5th October 2016
Dear parents and carers There are so many things to thank you for and therefore be proud of during the past three weeks. Sports Presentation Evening This was a fabulous evening in which the PE department celebrated the success from last year. There were just under 70 awards presented and the hall was packed with 300 students and their parents. Special mention should go to Alex Washbourne, Leah Wilkerson, Jack Smith, Kathryn Rollins, Elsa Barnfather, Max Lawrence, Matthew Day, Jean Nwahba, Emma Butcher and the District Athletics Team for receiving the top awards but the evening really showed the strength and depth of sport at Simon Balle. We are certain that we will have many successes to celebrate for the next few years! Open Morning The sun shone, the band played, our visitors came in their hoards and so many proud students helped to create the vibrant, celebratory mood. Thank you for getting them to school so early on a Saturday morning. Last year, yet again, we were in the top 10 of the most popular schools even though most of our students live in Hertford. We have received so many positive comments from Y5 and 6 parents yet again about our school. Do read the speeches on the website to remind you why you chose us! This year we focused upon the 60th anniversary of the school and looking ahead to the next 60 years. In 1956, the new Hertford County Secondary School was built, merging from several existing schools. It was not until 1967 that the name of ‘Simon Balle’ was chosen – after Simon de Balle, who was the first MP for Hertford in 1298. Our students leave us fully prepared for the next stage of their life journey. The future continues to be very exciting as we look for new ways to ensure that our students thrive in whatever situations and experiences they are given. Fun Run On Friday (30th September) we all enjoyed another whole school community event with beautiful autumnal weather. Dressed in maroon, green or house colours for Years R and 1, over 1200 students and staff gathered on the field to walk or run the course. Congratulations to Freddie Welch, Trixie Wraith, Jack Skelton, Millie Guy, Mr Kay and Miss Ahmet for winning their respective groups in the elite race. However, the event is mainly about the school community having fun and the fancy dress winners were: 7 Joe Moring, Josh Chandler, Alec Neate, Alex Miller, Natasha Walsh, Rehana Rahman and Mr Klippel. All of the Reception (Squirrels and Hedgehogs) and Year 1 (Rabbits and Badgers) received medals. To date we have raised more than £4,000 and we are expecting more money this week. This is the only time in the year when we ask for school funds and we ask that you give generously. This year, all monies will enable us to run a minibus and also develop our outdoor spaces. A big thank you to James Pooley and the PSA for another marvellous day! We will shortly be sharing the photos of the day with you and will update again once we have a final total. Mobile phones and lost property Thank you again to parents who have supported us on this slight change of policy. If students do need to bring in phones (& cheaper, basic ones may be adequate for this type of use) students are reminded to take care of phones and all personal belongings. Also, can you please check that all items of clothing are clearly named. We have an ever growing heap of mislaid items and it is very difficult to return these if not labelled.
Alison Saunders—Headteacher