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From The Headmaster
P T Fraser MA
Tel 0117 9655207
Email headmaster@colstons.bristol.sch.uk
31st March 2006
Dear Parents
Predictably, the Spring Term has been extremely busy and will reach a fitting climax with the House Singing Competition on Friday. It was a great pleasure to welcome Jason Leonard (in the company of the Six Nations Trophy) in January and the RAF Band who treated us to a memorable concert. As I write, we are looking to host NYLON (an Icelandic all girl pop band) and Rebecca Lisle (Children’s author) who will catalyse our Readathon initiative. In addition, we will be enjoying a Casual Clothes Day in order to continue our support for our two nominated charities, Afrikids and The Teenage Cancer Trust. There have also been a series of modular examinations for the Sixth Form and I am pleased to report that a large number of pupils secured very pleasing results.
Last week saw us secure victories at the Rosslyn Park Sevens with both the boys and girls teams. There is no doubt that this is a unique achievement and one which may never be repeated. Given this, I would congratulate all of the players involved who represented the school with characteristic commitment and distinction. A number of the school have been selected for National Squads and I would offer my congratulations to Ryan Prosser, Gareth Griffiths, Luke Eves, Gareth Williams and Ted Stagg. In addition, Laura Keates toured Canada with the England U18 Rugby Team.
Rugby apart we have continued to enjoy wide ranging sporting success and it is quite impossible to record all of the achievements recorded this term. Our Year 8 Netball team won the KES Invitation Tournament, our U15 Girls’ Cricket Team are due to compete in the regional finals and the Senior Girls’ team was unbeaten in the regular season. Tom Carpenter has enjoyed success in Cross Country representing Avon in the National Cross Country Championships and Ding Yang impressed at the National Indoor Athletics Championships.
The Ten Tors Teams are beginning to practise in earnest and I am delighted with the number of boys and girls keen to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Without doubt, the CCF provides an opportunity for all members of the school to develop leadership, initiative and administrative skills. Both Heads of School, Neal Buffery and Nicky Clark, have been awarded certificates recognising their outstanding service to the CCF. Nicky has also been awarded the ‘Sir John Thompson Memorial Sword’ in recognition of her selection as the top RAF Cadet nationally. Culturally, we have enjoyed a varied time and the Spring Concert provided an excellent mix of music which was thoroughly enjoyed by a full house. In addition, Emma Fredericks and Grace Eccleson secured first prizes at the Bristol Eisteddfod Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.
The A2 Drama practicals were produced and performed to an excellent standard and those involved secured well deserved success for this component of their studies.
Traditionally, the Spring Term sees changes in staffing and I would offer my congratulations to our Director of Music, Mr Stephen Bryant, who will move to St Edward’s Cheltenham next September. In addition, Mr Ed Jenkins has been appointed as Assistant Director of Music at Wycliffe. A number of staff covering maternity leave will also depart and I would want to record my thanks to Mr Tony Scarfi (English), Miss Cathy Broudy (French) and Mr John Butler (Drama) for all they have done for us over the last two terms. Mrs Ali Chisnall left on maternity leave at half term and I am delighted to announce the birth of Charlie and indicate that both mother and baby are doing well. Miss Gallagher and Mr Wall have overseen the management of Dolphin House and will continue as acting Heads of House for the Summer Term.
Details of a number of events in the Summer Term are enclosed and I would draw your attention to Prize Giving (Friday 26th May) and Leavers’ Day (Thursday 6th July) which are, of course, functions when parental support is appreciated. Details of the Study Leave arrangements for Years 11, 12 and 13 are also enclosed.
Lost Property continues to be major issue and Mr Mardle would appreciate items of clothing being named. In addition, I would also request that expensive items are not brought to school. Any pupil who has lost items in school should make the effort to see Mr Mardle in person.
Parents will be aware that mobile phones may be brought to school on the understanding that they must be switched off in lessons and that the school accepts no responsibility for these items. The school policy on mobile phones also prohibits the use of the phone to store electronic information (text, images or video) which would be regarded as unacceptable. Members of the school must use phones appropriately and in accordance with our guidelines. Should these be breached, the school reserves the right to confiscate a pupil’s phone.
Parking and school pickup continues to present ongoing problems for the school and local residents. I would ask parents to observe speed limits, to drive in a cautious and considerate manner and to park appropriately. Too often, individual thoughtlessness causes significant inconvenience and risk to members of the school and annoyance to our neighbours.
From September 2006 both the Lower and Upper School will be no smoking sites. This will extend to all school buildings and the grounds during school terms. Could I ask that all parents support my attempt to apply this initiative consistently in the best interests of all who study and work at Colston’s School?
The Easter holidays appear to be full of school trips and I would offer my thanks to all involved. In addition to a Choir Tour to Atlanta, we have a History trip to Krakow and Berlin, a school skiing trip to France, Ten Tors training and a German Study trip to Munich. I would wish all those involved a successful and productive experience.
Finally, I would wish you all an enjoyable Easter holiday and thank the staff for their hard work over the course of a very busy term.
With best wishes to you all
Yours sincerely
Peter Fraser
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