19th July 2018 We are now fast approaching the end of this academic year and I would like to take this opportunity to mention a few things to all of our parents. For those who do not work in schools, we always seem to be trying to find time to get everything into our diary and this is becoming increasingly difficult with only 190 actual school days. Recently I have met with Heads from four other all-through schools and this is a particular challenge. What it does mean that we continue to scrutinise the calendar and possibly double up events or even question whether we should continue to hold things in the same way anymore. One of our fairly recently added events is our formal “Academic Awards” ceremony, which is held at All Saints Church. As the title suggests, the purpose is to celebrate just how talented and also how diligent so many of our students are. Nominated by Heads of Department or Heads of Year, they with their parents are invited to hear a motivational speaker and then receive their certificate. With over 100 children attending, this is no mean feat. Our speaker this year was Philip Sharp (English Premier League Assistant Referee). It has been encouraging to receive so many positive comments from parents and students as to how much they value the evening. Thank you to all. In our staff weekly briefings our Head of Sports and Physical Education, Daire Brennan, frequently informs us of matches and activities in which our students are taking part. The results this year has been amazing. What I find strange is that the perception in Hertford is that if you have a “sporty” child, you send them to one of the single sex schools as these schools achieve higher results in sport. This is simply not true anymore and the number of cups and trophies we have been awarded this year is a testament to this. The sheer range of sports and activities is equally impressive; from golf to athletics, girls and boys cricket, football, rugby, netball, hockey, rounders and handball. We should not fail to mention students who also achieve great athletic levels outside of school in both well-known and not so well known sports including Trixie Wraith qualified for the National Schools 800m by winning the county championships and Courtney Power who achieved bronze in the British 4 nations karate competition.
Our “Sports Presentation Evening” was yet another opportunity to celebrate this sporting success, as again, we recognise just how important sport is to character development. And of course we do need to ask, “What other school can boast of being able to stage a concert at Saffron Hall”? With over 200 musicians and 600 guests the evening was incredible. Once again so many parents understand this and tell us so. This year it was very special as our year 2 children joined us and played the strings and sang in the choirs. As I so frequently say, all schools are the same in so many ways; lessons, teachers, timetables and homework! However we have known for sometime now that we are different! We truly understand that by concentrating on the best education of the whole person and with the highest expectations on all, we achieve excellence. What is so satisfying is that in 2018, Ofsted recognised this! Thank you again as during the past few weeks at all of these events you have told me that you have known this for so long and you too are delighted that it now is publically recognised and cannot be ignored. What is even more exciting is that this drive and commitment to a clear philosophy has now enabled even the youngest children in Hertford to greatly benefit. Our success is of course down to many things and not least to our staff. As many of you know recruitment of teachers is a national challenge but I am pleased to report that we have been successful in our recruitment for the next academic year. We are pleased that both Laura Armani and Katie Ansell will be returning to their roles in the PE department, as will Fiona Pinkerton in science. During this year we have appointed staff on a temporary or reduced basis and many of them will now take on greater roles. These include Helen Witty (Business and Economics), Tayla Ridley (Class 3 teacher), Chris Townsend (Maths) and Kirsty Mayo (English).
Traditionally at this time of year we say goodbye and thanks to those staff moving on to new adventures. We send our best wishes to Sarah Cornell (Drama) for her relocation to Suffolk, Bita Motte (Maths), Emma Davey (Spanish), Rebecca Watkins (PE), Emma Kellaway (PE), Roger Harding (Economics), Linda Jones (Food and textiles) and Emma Davies (Science support) Lilli Canham (Science & displays) and Holly Dear (Music) Whilst some staff have been with us only a short time, others have been at Simon Balle for much longer. Many people know Linda Jones as she has taught at Simon Balle for 32 years. Linda has seen many changes and been so important in so many students’ lives enthusing and teaching them to cook. She has been a great supporter of the school on all fronts and has even managed to put up with me as a non -specialist interfering under the premise of teaching food! Thank you Linda, we will greatly miss you and wish you a happy healthy retirement. Whilst mentioning staff it is probably a good time to mention a couple of pieces of good news. Many of you showed deep concern at the end of last year when you heard that Rob Woodcock (technology) had suffered a cardiac arrest. I am pleased to say that Rob is now so much better but has decided that because of his health he can no longer work in a technology workshop, so is retiring. Andy Hay (only came to Simon Balle from Richard Hale, last autumn) has suffered a very rare medical condition, which means a slow road to recovery. However Andy is so determined to reshape his life, I am delighted to tell you that he will be back part time teaching English, next term.
Now to next term!
Dear Parents, The school holidays are nearly upon as and this feels like the appropriate time to send out a gentle reminder in regards to anti-social behaviour. Please can I ask that you remind your children of the following
About the danger of starting fires. With the extreme hot weather that we have been having, fires are very likely to spread rapidly with the ground being so dry. Aside from the dangers it is also illegal and could result in being prosecuted for a criminal offence. Not to swim, jump or dive into open water. There are many hidden hazards in our rivers and lakes, which can cause injury and result in drowning. When socialising with friends in public places, especially during the evenings, to be aware of disturbing nearby residents around parks and open spaces. Any behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to somebody else is ‘Anti-social’ behaviour. This can include verbal abuse, harassment, noise, vandalism, graffiti, litter and intimidation.
We want all of the children to be able to enjoy the school holidays safely. There will be Police patrols over the holidays in public areas and details of anyone causing anti-social behaviour will be taken and parents will be informed. Those who persistently cause anti-social behaviour will be asked to attend a meeting at the Police Station with a Police Officer and the Council Anti-social Behaviour Officer. Where issues continue powers can be used to place restrictive notices and orders on those who cause problems. We are asking parents to discuss these issues with their children to prevent problems occurring. We thank you for your time and support with this. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us. PS 2182 RAMIREZ-SCOTT Community Safety Unit East Herts and Broxbourne Ext: 3922 (Hertford) Direct dial: 01992 533922 Ext: 3217 (Cheshunt) Direct dial: 01992 533217 Work Mobile: 07710 145321 Hertford Police Station Hale Road Hertford SG13 8FL