Headteacher Weekly Bulletin 25.05.18
Good afternoon
Well, we sort of said goodbye to our Year 11 and Year 13 students this week (of course, they return for exams on 4th June for another three weeks or so). Mr Cropper held a fabulous final assembly for the Year 13s during period 5 yesterday, which included ‘Guess Who?’ with photos of students in their much younger days sent in by (rather mischievous) parents – there was no embarrassment at all! I didn’t make the assembly personally as I was interviewing but the students had a lovely time and were clearly appreciative of the effort Mr Cropper and Mrs Stephens had gone to. After their English Lit exam this morning, we had the customary shirt-signing ceremony for Year 11. Again, the atmosphere has been delightful all day and it’s so satisfying to see those relationships that have been formed between student and teacher.
I hope all those facing exams after half-term manage to build some ‘down-time’ into their revision schedules over the next 10 days; the exam season really is a test of stamina as much as anything. There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel for both year groups and, of course, the prospect of an extra-long summer break.
It has been a particularly hectic week to end this half term and I have a touch of cabin fever having been shut away in my office for the most part over the last three days interviewing. I am delighted, however, to say that it has been a most productive process. Mr Riley has been promoted to Second in the Maths Department and Mr Hodson will take responsibility for the subject at KS5. Yesterday, we appointed a new Music teacher, Miss Lee, to replace Mr Horne who leaves us at the end of the year to study for a Masters. I will not announce the outcome of today’s interviews yet as I haven’t spoken with the candidates. Suffice to say, I am looking forward to starting the 2018-19 academic year with another exceptionally strong team.
In terms of Latest News, I’ll leave you to peruse the items on offer (not much to be fair due primarily to teachers having so much on this week), but I must mention the Year 9 football team. Last week, I reported on the abandoned cup final against AGSB following Josh Wilson’s dislocated knee. Well, the game was replayed on Wednesday and the lads won 5-0! You must read Mr Tomlinson’s match report. We held a celebration breakfast in my office this morning and I stressed to the boys that they have now set high standards for themselves on the field and we would expect to see them maintained on and off the field over the next two years. What a change in fortunes! Well done Year 9 and Mr T.
My abiding memory of this week, however, was not a Wellington one but the events held on Tuesday to commemorate the Manchester Arena bombing. I don’t know about you, but I found it probably even more moving than when the attack actually occurred 12 months ago; it was almost like we’ve grown to know the victims personally over that time and the sense of loss has become more profound. The service at Manchester Cathedral was incredibly dignified and what a concert in Albert Square on Tuesday evening; I thought they both absolutely hit the mark. Us Mancs know how to throw a party!
So, a welcome rest over half term before the excitement of Sports Day, the Sports Awards Dinner, Open Morning, New Year 7 Day and so much more besides in the final few weeks of term. Where did another year go?!
Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and any time you may have off next week. Fingers crossed the weather picks up again!
A short one this week but a particularly nice bottle of red awaits.
Have a good’n.
S Beeley