A new term and a new school for some. Are warm welcome to all.
Each week I try to write a brief summary of the week’s goings-on and of things to look out for - this is my weekly ‘Headmaster’s Newsletter’. It goes out to all Year 4 to Upper Sixth parents. Mrs Lentink sounds out a Bellan Newsflash for Reception to Year 6 parents with a similar purpose. Past copies can be found here on the School website.
Today’s newsletter marks a new direction since it is delivered using our new database: iSAMS. Installed, as it was, two weeks ago. I do not pretend that there have been no gremlins, but all staff are enjoying the improved access to information. I hope that you, too, will see benefits with more reliable communications and, in the longer term, an ability to dial in to access information about your children, including reports and other information.
At this juncture, it is appropriate for me to explain our other communication streams. We cannot show everything that occurs on a single medium, so we spread the love: Facebook covers life and events on the school; Twitter is used for updates and commenting; Instagram will cover photos from miscellaneous events; YouTube has videos from school life; and the School website will cover major stories of interest. In addition, each faculty has its own Twitter account and very soon the Art & Technology faculty will be posting on Pinterest. I welcome parents to follow as many of these as possible to receive a fully comprehensive roundup of the happenings at school. However, if you are not a social media fan, you are not alone and my newsletter should keep you comfortably up-to-speed.
As for keeping abreast of future events, I recommend that you save two web address: the Oswestry School calendar for many major events; and the SOCS sports app for fixtures etc. Armed with this ‘live’ information, you cannot go wrong! Links to all of these are also on the school website. One additional publication of interest might be our new Oswestry Community Events Guide - well worth a look to see the rich variety of activities which are open to parents and friends.
So, back to the newsletter…
This week began with two days of staff training, which included getting to grips with the new database, a focus on peer observation of other teachers, and some essential safeguarding training. The return of boarders on Tuesday was a very special occasion, with a beautiful day supporting the hard work of Mr Root, our Senior Housemaster, and his team to provide a superb welcome. On Wednesday, the fun really began as old faces and new came together for our first teaching day of 2016/17. The issue of timetables and explanations of new routines took some time but we were off and running by 11am and period 3. After lunch, we enjoyed a lovely service in St Oswald’s, to celebrate safe return and ready ourselves for the year ahead. One important item was this year’s prefects receiving their gowns for the year.
As I write, on Friday afternoon, our pupils are in form periods, with respective Heads of School. There will, no doubt, be some lingering concerns, but most pupils are now comfortably settled into their routines.
This evening I look forward to welcoming parents, new and old to the PHC (come in to the main entrance and follow the signs). We shall be starting at 7pm. On offer will be drinks, nibbles and good company. Meanwhile our junior boarders will be enjoying a mixed rounders tournament followed by a special pizza night.
Saturday is sport. Tomorrow, all girls teams will have hockey training from 9am for the u13s & u15s (1st-4th forms); 10am for seniors (5th form and above). Boys of all ages who have been selected for ‘squads’ are expected here from 9.00am for a 10am kick off for matches against Abbey Gate, or training. We are lucky to be welcoming coaches from TNSFC (our local professional football club and Welsh champions) to assist. Parents are welcome to support and refreshments will be on hand. Full and correct games kit for pupils is expected, please. Also, please be on time. Mr Bradburne will be looking for a crisp start to his tenure as Director of Sport. There are exciting changes afoot for this year; let us all commit to helping Oswestry sport reach its potential.
The weekend will not stop there. Sunday sees the first boarders outing. We are heading to Blackpool for a taste of classic British seaside. I look forward to taking my deckchair on the pier, knotted handkerchief atop if I am permitted; perfect for a little rest before the new week begins.
I wish you a very happy weekend.
Yours ever,
Julian
PS Whilst we aim for happiness in all, we recognise that there will be blips. If you have any (however small) concerns, please do not hesitate to contact tutors, Heads of School or Housemasters/mistresses. I include below