Head Teacher's Report 2004

One Year On...

It's now a year since I became Head Teacher at Stoke Row. Gosh, where did the time go? In this short time we have seen many changes, some to do with staffing, equipment upgrades and building changes. Let's run through some of them:

Last July we said goodbye to Mrs Putman, who had worked here for many years, as she took the opportunity to make a career change. We then welcomed Mrs Lynne Morris, who is now working with Red Class. In December last year, we said a sad farewell to Mrs Williams, who left to follow her husband and to return to her part of the country, where she continues to teach. January saw Mrs Wendy Bowes join the staff, working with a very large Yellow Class. We are very fortunate to have such a well qualified, hardworking and dedicated staff, and I don't just mean the teachers. We would not be able to do half as much without the efforts of our School Secretary, Learning Support Assistants, Lunchtime Supervisors, Cleaner and Caretaker. It would be wrong of me not to mention the parents and children of the school here. There wouldn't be much point in all this if you weren't working with us. Thankyou all!

Finally, in this tribute, I have to mention two bodies of people who make the school special and without whom we would be lost. Firstly, the School Association members who put so much 'fun' into the life of the school and secondly, the Governors, whose efforts, often unseen, have made the school one of the most effective establishments I know. (And I've seen lots!)

Well, that's the people. What about the equipment?

We have Interactive Whiteboards in each classroom, which the children really love. It gives a whole new dimension to learning. Staff all have laptop computers to use for planning, work preparation, etc. The school now has access to broadband internet connections and a scanner and digital camera, which give us more possibilities for the future and the general level of provision, both in books and equipment is up.

The building itself has seen some changes. We now have a comfortable staffroom, staff toilet and medical room. We have a new heating system and more efficient lighting.

What next?

Well, apart from ongoing training for staff and information evenings planned for parents, we have some substantial improvements in the pipeline. The Early Years area is to be fenced off and the ground within improved with a soft surface play area and upgrading of the existing play equipment. This year should see us add a large, Four Season Conservatory to the front of school, which will mean several advantages, including;

A single, secure point of entry for visitors throughout the day
A new, improved office space
A new location for our library
A single entrance and exit for children at the beginning and the end of the day, close to Yellow Class. (No more lost parents!)
A ramped, disabled access to the main building
A new teaching space in the existing office
A new cloakroom area, releasing the existing areas for storage

In short, the work of the school goes on, and the development of it is exciting and promises real improvements to the structure, the working and the achievements of the school. Beyond this? Watch this space!

Steve McTegart