LANDSCAPING

Thank you to all the parents who have sent in money for trees/shrubs/flowers for our landscaping project.  The main part of the landscaping will be done over the summer holidays, whilst the trees, shrubs and flowers will be planted in October/November.  We are going to hold a “dig in” at school on a Saturday.  I will let you know when as soon as I have a date from the landscape architect.  The area where the temporary classrooms have been removed will have a makeover as indicated in the plan below:

So far we have raised £1084.55 of the £1157.50 needed.

SUMMER FUN DAY

This event is being held on Saturday, 2^nd July from 11.30am to 2.00pm.  Thank you to all the parents who responded to my request for support of the PTA.  We have had numerous donations over the past few days of bottles, books, tombola items and plants.  Please also come and support the staff and students in their quest to raise money for the school.  There are many wonderful activities for students to take part in, such as sumo wrestling and bungee run.

We have fantastic prizes in our raffle such as a weekend cottage let, tour and wine tasting to the Three Choirs Vineyard, £100 Amazon voucher and many more prizes.

WELCOME TO YEAR 6 EVENING

This was a great occasion whereby the new students and parents were introduced to life at the High School.  The parents and students heard from the Head Girl, Isobel Green, and from a Year 7 student Olivia Brock about the community spirit of the school and what co-curricular activities are available.  The students met with their Form Tutors and current Year 7 students.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and went home happy.

HIGH SCHOOL SIXTH FORM DAY

Last Friday we hosted 153 Sixth Formers at the school for our Sixth Form Induction Day.  They had to do a quiz around Gloucester City which included taking “selfies” near famous monuments and also had great fun in a number of activities provided by the Army.  The students indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed the day and the Army was so impressed that they are happy to come again.  Thank you to the Head Girl and Head Boy and Deputies for organising the quiz around Gloucester City.

ALUMNI RECEPTION

Last Saturday we held a lunch for some of the oldest alumni of the High School for Girls in the new building.  The alumni were shown round the new English and Performing Arts Centre and they were entertained by a wonderful piece of music played by Sophie Ellis on the French horn.  Sophie is a very talented musician who is about to take her Grade 8 on the French horn.  It was lovely to see how appreciative the audience was.  The alumni enjoyed their lunch and meeting up with old friends.  If any parent is an alumni of the school then please join the alumni association.  Links to it can be found under students on our website.  By joining you will receive news about the High School for Girls and its developments.

CPD TWILIGHT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

Last night all staff were involved in a CPD session on Teaching and Learning where staff from different Faculties showcased innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.  Some of the ideas shared were:

• How stretch and challenge displays are used to create independent learning.
• How ipads are used to check knowledge and skills.
• How top sheets are used on work to improve accuracy.
• How success criteria are used by students to improve work.

G15 CONCERT

On Tuesday it was a real privilege to join other Headteachers at the G15 Concert in Gloucester Cathedral.  All of the 15 institutions that belong to the group took part in the concert.  The High School for Girls’ percussion group delighted with their playing of “Get Lucky” by Williams arr. Gerard.  It was wonderful to see students from Year 13 to Year 8 taking part in the group and it just proves how connected all the year groups are.  We were further treated to a stunning performance by Evie Perfect (Year 7) singing “Ave Maria” and Ella Bowman (Year 7) doing a ballet dance to accompany the singing.  They were accompanied by Ashleigh Turley (aged 13) from The Milestone School.  It was a very moving performance.  Well done to all the High School performers.

CLERK TO GOVERNORS

The Governors of the High School for Girls are seeking to appoint a Clerk to the Governors for September 2016 who will also be Company Secretary.  For further details please visit the High School website or contact the Chair of Governors, David Knight on chairofgovernors@hsfg.org.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• Summer Showcase – Wizard of Oz – School Hall Thursday, 14^th and Friday, 15^th July at 7.00pm.  Please get your tickets from the school’s reception.
• Activity Days – for Years 7-10 and Year 12.  A well deserved treat at the end of the academic year!