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At Whitwick St John the Baptist CE Primary School, the penguin has been a beloved symbol of our heritage since 1954, when the school first opened. In keeping with a popular trend at the time, figures of animals were often chosen for new infant schools, and a stone penguin was placed at the entrance when the school was officially opened by Mrs R R Williams, wife of the Bishop of Leicester.
The sculpture was designed by Mary Scott and was partly a gift from the Whitwick Granite Company and the Forest Rock Granite Company, reflecting the strong local connections that have shaped our school community.
Over the years, the penguin has become a well-known and cherished feature of our school, earning us the affectionate nickname "The Penguin School" within the local community. It represents not only the roots of our history but also the nurturing environment we provide for our pupils. Just like a penguin thrives in its natural habitat, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child at Whitwick St John has the space, support, and encouragement to grow, achieve, bloom, and repeat, embodying our school vision of ‘Grow, Achieve, Bloom, Repeat...’.
The penguin also reflects the core Christian values at the heart of our school—Tolerance, Respect, Honesty, Love, Kindness, and Trust. These values act as the foundation upon which we build our school community, providing the good soil, water, sun, and space our pupils need to thrive. Just as the penguin is cared for in its environment, we take pride in nurturing every child, helping them to grow and flourish within a supportive and caring community.
"The Penguin School" is more than just a nickname; it is a symbol of our commitment to heritage, values, and the continued growth of every child who walks through our doors.
Mrs Noon (Headteacher)
Whitwick St John the Baptist
Parsonwood Hill
Whitwick
Leicestershire
LE67 5AT
Tel: 01530 832116
Email: whitwick@whitwickce.leics.sch.uk
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