Dear Parents,
Many of you will know that I’ve finally crossed the fence and become a parent (two times over in fact if you see the attached picture). My thanks to all the parents who have congratulated me on reaching this milestone in my life. I will finally get to experience what I have always sympathized with but never understood: the trials of being a parent (not forgetting the joys of course). Because of needing to rush back to Austria to join my wife for the birth, I apologize for missing the recent parents’ information evening but hope to speak with many of you in person over the coming weeks, as well as update you on school developments on ‘The Broadcaster’. On that note, thank you to the secondary parents who provided feedback in a recent survey on the Broadcaster. We are always trying to improve the school and its services to students so rest assured that no comment will be ignored.
The Secondary Learning Suite has now been open for four weeks and we are extremely happy with how both students and teachers have adjusted to this new learning environment. In many ways we will use the SLS to provide feedback on how we should plan and develop the wonderful new buildings that we hope to build in the near future. We are particularly pleased with how the students are improving both their levels of personal organization and involvement in the school, especially through our new advisory and pastoral programme, coordinated by Mrs Provencher, and our new CAS programme, coordinated by Mr Provencher.
Mr Kearney, our Historian and IGCSE Coordinator, has been working closely with the secondary teachers to formulate strategies to maximize students results, and we have made a number of exciting changes and improvements to the number of subjects students can take – up to nine subjects from next year. We hope that these developments will provide a solid foundation for the IB Diploma, which we hope to be authorized to teach in May.
A big focus area this year is the development of art and I have already made several visits up to Mr Hampton’s inspirational classroom to witness some wonderful work already on display and hope that Mr Hampton’s students will allow their ‘masterpieces’ to be exhibited across the buildings. Our new Maths teacher, Mr Pemberton, has also been very well received by students, many of which are attending his Saturday after school club. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Akerstrom are busily inspiring our budding young scientists and musicians.
You will have noted, our PE and after school activities coordinator, Mr Carberry, has set up a rich and ambitious after school programme in a drive to keep students engaged and healthy. My thanks to all secondary parents who have volunteered to help and support us.
Overall, we are delighted with how the year has progressed so far and look forward to working closely with parents in our partnership to help children develop and succeed. We will keep you posted and welcome your feedback.
Leo Thompson
Secondary Team Leader.
l.thompson@abisoman.com