Monday May The Fourth Be With You 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

School Closure Update Like you, I am sure that over the weekend you heard, read or watched a great deal of discussion and speculation about the timing and manner of how the national lockdown might be eased in the coming months, including how and when schools might begin to reopen. Schools and headteachers have not yet been contacted by the Department for Education on this issue. However, it appears that the Government will set out some initial information in one or more of its daily briefings this week. Once we have some details on how the eventual easing will affect all schools (and CNS in particular), we will of course be in touch with you and work with you along each step of that journey. It appears safe to assume that the reopening of schools will not occur overnight and that we can all plan this together, so that we all feel positive and safe about the next steps. We know there is a mixture of frustration and eagerness to return to normality, combined with anxiety and fears surrounding a hasty reopening. I share those feelings as a teacher and as a parent and wish to reassure you that the Leadership Team and the Governing Body will continue to work very closely on these and all other matters, supported by our colleagues at the River Learning Trust as well.

Year 11 Signs for Oxford United And now to the fantastic news that Eddie Brearey (Year 11) has been signed by Oxford United FC Academy on a scholarship. You can read the full story here and learn how Eddie is keeping fit, staying motivated and being positive during the lockdown. Well done to Eddie but also his family who, as many of us will know, often have to be equally committed to get them up and out to training and matches during many long, cold and wet winter months. But it has all paid off and we are very, very proud of Eddie! Continued…

Images for Sale
Maddi Hall (KS3) has also been making great use of her time by painting six beautiful wildlife images.  Maddi hopes to sell copies of her work for £5 each and give all of the proceeds to the Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity. Having spent some time in the JR fairly recently and having her appendix removed, she decided to give something back!  You can see her Facebook page by clicking here. Alternatively, Maddi’s mum is happy for you to email her instead on [email protected].

Chipping Norton News – May Edition Is Out Now!
The team at Chipping Norton News have asked me to reassure you that the monthly publication continues ‘as normal’ and by clicking here you can get your own on-line copy of the May edition.
They have described it as a, “Free 4 page ‘Lockdown’ newssheet, with reports on how the town is rallying round and finding new ways to work and play!”  It is full of local news and reports on the arts, sports, cubs and schools. There are free printed copies in all of the main shop outlet boxes, Health Centre, Hospital and St Mary’s Church Porch. Contributions are invited and welcome for similar editions in June and July.

Staffing Updates

In the weeks leading up to the closure of schools, the Governing Body and I embarked on a quest to extend the Leadership Team at CNS for September. I am pleased to inform you that we recently confirmed the appointment of Mrs De Bruyn (currently Head of Sixth Form) and Mrs Armistead (currently Head of Year 12 and Head of Psychology at Marlborough School) as Assistant Headteachers. We are delighted with these appointments and later this year I shall set out how, between us, the six members of the Leadership Team intend to focus our time and energy from September onwards. The domino effects of these appointments are that Mr Ward (currently Head of RE) will step into the Acting Head of Sixth Form role and Mr Dye will return to us as the Acting Head of RE. All of these appointments, promotions and additions are extremely good news for CNS and I reflect with considerable excitement on the strength that has been added to our teaching staff and capacity to be a truly exceptional school.

Year 11s

Earlier today, I wrote to our Year 11 students and families. The letter included an invitation to take part in an online survey that explores a wide range of issues including wellbeing and preparations for Year 12. If your son or daughter is in Year 11, then please read that letter as well.

And finally…
Please do not hesitate to email me if you wish ([email protected]). I shall be in touch next week as normal and also ask that you look out for Ms Hancock’s, Mrs Smart’s (Including the CNS@Home Mountain Challenge) and then Mr Gent weekly letters on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Until then, take care.

Yours sincerely,
Barry Doherty
Headteacher