Parents, governors and students aim to raise £45k for Barkingside school build

by Amanda Nunn Thursday, November 15, 2012
12:21 PM

Parents, governors and students are all coming together to raise £45,000 towards the costs of new school buildings.

Ilford Jewish Primary School, Carlton Drive, Barkingside is moving to share buildings with King Solomon High School, Forest Road, Barkingside.

A campaign is aiming to get people involved in the school building project as well as making a contribution towards the cost of the new build.

Katie Rose, a governor at Ilford Jewish Primary School (IJPS), said: “It’s for people to feel involved so they all feel like they own the project.”

Some of the money will be used to commission a sculpture for the new site using the Hebrew word for life chai.

Mrs Rose said: “Chai is such a meaningful symbol in Judaism.

“It’s important that the Jewish community form part of Redbridge’s diverse population and children feel proud to learn here.”

Making a donation of £180 will mean a family can have their name inscribed on the sculpture, but fund raising activities are also planned at both schools.

As yet the final design of the sculpture has not been decided but a piece of jigsaw, with the life symbol on it, is being considered.

“It’s about the future of the Jewish community in Redbridge,” Mrs Rose said.

“We need to secure a strong future for our children so they can grow up secure in their Jewish education.”

Laura Marks, joint chair of the Friends of IJPS, said: “We want the next generation of school children to pass through the school gates and feel genuine pride at their parents’ commitment to Jewish life and Jewish education.

“Chai symbolises that”.

The new buildings are expected to be completed in time for the start of the next academic year in 2013.

Martin Freedman, chair of the Friends of King Solomon said: “This is a fantastic initiative.

“With so many exciting events planned for the next 12 months both schools believe this money can be raised and will benefit future generations for years to come”.