Village Voice No 212 July 2010
Melbourne & District
ACADEMY biD for sChool? "WE have been asking for years for changes to the funding formula, but nothing has happened, and we are frustrated that, for 15 years, Chellaston School has been at the bottom of the funding stream in Derby schools,” said Ray Ruszczynski, Head Teacher. It is for this reason that he and the governors of the school have responded positively to the new Government's invitation sent to all schools in England to convert to Academy status, and are studying the detail of the proposals. Mr Ruszczynski explained that the main incentive in seeking conversion to Academy status is the attraction of the additional funding, which would be available to the school, as the current "top slice" retained by the Local Authority would be given to the school. The new Government's intention is that Academy status will give greater freedom and flexibility, helping schools to raise standards and give students greater opportunities. Mr Ruszczynski said: "At Chellaston School students receive approximately £2,100 less per head than the best funded students in the city, and we have far more money held back by the Local Authority than we receive in services. We feel that this is both inefficient and unfair to our students.” Chellaston was first opened in 1977, and it has had the benefit of stability, having only two head teachers – Mr Thomas and Mr Ruszczynski, in that time. Originally a Derbyshire LEA school, it was transferred to the Derby City education authority, and has been a Specialist Technology College since 1994. A well regarded and successful school, Chellaston has set up a National Challenge Trust arrangement with Sinfin Community School. The school has 1,720 students. Mr Ruszcznski is anxious to scotch the 'rumours and misinformation', with regard to the catchment area of the school, which has always been a worry to the parents of students who live in South Derbyshire. He is adamant: "There are no plans whatsoever to change the normal catchment area, nor are there plans to use selection.” TM
MELBOURNE Carnival was a big day for Joe and Paddy Laban. They were riding high in an open topped limosine leading the parade. The lifetime residents were invited to open the carnival in recognition of their services over many years. "It was the first time we have really seen the carnival.” said Paddy. "We have always been too busy with the floats and lorries before. We've had a wonderful time." There were large numbers of people lining the streets as the parade made its way from Castle Square to the school playing field on Packhorse Road through the town. ❍ Fun in the sun – more pictures and report on the Carnival on Pages 12 and 13.
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THE Revd. Canon Dr John Davies, the Vicar of Melbourne Parish Church is moving on. In a message delivered to the Melbourne Group of Parishes: Ticknall, Smisby and Stanton by Bridge and the churches comprising Churches Together in Melbourne it was announced that Dr Davies was to take up a new post as the Dean of Derby. The appointment by the Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd. Dr Alastair Redfern, will be to promote dialogue between the city's Christians and Muslims. Dr Davies was appointed Vicar of Melbourne in 1999. He said: "My 10 years at Melbourne have been a really happy time but the privilege of leading the work of Derby Cathedral was an offer I could not pass up." A special valedictory service will be held on the evening of Tuesday, July 27, at Melbourne Parish Church.
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