Newsletter 28 Jan 2008

Dear Parents, Welcome to our new version of the newsletter. This new format has been designed by students Dan Leedham and Claire Winterbottom Y 10. They are working with Mrs. Teri Rowe, an experienced editorial writer currently spending a year in England. Teri’s daughter Susanna is with us in the school as a Year 8 student. This small editorial team hope to improve the readability of our school newsletter, and may be experimenting with layout and content in the future. In light of that aim they would appreciate any constructive feedback, suggestions or expressions of gratitude for their endeavors. You will find their contact information on the back of the newsletter. In the last newsletter you will have seen the box advertising our new bursary fund. Mr. Mitchell’s work on behalf of the school in obtaining money for this fund has been very successful, a job well done, which we acknowledge and thank him for. I would like to commend a report in this newsletter written by Mr. John Mitchell for your interest and information. Hopefully his report will give you a fuller context for explaining how we are able to make this long overdue provision of a bursary fund available. If you would like to apply for funds, or obtain more information concerning this provision please feel free to write Mr. Andrew Parker care of the school office. In the same way, if you are interested in adding to this provision by donating a regular amount to the growing fund, you may contact Mr. Parker through the school office.

Yours sincerely Mr P J Moon

MrsCribb

It is with a certain amount of sadness that the governors have accepted the resignation of Mrs. Stephanie Cribb from our staff team as of the end of this academic year. Some of you may know that the Cribb’s, as a family, spent three years in Paraguay from 2002 to 2005. Both Mrs. & Mrs. Cribb have made regular visits back to Paraguay to support and encourage the ministries they pioneered there. At this time they feel that they are entering a new season of opportunity in Paraguay and neighbouring Argentina. They will maintain their Bradford home and family base, but envisage a significant amount of time sowing into new opportunities in these nations. Stephanie, quite rightly, feels her first call is to support her husband Paul in their successful ministry in South America.

We loose an excellent teacher and colleague. Mrs Cribb’s work has greatly enhanced the lives of her students with her thoroughness, flair, and ability to call up the best responses from the schools most able students. The school is committed to seeking a suitable replacement and I have included an advertisement in this newsletter. Please pray about anyone you know who may be well-qualified to consider this post. The governors will also use other avenues to advertise and recruit Mrs Cribb’s successor.

Advert for a new English teacher

Required for September, 2008 – A teacher of secondary English to prepare students for GCSE, English & Literature, and develop our distinctly Christian ethos through the curriculum. This post is part-time 0.5. However, we are prepared to consider a more full-time position if applicant can also offer secondary Geography. For further information please contact Mr. Moon at the school office.

Primary News

As a school with a vision we are constantly seeking new strategies for our future. The leadership and governor’s of the school realize the need to target children under five years of age. In light of that concern, Kjersti Hubbard, head of our primary school, has initiated an event taking place Wednesday, 6th February. There will be an informal presentation held at the school to introduce parents of young students to the curriculum, teaching methods and ethos of our primary classes. This time will include lunch together provided by the school.

Could those of you with outstanding milk money costs please pay Mrs. Moffatt at the school office.

Fundraising Report - John Mitchell

I have been employed by the school in a fundraising capacity, one day a week, since September, 2006. This involves researching the various trusts and grant-making bodies, and identifying and approaching those that are potential sources of funds for the varied aspects of the school.

It has proved to be a successful exercise, with in excess of ₤20,000 raised in grants and donations. These have come from a wide range of benefactors, from overtly Christian trusts to secular organizations, to limited companies. We have received over ₤3,000 toward Special Education needs resources and ₤350 for the purchase of books. Of the ₤2,000+ received for the provision of equipment, ₤1,000 has been spent on sports/games equipment and ₤500 on computer systems for the S.E.N. “base.”

However, by far the most successful “category,” has been our Bursary Fund. This was started with approximately ₤1,900 in bequests for the late Ange Carver, one of the parents at the school, who sadly died last year. We have also received over ₤4,000 from other sources, and you will have read in the 14th January Newsletter of the plans for these funds. In addition, one particular Trust is funding the annual fees of six specific pupils to the tune of almost ₤11,000 this school year, with an agreement to do the same next year. We are now receiving regular donations into the Bursary Fund from a number of parents. Obviously this is open to anyone who wished to support this specific purpose. Should this interest you, please apply to the school office for a Bankers Order form.

Christain Schools Trust

As a member of the Christian Schools Trust, where Mr. Moon serves on the National Core Team, we have benefited greatly as a school. Last term we explained that each family has been signed up as a friend of CST and that ₤20 per family, the cost of the subscription, is given to the Trust from the school on your behalf. This covers the cost of an annual subscription. Enclosed is your first copy of their news magazine, Wingspan, featuring an article on promoting Christian schools by Mr. Moon! Enjoy reading this important publication, take what it says to heart, and remember to pray for Christian Education in our country.