24th June 2011

Dear Parents

Gateways just isn’t a School that winds down towards the end of year. It is definitely quieter around the place because so many pupils are involved in visits, trips, work experience and, of course, ongoing study leave.

‘Gateways Flyers’ were in action again at the Knaresborough Bed Race on the 11th June; it was great fun and a huge effort from the girls taking part. Our Prep School cheerleaders got the event off to a great start.

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh girls succeeded in their final expedition on the 11th and 12th June, even though the heavens opened and it was a wet Sunday afternoon collection. Well done girls!

The lunchtime concert at Kirkby Overblow Church was delightful; our girls represented their talents and the School impressively. Anna’s performance of ‘Bessie the Black Cat’ provided me with a trip down memory lane.

‘New Girls’ Afternoon welcomed many new faces; the Prep School pupils also spent the day in their new classes for September. It was a busy afternoon enjoyed by everyone.

The variety of the Prep Summer Concert on the 16th June was enjoyed by all, particularly the audience participation in ‘What Should we do with the Drunken Sailor’!

The rain held off this time for Prep Sports Day on 17th June and we watched talented athletes compete keenly, particularly in the mums and dads races.

Mrs Burton, Mr Davison and I have been interviewing the many Lower 6 students who applied to be Prefects and Head girls. What a pleasure the interviews were; to talk with such mature, enthusiastic and impressive young women is a joy. We now have to make the difficult choices – it’s so hard! Results will be announced shortly.

I have received a letter from Harewood Parish Council asking for our support with parking in the village. There have been several instances of dangerous parking, particularly adjacent to the Harewood Arms, where parents drop off their children for school. Please could I ask that parents avoid this area and use the school car park; this will help to reduce the likelihood of an accident in the village.

I would just draw to your attention our school bus services, and encourage their use, particularly given our green credentials. We have been reviewing routes and the service generally; details should come to you in the summer mailing. The girls often look forward to the journey to and from School; it helps them to get to know well other girls in different year groups.

Looking forward to Prize Giving, in the Harewood House marquee, on the 7th July, we are delighted to be strengthening our links with Harewood and look forward to you joining us.


Yours sincerely
Mrs Y Wilkinson
Headmistress

Mrs Wilkinson's First Blog!

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.