I’m not exaggerating when I say my first week at Hollygirt has been an absolute joy. After months of anticipation and excitement it has been wonderful to spend time in school, getting to know the pupils, and I have been touched by their kindness, desire to help, and their enthusiasm for a chat! Thanks to my interactions with pupils this week, I’ve learned a little bit about different Golf clubs, the discovery of electrons, and thanks to some of the Prep school pupils have discovered I can still hula-hoop.
I welcomed the pupils back on Tuesday with my first assembly, I spoke to them about the opportunities a new year and a new term offered for fresh starts and new beginnings. I borrowed a phrase from Lewis Hamilton (who, like me, starts a new job this year): “Here’s to 2025 – a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose.” I also reminded the pupils that New Year’s Resolutions can be a powerful tool to help them develop good habits, but they should be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking one slip up means it’s all over until 2026. They can start afresh again tomorrow; this morning’s sunrise reminded me of the beauty of the fresh start.
The first week has been a busy one with lots of information being shared about the rest of term. Mr Dilger spoke to Year 10 this week about their upcoming work experience, parents will have already received a letter with further details, but please do note the change in date to 10th to the 14th of March.
Pupils were introduced to this term’s ECA programme in assembly this morning; details have been shared with parents and I encourage you to look through this with your child help them decide what they would like to take part in, there are several exciting options covering a wide range of skills.
Finally, a reminder of the change to the ordering of school lunches which was emailed earlier this week; in response to pupil and parent feedback we have reduced the ordering window so that pupils can now select their options 24 hours in advance, rather than the whole week at once. We are also offering three choices for the hot meal option each day including a meat option, halal meat option and a vegetarian option.
While the weather has been cold this week, I have benefitted hugely from the warm welcome of pupils and staff, and the wider school community. I look forward to meeting more parents in the coming weeks.
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy
Head