I’ll Miss Seeing the Children, Says Joyce

By Lucy Lynch, EDUCATION REPORTER

PUPILS are saying goodbye to Joyce Franklin who has kept their school office running smoothly for 20 years.

The popular adminstration assistant will be leaving Charter Primary School when it moves to a new building in Coventry next term.

The school is currently split between sites at the former Alderman Harris School in Charter Avenue, Canley, and the former Sir Henry Parkes School in Sir Henry Parkes Road, Canley.

But from next month, all 245 pupils and 35 staff will be in a new building in Mitchell Avenue, Canley.

The move means Mrs Franklin, aged 58, is leaving after 20 years at the school.

She began when it was Alderman Harris School and stayed on when it merged with Sir Henry Parkes School to become Charter Primary School.

She accepted voluntary redundancy as having everyone on a single site will mean fewer administration staff are needed.

She said: "I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve always liked working with figures. And I’ll miss seeing the children every day. Every day is different when you work with children. But I’m looking forward to having time to myself."

She and the school’s other 34 staff are helping to pack everything in boxes ready for the move over the Christmas holidays.

Head teacher Paul Hardisty said: "The school council members have been visiting the site regularly. Most of them are looking forward to it although some of the younger ones are a little bit worried."

Ziggy Monaghan, aged nine, said: "I think it will be nice to meet new friends when we move."

Emily Harrison, aged nine, said: "We’re looking forward to meeting new teachers as well."

The two schools were merged as part of a Coventry City Council drive to reduce surplus places in city primary schools caused by the falling birth rate.