Prev
Next
festive wishes
Festive message from Mr Clutterbuck, Headteacher
Well, Deer Park has made it to the Christmas break! In spite of the meteorological challenges which fell upon us at the start of the week and caused school to be physically closed on Monday 12 December 2022, staff, pupils and families have shovelled snow and scattered salt and grit to make sure that the last week of term ran smoothly, at least from Tuesday 13 December.
In school, our pupils responded superbly to the difficult conditions underfoot, managing themselves around the site brilliantly. In and around the regular teaching, pupils and staff have enjoyed the festive spirit.
The return of our annual Carol Service at the Parish Church in Cirencester's Market Place was most welcome, with the performers and the Expressive Arts Faculty making last minute changes to rehearsal schedules following the closure of the school on Monday. Tuesday’s event was very festive with a packed church in spite of the cold; it was lovely to see so many families turn out and really showed how Deer Park is a focal part of the community. Read more...
Thursday was Christmas Jumper Day, with donations to Cirencester Foodbank, and our Canteen served up Christmas Lunch (with all the trimmings) in the Main Hall. Thank you to everyone who donated money (over £525) and food items, these contributions will make a significant difference to many people’s lives.
And finally to Friday, the last day of term, when pupils were ‘entertained’ by the staff pantomime. Whilst this obviously wasn’t a patch on the whole school performances we have grown used to over the years, there was plenty of enthusiasm from the performers.
Just when I thought it was safe to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…
Towards the end of lesson 3 we had to evacuate the school due to smoke in the main building, which we now believe may have originated from work being carried out on the roof. Pupils and staff responded sensibly, safely and efficiently to the evacuation and whilst we waited for the Fire Service to arrive, we rehoused all pupils in other teaching buildings away from the main block.
The Fire Service carried out a thorough check of the building and reported that there was no fire (thankfully). Once we were given the all clear, pupils were sent home, albeit a little later than the published 1pm finish! Thank you to everyone for managing the situation so sensibly and patiently.
It now really does remain for me to thank you all for your ongoing support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Tuesday 3 January is an Inset Day, so we are all back in school on Wednesday 4 January 2023, which is a Week 1. See you in 2023!
Mr Clutterbuck, Headteacher