We’ve been busy!
Year 7 had a wonderful time on their residential last week, and it was lovely to hear just how much they threw themselves into every opportunity. Residential trips are such an important part of school life: they give pupils the chance to build confidence, strengthen friendships, try something new and see themselves, and each other, in a slightly different light.
During the trip, pupils enjoyed a range of team-building exercises and outdoor challenges, including abseiling, archery and following a sensory trail. There was plenty of excitement, a good deal of bravery and, most importantly, a great deal of fun. These are exactly the kinds of experiences that help pupils develop resilience, independence and trust in one another, while creating memories that will stay with them long after they return to the classroom.
My thanks go to Mr Dean, Mr Dilger, Miss Koepke and Mr Gray for giving their time, energy and care to make the trip such a positive experience. Taking pupils away requires a huge amount of planning, responsibility and good humour, not least when abseiling is involved, and we are very grateful to them for making it possible. Well done, Year 7, for representing Hollygirt so well and for embracing the challenge with such enthusiasm.
There is also a real sense of looking to the future for Years 10 and 11. This evening, Year 11 will attend their Post-16 event, where they will hear directly from local colleges about the courses and pathways available to them as they begin making some important decisions about their next steps. They will also be preparing for their mock examinations after the half-term break, so I hope revision timetables are firmly in place and not still living as good intentions on a bedroom floor. Tomorrow morning, Year 10 will have an assembly with Mr Dilger about work experience, which remains an incredibly valuable opportunity, particularly in the context of the current job market. I recently spoke at the Business Club at Nottingham Playhouse, advising local business leaders on how we can support the workforce of tomorrow. If you would like to read more about this, there is a short article on my LinkedIn page.
I am also looking forward to House Assembly this Friday, where pupils will be taking part in a series of seasonal challenges. They have already been making excellent use of the autumn leaf drop as they prepare for one of the activities, which is a pleasingly resourceful approach to this time of year. I am also thrilled to welcome Clare who runs the foodbank at St Ann’s Advice Centre into school to help judge the Autumn Pudding competition. Thank you to all the parents who have contributed food items so far, initially for the sculpture competition, but ultimately to be donated to St Ann’s foodbank. There is still time to drop off donations if you have anything you would like to contribute.
It has been a great half term, and I am really proud of how quickly the pupils have settled back into routines and how well they have progressed in these last few weeks. It is quite something to reflect on everything we have managed to fit in: Open Morning, the Ploughing Match, volunteering at St Ann’s, a theatre trip, a residential, an Art trip to the arboretum, a fundraising bake sale, parent talks, and a photoshoot. And that is all in addition to the lessons, ECAs, House challenges and the everyday rhythm of school life, which, as ever, is rarely quiet.
We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris, our Bursar, who has left Hollygirt as he takes the next step in his career. On behalf of everyone at Hollygirt, we would like to thank Chris for his hard work. We wish him every success and happiness in the future as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to introducing our new Bursar after half term. In the meantime, please continue to use our usual email addresses and contact channels as normal, and our team will be happy to assist with any enquiries.
I hope everyone, parents and staff included, has a restful and restorative half-term break. It is very much deserved, and I look forward to seeing pupils return refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead.
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy
