Thornwell pupils celebrated the official re-opening of their school in samba style last week. In June 2011, a fire destroyed the infants building and nursery unit of the school and since then, pupils have been using temporary accommodation on the site of the old building to continue their education. But contractors Wilmot Dixon completed the work well ahead of schedule and the chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, John Prosser, unveiled a plaque last Friday (4th July) alongside the council's chief executive Paul Matthews, council leader Peter Fox and cabinet member for children and schools Liz Hacket Pain. The children performed some samba music to celebrate the occasion for their invited guests following a welcome by acting headteacher Tim Appleby. Councillor Prosser praised the design of the school's new flexible learning spaces, which allow the pupils to learn in different settings, with both internal and external learning envionments. "This extension is flexible, adaptable, future-proof and technology-rich which will support the pupils in developing skills that are essential to succeed in life," he said. As part of the refurbishment of some of the existing junior accommodation, a dedicated nurture room has been created and the Flying Start group for the area have now been based at the school. The new open-plan learning plazas have been soundproofed to ensure two classes can work together without the danger of disturbing each other. The school has been financed by about £1.5 million from Monmouthshire council and another £1.96 million was taken from fire insurance. An acer tree was planted in the school grounds with Cllr Prosser helped by pupils Millie Hall and Ethan Cliff.