I do hope you enjoyed a good half term break, although I know that for pupils it was a time of revision in readiness for examinations. The school has certainly been quieter this week as girls in Lower 3 to Upper 4 have also been undergoing (internal) examinations. I have been very impressed by the way in which the girls have approached their exams and the diligent manner in which they have worked – well done girls!
Over the half term break, the maintenance team continued their work on improvements to the school site. We now have new dining room doors, new planters and window boxes round school and the programme of painting and redecorating continues.
I was pleased many of you were able to join us for the excellent GSCE and A Level Art Exhibition on Wednesday; the artwork is truly impressive. The A-Level art moderation took place on Thursday with the GCSE moderation scheduled for 14th June; we look forward in anticipation of successful results all round!
On Wednesday, we welcomed our new Upper 3 parents for a familiarisation meeting ahead of the new girl’s afternoon next week. This was an opportunity for staff to introduce themselves, give an outline of life in the High School and answer any queries. We are now looking forward to welcoming the girls on the 15th June for their first afternoon in High School.
On the 27th May we said our ‘first’ farewell to Upper Sixth with a leavers barbeque which marked the beginning of their preparations for their A2 examinations; we shall miss their lively presence around School. We look forward to a more formal farewell on Thursday the 18th August when we will celebrate their success at Graduation Dinner with their parents.
Just before half term we hosted a ‘Spring Dinner’ to thank our Prefects for their support during their year of office. The Chair of Governors presented each of the girls with a photograph of the prefect group and praised the girls for the manner in which they had carried out their duties.
There is a busy weekend ahead; tomorrow pupils from Lower 4 and Lower 5 are participating in the Knaresborough Bed Race, we wish ‘The Gateways Flyers’ every success. . . . do support them in Knaresborough on Saturday, the parade begins at 1.00pm and the race at 3.00pm. Also this weekend, Lower 5 pupils are taking part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award final expedition; we hope the weather is kind!
Could I encourage you to join us at the Friends of Gateways Summer Soiree being held on Saturday 2nd July in the Performing Arts Centre? The live music, food and drink will ensure the evening goes with a swing! All funds raised enhance the girls’ experiences; this week’s lovely sunshine has meant girls have been able to enjoy our newly purchased outdoor furniture.
Our congratulations go to Mrs Santosh Roth, Nursery Practitioner, on the birth of her son Dhiyaan.
Our girls have enjoyed a successful week in sport. The U8 rounders team beat GSAL and our High School teams were equally successful in their matches against The Mount School.
How sophisticated our Lower 5 pupils look this morning for their Sixth Form Acquaint Day. I’m sure they will rise to the challenge of Sixth Form lessons.