Dear ALS Community,
As I sat down to write this week’s email, I realised that there are just two Friday communications to go after this one before we break up for the summer. Before then, we have: Sports Day, the Key Stage 3 trip week, Key Stage 4 and 5 Careers week, Junior School curriculum evenings, the Yr3 big sleepover, the ALS Summer Show and, of course, our annual Prize Giving ceremonies. That’s not to forget the Yr 11 Prom and Sixth Form Leaver’s Prom as well…a busy few weeks!
We have now completed our selection process for the pupils who will be awarded prizes at Prize Giving. We will, very shortly, allow you to begin reserving tickets for Prize Giving via Eventbrite. We have a limited number of spaces in both Prize Giving ceremonies so please do make sure you respond quickly to the tickets one they are released to secure a place. This invitation includes the date and times for both Prize Giving ceremonies. If you’re unable to join us for Prize Giving, you are still very welcome to come to the BBQs to help us celebrate the year before heading off for the summer.
I understand that a Prize Giving can cause some disappointment for pupils and parents. The act of awarding process isn’t easy; for different categories, we have clear criteria and teachers work in groups to discuss and debate the winners before confirming them. As much as possible, I want our Prize Giving ceremonies to celebrate the whole of our community, to create a feeling of mutual success over the year and then to allow the few who have truly excelled this year to be recognised. For pupils who are disappointed, rather than jealousy or upset, I hope that, together, we can help there to be just one thing on their mind – “that could be me next year…I’m going to give my very best to achieve it”.
Earlier this week, League One football team Accrington Stanley (who are they? – hopefully that reference has some meaning!) announced their second signing of the summer window…Mr Matt Lowe! As you read last week, Mr Lowe was released from his contract with us to pursue his dream of playing professional football and we are delighted for him. To put it into context, Mr Lowe will be playing just two leagues below the Premier League (Premier League – Championship – League One) and could have the chance to play against teams like Liverpool or Manchester City if Accrington Stanley have a good run in the FA Cup.
I’d like to take the chance to wish Mrs Sue Lilley the very best as she retires this summer after many years at ALS. Mrs Lilley, who has worked with our Key Stage 1 pupils, will be missed by her colleagues and I’m sure she’ll enjoy the chance to have a term-time holiday!
Having written around 200 weekly emails now as Head of ALS, I think even I can admit the current format of a weekly bulletin has run its course. When I first set out to write a weekly communication, it was for a much smaller school and I was able to pile the detail in each week. Now, with the better part of 400 pupils covering Reception to 13, it’s time to take stock of the best way to provide the information you need for your child(ren) in their specific year group(s) each week whilst also continuing to reinforce our shared values and community. There will still be some kind of touch point each week but we will look to emphasise the information you need. We’ll also be launching our Parent Portal from iSams which will provide all sorts of extra information which will be fantastic.
As we look to next week the highlight of the sporting calendar is taking place – Sports day on Friday 24th June. Parents are welcome to join us from 10:20am for the day and watch the sporting events. Please find more detail from Mr Gear in this letter along with this programme for the day.
On the ExEn front, please note that next week (Monday 20th June – Friday 24th June) will be our final week of ExEn for Seniors due to Trip Week. For Juniors ExEn will continue to run until Friday 1st July. There will be no ExEn week beginning Monday 4th July.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
David Preston | Headteacher
June 17th 2022
