Autumn Term 06-Stogursey School Governors.

The first week of a new school year always has a buzz. Nobody really wants to go back, but once at school, there is so much happening, that it is impossible not to be drawn back into the swing of things. Each class has its new entrants who have to be welcomed into the family and organised in the new way of doing things. The brand new children from the Nursery look so small and shiny, but happily confident because they already know about the school.

Classrooms are full of all the new ideas that staff dream-up over the holidays, and really do tempt the children in. A huge thank you must go to our two ladies who did a marvellous cleaning job over the holidays. What was starting to look jaded at the end of last term, is spick and span and so welcoming for the return of the troops.

It is a good time to remind ourselves as to why all this effort is expended, and what the school is trying to do. There are fancy names such as mission statements for these things. Nevertheless it is good to remember that we are committed to give each child the opportunity to achieve her or his full potential. We have promised to do this in a safe, secure and caring environment where every child is valued, not just the clever or the good looking ones, but every child.

It is a sobering and complex challenge for the staff to take on, well beyond the need to just educate. The governors do believe that all staff, and also parents, are aware of their huge responsibility and consider that their involvement is a privilege, as do the governors.

So that we do not forget what we are trying to do, we have always to ask ourselves what we are doing to promote five "outcomes" for our children. These outcomes are Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Enjoying and Achieving, Making a Positive Contribution, and Achieving Economic Well-being. It is interesting to read what school children think about these areas. Older children have been asked and say the following:

• Being Healthy: promoting a life style which helps young people to be healthy fit, so that they know how to look after themselves.
  
• Staying safe: helping young people to be happy and stay safe from accident, harm, bullying, and neglect.
  
• Enjoying/Achieving: helping young people to be ready for each school they go to; enjoying and attending school; achieving the best they can, making friends and enjoying leisure, play and recreation.
  
• Making Positive Contribution: helping young people make decisions about things that affect them; encouraging them to take part in their community, helping them to be law-abiding and to care for others.
  
• Achieving Economic Well-being: (shortened) helping young people into employment, education and training when they leave school, and to an independent life.

It makes good, practical sense and well worth our continued efforts.

In conclusion, we are hoping to arrange an Open Afternoon at School in celebration of the excellent OFSTED results. Details are not yet decided but will be publicised as soon as possible.


Thank you for your interest, Peter Farmery for the School Governors.