My week started with a very difficult task, one that demonstrates both the privilege, and the challenges of being a Head. Last week I selected the 25/26 prefect team, a huge congratulations should go to those who were successful and those who put themselves forward and completed the process even though they were not appointed. This week I was deciding on the Senior Prefect team, who would become Head Prefect? The candidates began their campaigns with a speech to the Senior school pupils, continued with going ‘on the campaigns trail’ around school and ended with votes being cast by both pupils and staff. I was proud of all those who put themselves forward, to do so showed incredible confidence but also required resilience as with seven candidates vying for two spaces, the numerical odds were against them, yet this did not deter. I think this is an important lesson for us all, to realise that there is more to be gained from a situation than ‘winning’, that experiences are great for personal development, and while the odds might not be in our favour, they are certainly against us if we never take part to begin with. In the end I decided to appoint a Head Prefect and two Deputies; I spoke to each pupil who campaigned to thank them personally for stepping up and let them know how proud and pleased I was that they were part of the prefect team. I look forward to introducing them to you over the next half term.
In other news, I was pleased to receive an update on Reuben’s experience at the Chef’s Academy at Edgbaston, you may remember Reuben was Runner up in the Springboard Future Chef Bakeoff competition. He spent the day developing his skills, making a roux, and perfecting pies and pastries.
A reminder of our whole school end of term outing to Drayton Manor theme park on Monday, 7th July. If you haven’t already responded please check the email from Mr Cholerton and respond using the Microsoft form within; payment is now due. There will be provision in school for those unable to attend the trip, please look out for further communications from Mr Cholerton on this.
This morning, we said goodbye to Miss Genius who had been covering Music and Performing arts, we welcome Mr Diuk into the role from next half-term. I am also pleased to announce I have appointed Miss Koepke as a teacher of English, and Mrs Daval will be joining us for the final half term to cover Mrs Brimblecombe’s French lessons while she recuperates for her upcoming operation (for which we wish her the best). I would also like to take the opportunity to say that Miss Veal will be leaving Hollygirt at the end of the year as she takes on a new role within the Bluecoat Academy after the completion of her ECT programme; we wish her the best in the next stage of her career.
I would like to wish all a pleasant and restful half-term break.
Ever Onwards and Upwards,
Ms Purdy