HEADMASTER Nigel Briers thanked everyone who is helping build a new school during improvements at Calday Grange Grammar School.

Said Mr Briers: "We still have some way to go to go to ensure that we can provide a quality environment in all areas of life at Calday. We still have over 18 teaching areas housed in largely sub standard buildings.

"We need to improve provision for sport. We need to improve provision for sixth form and the library. We need to install a new heating system, not dependent on outdated technology."

He urged the active support of parents and the tolerance of local residents during rebuilding. Mr Briers commented that the parents' attitude to school and education is vital to the success of children.

"I have been concerned for many years that the performance of pupils will improve if we can get parents involved with school. When a young person sees mother, or father, going out in the evening to help at a school event, attend a parents' evening, or provide refreshments at a school play, the unspoken message is powerful.

"I recognise how difficult it can be for parents, who have many family and business commitments and whose son may be embarrassed at seeing his parents publicly associated with school. I look forward to seeking ways of enabling parents to be more actively involved in Calday's crusade to raise standards and improve our environment."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.