Welcome from the Headmaster

3rd February 2012

Before I came to Cambridge, many people warned me of the arctic chill which sweeps its way across the city during the winter months. I now know what they mean. It’s been cold this week, very cold. Even colder on Latham fields where I saw the hockey teams play on Wednesday. I must be getting softer in my old age as I found myself being quickly drawn towards the indoor comforts of the Sports Hall to watch the U13 and U12 netball teams play so well against Gresham’s. Our teams that played away at Gresham’s on Wednesday, on the north Norfolk coast, must be still thawing out.

I know that some of our children have their fingers crossed for snow and have been polishing their sledges this week. According to the forecasters there is the possibility of a snow fall but I have warned the children not to get too excited about the prospect of sledging during the week. In the past, St Faith’s has remained open when snow has caused local difficulty and our aim is to keep open if we can, but we will close if there is doubt about catering staff or teaching staff being available. In the event of bad weather and your being in doubt about the wisdom of attempting the journey I hope that you will recognise that the better part of valour is discretion!

If St Faith’s has to close for the day, this information will be provided to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for broadcasting. A notice will be put on the homepage of the website and emails and texts sent via the SchoolComms messaging service. All this will happen as soon as can be arranged. However, we would ask that you please look at the website and your e-mail and text inbox and listen to the radio before trying to ring the school!

If the school is open but travel is difficult please give your children breakfast before starting the journey in case you miss breakfast here or it is unavailable.

I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that we were in the process of recruiting a Sustainability Coordinator to replace Mrs Price when she steps down from this post at the end of the academic year. Well, the smoke has gone up (carbon neutral smoke of course) and Mrs Neely and Mr Pendlebury have been appointed. Mrs Neely will head-up the Eco Committee and Mr Pendlebury will act as her assistant, replacing Mrs Seve. Over the next few months they will be working with Mrs Price and Mrs Seve to ensure a smooth hand over.

This weekend sees the official launch of Tom’s Trust, with an Auction of Promises at Corpus Christi College. Thank you to the committee members who have worked so hard in organising this event. With so many St Faith’s parents and staff planning to attend, it should be a warm, welcoming and successful evening. One of the 'promises' to be auctioned is for a pupil to be the St Faith's 'Headmaster for the Day'. We will find out who that will be on Saturday!

Nigel Helliwell