Welcome to the first bulletin of the year and it has been wonderful to see the school bursting with life and energy again. The cardboard boxes have been emptied, painters ladders removed and computers restored (well nearly). It has been an extremely busy programme of refurbishment and renovation across College Avenue and Mrs Samber and her site team have done an amazing job. I will detail all the work that has been undertaken next week.

The Main Hall at College Avenue was full to bursting in our Reception to Year 13 Assembly on Thursday. There can be few schools in the country when the youngest 4 year year olds in Reception entered and then sat down opposite the oldest students in the Sixth Form - it provided a wonderful picture of the continuity of education at Claires Court. And when those self same Reception children stood up and waved at the Year 13s,...... who then waved back, the whole hall broke into spontaneous applause.

I introduced our new staff, and then asked us all to be aware of those that have joined new as pupils, especially those that have come into Year 8, 9,10. Whatever we do, and no matter how confident they are, the first few days or even weeks can be daunting. So I explained that it is ok to feel nervous, unsure, sometimes hesitant and even a little unhappy. It is quite normal, it affects all of us, no matter who we are, and we must not ignore those feelings but embrace them and deal with them. That can be through talking to others, deciding to approach things a little differently, and just by giving the whole process time. I reassured and assured them all that we are here to help - and I assure you of that as well and please do speak to your daughter’s tutor if there are any concerns.

I have already had the opportunity to work with Year 7 during their Google Learning Hub introduction and next week Year 7 I shall see them during their Water Day on Monday. They seem to be a lively and engaged bunch of young people and it is going to be wonderful to see them develop over the year. Year 8s are off to Lulworth Cove for our inaugural geography and adventure experience. I am sure there are some trepidations (and that just from the staff) but I am sure it will provide many of those “do you remember when we went to......” moments that stick long in our memory.