Autumn Term 2017

I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you on behalf of the Renhold Primary School governing body to update you on some of the key developments that have taken place or are due to take place in the next few months. I would like to begin by acknowledging the work and commitment of three governors who have stepped down recently or are due to very soon. Mrs Lucy Copeman, Mr Jeremy Evans and Mr Kevin Ward have all served on the governing body for a substantial period of time. Mr Evans and Mr Ward have both spent time with the added responsibilities of Chair. I thank them all for everything they have given to the school to ensure its continuing success. These changes do mean that there are vacancies arising on the governing body and I am delighted to tell you that information will be sent out from the school office after half term requesting nominations for new parent governors. Having served as a governor for a number of years, I can testify it is a very rewarding role and it is entirely possible for even the busiest person to manage the extra responsibilities.

As we reach the first half term of the 2017/18 academic year, and our first half term as a primary school, I am told our first ever year 5 are doing well in their new classroom. Miss Larham is delivering an enriched curriculum of teaching, continuing the excellent standard of education seen in the rest of the school. I have a daughter in this year 5 class and I have seen first hand that they are off to a flying start. Speaking of the new build, we are all delighted with the new classroom block and I know the leadership team are working on the finishing touches in and around this building. We are less happy with how the front of the school now looks and functions. Mrs Ferguson, supported by Mr Dooley (governor), is working with various parties to resolve this issue in a way that will work better for us as a school. We ask for everyone’s continued patience and cooperation while we work to get this sorted.

This half term, we say a bitter-sweet goodbye to a very special member of the school staff as she leaves for new adventures with her family. Mrs Kay Abbott has been part of the school staff for seven years, working with our current year 5 pupils for five of those. She has been a huge part of school life and will be hugely missed by many. I want to also acknowledge the role Mrs Abbott had on the PTFA, organising many amazing events and raising fantastic amounts of money for the school over many years. I speak on behalf of the governing body and whole school when I say we wish her the very best for the future.

As most of you are no doubt aware, we see Mrs Ferguson retire at the end of this term after an amazing 29 years service to the school as Headteacher. The governors are going to be working with the school staff and PTFA to plan for her well earned ‘goodbye’ celebration. We will ensure we notify everyone of the plan once it is all confirmed. I know many of you will want to get involved so we can acknowledge and thank Mrs Ferguson for all she has done for the Renhold school, staff, pupils and wider community throughout these years. If you would like to send any ideas you have or suggest contributions you could make, please send these via e-mail to myself on the e-mail address below. We will also be having a collection to put towards a leaving gift. The school office will be sending out a separate letter to how you can donate and all amounts are greatly appreciated.

That leads me on to express how delighted the governing body are to welcome Mrs Andrea Ward as the new head teacher of Renhold Primary School in January 2018. I was part of the recruitment group for this appointment and can confirm Mrs Ward was the strongest candidate and the best person for the job. Mrs Ward knows the school, the staff, the parents and most importantly, the pupils. We are confident she will do a great job and want to publicly congratulate Mrs Ward on her success and wish her the very best in undertaking her new role. Mrs Ward’s appointment led to an opportunity for a member of the existing staff to be appointed as the new Assistant Head for January. Miss Lisa Larham was successful in her application and will take the role after Christmas. Miss Larham is an exceptional teacher with high standards and we are confident she will bring these same standards to her new responsibilities. We would like to congratulate Miss Larham on this appointment and wish her the very best. I hope you all have a wonderful half term and I look forward to seeing many of you at the exciting events taking place in the lead up to Christmas.

Kind Regards

Chris Watson

Chair of Governors