30th September 2022
A Message from the Head...
This week, on Monday and Tuesday, it was the turn of the Upper and Lower 5 pupils and their parents to visit the newest facility to open at Gateways, The Old Vicarage.
This building was bought by the school about a year ago and since then it has undergone major refurbishment works before opening as our new base for our 6th form students this September.
The refurbishment works included a new roof, complete ground floor damp-proofing, all new electrics, new plumbing, new heating and new plastering throughout as well as a complete refit of all bathrooms and the kitchen followed by redecoration and furnishing throughout. It has been quite a labour of love!
The feedback on the new provision has been amazing so far with everyone who has visited saying what a fantastic facility we have created - the current 6th formers love it too!
Then on Thursday evening we welcomed parents new to High School to our Key Stage 3 Information Evening. Parents had the opportunity to meet their child's teachers, informally, over drinks and canapes.
Mrs Titman then provided information about Firefly and our communication systems, Mrs Carver spoke about the curriculum and reporting schedules and Mrs Holmes provided an insight into the changes parents can expect to see in their child over the next few years as they navigate the life of the teenager. We hope all who attended found the evening informative.
And then to finish the week, "Gateways' Got Talent" was launched in Prep for pupils in Lower 2, Upper 2 and Lower 3 - see the Prep articles for more information about this new addition to our Calendar. I for one can't wait to see the pupils performing on Friday 14th October and I'm secretly hoping that some Prep staff might also take the opportunity to show off some of their talents! I'm sure Mrs Wallis or Mrs Prince have a party trick or 2 up their sleeves!
Next week we have our High School Careers Fair on Thursday afternoon and our annual Open Day on Friday. All slots for Prep and High School have sadly gone but there are a few slots remaining to visit Nursery, Pre-Reception and the 6th form. The links are below if anyone wishes to share them with friends or family who they think might be interested in a Gateways education for their children.
Nursery & Pre-Reception Open Day Booking
Have a lovely weekend everyone, despite it looking like it will be very good weather for ducks - or indeed Dachshunds in a Mac!
- Dr Tracy Johnson -
PFA update
Gateways Parents & Friends Association are pleased to announce that the total raised from events last year was a huge £27,000!
It was amazing to have so much support from parents for all fundraising activities, including the Christmas and Spring Fairs, the Summer Ball and raffles and dress down days. Thank you so much!
We’re now in the process of getting quotes for the refurbishment of the sports courts and look forward to reporting on progress over the next few months.
If anyone would like to join the volunteer parents that help run the many fundraising activities for the charity, please email us at gpfa@gatewaysschool.co.uk. We would love to have you onboard.
- Jo Wardle, GPFA Committee Member -
