Headteacher's Newsletter

what's happening at Chesham Grammar

Posted on: November 12th 2021

Head's Blog

CGS REMEMBERS

RemembranceYesterday, we observed our annual act of Remembrance at 11am.  For the first time this year, for various reasons, we held this as a whole school, outdoor event. Rarely is the whole school gathered together.  As is the case for most schools, there simply is not a venue large enough to hold 1320 students and over 100 staff and so the only time everyone is in one place is when we have a fire practice!  Assembling and addressing the whole school and observing the 2 minute silence collectively, was moving and poignant and gave us all a real sense of Remembrance2coming together in remembrance.  I would like to thank Thomas in year 12 and Gethin and Matthew in year 8 for playing The Last Post so beautifully and our Head Girl and Head Boy, Isobel and Thomas, for their readings.  The two minute silence was impeccably observed. Remembrance1 Sam in year 9 was invited to work alongside three A level students to prepare a remembrance display for the Sinclair Art Gallery in Rickmansworth, choosing to remember his great uncle. I understand that the display was a great success; well done to Sam.

 

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING

The aforementioned Isobel and Thomas were busy yesterday, contributing both to the Remembrance event and to our Sixth Form Open Evening last night.  They presented with poise and presence to parents and students from other schools who are interested in joining CGS in September 2022.  Zuhah and Alfie, both of whom joined CGS in year 12 just over a year ago, also presented to parents and talked with confidence and passion about their experiences of the school and their reasons for joining us. Well done and thank you.  Our own year 11s were present in the early part of the evening to talk to subject staff and current A level students about the subjects they are considering for A level.  Organising the evening so that it could run safely took some careful planning and I would like to thank Mr Patteson for this.  Many of our year 12 students helped in departments, talking about their experiences of the subject so far.  They did an excellent job and their teachers were very proud of them.

MOCK EXAMS CONTINUE

Year 11s have now finished their mocks and I am sure they are very much looking forward to a revision free weekend for the first time in a few weeks!  Year 13s begin their mock exams on Monday and we wish them all the best.  It was helpful to meet with year 13 students and parents last night to outline the mock feedback process this year.  If any parents have any further questions, please do let us know.

 

SPORTS RESULTS THIS WEEK

NetballThis week, our U15 girls played Aylesbury High School in football, winning 7-0 and in netball, we had an internal senior fixture, won by the B team, as well as a senior match against Beaconsfield High School.  The team played with great determination and commitment, ultimately losing to BHS.  Last Saturday, three of our netball teams played in the County round of the National Schools Netball Tournament.  Our seniors finished 4th and the U16s 6th, while the U14s finished joint 2nd.  The top two teams go through to the national finals and sadly, the girls lost out on goal difference.  Mrs Maishman and Mrs Fleming were really proud of the team.  They all played outstandingly.  Well done to Mikhail in year 10 who has recently achieved his national time in 200m butterfly which has qualified him for Swim England's winter nationals later in the year.

 

BIRTHDAY TEAS

Happy 12th birthday Reuben, Ethan, Emma, Lola, Juliet and Joshua in year 7 with whom I met on Monday and congratulations to Catherine, Edward, Nana, Eloise, Peter, Hattie and Alex in year 13 who have recently turned 18.

 

OFF TO THE PANTOMIME FOR YEAR 7S

PantoOn December 14th, all year 7 students will be going down to The Elgiva in Chesham to watch the pantomime version of Snow White.  This has been most enjoyable afternoon in the past.  Please see ParentPay to make a voluntary contribution. Thanks to Mrs Neagle for organising this.

 

CHILDREN IN NEED AT CGS


CIN 6As you know, today has been a mufti day for Children in Need and we have also had a cake sale at breaktime.  Thank you to all those parents and students who baked items for this.  We have so far raised over £2,000.  Any further donations can be made via ParentPay using this link.

 

FRIENDS OF CGS CHRISTMAS FAIR Photo 2
(Saturday 4th December 1.00pm-5.00pm)

We will be collecting hamper donations (chocolates, toiletries, gifts, wine etc) for our School Fair from Monday 22nd November.  Further details and a sign-up sheet to help on the day of the Fair will be circulated next week.  Please support this important fundraising event!

There is a Friends update meeting on Wednesday 17th November at 8pm on Zoom.  All welcome to share ideas and discuss forthcoming events and fundraising activities.  Zoom link: here

LATERAL FLOW ON SUNDAY

Finally, my regular reminder to get your child to undertake a lateral flow test on Sunday please and to report any positive test via our website.

With best wishes for a relaxing weekend,

 

Annmarie McNaney 
Headteacher