver birch, West Himalayan birch, European aspen, rowan and Vilmorian rowan. The ceremony was also attended by Mrs Ruth Bussey, a school governor, involved with the initial purchasing of land and also its set up. Hillside will be celebrating its 50th year with various events throughout 2017/2018, including a whole-school photo, a tea party for past and present staff, a disco for the children, the installation of a mural, recording of a celebratory song and a barbecue.
Apply now for school places for 2018 Now is the time to apply for your chosen school places. Parents have until 31 October 2017 to apply for a place for children due to start secondary or upper school in September 2018. For children due to start school for the first time, or those moving from infant to junior school, or first to middle school in September 2018, parents have until 15 January 2018 to apply. - advertising feature -
Looking for a change? With autumn here, it’s not just the colours of the trees changing – many of us are looking for a change too. At Iron Mill College, Poole, there’s the chance to try something different. Part-time courses starting October include the Certificate in Counselling (Quality Checked by the National Counselling Society), open to all, and the Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Adolescents, for existing therapists. Iron Mill College’s principal, Rose Bedford, commented, “We’re really excited about the academic year ahead. If you’d like to try something different, we’d love to welcome you to our unique college.”
Learn more: www.ironmill.co.uk / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk / 01202 743804
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4DORSET October 2017