Dear Parents and Carers,
Reflecting on the events of the last couple of weeks brings it home what an incredible community of pupils, staff and parents we have at High Bick. Last week in the heat, everyone soldiered on magnificently and very little learning time was lost. It has been lovely to receive thankful comments from parents, but as I intimated last week, keeping the school open in 'extreme' times is what we will always try and do. To mis-quote Roy Keane - it's our job! And then this week, staff and pupils have risen to the challenge of our being very short handed. Many thanks to all of the staff who were in on Tuesday (when all four teachers who would normally be teaching were out) to ensure that there was no loss of learning for the children. Once again, all of the children adapted brilliantly and persevered with tasks set.
Exeter Diocesan Education Board Event
On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to attend the reaffirmation meeting and service for governors of church schools in Exeter. Mr Polak (our trust CEO) and several trustees were there also. It proved a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of our strong connections to the diocesan education board and to talk to Sue Lockwood and other schools' trustees about the school improvement journey that HB has been on. Our church school status makes us special at HB and the support we receive from the diocese as a result of our Anglican foundation is very important.
Festival of Education
I am writing this letter after day one of the Festival of Education. This is the biggest national education event in the calendar and has become an important part of TEAM's leaders' on-going professional development. Next week I will be sitting down to write the School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the next academic year and the inspirational speakers at the festival have certainly given pause for thought in terms of how we continue to improve HB.
Class Three Climbing
One unintended consequence of the Chicken Pox cases and Miss Trofa having to go home, was that I was privileged to be able to see Class Three in action at the Tower in Barnstaple. The sessions were fantastic. Everyone learnt how to put on a harness correctly; how to make figure of eight knots in a rope; who to belay and of course, how to climb safely. Laurence and Ruby - the highly qualified instructors - were amazing and all of the children had a wonderful time.
TEAM Basketball Festival
Six Y6 children had the chance to represent the school at TEAM's first ever basketball festival at Pilton Community College on Tuesday. They went with Mrs Vowden and all had a great time. Well done all of you for engaging so well in the activities.
International Cricket
On Wednesday, Mrs Sanders took eleven Y5&6 children to Taunton to watch England Women's A team play India A. This was a combined trip with several other TEAM schools and proved to be a great day out. We have learnt a lot of skills and tactics for Kwik Cricket in our PE lessons this term, so what an amazing thing to be able to see international players performing in the South West! Seeing these players may very well inspire some of your children to go on and become professional sports people in their own right.
Rob Norton
Head of School
