20^th December 2011

 

 

Dear Parents

 

The Autumn Term has been a rewarding and exciting one when much is achieved. The pupils and staff have thoroughly enjoyed this term and I would like to thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

 

I have had the pleasure of meeting a number of current parents from the Reception year group, Year 7 and Year 11. Thank you for taking time out to come in to school to chat with me. Should any parent wish to see me please arrange a mutually convenient time and I will look forward to welcoming you in the New Year.

 

The fund-raising efforts continued unabated this term. Pupils continue to strive to help others less fortunate than themselves and this included holding a successful Macmillan Coffee Morning which raised £305.00. The Year 11 pupils have focused on raising money for the Prospect House Hospice which to date is £455.59. The annual Year 9 Christmas cake making competition raised just over £48 – this will be sent to Mrs Britten to help street children in Nepal.  

 

The 60^th Anniversary Ball was a huge success with over 260 people enjoying a wonderful evening of entertainment. Thanks must go to Mrs Samra, Mrs Armitt and Mr Savage who helped out on the organising committee. A total of £8000 was raised which has gone towards updating the Junior and Senior IT suites. The wireless network is progressing well and by the end of the academic year the whole school site will have access to the network and the internet. Some of the money raised has also gone towards purchasing stage and lighting rigs for the new outdoor theatre. Mrs Levan and her pupils are already preparing for a spring production – more details to follow! The Bonfire Night was also a terrific success, raising £500 for IT equipment for the Nursery and Infant school.

 

Our athletes have continued to work hard and perform strongly in matches and competitions. The boys have won more rugby matches than they lost; the Year 7s, winning 3 out of their 4 matches, were the notable performers. They also ended the year on a positive note by coming joint 7^th (out of 15) at the Devizes tournament. The best performance from the girls was the thrilling North Wilts hockey tournament held at John Bentley School where the Year 10/11 girls came 3^rd (out of 11)! Well done to all our sports teams, we look forward to the football season for the boys and netball for the girls (except Years 7, 8 and 9 who will play hockey).

 

As you are aware I have been investigating the possibility of offering school meals. All has been going very well to the point where I found a potential supplier of hot meals that offered a great menu. However, as meetings progressed a number of issues required clarifying and one or two caveats needed looking into. We are currently negotiating these specifics and I hope to sort things out in due course. I am hoping to arrange a couple of tasting sessions for parents in the Spring term.

 

Sadly, you may have heard that the bubble (our indoor sports facility) was vandalised a few weeks ago. The damage caused meant that it was out of action for around 10 days. However, I am pleased to say that with some attention the bubble is now up and running again. You will be pleased to hear that after a thorough investigation the perpetrator has been identified and is being dealt with accordingly.

 

On a happier note, the end of term has been as busy as usual. The Nursery and Infant Nativity plays were simply delightful and I would like to thank the teaching staff for all their efforts in preparing the children so well, in particular Mrs Pearce and Year 2 for the stunning scenery. The Junior school end of term play was equally successful! The ‘Primary School Christmas Musical’ showed that there is plenty of talent when it comes to acting, singing and dancing! Well done to all the Junior pupils on being part of a wonderfully successful show. Again, I would like to thank the Junior school teachers for all their time and effort in organising the scenery (Mrs Pascall), the sound (Mrs Crouch) and the costumes (Mrs Rishworth). I would like to mention Miss Hazell, in particular, who put it all together with Mrs Goodwin! 

 

We have packed an awful lot in to this term and I would like to thank all the staff for their on-going and unfaltering efforts into making this the excellent school that it is. May I remind you that year 7 and 10 will receive a summary of their recent exam results now but their full reports will be sent out in January. Full reports will be sent out this week for Years Reception to Year 6, and Years 8, 9 and 11.

 

Our thoughts are with Mrs Goodwin and Mrs Pearce who have unfortunately missed the end of term due to illness and we wish them both a speedy recovery. We look forward to them, and Mrs Collingborn, returning in full health in the New Year. Mrs Collingborn will be in school to welcome the Reception class on the first day of term. It only leaves me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

N J Dawes

Headmaster