11 Mar 2008 - Newsletter March 2008
Dear Parents and Carers
Many of you have been asking how Mrs Kerton is getting on and who better than Mrs Kerton herself to tell you.
‘Thank you for all your kind messages and support during my treatment. I have just started the last set of treatment and am really hoping to be back with you during the Summer term. I have kept reasonably well throughout, the major side-effect being fatigue. It has been a great boost to me this term to be able to visit school and I know that everyone has been doing a great job in keeping things running smoothly. Both Jan Herd and Roger Taylor have kept in close contact with me which will enable a smooth transition as I pick up the reins again. I have kept myself busy with various projects, the most time-consuming one being a boxer puppy called ‘Rocky’ who we got in September! This has meant lots of healthy walks, although I am not sure who is taking who for a walk! I look forward to being back and working with you all again’.
We wish Mrs Kerton a speedy return to full health and to school but not before she is ready. Her return will be phased in and even then only when the doctors say she is ready.
I would have loved to have stayed on for next term or until Mrs Kerton is back but I have plans that I cannot change. I am off on my travels again and in September I am getting married so there is a lot that has to be done which means I cannot be here.
The Governors with
Monday – Wednesday Mrs Thomas will be the Acting Head when Mrs Kerton is not in.
(I fully support this. It has been superb to work alongside Mrs Thomas. She is the consummate professional and when her family commitments allow will be a first class headteacher.)
Thursday-Friday Mrs Mansfield, an experienced headteacher, will be the Acting Head.
(I have worked with Mrs Mansfield where we have stepped in to help at several schools where there has been no headteacher. In fact we have the saying ‘two heads are better than one.’ I am sure you and the children will find her delightful to work with.)
I expect one or two of you may have concerns about the arrangements but be assured I have seen this work very effectively and with the skills of both people, and those of the staff, the school will be in safe hands until Mrs Kerton is fully recovered to take back control. If anyone wishes to talk to me about it please feel free to come in and see me.
One of the reasons this will work is because of the uniqueness of this school. With all the changes that have taken place over the last year it would have been easy for standards in the school to have gone down. It has not happened because of the quality and professionalism of all the staff in the school. They have been a delight to work with and I will miss them when I leave.
I will miss the children too. They have also been great to work with. It is also down to them that standards have not slipped. They are a credit to all the work you have put into them.
Finally, a brief reminder that the Year 4 Visit to Hampton Court Palace takes placed this Wednesday.
Year 4 children should be in school at 8.30 a.m. for registration. The coach will be departing the school at 8.45 a.m. and we ask that parents park considerately in the roads close to the school in order that there is a clear exit for the coach to depart punctually. Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Roger Taylor
Acting Headteacher