CHILDREN AT NEWTYLE celebrated a new educational era yesterday as they moved into a £2.5 million showpiece village school.

It came after staff spent the in-service weekend preparing the building for the flit of the 66 pupils from primaries 1-7 and the 18 nursery toddlers.

Youngsters failed to contain their excitement as they took to their new desks and left behind the leaky and draughty building that had been home to primary youngsters for 45 years.

Head teacher Rosina McNicoll welcomed them to their new home and she too was caught up in the buzz of the day.

“We’re absolutely delighted to move in. This new school is bright, airy, spacious and colourful,” she said.

“There are so many advantages to the new building. For example each classroom has its own door out into the playground.

“Children also have their own colourful lockers for the first time, which they are really excited about.

“We received a £6000 grant to help paint the playground with games for the children and we are also getting an adventure playground.

“The classrooms and the offices are all close to each other, unlike the old building, where everything was spread out.

“The nursery is great, because it has its own entrance and toilets, thanks to this new development.”

Mrs McNicoll, school head for nine years, led a small assembly yesterday morning to usher in the new dawn.

She said that an official opening ceremony would be held.

Builders have created a 1000-square metre school with classrooms, multi-purpose hall, kitchen, changing rooms, staff room, offices and community room.

A rainwater harvesting system and energy efficient floor slabs, roof and walls are included.

The school is less than half the size of the old one, which accommodated a secondary unit serving first and second-year pupils until its closure 10 years ago.

Pupils were able daily to see their new school take shape after work on it started in late 2006, as it is near to the old building.

They have compiled a book detailing the development of the new school and their thoughts on it and the one they have left behind.

Despite their move, the chatter of young voices will continue to be heard at the old building for some time.

Pupils and staff from Airlie Primary will move in after Easter to allow construction to begin on a £1.3 million improvement project at their school.

The late-Victorian building will be altered and extended to provide two extra classrooms, an activity/resource area, new toilets, a medical room, office space and a new kitchen.