It was a joy to welcome the school back this week; I hope everyone had some time to rest and recuperate over Easter and feels ready to be back.
Friday seems to have come around very quickly this week, but then we have had something of a ‘soft launch’ to the new term with a three-day week for pupils. Unsurprisingly, that hasn’t meant things haven’t been busy at Hollygirt. Most of our Year 9 pupils have been on their practice Bronze expedition for DofE. Year 11 have been revising hard; Year 10 are in the middle of their assessments and the Prep School had their Science Fair today. We have a very short half term with only four weeks until the half term break, but plenty to fit in.
I began the summer term with an assembly about St George as we did return on his saint’s day; I spoke to the senior school about his reputation as a chivalrous character, not dissimilar to Robin Hood, although he did donate his own wealth rather than pinching it from others first! I gave examples of what chivalry might look like today, how it was based on kindness, courtesy and consideration of others. I reiterated my high expectations of Hollygirt pupils to display these characteristics – our school values – around the site and while they represent the school; I have seen these characteristics in our pupils and know that everyone has the capacity to demonstrate these. There are days when it may not be in capacity to be proactively kind and courteous and to help others, and that’s ok; however, we should not go out of our way to be mean or rude or to deliberately belittle others, and in this term which can be anxiety inducing for those with exams we should be making even more of an effort to display the school values.
We are all looking forward to the arrival of some sunnier weather next week, it is even more important that pupils remain well hydrated when it is hot. It would be helpful for pupils to have a water bottle, a hat and some sunscreen available next week, especially if they are engaged in activities such as PE or Forest school that may see them outside for an extended period. Pupils are still expected to be in uniform and looking smart, pupils will be able to remove ties and blazers upon notification from my office, as the temperatures increase during the day, but all are expected to begin school day in full uniform.
I am hoping that warm weather is here to stay as our Open Morning for prospective parents for all year groups is right around the corner. Please mark out Saturday 10th May; our wonderful pupils are our best and brightest way to showcase what we do best at Hollygirt and it is expected that all pupils will be available on that day to support the school and offer tours. Pupils should arrive by 8.30am, in school uniform, and will be able to be collected by 11.30am. We’d also love to hear from any parents who would like to support on the day by helping with refreshments, or in advance with the distribution of leaflets. If you are interested in helping, please contact Admissions manager Charlotte Schmidt for more information.
Finally, I would like to welcome a couple of new members of staff. Firstly, Mrs Danielle Mahl who has joined the admin team as Head’s PA (Headspa@hollygirt.co.uk). And Miss Genius is a performing Arts specialist teaching Music and Drama this half term. We will also be saying goodbye very shortly to Miss Humphries; Miss Humphries joined us on a fixed term contract as maternity cover, and we are delighted for her that she has secured a PE role. We wish her the very best of luck in her new school. Miss Humphries’ classes will be taken on by some specialist teachers within Hollygirt, and we are also undertaking the process of securing a science specialist for the remainder of the summer term.
Wishing all a lovely weekend.
Ever Onwards and Upwards,
Ms Purdy
Head