THE LEGACY of a late teaching assistant at a Warwick primary school has seen a transformation to its classrooms.
Mary Bonner worked with reception at Newburgh Primary School before she passed away from cancer last year. She received treatment at Myton Hospice.
Mary loved working with the youngsters at the school on Kipling Avenue, and left a generous legacy to help the school to deliver the very best early-years education.
The funds, supplemented by funding from the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), enabled a total refurbishment of the reception classrooms and outside play and learning areas. The work took place during lockdown and over summer this year.
Deputy headteacher Karen Turner said: “Mary was so kind and gentle, with a real flair for bringing the best out of the children.
“The children loved her and so did all her colleagues at Newburgh.
“She was a wonderful person and it is typical of her to leave a legacy that will benefit children at the school for years to come. It has completely and utterly transformed reception and we are so grateful to Mary, and also the PTA for their funding.”
She added the formerly ‘tired looking’ classes had been repainted in warm, calming colours with new zones created to enable small teaching and play groups. New books, sensory and science equipment and a newly-equipped role play area have been added.
The outside play area also has new equipment and a den-building and a mathematics area installed.
Mary’s husband, Brian Halford said: “Mary loved working in the reception team at Newburgh and shared their collective commitment to give children the best possible start to their primary school education. She was such an inspiring person that she left a legacy in the hearts of everyone who knew her, and now there is also tangible legacy in this refurb which will benefit children entering the school for years to come.”
