Dear ALS Community,
As we close yet another week here in school, we edge closer to the end of the Summer Term and this academic year.
The recent announcement by the Prime Minister on Monday has meant that the relaxing of the current restrictions has been postponed and, as such, we have regretfully had to cancel parental attendance at our Sports Day on Friday 2nd July. This was not a decision taken lightly but we feel that this is the most appropriate measure to take to ensure that our ALS community stays as safe as can be. As I said in my recent communication, it makes our Autumn Ball that much more exciting to look forward to!
For next week, the mantra comes from Dedicas: Always give your best. This couldn’t be a more fitting mantra to reflect the actions of four fantastic pupils who have undergone our Head Prefect selection process today. I couldn’t be prouder of our ‘fab four’ who have applied for the position of Head Prefect for September 2021. The confidence, determination and commitment with which our applicants addressed the application process has been more than admirable and I know that each has absolutely given their best.
Alongside two panel interviews, the candidates have spoken at our staff briefing this morning with their “two minute” pitch. I know the whole of the ALS staff found their part of the vote to be challenging to cast. After the staff vote, prefect vote, SLT vote and an hour of debating, I am delighted to be able to announce our new Prefect leaders. The new Head Prefect will be Elysia Sully with Bethany Winchester taking on the role of Deputy Head Prefect. Congratulations to Elysia and Beth who will, I’m sure, do a fantastic job of leading our Prefects across the Junior and Senior school.
Today marks our Year 11 pupils’ final day this year and after a two week transition into what life will be like as a member of the ALS Sixth Form. I am sure they are all looking forward to a well-deserved rest (though there’s some extensive bridging work that needs completing between now and September to prepare for A Level and BTEC courses).
As we look to next week, there is an air of excitement at the thought of trip week (Mr Owen is very excited to attend his first ALS residential) across both the Senior and Junior phases. From Rockley to Alton Towers right through to Folly Farm, the school will be a lot quieter next week. For those onsite, there will be week of activities based around the various faculties. With many of the pupils out of school next week there will be no Senior School ExEn with the exception of those activities that are externally run such as fencing, karate, yoga and dance. Junior School ExEn activities will run as per usual. Normal service will resume for the week beginning the 28th June 2021. There will be no ExEn provision from the 5th – 7th July.
As we continue into the final few weeks of term, could we please ask that the pupils continue to do their LFT testing at home and sharing the results with [email protected]. If you require any further information or an additional test kit please do get in touch with Mrs Hickman on [email protected].
If you are looking for summer holiday clubs, Arnies holiday club which is run by Fun4Kids will be running here on site for most of the holidays, see here for more information. Please note that there is no Arnie's teatime club on Wednesday 7th July as it is the last day of term. In addition to Arnie's, Stagecoach will be hosting their workshop here onsite from the 16th – 20th August, for more information on the week and how to book please see here. There is also a rumour that Mr Gear is running his holiday club as well, please see information on the proposed activities here. If you are interested in booking a place, please do email Mr Gear on [email protected].
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
David Preston | Headteacher
June 18th 2021
