A message from Mr McTegart

Merry Christmas!
(I just thought I'd get in ahead of the game…)

We have a new addition to our team! Just when you thought things couldn't get any better, we achieve the impossible! In our Foundation Class, from 1st September, we have a new teacher, Miss Samantha Walch. The more observant of you may have noticed her during the week of Sports Day. She is new to teaching, and to the area, but three things make me think she's going to fit in very well. (Alright then, four things…)

Firstly, she's very clever. She's a graduate of Oriel College, Oxford.

Secondly, her experience so far, has included some very 'interesting' cohorts of children, with whom she dealt extremely well.

Thirdly, she was brilliant at interview, and very popular with the children who were involved in the interview process. Her 'Unique Selling Point' when asked, was 'Magic Bubbles'. I'll let you discover what that means, as we all get used to her.

Fourthly, she's a Northern Lass. (I, myself, only came 'down South' as a missionary activity, helping to spread civilisation among all you 'Southerners'. It's worked so far. These days, I've even stopped wearing the pith helmet, though I do keep a set of native bearers on standby. (You'd call them Red Class.) Fortunately for you, Miss Walch can be easily understood in the local dialect.)

All in all, it's going to be an exciting year ahead. There's going to be lots of new things to enjoy.

Some of those things will be obvious, such as new classrooms, and more staff. Some will be less obvious, like the work done behind the scenes to ensure progress and change, health and safety and the continual progress toward ever-higher standards. But that's the way it all works. We strive for the best, and we may reach the stars. If we are caught 'coasting', apparently Ofsted will give us two weeks to improve before threatening to close us! (That's one of the latest Government initiatives for all Schools in England! How nice that they are so supportive and helpful!)

Oh well, better not coast then.

Best wishes,

Steve McTegart

(Autumn 2006)