Posted Nov 15 - 2024Headteacher's Newsletter
what's happening at Chesham Grammar
Posted on: December 4th 2020
Head's Blog
Dear parent,
This week...
Apologies for the very late arrival of my newsletter this week. I would like to say that it's because of something exciting I was doing but sadly, that is not the case.
I don't mind admitting that this past week, dominated by the impact of the pandemic on our school, has been the hardest I have ever known. Invariably, once we have identified all the contacts of a new positive case, we have to ask parents to come to collect their child as quickly as possible and I want to thank you for your enormous support in doing so and for the many positive messages we have received over the last few weeks. Sending children home for up to 14 days is not something I ever thought would be required of me when I entered this profession. Thankfully we are well set up for learning to continue remotely but we know that school is about much more than the lessons students attend and that they miss the routines, structure and fun of school life.
Year 11 mocks
Those of you with a child in Year 11 will know that owing to some positive cases in this year group, we had to make changes to the way in which mock exams operated so that those who had to go home to isolate could still sit their exams. Huge thanks to the exams team and to Mr Stoddern and Mrs Dax in particular who at short notice (overnight on Sunday) found a way to make this happen. It is a privilege to work with a team with such a positive ‘can do’ attitude. If you have any feedback on how these worked for your child please do get in touch with Mr Stoddern; feedback is always useful. Jonathan.stoddern@cheshamgrammar.org
Positive news
And yet, while this week has been incredibly difficult, still there has been so much to be proud of and so many things which have made me smile. The amazing sight of the Foodbank donations and the chocolates and biscuits donated for gifts for the elderly have been wonderful to see. There are pictures on our Twitter feed @cgsbucks if you would like to see for yourselves. The Foodbank donations amounted to a massive 371.8 kg which meant that the Chiltern Foodbank van was pretty full when it left here after collection on Friday! Staff at the Foodbank asked me to pass on their thanks to the CGS community. Your generosity will help many families who are facing financial difficulty in this most difficult of years. Another highlight was the sight of lots of Year 13s in the hall on Friday wrapping the chocolates and biscuits and making up individual gift bags to deliver to the elderly of the town. There was quite a production line! And of course, the sight of students enjoying their learning and the sounds of 1300 of them at play are always a joy to behold.
CGS Outdoors
Talking of children at play brings me nicely on to the appeal we launched last Friday to raise money to enable us to improve the outdoor facilities the students have for use at break and lunchtimes. This stands at just over 22k including the FoCGS match funding and I could not be more grateful for your support. Martha Ware, our Development Director, and I met early in the week to plan the improvements so that we can get going as soon as possible. If any other parents would like to contribute, you can do so here: https://localgiving.org/appeal/CGS_Outside/
Well done to...
Well done to Sam in Year 8 who passed his grade V piano exam with Merit and to Simon in Year 12 who was also awarded a Merit in his grade VII drumming exam. Amy in Year 7 has had some art work accepted by the V and A as part of an exhibition running until February, a superb achievement too. Well done to them all.
Christmas is coming
As we move towards the end of term and as Christmas approaches, it has been lovely to see our decorations going up along with the tree in our foyer, courtesy of the Christmas Tree Farm in Chesham. We are most grateful for the beautiful tree they have given us which has helped to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer. Next Friday, we are supporting Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day and students are invited to make a donation via ParentPay and wear mufti - with a suitably festive jumper. Thank you to Shakespeare's House Captains, Alfie and Kate, who have organised this.
Friends of CGS
During the week, the Friends of Chesham Grammar School, whose energy and enthusiasm know no bounds, sent home a lovely, glossy Gift Guide eMagazine to accompany the Virtual Christmas Fair which is running on Instagram and Facebook @focgsfundraising and https://www.facebook.com/groups/FOCGS. Thank you to Mrs Watson whose knowledge and skills were a godsend in the production of the Gift Guide!
A message from the FoCGS
Do take some time to browse through the collections of 35 artisan and contemporary local businesses. Many of the talented stallholders are CGS parents and ex-students. From prints to pottery, candles to cocktails, beauty delights to beautiful homeware, you’re bound to find a perfect gift or treat for yourself or a loved one this winter time. The magazine also includes links to business services which may be of interest to you in the future. It's easy to shop – just click the links on the stallholder pages to be taken straight to their virtual shop windows - and do support if you can, remembering to quote 'CGS' when you are placing an order. https://issuu.com/chesham_grammar_school/docs/focgs_christmas_gift_guide
Bag2School collection
And as if organising this was not enough, the FoCGS are also organising a Bag2School collection on December 17th. With charity shops closed, this is an excellent opportunity to have a clear out of any unwanted clothes, bags, shoes etc and raise money for the school to boot! Further information will follow.
Recycling art
As part of our recycling project, Mr Biddle, Head of Art, will be working with students to create a piece of art work made entirely from bottle tops. I have no doubt that it will be superb. If you have any plastic bottle tops, these can be dropped off in the box at reception which is much better than throwing them in the bin, I am sure you will agree.
Exams 2021
Can I remind you that we finish early this coming Thursday, 10th, with the school buses called for 2.20pm. We look forward to meeting with Year 13 parents to discuss what needs to be done in the months ahead to prepare for the summer exams. While I am not sure the measures announced this week go far enough, it was reassuring to hear that some account is being taken of the significant disruption students have suffered during their A level or GCSE courses. Both year groups now have their mocks 'under their belt' and these have allowed teachers to diagnose exactly what needs to be done in order for each student to do him or herself justice in the final exams.
The summer exam timetables have now been confirmed and if you and your child want to know the date of each exam, this information can be found here:https://www.jcq.org.uk/june-2021-gcse-gce-as-and-a-level-timetables/. Details of the 2021 examination measures announced by the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson this week can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-measures-to-support-students-ahead-of-next-summers-exams. We will pass on more detailed information about the amendments when we have them.
With best wishes for a relaxing weekend,
Annmarie McNaney
Headteacher
