31st January 2017 I think most of us are eager for this “gloomy, very cold” spell to end but I am pleased to say that there have been many events recently, which have lightened up this feeling. The “Poetry Evening” was one such event. A new venture, it was a joy to see so many young people reciting poems they had written on a variety of subjects ranging from old age, politics, seasons and identity. Some members of staff read favourites, including a powerful rendition from Dr Nwahba on a childhood favourite about Africa. Various musical interludes performed by other students helped the evening along. The special guest appearance fro the poet Keith Jarret was a great treat. A thank you, to Mrs Gibberd and her team. Year 9 spent a whole day reflecting upon and learning about aspects of the Holocaust and this resulted in powerful studies evolving. Please see the webpost http://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/holocaust-memorial-day-2017 for more information about their day. Meanwhile I continue to visit lessons and talk to students about their learning. This is a real privilege as I am able to see passionate teachers enthuse students. This week I have been welcomed in maths, psychology and English lessons. I even went with the year 1 children to All Saints Church as part of their religious education lessons. On Tuesday Mike Moss (deputy), Paul Connelly (Chair of Governors) and myself will be attending a celebratory event organized by the Department for Education for those schools who achieved the highest progress 8 scores at GCSE in 2016. It will be a great honour to attend and represent the hard work of those students, staff and the great support from parents which made this happen. We are very proud of this success nationally at Simon Balle.
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