Posted May 3 - 2024Headteacher's Newsletter
what's happening at Chesham Grammar
Posted on: September 25th 2020
Head's Blog
Dear Parent,
I start this week with congratulations to five students who have all passed their grade V music theory exam with distinction which is impressive. They are Emilia and Siobhan in Year 12, twins Danniella and Nicole in Year 10 and Tilly in Year 11. A special well done to Tilly who gained 100%! I would also like to mention Olivia in Year 8 who has recently written and published her second book. I have a copy on my desk and am very much looking forward to reading it. Well done, Olivia.
Tomorrow is European Day of Languages. Staff in our Modern Foreign Languages Department organised a range of activities today in relation to this which the students seemed to enjoy. Thanks to the staff involved. Having mentioned this in a Tweet last night, I was pleased this morning to see the response from one of our alumna, Judith Gough, who is the UK's Ambassador to Sweden and former Ambassador to Ukraine and also to Georgia. Judith mentioned how her passion for languages was ignited at CGS when she was a student here. "Language learning can be fun, open new worlds and be a crucial competitive advantage", she added in her reply. I could not have put it better myself.
Last week, rather belatedly due to lockdown, we interviewed those from our Student Senior Leadership Team in Year 13 who had applied and been shortlisted for the roles of Head Girl, Head Boy, Deputy Head Girl or Deputy Head Boy. Congratulations to Jess and Alexander, our new Head Girl and Head Boy and to Ella and William, their respective Deputies. We have also appointed from our SSLT our House and Vice House Captains and Senior Prefects as well as Student Leaders for student mental health and wellbeing, charity and fundraising, school environment and healthy eating. Given the move to horizontal tutor groups this year, we have assigned members of the SSLT to work with each year group too. I spoke to the SSLT this morning to thank them for their commitment to the school and to say that in my view, this most unusual year presents them with obvious challenges but also with the opportunity to do things differently and to make their mark. While we are unable to do many of the things which are central to our school calendar, they have the opportunity to really think about what they can do. I asked them to think about what they would like to be remembered for when they leave us in the summer and I am very much looking forward to hearing their ideas and to working with them as they get started over the next few weeks.
It seems that the summer is definitely over and today in particular, there has been a significant drop in the temperature. As we move into autumn it is important that the students can keep warm at break and lunchtimes so please ensure that your child has a coat as unless it is pouring with rain, students will be outside at these times. We also have most of the windows open during the day at the moment in order to maximise ventilation and so it might also be sensible for students to consider wearing a jumper under their blazer. For those in uniform, this must be plain black with a v neck. Coats should be black or dark blue and we strongly recommend buying a coat with reflective strips given the fact it gets dark so early in winter so that children are visible.
At the start of term, an ex-student kindly donated several boxes of face masks which we have been able to give to students who may have forgotten to bring one with them. We have almost run out and when this happens, students will be able to buy one if they have forgotten to bring theirs from home.
Next week, we will be sending home details of our contingency plan for remote learning which we are required to have in place by the end of September and which outlines our approach to learning in the event of any period of closure in the months ahead. We all hope that this is not going to happen but in order to be prepared, please make sure that your child has access to a working microphone on their device so that they are able to access lessons from home if necessary. Mr Patteson will be writing to you all with further information.
Finally, can I give you an early reminder that we finish for half term on Thursday, October 22nd, with the first day of the holiday being Friday 23rd. This catches some parents unaware every year! Can I also ask that any families thinking about travelling over half term remember that a period of quarantine is required on return from a number of countries which would have obvious implications for a child's education as they will not be able to attend school during this time.
With best wishes for a relaxing weekend,
Annmarie McNaney
Headteacher
