FROM THE HEADMASTER

30th September 2011

Dear Parents

Uniform

I am delighted to note the excellent attention to our children's uniform and presentation. We have been meeting with the Famous in Cheltenham this week to discuss our uniform requirements and enhancements for the 2012/13 academic year. We will consult within the coming weeks through the PTA on any enhancements we are considering and the areas parents would like us to consider.

Year 5 History Visit

Our pupils enjoyed the visit by 'Henry VIII' today. I had a chat with him and he was even able to detect what county of Ireland I came from - very very impressive!

Year 6 Geography Field Trip

The Year 6 children enjoyed this outing very much. One activity was to interview members of the general public - many members of the public mentioned how polite and well mannered our children were! They also had to use their compass skills, identify and map the shops in The Promenade. The children will now take the information they have gathered back to the classroom for further analysis.

Year 1 visit Mr McKernan's Study

I think I passed the Reception pupils' interview! It was great to meet them all - they thought I had a very comfortable sofa but wondered what I did all day?????? They are such a treasure! I hope they enjoyed the Gingerbread man! I have invited them back next week to sing with me on the guitar - can't wait!

Echo Correction

The Echo ran a lovely story about my arrival to St Edward's Junior School and took some great photos of our house captains and ambassadors. I look forward to working closely with them to publicise the work of our school. I feel I must correct a few things though as they were particularly generous in their comments about me. Firstly, I am not a marathon man - I have ran two marathons too many for my previous school PTA!! I am not 'Irish Primary School Teacher of the Year' but I hold the award of 'Distinction for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School 2011'. Finally I am an animal lover, that part is absolutely accurate. To that end we are looking forward to having two school chickens shortly and one lucky family will win six 'St Ed's Eggs' each Friday.

Outdoor Learning

It was lovely to see our younger pupils exploring our wonderful grounds within their outdoor learning.

Junior Edwardian

I have had a lot of positive feedback about our Junior Edwardian. Thanks to all the staff and contributors and special thanks to Miss Duff who was the editor. The photographs have started already for next year's edition!

Sports News

Good luck to Jack 6D, Harry 1D, and Joshua 4B who are representing the school at the Hartpury College Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire October 1st 2011

Recent winners of the U11 tournament at Prior Park being acknowledged in the Headmaster's Study

Football

My warmest congratulations to  St Edward’s U11A in their recent victory U11A (6) 8, Prestbury St Mary U11A 0

Breakfast Club

A reminder that you must contact my secretary Mrs Williams by 4pm on the day/week prior to coming. We offer fruit, cereal, toast, apple or orange juice. Please ring the bell of the Manor House at 7.30am if you have previously made a booking.

School Survey

Each family will be issued with login details in the Friday File next Friday 7th October to complete a whole school survey which will go live at 6pm on this day. For security purposes all the guidance for the online survey will appear in next Friday's File.

First Communion

Several parents have expressed an interest that we could find a way to help in the preparation of children for First Communion. In the first instance this preparation is organised by the local parishes but we would like to investigate the possibility of working with those parishes and forming our own group within the school. At this stage we would like to find out just how many families would be interested so that we can consult with the local priests. If you want to know more about this idea you might wish to speak with any of the following parents: Teresa Steele, Elaine Stevens and Jane Shorting. In the meantime you will find a reply letter in your Friday File

I wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable weekend!

Yours sincerely

Mr S J McKernan B.A (Hons) M Ed ., NPQH

Headmaster