News

As the end of another busy and challenging term approaches, I find myself reflecting on a quote by Seneca “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”. This reflects life in school as we look forward to the holidays but know it means the start of a new term and that new challenges lie around the corner. The ebb and flow of education means there are always new chapters to look forward to.

I want to acknowledge year 11 who have recently completed their mock examinations. These are an important steppingstone towards their final GCSE examinations in the summer term and they should be commended for the way they have approached and handled the mock period. Some of them will be delighted and others disappointed with their results. Whatever the outcome, staff will be here to help and support the students so they can learn from their mistakes and make the necessary changes before their final examinations in less than 6 months.

Mr Thomas has launched this year’s Duke of Edinburgh Award group, and I am looking forward to working with him and them as they complete the various sections of the Award. Most of the current year 11 group have now completed their award having worked incredibly hard to achieve their personal goals and challenges.

Dove House organised a positive contributions week in mid-November and a significant amount of food was donated to a local food bank thanks to your generosity. Thank you for engaging with this vital charitable cause.

Year 9 engaged well with their Personal Development morning in November on online safety. There is so much good to be achieved by using the internet and social media, but also dangers lurking. Therefore, increasing student awareness is important. Please make sure you take the time to read the monthly online safety newsletter we issue.

Mr Williams and our numerous talented musicians and singers provided festive entertainment last week at the Christmas concert. The range of talent on display was hugely impressive, and the commitment taken to achieve this standard should not be underestimated. Well done to all involved.

Year 7 enjoyed their annual trip to the Panto earlier this week. The fun they had was clear to see on their faces when they got back to school. Thank you to Mrs Rowe for organising this trip.

I hope everyone enjoyed our Christmas dinner yesterday. I extend a huge thank you to our kitchen team who prepared the food for us all to enjoy. The wide array of Christmas jumpers and hats on display was also impressive.

This afternoon we will celebrate the end of term with our now traditional talent show. I am always surprised by the performances from both staff and students and can’t wait to see who wins this year!

January is often a time of self-reflection and personal resolution making. It is also an opportunity for students to think about what changes or new approaches they could have in their mindset towards schoolwork. Even the smallest change can have a possible impact; just 5 more minutes spent on homework, making some revision cards, reading a chapter of a book or solving a puzzle to challenge your thinking. They all help!

We say goodbye to Miss Rutherford, PE teacher, today as she moves overseas to join her family. We are going to miss her enthusiasm and commitment but wish her well in her new adventures. We are

continuing to try to recruit a replacement so there will be some changes to lessons whilst this happens. We also say goodbye to Mrs Lowe, Science teacher. Mrs Lowe has been a temporary maternity cover, and we are grateful for her hard work this term. We look forward to Mr Ashton-Tyler joining us in January for the remainder of Mrs Howard’s maternity period.

School reopens for students on Wednesday 8th January 2025.

On behalf of everyone at Stradbroke High School, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all parents, carers and students a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Please stay safe.

Mrs Karen Millar Executive Headteacher December 2024