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18 June 2010

The first week back at school following half term was notable for the silence – school was uncharacteristically subdued owing to the whole school sitting either their GCSE exams or our own internal exams. Of course, all that has changed this week and it now feels as if school has burst into life again as we start cantering through the final weeks of the academic year.

The highlight of this week has to be the Derbyhaven Bay Swim which took place yesterday afternoon in sunny conditions. This is an organisational masterpiece to stage and just the health and safety aspect alone would put many off – but fortunately for us, not Susie Ross who runs the event in her meticulous fashion along with her team of helpers.  There were 37 swimmers this year (including 6 members of staff!!!!) and the eventual winner was Hannah Howitt in a time of 13 minutes 43 seconds. I was lucky enough to be in one of the boats so could watch the event from very close quarters – I must say that looking towards the shore, with the backdrop of the blue sky and South Barrule in the distance, the staff and pupils spectating and supporting from dry land looked particularly splendid.  Perhaps we should all go down there for our next whole school photograph?
 
Rehearsals for the Common Room play, Artistic Licence, continue – despite us never managing to get the whole cast in the same place at the same time as everyone has so many commitments beyond the classroom.  I’m looking forward to the first performance on Monday (and hope I remember my cues by then!) and would urge anyone who hasn’t got a ticket yet to acquire one without further delay.  It is not very long and is bound to entertain. It has been good for the soul doing it as it has allowed so many staff to come together, supporting each other as always but also having an enormous amount of fun and laughter along the way.
 
The girls going on hockey tour to the Far East are starting to get very excited. The tour kit will be distributed today and the final push on fundraising takes place with a family fun day at the Buchan School. It is strange to think that in just 2 weeks time we will be in Hong Kong on the other side of the world. We are grateful for the support we have received from parents and local companies for this tour to go ahead: it will be the chance of a lifetime for many and one that will not be forgotten for a long time. I hope to send updates for the website as we progress.    
 
Plans for the Medieval Day a week on Monday are firming up nicely. Mr Hay has put together a very imaginative programme which will see most of the school off timetabled lessons all day to take part in a variety of medieval activities including archery, shield making, a cabbage challenge, the Pardoner’s Tale  and Medievalympics – it promises to be great fun for pupils and staff alike.
 
 
R Jane Corlett
Acting Principal