At the end of a long term in which several students and staff have missed days due to Covid, we look forward to a break during which we can catch up with friends and family, relax, rest and recuperate and head into the shorter days of the winter months.
The highlight of the term was undoubtedly the celebration of what would have been the 46th birthday of our dearly beloved Mrs Ellen Benney on 14 October. She passed away after a short illness in August, having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March, and battled courageously and bravely; never complaining or wanting pity. Her birthday was quite an amazing day in school in which the whole community came together, and I am sure it would have made Ellen very proud. It was a non-uniform day with a lot wearing purple for Pancreatic Cancer UK – but the day was a lot more than that. There were cake sales with so many donated that they filled Ellen’s old classroom, which we had closed for the day to teaching as a mark of respect. There was a tombola, raffle, Coding challenges and Pirate events. Senior students were ‘soaked’ by younger students and this event raised over £300 alone! Everybody in school got involved and it was a lovely day, with everybody having fun and being kind to each other. In total the school community raised £3450. We are very grateful to our parents who donated raffle prizes and gifts for the silent auction, assisted in the baking of cakes, donated generously to the PCUK, or simply sent in heartfelt messages of support. It made me proud and privileged to lead such a special school and this is echoed in the words of Michael, Ellen’s husband, who wrote to me:
“Thanks for your message. That is absolutely amazing and overwhelming. An absolutely unbelievable effort from the school. Please pass on my thanks and gratitude. I know that Ellen would have been overwhelmed and humbled by it.”

Mr Law
Headteacher