Head of School Letter 23rd Sept 202424/09/2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

The Wing Family Fest was an absolute triumph! Despite the ominous clouds and a torrential downpour in Stewkley, Wing village was fortunate enough to be spared the rain, allowing for an afternoon of community celebration!

The Color Run was a spectacular event, with four vibrant sessions that left participants covered in colourful powder after navigating a challenging course of cargo nets, hay bales, tires, and a massive 40-metre inflatable assault course. The excitement and energy were palpable as participants tackled each obstacle with enthusiasm. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, there was plenty to enjoy. Teddy's amazing Punch and Judy show delighted audiences young and old, while the tombolas and raffle offered the chance to win some amazing prizes. The ice cream van proved to be popular, as did the Police cars, and the various stalls showcased local crafts and products. Some excellent live music from Cottesloe students added to the atmosphere.

Wing Family Fest was a testament to the dedication of the organisers, Anna Gunn and Laura Kay, who have worked tirelessly over a number months to plan first the washed-out day in July and the rescheduled day on Saturday. A huge thank you to them, the PTA of Overstone and the wealth of volunteers - staff and families from both Overstone and The Cottesloe School who swapped their usual Saturdays for something much more colourful to ensure the event was a fantastic day for children and their families from Overstone, The Cottesloe, and the wider village community. The final thank you needs to go to all of you - the families who came and ran or ate ice cream or simply enjoyed an afternoon with friends; we couldn’t have done it without our community embracing the opportunity to spend time together. 

Wet Weather We are asking for your help to ensure that all our students have the most comfortable experience possible on rainy days like today. Please encourage your child to wear a coat to school. As you know, our school layout requires students to walk outside to reach different classes throughout the day. Many students didn't have coats today, and despite our wet weather plans for break and lunch, some of them likely ended up with damp blazers. By wearing a coat, your child can stay warm and dry throughout the day, especially while waiting for buses or walking between buildings in inclement weather.

 

Wider Curriculum clubs and Sports A reminder the clubs started last week. If students didn’t make it and would like to attend, they are very welcome. We encourage students to make a commitment to attend on a regular basis and each week where at all possible. For more information please see: Wider Curriculum and Activities Links to club timetables here: All Clubs Sports Clubs and Teams     Performing Arts 

 

School Production The cast list went up last week and rehearsals have begun for the school production of Aladdin. Details about possible support with costumes, props and scenery will follow in the coming weeks. 

Buckinghamshire Council school bus route changes We have recently been informed that some school bus routes serviced by Marshalls have had their times adjusted. We appreciate the frustrations of some parents about the lack of clarity regarding the communication of changes. Unfortunately as the school does not manage or coordinate home-to-school transportation, we do not always receive immediate updates about changes to bus schedules to communicate with families. The best way to find out about any changes or if you have any questions or concerns regarding school bus transportation, is to contact Buckinghamshire Council directly. They are responsible for the coordination of all free school transport and can be reached through their website: Contact | Buckinghamshire Council The website also provides additional information about school transport, including routes, timetables, and travel policies: School transport | Buckinghamshire Council

DATES CHANGED: Year 6 into 7 Open Evening  Due to unforeseen circumstances, including ongoing building work, adverse weather conditions, and flooding on the school site, we have made the difficult decision to postpone Open Evening, originally scheduled for this Thursday 26th September. The heavy rainfall and poor weather forecast for the coming days make it impossible to use the field as a car park, as we have done in previous years,  and our limited car parking spaces due to building work further complicate matters. A separate letter will be coming out later today. 

Sport Fixtures and results This year our brilliant triathlete, Olive has been joined by younger sister Lottie who has started in year 7. Both girls competed in the British Triathlon Inter Regional Championships last weekend. The IRCs are the National Championships for TriStar 2 (age 11-12) and TriStar 3 (age 13-14) athletes, with only the best from each region selected to compete. The event consisted of a 300m open water swim, 2.6km bike ride finished off with a 1.3km run. They both qualified after the heats to the A final. In the final Olive came 14th and Lottie 22nd. On the second day they were in relay teams with Olive's team coming 6th and Lottie’s team coming 12th. An incredible performance by both girls! 

We’ve already played some matches so here are the first results of 2024/25:

• Year 8 boys football (league) vs Chiltern Hills Academy - (2-0 win) 
• Year 9 boys football (county cup) vs Chiltern Hills Academy - (5-0 win) 
• Under 15 girls football (ESFA) vs Redborne Upper School - (6-0 loss) 
• Under 18 boys football (league) vs Sir Henry Floyd - (3-2 loss) 

The PE team has returned with glowing reports about the performance of our students in the opening fixtures of the season. Despite some unfortunate results, our athletes have demonstrated exceptional commitment, courage, and resilience.

The Sixth Form team showcased their talent against a formidable SHF side, playing a match that could have easily gone either way. While the final score may not have reflected their efforts, their performance has set a high standard for the rest of the season. Our under-15 girls also faced a tough challenge in their opening fixture. Despite a disappointing result, Miss Keveren commended the team's unwavering spirit and ability to play together cohesively.

Overall, our students have represented the school with pride, displaying admirable qualities that bode well for future fixtures. Their dedication and determination are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and the coaching staff.

Year 11 As I write, the St Omer trip had not reached the UK on their return leg from France, but from the information shared over the weekend, it sounded like it was a great adventure! Well done to those students who overcame their fears and enjoyed the snail tasting. Thank you again to the four members of staff giving up their weekends to accompany the students and support their increased language acquisition - Miss Mesnil, Mrs McMinn, Miss Gray and Mr Knightley. Miss Mesnil shared with me today that the coach driver and the hotel staff had commented how polite, mindful and kind the students had been throughout the trip. Some really lovely feedback! 

 

Another group of Year 11 Silver D of E students will be out this coming weekend in the Forest of Dean. We hope they have some good weather!

 

Year 7 If you are a parent/carer of a Year 7 student, you will know from Mr. Fox's letter, there has been a change in the timings for Year 7 students. Starting today, Year 7 will no longer be released 10 minutes early before break, lunch, or the end of the school day. They will now follow the regular school schedule. Thank you for your support in helping Year 7 have a fantastic start to their Cottesloe journey.

 

I hope you have a positive week. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Best wishes, 

Louise Baldwin

Head of School