Principal's Message:

What a first week back it has been! Although we have not been blessed with settled weather, we have certainly been blessed with settled children. Thank you for the work you have evidently done with your child(ren) in preparing them for the new academic year.

I would also like to extend my thanks for the kind words and congratulations you have given me. I am so pleased to be able to share this journey with you.

The start of the new academic year brings an opportunity to reset expectations and start afresh in meeting them. One thing we are really going to be working on is consistent expectations from both the academy and parents/carers with regards to uniform. I wrote to you prior to the summer holidays about this, to remind everyone of the academy's policy and to be able to purchase the correct items with plenty of time. I have to say, the children look exceptionally smart and are demonstrating a huge sense of pride as a result; this is really pleasing to see. However, there are still a number of children not wearing ties when they are supposed to or not wearing blouses. I realise that these are very specific things but this attention to detail is essential if we are are to uphold the pride we have throughout our academy community. On the note of ties, often, children comment on them being uncomfortable. I'm sure you agree that, when worn, they look extremely smart but I would be interested to hear any thoughts on the introduction of traditional ties. I wonder if these will be less likely to be removed and therefore lost?

On the theme of setting expectations, I would also like to remind you of expectations of our car park. The staff parking area is strictly for staff only and not for use by parents/carers. The only vehicles permitted to access this area that are not staff are blue badge holders or taxis. If you are entitled to use these spaces but they are full, you will need to find spaces elsewhere rather than double parking. In the main car park, vehicles should only be parked the designated parking spaces and engines should never be left idling. We respectfully ask that you do not park on or near the zebra crossing, walkways or double park in the main thoroughfare of the car park as this makes the area extremely unsafe which, I am sure you can understand, we wish to address. Thank you for your support with this.

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss S Brading