FRIENDS OF RIPLEY MEETING/AGM – HELD ON WED 9th SEPTEMBER 2015
Present: Lesley , Jo, Ange, Lucia, John, Joe, Jacob, Mrs Nicholls
Apologies: Karen, Ann Casson
MRS NICHOLLS – HON PRESIDENT -Thanked The Friends for their continued hard work and
generosity and fund raising.
Last year was the school’s 150th Anniversary and on 25th September saw the visit of the
Archbishop of York for an outdoor service/communion for all staff and pupils. 3rd November
was Julia Ripley’s birthday and to celebrate this each child received a cake, made by Lesley
and team, as was Julia’s tradition, and a commemorative badge with the Ripley school logo
on it. The Ripleys’ grave at the Priory was tidied up as it was in a state of disrepair. A posy of
flowers was placed on the grave and this is now to become an annual visit.
A screen has been erected outside the staffroom at the top of the main staircase illustrating
the school ethos/story of Thomas and Julia Ripley. It is very impressive.
Another great year of GCSE, AS and A2 results which had increased on last year’s good
performance, particularly in Maths and English. There are 410 pupils in 6th form, 70 of
whom have joined from other schools. There are 11 new A level subjects this year.
The spire on the chapel was tipping and is currently being repaired. The bell has also been
taken down for essential maintenance. The Ripley Trust is paying the costs.
New Science labs have been built. The Gym works are going to start in November and will
carry on until Easter 2016. This is going to be an awkward project and means there will be
no access in this area for Bonfire night.
The boilers in school have had their day and will be replaced in phases over the next few
years.
For the safety and security of the children around the drive area it has been suggested that
there may be a barrier placed at the end of the drive.
Online reporting is being set up and trialled by Year 7 initially. Year 11 will have an extra
parents’ evening.
There are 19 new members of staff this year due to retirements/promotions etc.
The Principal’s newsletter will now become a monthly issue instead of an annual one.
Sky Hawk Day – 17th & 20th September – Year 7 will enjoy a range of activities connected to
the story including a visit by Lancashire Hawks & Owls, and on the 20th Gill Lewis the Author
will meet with pupils to talk about the book and celebrate the unveiling of our new book
bench painted with scenes from the book and donated by The Friends!
The National Music Conference will be held at Ripley. Music schools from all over the
country will come for the day.
TREASURER’S ACCOUNT - An appraisal of current balances was given by Jo. Balance sheet
attached.
CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH – See attached sheet.
ACCOUNTS - James Wood has offered to audit our books for us once again this year.
NOMINATIONS - CHAIRMAN Lesley Kelly nominated and seconded
TREASURER Jo Aveyard nominated and seconded
SECRETARY Karen Brock nominated and seconded
Jacob and Joe to continue on the Friends’ committee. Jacob to enlist more help from the
6th formers. Natalie Rees offered as 6th form helper but unfortunately can’t commit.
AGM REPORT END