11th January 2016
Welcome back and a Happy New year to every member of the Simon Balle community. We are continuing to push this term our ethos of “high aspirations; high expectations” to every year group in terms of academic success, personal standards of behaviour and dress, learning habits and motivation. Our students get so many opportunities, support and encouragement from staff and we know that the vast majority are incredibly ambitious in what they want to achieve. We ask everyone to look out for more opportunities and events and also to take time to read and appreciate just how much is going on daily basis. This term we shall start thinking about how we want to involve everyone in celebrating 60 years of Simon Balle. Contrary to ‘Wikipedia’ the log book I have records the opening on September 18th 1956, with Mr. Felts as the Head Master. As part of this diamond jubilee, we will be re-launching our Alumni network, so if you know anyone or their families who would be interested in contacting us do let them know and we will shortly communicate how this will work. We will of course involve our current PSA which is very active with a number of fundraising events as well as supporting projects. They are always eager to hear from parents who might like to join them in a particular event or for a longer period. I know that many parents and students have commented to me about how much better the “foyer” in the area by the drama and sixth form common room looks. We identified this as a key area as we use it regularly for parents’ evenings and other functions. The PSA generously gave £10,000 and this has enabled so much work to be done. The area has been painted, has a lovely reception area, new furniture and the toilets painted. We will over half term have new ceiling tiles put up which will greatly improve this further. We really do need all parents to support us as general finances become tighter, either by giving time, expertise or funds. A big thank you again to those who already do so on a regular basis. Our Y11s have come back very focused as they have now received their mock exam results (I hope you read Nicky Traynor’s website piece, where she explains how we do this). Our parents evening is always greatly appreciated as staff give “forensic” feedback to students and parents alike as to what they need to do before the exams in May. We are pleased to welcome Larinda Knight to the school. Larinda will be teaching primarily in D&T and art. Dan Smith, an ex-student will be working in our music department.