14 December 2022

Staffing

We have only one member of staff leaving the College at the end of this term, and I am pleased to inform you that we have been able to appoint an experienced replacement for this post.  We have also been able to appoint for a maternity cover position in Science and a new Curriculum Lead in Music (starting in April), which will fill the post vacated by Miss Pugh last year.  I will supply details of joiners and the member of staff leaving, in the first newsletter next term.

I am also pleased to inform you that we anticipate welcoming back at the start of next term our three colleagues who have been on long-term absences, which is obviously very positive news.

End of Term Events

There has been the usual flurry of end-of-term events, and I am very grateful to all those parents and carers who have supported them - the recent Year 7 Disco, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Presentation of Awards last Thursday evening and the Performing Arts Department’s Soirée last Friday were extremely enjoyable events.

Exceptionally Cold Weather

Temperatures are expected to remain very low for the remainder of term.  While we remain hopeful this will not cause significant disruption to usual College activities, the exceptionally cold weather led to a boiler issue with our J Block classrooms on Monday and a number of classes were moved into alternative venues as a consequence.  We are hopeful the problem has now been resolved.

One negative aspect of the split break and lunch system is that this restricts the availability of any large indoor spaces for students to use during social times.  It is reassuring to see however, that the majority of students are now attending College fully prepared to cope with this short, very cold snap and have appropriate warm clothing, gloves, etc.  As icy conditions on footpaths are expected for the next few days increasing the risk of slips and falls, please encourage students to wear appropriate footwear and take care when walking to and from College.

Merry Christmas!

I would like to thank all parents and carers for their support over this first term and wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.

The College will return on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Mr Tanner - Principal