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 We have arrived at the end of the academic year although it only seems minutes since we were at the beginning. It is a year that we will remember for our Inspection, the Snow, the Ash Cloud and the Building Project - a varied and memorable year. We will of course also remember the sad loss of Zainah Baig last September. Zainah's parents have donated a prize in Zainah's name which will be awarded for the first time at Speech Day in November.
The school has changed significantly this year with the onset of the building work. We have received the first completed room - the Undercroft. This will eventually house our Fitness Suite but at present is home to the Sixth Form whilst their Common Room and study facilities are being built. The new room is light, air conditioned and centrally positioned; it is proving a valuable addition to the school already. At present we have clear glass in the windows but this will be coated and hence become opaque once the room is used as a fitness suite. We hope to have the Senior Library back in late September and are planning the opening for early October. The rest of the new building should be completed by December and hopefully we will be able to move in in the New Year.
We have been fundraising in order to purchase extras for our new building and you will find reference on our website to mementoes that you may be interested in purchasing. In addition, you may like to have your name inscribed on a glass wall in the building; forms are also available to opt to do this. The Development Group will be organising a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 4th December. We do hope that you will support this event. We plan to organise a Rowathon in the Summer of 2011 not December 2010 as originally planned.
The end of a school year also sadly involves a lot of goodbyes and this year is no exception. We have already said a fond farewell to our Upper Sixth Leavers and look forward to seeing them again at Speech Day. We have 4 members of staff retiring this year:
In the Senior School
Dr Christine Brown - Head of Classics, who retires after 10 years service
Dr Frances Cook - Head of Physics, who retires after 13 years service
In the Preparatory School
Mrs Teresa Norris - Deputy Head of the Preparatory School, who retires after being in post for 22 years and has worked for 3 Headmistresses: Mrs Birt, Mrs Bartlett and Mrs Hartley.
Also we say farewell to Mrs Georgina Taylor - Matron, who has looked after girls and staff at EHS for 18 years.
They will all be greatly missed.
We also say goodbye to
Miss Holly Barlow - PE Senior School, maternity cover
Miss Claire Prince - Preparatory School, maternity cover and
Mrs Elizabeth Schofield - Home Economics
We also welcome two new members of staff and congratulate two who have taken on new responsibilities.
In September, Miss Sarah Easton will take on the role of Head of Classics and Miss Rebecca Thomas will become Head of Physics.
Mr Jacob Sabotig will join us as Teacher of Physics
Miss Isabel Simmons will join us as Teacher of Classics.
We have made some changes to our uniform following discussions with parents and pupils. I attach an updated uniform list for your information. I hope that you will support us in keeping the girls smart in appearance and would ask that you review your daughter's current uniform over the holidays, particularly with regard to short skirts and ragged cuffs on jumpers.
In the Senior School we have two overseas trips this summer to Italy and Berlin. I attach an information sheet listing future trips, for your information. I am grateful to the teaching staff who give of their time readily to provide these opportunities for the girls.
August will see the release of examination results:
A level results will be available on Thursday 19th August from 9.00am, AS levels from 9.30am.
GCSE results will be available on Tuesday 24th August from 8.30am
On both occasions refreshments will be available in the Octagon Link and staff will be available to offer advice if needed.
All that remains is for me to thank you for your support this year and wish you and your family a very happy holiday. I look forward to welcoming the girls back to school on Monday 6th September.
Dr Ruth Weeks
Headmistress
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