Dear ALS Community,
As we close the final full week of this school year (and, as such, the final ‘full’ weekly email), I know we can all reflect on a school year that has been very successful given the cards we were dealt. I’ve spent much of the past few days reading and writing reports and I have to share that I am fiercely proud to read such wonderful reports for our children. From particularly high academic attainment or wonderful academic progress through to pupils who encapsulate our values of hard work, honesty and kindness every time they step foot in school, I couldn’t have asked for more from the children in school collectively. The attitude to learning and academic progress this past year has been outstanding and this is testament to your support at home, the high standards set by our teachers and, of course, the dedication of the children.
For our final mantra of the school year, we close with one from Amicus: Smile. Help others smile, too. If one mantra could sum up the success of our school community this past year, this would be it. Our shared commitment to keeping positive, supporting each other and passing on that positivity has, I think, been instrumental in our success.
Today has been our first Sports Day since 2019 and I am delighted for the children that the event was able to go ahead. I was very disappointed not to be able to share the day with you but I am sure you’ll enjoy being able to look though the videos and photographs taken from the day by our team in school. After totaling up the scores, I am delighted to share that Dedicas House has taken the House Sports Day Trophy with Veritas close in second and Amicus in third. We shall have to see how much the sports day scores influence the final House Cup positions!
On the theme of Sports Day, I am delighted to champion the sporting exploits of some of our highly talented athletes. At each sports day, we award the ‘overall’ victor of the games from the day for both Junior and Senior with the title of Victor/Victrix Ludorum. For this year, I am delighted to share that the Junior Victor Ludorum is Harry Sk and the Junior Victrix Ludorum is Lucy G. Lucy’s winning of the award is particularly impressive as the youngest ever Junior winner. Then, in the Seniors, congratulations to the Victrix Ludorum Hannah R and the Victor Ludorum George M. Well done to all of our athletes who competed today.
When we return for September, we’ll do so with around 360 pupils on roll. To accommodate this growth, we have an exciting set of summer renovations planned; a new Sixth Form centre, we’ll have our new Creative Minds Lab up and running, a renovated science block, art classroom and general improvements around site (including new seating areas) ready to welcome all of our new pupils to school (not to mention a full Reception class, a full Year 12 intake and the 50+ Year 7s!). Whilst I hope you’ll find the growth of the school exciting, I do know that you may be worried about class size increases. I want to affirm, once more, our commitment to the things that make ALS such an extraordinary school; small classes, an outstanding culture and ethos and exceptional teaching for the highest academic standards for all pupils. These are the reasons why you picked ALS and they’re the same reasons why the new joiners have picked ALS, too. These facets are so intrinsic to our school community that we won’t compromise on them.
Finally, a few notes for next week. Pupils need to bring in a bag to take home work for the end of term. There’s no ExEn to close the week out on Monday - Wednesday and there will also not be an Arnie's session on the Wednesday evening after the end of term. On Wednesday, we’re having a BBQ lunch for all the children with an extended lunch for both Junior and Senior. Much to the dismay of Mr Smart, Chef Rich will be doing the cooking so Mr Smart’s long awaited return to the grill will continue to be featured in my weekly emails for a little while longer.
This week, in his own version of sports day, Henry Preston (who’s nearly sixth months now!) has managed to roll in both directions and back on to his front for the first time. At first, I was excited for his new sporting prowess but now that the implications of Henry beginning to roll with such enthusiasm has dawned on me, I’m a little less enchanted!
Have a lovely weekend.
David Preston | Headteacher
July 2nd 2021
