Posted May 3 - 2024Headteacher's Newsletter
what's happening at Chesham Grammar
Posted on: October 22nd 2021
Head's Blog
As you know, we have now finished for the half term break and I would like to congratulate your children on what they have achieved, both in and out of the classroom, since we returned to school in September. It has been a long half term and while we have had a number of positive COVID-19 cases, the change in rules for contacts of such cases means there has been much less disruption than at any point since March 2020. I know that the staff are all well and truly ready for a rest and I know this is equally true of the students. I would like to record my thanks to our staff who always go 'the extra mile' for our students and also to you, our parents, for your continued support.
FoCGS HALLOWEEN DISCO AND CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
As I write this, the Friends of Chesham Grammar School are setting up for the year 7 and 8 disco this evening which takes place in the school hall. I hope that the students who are coming and the parents who will be staying for a drink have an enjoyable evening. Thank you to the FoCGS and to Caroline and Pru, the co-Chairs, who have worked so hard to make this event happen. The Friends of CGS are also working hard to prepare for the Christmas Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, 4th December. Please can I ask you to take time to read the information and update about this here.
11+ OPEN MORNINGS
This week, we have held three Open Mornings for children and parents in year 6 who have qualified for a grammar school place for September 2022. 11+ results were released last Friday and it was important to give those who may want to come here the opportunity to visit before having to submit their school choices, as they have been unable to do so until now. I would like to say well done and thank you to our Sixth Form students who acted as guides and to Isobel and Thomas, our Head Girl and Head Boy, who presented to the year 6 students and parents with me. After any such events, we receive lots of positive feedback from prospective parents which makes clear that what really 'sells' the school to them is our students and the Open Mornings this week were no exception.
MOCK EXAMS FOR YEARS 11 AND 13
When we return to school on Tuesday 2nd November, year 11 students will begin their mocks and year 13 mocks follow on later in the month. Both year groups will no doubt be working hard in preparation for these over half term. I would like to remind parents of those with a child in year 11 that we are holding a Teams event on Tuesday 2nd November at 6pm to outline how we are using the mocks this year and to explain how we can work together to get the best for your child. Please do attend if at all possible.
WELL DONE AND BIRTHDAY TEAS
Well done to Gethin in year 8 who has passed his grade 5 cornet exam recently with merit and to Olivia, also in year 8, who has passed her LAMDA grade 2 exam with distinction. Happy 18th birthday to Stuart, Olly, Irina, James, Archie and Sophie in year 13 with whom I met for birthday tea today.
SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL TOY BANK
We are once again supporting our local Toy Bank with their Christmas campaign and information about this can be found here. Last year, we had a phenomenal response to this and we hope that this will be repeated this year. Later in the term, we will also be collecting for the Foodbank ahead of the Christmas season so that our school community can support those locally who may be struggling at the moment. Next half term, Darwin House will be leading our fundraising for Children in Need, details of which will be sent home after the break.
FREE ONLINE WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS
We have been asked by Bucks Family Learning to make parents aware of free online workshops they are running for parents with a child in years 7-9. These are aimed at helping parents to support their child's wellbeing. Information about these courses can be found here. Finally, a reminder that we finish for half term on Thursday of next week.
SPORT THIS WEEK
It has been cross country week this week, with all students across the school running the course in both PE lessons. Well done everyone!
Notable results from fixtures include the 4-2 win over Bohunt School for our U16 girls in the fourth round of the National Cup while the U15s girls beat Amersham School 9-1. There have also been wins in netball for the seniors as well as for year 11 while the year 7 and 8 matches v DCHS resulted in one win and one loss. So many students right across the school have represented the school with pride this half term; well done to all involved and thank you to the staff, both in PE and other departments, who coach and manage our teams. Fixtures for after half term can be found here.
PLEASE CONTINUE WITH COVID TESTING
Earlier this week, all students were issued with additional COVID-9 home testing kits and we strongly encourage students to continue the twice weekly testing over the break. I know that many parents have encouraged their child to test twice weekly throughout the half term. We also know that there is some what you might call 'testing fatigue'. Testing has an important role to play in helping us to deal with in-school transmission and we need to continue with this please. In the last couple of weeks, the number of positive cases in the school has risen. Having spoken with Public Health, we very much hope that the eleven day half term will act as a 'circuit breaker' in terms of in-school transmission. Ahead of our return to school on November 2nd, I would ask that parents encourage their child to undertake a lateral flow test on Monday 1st. This will mean that we know what the situation is as we return to school. We will send out a reminder on the day. Thank you in advance for your support.
A reminder that we return to school on Tuesday, 2nd November.
With best wishes for a relaxing weekend,
Annmarie McNaney
Headteacher
