Welcome to the latest Headteacher briefing which I hope helps provide a good picture of life in the school.
There has been a lot of attention understandably drawn to the government White Paper which was announced earlier this week. In case you missed it if you click on this link it provides a summary:
https://www.nga.org.uk/media/orrkd5co/schools-white-paper-summary-20260223.pdf
What this means is a series of proposals rather than decisions so we will all watch carefully as to what the realities become and how this affects our school community. The concept of every child succeeding and thriving is something I am sure we would all support but making this a reality requires an awful lot to happen.
Collective Worship
Each week we look at a different biblical story as we go through the chronology of the bible. On many occasions we look at a verse or parable that pupils haven’t heard of, but this week we have been looking at a very well know parable – The Good Samaritan.
I cannot see a time when this parable will be irrelevant, regardless of the faith or otherwise of the listener/reader. We have looked at not only the biblical context of the story but also modern day examples. Pupils have been really impressive in the way in which they have shared their thoughts and reflections. There is no reason why all of us cannot show compassion and support others which has been the overwhelming message from pupils.
Mr Plane used a really good clip which I’ve included so do please take the time if you can to look at it https://gochattervideos.com/downloads/good-samaritan-2/
Prayer for the week
The prayer for next week was written by Lauri G:
Dear God
Help us to look after the environment
Help us to stop littering
Please help us to be coming to our world as sometimes we are not kind to it
Help us to not cut down trees and help us to save energy
Amen
House and attendance updates
A fantastic week for Christie who won the overall highest House Points, highest weekly attendance and overall attendance for the term. Interestingly though a total of 3 House Points separated the top 3 Houses in Year 7. It really is that close!
Well done to the following pupils who were the highest House Point achievers for this week, with each receiving a non uniform pass:
- Attenborough – Maksym K
- Christie – Grad H (also our overall winner for the week)
- Curie – Kezi B
- Farah – Leonard L
- Turing – Jessica R
A huge well done to Breanna D who was our worthy Oracy Champion for the week.
Welcome new governors
I am delighted that we have Mrs Price and Mr Huxley who have recently joined the Governing Body of the school. Both have a wide range of talents, skills and knowledge that will be of great benefit to the school. I very much look forward to working closely with them as part of our continuous drive for progress and improvement as a school.
Young Leaders
Earlier this week we held sporting events where pupils from a range of schools attended. Our Year 8 Young Leaders were predictably phenomenal and were amazing ambassadors for the school. The organisers were rightly impressed with the mature, reliable and positive way that the Young Leaders supported the children taking part. I was incredibly proud to witness the Young Leaders in action and am so grateful for their superb contributions.
BM Bargains
I was disappointed to hear that some pupils have been behaving poorly and making poor choices before school in BM Bargains. The manager has informed us that before and after school pupils will only be allowed in if accompanied by an adult who is supervising them. I am therefore passing this information on.
Toilet vandalism
It is incredibly frustrating that recently there has been a spike in incidents of vandalism and anti social behaviour in toilets in different year groups. This behaviour is not in keeping with our vision and ethos and is unacceptable for many reasons. As always I really appreciate your support so do please help us in the message of respect and consideration for all.
Year 7 Cotswold Wildlife Park
I am incredibly grateful to Mrs Coats for organising the Cotswold Wildlife Park trip and for the staff who went to support it. Pupils have returned with so many fantastic stories of what they saw and it has really energised their learning this week. I am especially pleased to learn that Year 7 pupils were brilliantly behaved and were great ambassadors for the school. Well done all.
We Will Rock You
Following months of rehearsal it is nearly show time for our amazing case and crew of We Will Rock You. The shows will take place in the St Egwin’s sports hall on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March. It would be wonderful to see both nights with huge cheering audiences so please do buy a ticket and support our brilliant performers. Thank you so much to the staff who have given up so much time to put the show on, including weekends.
Have a wonderful weekend and a great week next week.
Best wishes
Mr Collard
Headteacher