Dear Parents
I hope that you all enjoyed the half term break, particularly the very clement weather we are enjoying at the moment.
The road resurfacing does not seem to have caused too much disruption, and I thank you for your support and co-operation.
The half term ski trip to Courmayeur was a huge success; the weather was glorious and much fun was had by all. My thanks go to Mrs Finan, Mr Davison and Miss Ellison for giving generously of their time.
I was delighted to have been invited to join the Sixth Form on their visit to Krakow and Auschwitz camp over half term; a visit of contrasts. The horrors of the camps at Auschwitz moved us to tears. Krakow is a beautiful, historic and cultural city; the visit to a salt mine was very interesting, particularly to the geographer in me! We were fortunate to have very enthusiastic guides and the Sixth Form girls were excellent company. Thanks to Mrs Tunley for organising the visit.
I am delighted to announce that Gateways has achieved the St John Ambulance Schools Mark. This award is in recognition of the excellence and commitment we have shown to first aid training and health and safety.
The Prep production of ‘Pearl and the Pirates of the Curry Bean’ was a sell out for both performances. The girls all gave superb performances and there were some real ‘laugh out loud’ moments. I feel sure we have some budding comedy actresses amongst Lower 3. Well done Prep!
I am pleased to report that the university application process for entry this September is progressing very well. So far, our 35 Upper Sixth students have placed 147 applications and have returned an impressive 91% offer rate. Applications have been made to many and various universities including London School of Economics, King’s College, London, Durham, Warwick, York and Manchester to study subjects ranging from astrophysics, mathematics, modern foreign languages, American studies, psychology, fashion design, social anthropology, medicine, economics and archaeology.
I will be out of School on Tuesday 6th March and apologise that I shall not be in attendance at the Lower 5 Parents’ Evening. Of course, if any Lower 5 parents have anything they wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Over the half term break, regular maintenance and repair of premises, such as full electrical testing, water purification and chlorination, took place. Refurbishment of the School’s Medical Room is also ongoing.
Eight of our Lower Sixth Spanish students departed for Vitoria in northern Spain yesterday; this is the return leg of the exchange visit that we hosted in September last year. As well as spending some time in the Spanish School, the girls will be visiting Bilbao, San Sebastian and the La Rioja wine region.
Last evening a team of girls from Lower 4 and Upper 4 competed in the Harrogate Area Schools Debating Competition at King James’s School. The motion on this occasion was ‘This house would ban fast food advertising’. Congratulations to the competitors who presented well planned and well structured debates, in particular to Miriam Kunin and Imogen Hall who won their debate.
The FOG Committee is in the process of planning the Summer Ball which is being held on the 23rd June and has sent fliers home today. This promises to be a dazzling occasion and I look forward to seeing you there.
Next week we look forward to the House Debating Competition and the Individual Music Competition on Wednesday.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Y Wilkinson
Headmistress