Dear Parents,
1st May 2015
It has truly felt like the “Summer Term” this week what with the lovely sunshine alongside the build up to the summer public exams. You may be interested to hear that 60 children have been allocated to reception at Simon Balle, starting in September 2015. I have been informed that there are less than 5 non-allocated places in the whole of Hertford; a confirmation of the need. The building progresses well and we are now down to discussing important interior features. We have appointed two highly experienced EYFS teachers who will join Ruth Oakenfull to plan the curriculum and ensure that it is of the highest standard. Ruth herself will join us on a part-time basis from May 1 and then be fulltime from June, setting up the provision. Governors have asked, “Play Aloud” to be the wrap around care provider and they are meeting with Jon Whitehouse our business manager to set this up.
THIS ISSUE: Primary Update Exams Astro Turf PSA Pitch Hire, Year 11 Locker refunds, Sainsbury’s and childcare vouchers SSLT Year 10 Geography Trip Harlow College Holland Sports Tour Golden Ticket Winners Music Library and English news Art Department Herts and Ware Sports Awards PE news
In the next few weeks we shall be contacting all of our new parents and meeting with them. Our next task is to advertise for support staff. Meanwhile there is much to do in the rest of Simon Balle. Traditionally this is the time of year that schools recruit staff for a September start. As Head teacher, for 18 years, I have advertised and interviewed many staff for all sorts of roles. Indeed in many ways it is one of the most important parts of my role: we want the very best staff that support and promote our ethos. Our students deserve the very best teachers so that they can achieve their potential, and if this means that if we are not happy with the standard of applicant, we will not appoint. I have had this discussion with parents over the years and I would rather put in a temporary solution rather than creating a permanent problem. However this year we are facing huge challenges and if you can help in any way, please let me know. Firstly I am sure that you are aware, we have been advertising a number of posts as maternity cover. For those who recruit, you know how this goes in cycles; we have not been in this position for a long while and indeed never so many at once! This coupled with the normal ebb and flow of staff is proving very challenging. I am sure that you have read in the media that recruitment of teachers is
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Term Dates Summer Term : 20th April to 22nd July Half Term :
25th-29th May
Inset Day :
Tues 5th May Fri 3rd July
May 5th - 8th :
Year 7 Osmington Bay
Thurs 7th :
Student Election Day
Thurs 14th 7-9pm :
Singing Evening
Thurs 21st 7-10pm :
String quartet
Fri 22nd :
Year 13 Ball