Donation of Sarnia - Thank you to the Would family

This term has prompted me to reflect on the long history of our school and the generations of families who have helped shape it. Everywhere you look, there are reminders of that shared legacy – from the Oak Apple display in the library, to photographs of the old school grounds, to class photos stretching back to 1905. Each one represents a moment in time, a family connected to this place, and the way our school has stood at the heart of village life for over three centuries.

With such a rich past behind us, it feels a privilege to guide the school in the present and plan for its future. And, as ever, that future is something we build together. Great Wishford has always been a community in which the school supports families, and families support the school right back. That partnership remains one of our greatest strengths.

Over the past year, that sense of shared effort has been clear in the transformation of our Courtyard Classroom. The removal of the old preschool conservatory allowed us to create a new outdoor learning space – a project made possible only because of the many families who volunteered their time, tools, and energy. Our wonderful children added their own creativity, gathering planters, tyres, and wooden stumps to bring the space to life. It now stands as a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when our community works together.

We are especially grateful to the Would family for a remarkable contribution to this space: the donation of Sarnia, a life‑sized unicorn who now brings colour, magic, and joy to the courtyard. Her presence feels like a perfect match for our school’s hopes for the children – encouraging imagination, courage, and the confidence to be themselves.

Sarnia the unicorn is named in memory of Sarnia McGoun, a woman known for her strength, resilience, and generous spirit. She faced a long battle with Multiple Myeloma with extraordinary courage, becoming one of the first in the UK to trial treatments that now offer hope to many others. A businesswoman, a sheep farmer, and someone with a wonderfully colourful personality, she lived life with determination and love. Her cherished unicorn symbolised that vibrant spirit, and she hoped it would continue to make others smile.

By gifting Sarnia to our school, her family have allowed her legacy to live on in a place filled with young imaginations and daily acts of kindness. We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful and meaningful donation. It reminds us that, just as past generations have shaped our school, the choices we make today will brighten the path for the children who follow.