Our building work started just before Christmas with the delivery of the temporary office. It was the moment when we knew that the project was really happening. We had to move out of the offices and staffroom during the Christmas holidays and the first week back was filled with various workmen disconnecting and re-connecting the phones, fax, computers etc to the temporary office. The foundations for the new classrooms were dug during the first week and there was an appreciative audience of children watching the builders every move at the lunch and morning breaks. We expect the building works to last about six months so our fundraising continues. We are so grateful to all those who have contributed their time and money for the Target 50K School Building Fund and we raised an amazing £40,000 last year.

Our Christmas activities alone raised £1,000 through the Carols by Candlelight concert in St James Church and we thank Ula Oakley and her choir who joined our own junior choir to perform some of the carols; carol singing through the village and special thanks go to Will Spencer and his friends who provided the brass ensemble to accompany the singers; as well as the sale of advent wreaths and Mrs Tann's Christmas puddings. We have only £10,000 to go now, although there is more urgency now the project has started because we have to find the money by the end of June. We continue to accept donations from individuals and groups, cheques payable to Target 50K please and there are fundraising events planned this year with a Quiz Night on 23^rd March and a singalonga/dancelonga Grease evening on 28^th April, both in the Village Hall, this term.

Despite the excitement of the new building, it is school as usual in the classrooms. Year 4 are finding out about the Aztecs; Year 3 and Year 5 the Ancient Greeks; Year 6 are enjoying a topic on Spies, Year 2 have a topic on Fire and they had a visit from a firefighter; Year 1 are exploring the Weather and Year R are basing their work around the book character Elmer the Elephant.

Most cars on our roads have only one occupant, usually the driver." (BBC reporter)

I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have helped and supported me during the past challenging year.

A special mention must go to Rev William Lang and the congregation of St James Church for their many prayers and practical support. Also to those drivers of Help in Elstead and others; who ensured that I was able to attend the numerous medical appointments at the Milford surgery and at the Royal Surrey and Haslemere Hospitals.

I know that you all helped in making the past year's personal challenges, a little easier.

Thank you all.