This week in our school community: 3 April 2025

It is fantastic seeing so many House Points being awarded for our key principles - aspiration, respect, responsibility and virtue  

 

In a week of spring sunshine we have enjoyed celebrating the successes of students in our Name and Praise assemblies. Heads of Year have delighted in sharing details of students who have been praised for their excellent attitude to learning, their community endeavours and their academic progress. It is fantastic seeing so many House Points being awarded for our key principles - aspiration, respect, responsibility and virtue. It is close at the top but Year 7 have received the most House Points so far - congratulations to you all.

In staffing news, we wish Ms John farewell as she departs for a new job as Head of Early Years at a brand new school in Melksham. We are delighted that Mr Parker, one of our peripatetic teachers who is also a qualified music teacher, will be in post in Terms 5 and 6 to teach music. We also say goodbye to Miss Bond who was covering for Mrs Cherret while she was on maternity leave. Miss Bond takes up a Head of Chemistry role at St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon, and we have welcomed Mrs Cherrett back. Mrs Kinch, our Sixth Form Administrator, will no longer work on Fridays after the Easter break so we have employed Mrs Chivers to cover for Mrs Kinch on Fridays. Mrs Chivers already works for us as a Cover Supervisor so knows our school well.

Our Year 9s enjoyed a day out in the treetops at Go Ape this week; the Go Ape team commented so positively on their behaviour and engagement. It was great to see some students confront their fears and push themselves to try new activities as well as bond as a year group. Thank you to Mrs Lawson and the PE team for organising such an enriching experience. The stars of the trip were Eddie W for conquering any initial apprehension in the treetop challenge, persevering and by the end of the session flying down the zipwire, as well as Daniella B who struggled with the tree tops and then overcame her fear and finished the course.

We love coming together as a whole school and this week we gathered for our Holy Week liturgies which have sent our community off into the holiday with joyous hearts and renewing our commitment to be pilgrims of hope. Thank you to Mr Robinson for organising these liturgies and for all he has done to create an inclusive Lenten experience for everyone in our family.

As we go into the Easter holidays I will leave you with a short prayer for the forthcoming Paschal Mystery:

Loving God,

Help us to keep the Easter message in our hearts. 

When all seems dark, draw our attention to the rising Son. 

When we reflect on the past, guide us to celebrate the new growth it cultivated. 

Let us draw on the example of Jesus’ servant leadership, when we fear like the apostles did.

Build our strength for each new beginning in Your name, 

Amen

Wishing you a joyous Easter when it comes.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher