I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students, staff, parents, governors and friends of St. Ninian’s High School a happy summer holiday.
It has been the most unusual of school years in many ways with so many positives, as well as the disruptions we have had to endure. I am just so pleased we were able to get almost all of our students back into school for the last few weeks of term and for their teachers to be able to have some time with them in each of their subject areas.
During the lockdown period the vast majority of our students, staff and parents worked incredibly hard to ensure that learning continued and I would like to thank all of you for your efforts in what was a very challenging situation for all. Over the summer we will be reviewing how our Home Learning went but all initial feedback has suggested that our school rose to the challenge and were there for our students each and every day.
Following our return to school after the lockdown we were able to put in place next year’s timetable which meant our Year 9 students could come to upper school and begin studies on their chosen GCSE and Level 2 courses. This should ensure they really do hit the ground running in September and help them in their preparations for exams.
Our return to school also meant we were able to re-scheduled our leaving ceremony for our Year 13 students and also hold our Year 13 and Year 11 Proms.
All of these event were just wonderful. We had thought they would not be able to take place and it was obvious how much it meant to everybody involved to be able to say goodbye properly and celebrate two amazing year groups.
As is always the case, the end of the school year means we say goodbye to some staff that are moving on to pastures new. This year we said goodbye to three staff at the end of the year. One of our Science teachers, Mr. Thurley, is leaving us to take up a post at QEII High School in the west of the island. Mr. Chell, one of our Business Education teachers, is relocating back to his home in the northwest of England to take up a post at a school there and Neve Longshaw, one of our Progress Zone ESOs is leaving to take up a place on a teacher training course in September. I would like to thank all of these staff for the contribution they have made to our school and wish them well in their futures.
Whilst I know we are still living through strange times and these summer holidays will mean most of you are likely to be spending them here on the island, I wish you all an enjoyable summer, lets hope the weather is kind to us and we all come back in September refreshed and ready to go again!
Mr. Coole