School Newsletter

Headmaster's Newsletter- Feb

Dear Parents,
I can’t believe that half-term is only a week away! This time of year is a strange one and it is always a little disconcerting when plans for school leavers, options and summer activities suddenly loom into full view. It’ll be July before we know it!
Many thanks to all those parents who responded to the questionnaire. As I had hoped it gave invaluable insight into the school. I was encouraged by the extremely positive response and am pleased that so many of you agreed that your child was happy and learning well at school.
There were some concerns raised- several of which I have already been able to address. Several parents wanted feedback on the programmes of study their child would be following. This has been fairly straightforward to arrange. Junior parents have been contacted by teachers with an outline of the work their child will follow this term. Shortly, a long term plan for the whole year will appear on our website. The Infant department have already posted their long term plans, you will find them at www.sanctonwood.co.uk/infants/work. Finally, the Seniors’ long term subject plans have been gathered and will also appear on the website shortly.
Access to our whole school policies was another issue which came up. Once again, these have now been posted on the website and can be found under information/policies. They were unavailable for a short time while the website was being upgraded.
The website itself was a concern to some and I appreciate that it has not been our strongest form of communication in the past. However, the new website is very close to completion. There are a couple of issues with the picture gallery but parents will notice that, slowly but surely, it is filling up with information. All the key dates for this term are now on the department’s homepages, news is being regularly updated and all communications home will also be posted. We are also in the process of posting a more detailed copy of the lunch menu.
The questionnaire provided a useful way of parents informing the school of their thoughts. Please do not think that was your only chance. I very much welcome hearing any suggestions and ideas. One of the beauties of a small school is that we can take on board new ideas and implement suitable ones relatively easily.
Many thanks to parents for their generous donations to the Haiti Earthquake appeal. We were able to give the SOS Childrens Villages charity in excess of £1,100 pounds. One of our much loved former teachers, Mrs Pountain, works for the trust and came in to show children how their money would help. Our School Development Plan targets links with charities and it was great to see that we have such a strong commitment in this area. The Evening News was also interested in our story. We expect to be featuring soon.
Another ‘first’ for this term is the re-introduction of whole school assemblies. These were a regular occurrence under Mrs. Sturdy’s time as head teacher, but seem to have since disappeared. I think that it is important that we gather more regularly as a whole school and feel that half-termly assemblies- with a religious message from the vicar- are important. Therefore, Monday morning will see the whole school gather at St. Paul’s church for an assembly based around the theme of ‘Lent’.
Finally, can I remind parents that Feb 11th is the first of our Open Mornings. Parents are welcome to come to the school between 9 and 10 and see us at work. Also, my ‘Drop-in’ sessions-which have so far proved popular- are weekly between 3 and 4.

Warm regards,

Richard Settle

Headmaster's January Letter

January 2010

Dear Parents,

My first formal communication to parents as Associate Headmaster is also another first - a monthly Headmaster's letter. I aim to issue these at the end of each hectic month, keeping parents abreast of all the news from the school.

Firstly, I would like to wish you all happy New Year and thank you for all the kind words of support and encouragement I received last year. The warm response to my appointment was much appreciated.

Clearly, the main business of last term was managing the move of the Juniors to the St. Paul's Road site. The great success of this has meant that the school is now much more closely focused as a unit. It was great to see all departments working together on our School Development Plan for 2009-2010. The timetabling and space issues raised by the move have been dealt with smoothly by all departments and we are settling into our new 'formation' well.

Staffing has also been strengthened since September. In the Senior School three new science teachers have already joined us. In the Junior School we have been fortunate to have had Mrs Greig and Mrs Parkinson joining us and, once Mrs Bunke returns at half-term, our Junior Department will have excellent staffing throughout. We also look forward to the Music Department continuing to flourish under the guidance of Miss Atter.

Numbers in the school have continued to rise since September and it is nice to have waiting lists for certain classes. I am confident that we will have a full and indeed over-subscribed school in September. Parents of our new students have been impressed by our flexible, caring approach to education and our very high academic standards.

However, the school shouldn't become complacent and I am anxious that we must listen to all our parents. It is my desire for you to feel involved with the school and our process of self-evaluation. Therefore, from January, I will be offering a weekly 'drop in' session for parents. I am always available via e-mail or the phone but feel that sometimes parents feel that they need to talk face to face on certain issues- and quickly. Each week, on Wednesday between 3-4 pm, I will be in my office and available to any parent to drop in and chat.

Furthermore, you will find attached to this letter a questionnaire which I would be grateful if you could complete as honestly as possible. I will be looking to build your ideas into our ongoing School Self Evaluation Plan. Finally, the whole school will be open to parents as a working 'open morning' on Thursday 11th February and Wednesday 24th March. On these days parents will be able to call in and see the school 'at work' between the hours of 9.00- 10.00; I am immensely proud of the strong work ethic and good atmosphere which exists in the school and feel that parents should be able to share in this. No appointment is necessary for this, simply visit the school at any time during the allotted hours.

The school website is nearing completion and I will make this letter and the questionnaire available there.

Warm regards,

Richard Settle

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