22nd March 2016 Easter Greetings It does now seem if we have turned a corner with lighter evenings and slightly brighter days. Our youngest members of the Simon Balle community are back on their “welly walks” into the woods and spotting daffodils and snowdrops. We are currently teaching them some of the important values we expect all of our students to know and practice- respect and appreciation. Sometimes our older students need to be reminded of these and even at times parents. I do hope you will support us working with our local community and respect traffic rules. As many students live locally I am mystified as to why parents have to bring children to school by car and pick them up. If travelling, why not collect them from town rather then on site? Simon Balle is a school that has a clear vision and set of values and perhaps at times we need to remind all of our families of this as their first open day may now be some time ago. Our school is about developing young people to be independent and creative thinkers, to aspire to the highest standards both in terms of academic and personal behaviours and to be accepting of others. We want young people who are honest, positive and happy to serve the wider community. Thankfully I am surrounded by so many like spirited young people who are eager to grow, develop and give. Please as parents continue to spread these important values, including kindness and thoughtfulness which do need to be taught at home. Then the world will be a better place and of course we feel supported at school. We continue to be the first choice for so many families and once again we are over subscribed for September both at secondary and primary level. Our new senior student leadership team are beginning to take up their roles and James Pooley and I will shortly appoint a group of year 10 prefects. We shall shortly be planning our 60th birthday celebrations and I would like to mention that if you are an ex student and would like to help or attend any of the events planned please email 60th@simonballe.herts.sch.uk Please pass this information to any Simon Balle Alumni you know! Hertfordshire this year is celebrating the Easter weekend and then returning to school until Friday April 1 st. This will be a normal working day. We return to school on Monday 18 April to start the summer term. Alison Saunders—Headteacher ———————————————————————-
The level of school traffic entering Balls Park continues to rise and we have received complaints from the residents. Balls Park is private property. Please do not use the Red Lodge access road for school drop off/pick up. Only residents and visitors should use the London Road entrance gates, and the Red Lodge exit gates. Balls Park is not open to the general public for vehicle access. We always consider our neighbours and would therefore ask you to make alternative arrangement when dropping off/ picking up. Thank you in advance for your co-operation. Madeleine Harman—School Manager