P.T.A. thinks big

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 22

P.T.A. thinks big

The Villa Maria P.T.A. have two major projects in mind for the money raised at tomorrow’s fete. One is already underway, but the second could give the school buildings a new look. The P.T.A.’s big project over the last, year has .been to heat the Villa Maria swimming pool. A considerable amount of last year’s fete money went towards the pool heating plan, which is now near completion. The solar heating system the P.T.A. are installing will raise the pool temperature by five degrees Celsius, and should extend the swimming season by about two months. The pool can then be used for life-saving courses, instead of pupils and teachers having to go to Sockbum for some of their morning training. _

The headmistress, Sister Mary Hanrahan, hopes that every girl at Villa Maria learns to swim at least .a little, and comments that once the pool' is finished “we’ll be able to produce better swimmers, because they’ll be able to spend more time in the pool.” The money from this year’s fete will be used in part to finish the pool and to start a gymnasium fund for the school. Villa Maria is currently served by a “general purpose hall,” which is used as an assembly hall, a , theatre for the drama groups and a gym. The hall’s size and variety of uses mean that only a limited amount of gymnastics equipment can be held in it. And indoor basketball must be shifted to a nearby gym, or become outdoor basketball. The gym plans are still hazy as yet — it hasn’t been decided whether the old hall will be extended or a new facility built, and it will take a lot more than one year’s fete proceeds to pay for either. But whatever is decided, this year’s fete will see Villa Maria’s sports facilities well on their way towards a facelift