27th August 2013
Dear Parents,
I always think that the late August Bank Holiday signifies the end of those long, carefree summer days;
however I believe we are in for some more good weather in the month to come so let’s not feel too
melancholy just yet.
You may have noticed over the summer period there have been some new staff join us and some leave,
I do try to keep the parents in the relevant rooms informed but thought a general update would be
welcomed by all parents. If you do not recognise a member of staff please ask them to introduce
themselves to you, they are all keen to meet the parents and are looking forward to the challenges of
their new positions. May I reassure you that all staff are mentored closely and this is particularly the
case with new staff until they are familiar with all the children attending the Day Nursery.
With regard to senior staff; recently Phillippa decided to take more time to spend with her son and left
Our Lady’s after many years service – we wish her good luck and hope to keep in touch. Unfortunately
shortly after Charlotte moved to Cornwall both Emily and Hannah the Senior Nursery Nurses in 2 to 3’s
decided to leave us to take up positions as family Nannies, they will be working until 6th September and
then will move on to pastures new. Luckily, Anne-Marie Minter a very experienced Nursery Practitioner,
who recently joined us as a Senior Nursery Nurse to work with the Pre-School children in 3 to 5’s has
agreed to take over the running of 2 to 3’s until we have the opportunity to appoint a permanent
member of staff for this position. Whilst the Senior Management Team ensure the correct practitioner
is recruited as senior in this area, Anne-Marie will take the lead and be ably supported by Alice, Ashleigh
and Kirsty who all know your children very well and are conversant with the routine in 2 to 3’s.
Caroline Gorton will now return to 3 to 5’s, she has been ensuring the smooth running of the 0 to 18
months room but is very much looking forward to getting back to her usual duties. Katie and Sofia are
doing a sterling job in the Baby room and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The team in 3 to 5’s has been strengthened by Miss Cerys Phibben who will, over the course of the next
academic year, complete her Teaching Qualification under the supervision of Mrs O’Reilly. Caroline and
Miss Phibben together with Mrs Wessendorff and Hayley make a strong team when running this lively
area. The plan is that Anne-Marie will return to work with the Pre-school children once any new staff
appointed in 2 to 3’s are settled.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to speak to either myself or Sam
at a convenient time and we will do our best to explain the new arrangements to you along with any
developments regarding newly appointed staff.
I would like to welcome two new members of staff in the main school, both of whom are qualified
teachers with a range of experience. Mrs Jenny Gordon-Jones is taking up the post of Year2/3 teacher
and is looking forward to working with this small mixed group. Mr Mark Wearing is joining us as
Classroom Assistant in the Reception Class and will also be teaching all the school children in their PE
sessions. It makes a lovely change to welcome a male member of staff to this predominantly female
environment and I am sure all the children will enjoy his influence.
Whilst on this subject of the school, there are now very limited spaces left in the Reception Class for
September 2014, any of you who may wish to take one of the remaining places should act fast as we will
shortly be running an advertising campaign directed at this age group.
May I apologise to those of you waiting for financial statements for the final month of this year and also
for the delay in issuing the new statements for the academic year 2013/14. I have been struggling to find
the opportunity to meet with the accountant to produce these due to family commitments on both our
parts and would ask that you bear with me in this hectic time. They will be with you within the next two
weeks – I promise!
Finally, can I remind you that there are two Open Mornings this term, namely Friday, 20th and Saturday,
21st September 2013. If you are able to advertise these in any way, please let me know and I will arrange
for the details and some leaflets to be forwarded to you.
Yours sincerely
Helene Robinson
Headmistress