Colegate is the heart of our community, we moved into the area in March 2020, there were a lot of things uncertain. One thing that stood out to me during this time was Colegate. The school stood front and centre, neatly tucked away behind well placed greenery. Colegate is a school, that everyone is proud of, there are many years of history stored in the memories of those that children now attend the school. Colegate for me in my short time being here is for the community. It's a school where all are welcome. Closing this school, in my opinion would have a dramatic effect on the children's lives and surrounding business. The children that attend Colegate are cared for to the highest degree. They have all suffered dramatically over the last few years. In the last 2 years there have been struggles. The pandemic caused many children to lose parts of their identity. The school is thriving in the development of the children and helped them remember and become who they are. It has instilled courage, strength, and most of all resilience in a trying time. I encourage you to take some time to see the changes that are being made, progress doesn't happen overnight. The staff pour their heart and soul into all they do. Our head teacher Mrs Gladstone has made a marked improvement on the school in the short time she's been here! She always puts the students first. She made it through the Pandemic to be met with an of stead inspection. Which I can say for certain wasn't what anyone was expecting, while following government guidelines. The school has had to overcome many challenges left behind by previous members of staff. I firmly believe with more support; this school will be one of the best. Our children shouldn't be forced to different school due to lower birth rates. This will overcrowd the other schools putting a strain on teachers. Who are work harder than anyone else I have met. Let's keep Colegate open, teachers their jobs and our community whole.