Dear Parent/Carer and Friend of the School,

 

I hope to make contact with Mr Cathcart, the newly appointed head teacher, over the next few days and go through with him the calendar of events for the remaining weeks of the term. Although we must remember that he has his present job still to do, we are hopeful that he will be able to visit the school for some of these and meet families, students and his new colleagues.

 

It has been another busy half term since the Ofsted inspection as we try to maintain the pace and rigour of various school improvement initiatives. Ms White and Mr Scott have been appointed to acting Assistant Head posts to reflect the additional responsibilities they have assumed in their work in the sixth form and assessment areas respectively. They have added much needed capacity to the senior team.

 

Inevitably much of the focus has been on supporting the Year 11 students to reach their potential in GCSE examinations. They worked hard to meet coursework deadlines, attended in good numbers the Easter Revision classes and continued to work co-operatively and sensibly right up to their first examination earlier this week. We were able to mark their end of compulsory education with a relaxed and civilised ‘Leavers Evening’. The packed audience were entertained by the Year 11 band, fond memories recalled by Mr Germanos, their Head of Year throughout their time at the school and an amusing, yet thought provoking speech by BBC broadcaster and writer, Robert Elms. It would be nice if they could win their Camden & Islington Cup Final later in the term.

 

Unfortunately the Year 10 team were unable to contain a powerful and pacy St Aloysius in their final, but I’m sure that they will be recounting their heroics in playing at the Emirates Stadium to their grandchildren. Special thanks must go to Bill Bailey who has supported schools’ football on a voluntary basis for over 60 years and was largely responsible for persuading Arsenal to share their fabulous facilities. I certainly enjoyed the hospitality offered in the Diamond Suite!

 

Other highlights of the half term have been the successful:-

 

We now move into a month of intense public examinations. The volume of external assessment is such that there are many days when both the hall and the gymnasium are full of examination desks. Candidates should check and double check the timing (morning or afternoon) of their papers, arrive in good time and try to enjoy showing what they know. We wish them well.

 

With final staff appointments to make, a timetable to write, School Examination Week, Year 7 Camp and Activities Week and Year 10 Work Experience to organise the second half of the term is likely to prove equally busy. I hope that students, families and colleagues manage a rest over the holiday and return with batteries recharged.