WLD Update Saturday 20th July 2019

We have reached the end of another eventful school year!  It has been a year of development - focused on keeping the ethos and relationships constant, which are the heart of the school, while seeking to continually improve the quality of teaching and learning in every lesson.  ​Trips and Activities Day is on Monday and then we close for the summer at lunchtime (12.20) on Tuesday.

Changes:  On Tuesday we bid farewell to a number of staff - 3 members of staff are retiring:  Miss Hunt, who retires as teacher of music after nearly 40 years at Walton-le-Dale; Mrs Snape who has been a very significant part of the life of the school for over 30 years as teacher, SENCO and Assistant Headteacher; and Mrs Laverty who has been responsible for the pastoral work of the school as Deputy Headteacher for the last 15 years.  The impact that these three teachers have had upon generations of young people is incalculable and we are deeply grateful for their service to the school.  Three staff are moving on due to significant promotions:  Mr Fiddler takes on the role of Head of Maths in a much larger school, Miss McPartlan and Miss Hughes take up very well-deserved promoted posts as Lead Practitioners in their subjects in other schools.  Mrs Smith-Sergeant is beginning a new career as a teacher of yoga - we wish her all the very best.  Mr Withers has completed his year covering for Miss Kelly's maternity leave and moves to a school in Warrington and Miss Stevens leaves us after a short spell as a cover supervisor.  Walton-le-Dale is a close-knit community so, while we have made strong appointments for the new school year, it is always sad when friends and colleagues leave - however positive the reasons.     

"Race for Life Schools" update:  The total now stands at over £3100, which is absolutely amazing.  If you would still like to donate then the Cancer Research link is here. 

We wish Mr Hardman all the very best as he is undertaking the 500 mile challenge in memory of Tim Hindle in the first full week of the holidays (starting with Snowdon next Monday!) to raise money for Manchester Children's Hospital - please support him and donate here. 

Every student will have been set preparation work to do for next term (for example using Doddle, for which all students have logins).  Just as staff need to prepare for the new school year so do our students, once they have had a well-deserved break! 

Upcoming events - We close for the summer at lunchtime (12.20) on Tuesday.  GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 22nd August and results can be collected from school from 9.30am.  Our uniform shop is open from 10am until 2pm for the 2 weeks from Monday 19th August (not including the Bank Holiday).     

Have a very good summer break, stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone back at the usual time on Tuesday 3rd September when we will be welcoming our new Year 7s...

James Harris

Headteacher