16 June 2017

This week saw our annual Thank You Drinks for our fabulous PTA committee.

It proved a very fitting opportunity to express our huge thanks for all the hard work they have done on the school’s behalf. This year has seen the refurbishment of both the fantastic Senior outdoor area, complete with flower beds and umbrellas, and of the Willow Theatre which now boasts air-conditioning and high-tech lighting rigs, to the benefit of all our pupils from Nursery to Year 11. These projects were only made possible by PTA funds and it is clear to me that the superb support from our parents is a vital factor in making our school special for our pupils.

I would like to offer my thanks to the outgoing committee of Eileen Hopkins, Elaine Furner, Ed Elkin and Frances Warren for their sterling work over the past few years, whilst welcoming our new committee of Melina Grierson, Rhian Healey, Anna-Marie Rowe, Karen Beasley and Clare Barrows. Our thanks also to all those Form Reps who have volunteered their time over the past year.

We also have some goodbyes to say on the staffing front as Mrs Lynne Morris retires this summer. Mrs Morris has done an outstanding job in Junior School for six years now and we wish her all the very best for a happy retirement. Mrs Rafferty, our RS teacher, will also be leaving us for pastures new and we send our best wishes with her. Miss Slade of Year 2 is leaving us to continue her career development with a full-time role in Oxford; we wish her well for an exciting role ahead. Finally, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Walters who will be leaving her position at Nursery and will be sorely missed by pupils and parents alike. However, I’m pleased to announce that Mrs Hayne, who is currently working in Year 1 and has extensive experience in Early Years education, will replace her as our Deputy Head at Nursery next term.

With our Junior Sports Day on the horizon next week, we are excited about welcoming all our parents from Nursery to Year 6 to enjoy a sporting extravaganza! I look forward to seeing you all at the lunchtime picnic. In the meantime, do take a look at the photos from this week’s Junior Inter-House Swimming Gala. The boys and girls performed brilliantly, really going the extra mile to represent their House. Congratulations to Beech/Green House who lifted the overall trophy!

Best wishes,

Dr J Raymond