The Port of Felixstowe, a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group, has brought some New Year cheer to Maidstone Infant School in Felixstowe, by making a donation of ?4,500 towards the creation of a new outdoor classroom. The gazebo-style building will enable the children to have lessons outside in the warmer weather, and will help them with nature studies.
The donation is part of the Port of Felixstowe’s ‘Dock School’ Programme, a scheme pioneered by the HPH Group, to ensure that its 46 ports around the world build and maintain good relationships with schools in the areas in which they operate.
The cheque was presented to Mrs Lizzie Girling, Head Teacher of Maidstone Infant School, at the Port of Felixstowe’s annual Community Reception, held on Tuesday 15th January 2008.
Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns the Port of Felixstowe, commented:
“We are pleased to be able to assist Maidstone Infant School with their new outdoor classroom. It is encouraging that the school is making every effort to create a stimulating learning environment for the children, and we are sure that they will benefit greatly from being able to have their lessons in a more open, outdoor environment.”
Mrs Lizzie Girling, Head Teacher of Maidstone Infant School, added:
“We are extremely grateful to the Port for their generous support. We have been working hard to try to make what is a very bleak and barren playground a bit more interesting for our children, and we are delighted that a major employer is willing to work with us to support our fundraising efforts."
In 2007, the Port made donations under the 'Dock School’ Programme to Langer Primary School, Trimley St Mary Junior School and Shotley Community Primary School.