At Newton Primary School we are working on a special project in memory of Mrs Jane McManus who was our Head Teacher from 2012-2019. Jane sadly passed away in Strathcarron Hospice in July 2019. The children, staff and families of Newton Primary would like to remember Jane with a fitting memorial that celebrates her wonderful teaching legacy and makes a positive impact on the school and local community for many years to come.

Jane loved the outdoors and cared deeply about the education and well-being of all children at Newton Primary. She was particularly keen on outdoor learning and activity. Following discussions with pupils, staff, families and consultation with Jane’s family, a new outdoor classroom and learning space has been identified as a fitting way to remember her.

The children have come up with the name ‘The Blossom House’ as Jane loved the spring blossom and the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture represents a short but vibrant life.

The Blossom House will take the form of a new gazebo style structure which will replace the current canopy in the school playground. The new building will come with a waterproof roof (much needed in Dunblane!) and side panels which will enable us to use the classroom all year round. There will also be the facility to use some of the side panels as whiteboards and chalk boards and the building will comfortably seat a full class of up to 33 pupils. This new facility can be used for all sorts of outdoor learning, from numeracy and literacy lessons to drama, PE, art and so much more. The vision is not only to use the space as an outdoor classroom, but also as a hub for outdoor activities, Eco-projects and extra-curricular events. We are excited about the many health and well-being benefits this new space will provide for our children.

Once up and running, we plan to make The Blossom House available to local community groups for outdoor activities, sports and small social events, outside of school hours and during school holidays.

Timings wise, we really hope to deliver the project during school year 2020-21. Our challenge is to raise nearly £20,000 to do this. We are currently applying for a number of Scottish and UK grants. Additionally, we would like to invite anyone who feels they would like to contribute towards Jane’s memorial project, to make a donation on this Just Giving page.

Thank for you taking the time to read this and a huge thank you to everyone who makes a donation. We’ll keep you posted on our progress!