A local school is gearing up for a multi-million pound transformation that will bring the very best learning facilities to Johnstown.
The £4.5 million extension and refurbishment of Ysgol yr Hafod will also pave the way for both infants and juniors to be taught on the same site at Bangor Road.
Preparations are being made to ensure pupils continue their learning uninterrupted while construction takes place, and at the end of February (after the half-term break) junior pupils will temporarily move from Bangor Road to the infants’ site in Melyd Avenue.
Mobile classrooms are being installed ready to accommodate the extra numbers, and parents and residents are being kept informed.
The work is being funded by the Welsh Government 21st Century Schools programme.
Exciting times
Councillor David A Bithell, Chair of School Governors, says plans are progressing well:
“The next stage is to move all pupils to the Foundation Phase site on Melyd Avenue from March 1, and we’re communicating with parents and local residents about the plans.
“These are exciting times and we’re looking forward to having a new school and improving the facilities for children and staff – although we do recognise that some of the parking issues will be challenging during the interim period.
“We’re working really hard to address local concerns and the school and myself will keep parents and residents updated as work progresses.”
Headteacher Mrs Alison Heale says:
“The young people of Johnstown deserve the very best facilities, and when the work at Bangor Road is complete, we’ll have an inspiring and modern learning environment that will benefit all of our children.
“Although the interim period will bring its challenges, we’re well-prepared and ready to rise to those challenges. This is a hugely exciting time for pupils, staff and parents.”
Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education, says:
“Bringing all the children together on one modern site – with the best classrooms and facilities – will be an exciting step forward for Ysgol yr Hafod.
“It’s a wonderful school with dedicated staff and governors, and I’m delighted we can undertake this work using funding from the 21st Century Schools programme.”
Timeline and advice for parents
The following dates provide a useful timeline for parents and local residents (although dates may be subject to change, depending on how work progresses).
January 10-31
Preparation work for mobile classrooms at Melyd Avenue (drainage, foundations etc).
Week starting January 31
Delivery of mobile classrooms.
- If you live on roads directly affected by the route of the mobiles and crane, you should receive a letter with a map of the route.
February 7-18
Mobile classrooms made ready for juniors.
February 18
Bangor Road site closed to pupils to allow furniture to be packed and moved. Melyd Avenue site open as normal.
February 21-25
Half term week – school closed.
- Removal teams will finish moving furniture from the juniors’ site at Bangor Road to the infants’ site at Melyd Avenue.
February 28
Staff training day – school is closed to pupils.
- Staff will be unpacking and setting up the classrooms ready for pupils to return.
March 1
School reopens.
- All pupils (both infants and juniors) will return to the site at Melyd Avenue, allowing construction work to begin at Bangor Road.
- The school crossing patrol will move from Bangor Road to the infants’ site while construction work takes place.
