The Voice Edition 42 - The Robert Napier School

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 2
Staffing Changes
At this time of year, it is customary to bid farewell to a
number of staff. For some it is an opportunity to move
onto a new school, while for others their departure from
Robert Napier marks a new chapter in their lives.
Mr. Falconer is leaving the school after thirteen years
during which he enjoyed several roles including Head
of PE, Head of Year and professional tutor for teacher
training in collaboration with several local universities.
During his time as Head of PE, the new Sports Hall
was built, rugby was introduced to the curriculum and
PE continued to develop as a popular and successful
subject. His firm, but supportive attitude to students
meant that as a Year Head he was approachable and
respected. We wish him a long and happy retirement.
Mr. Nicholson, who has taught at the school for over
thirty years, is retiring. As well as his efforts in the
Geography department over the years, he will be
remembered for his active participation in a wide
range of activities. It was he who originally set up the
Activity Week residential visit to St. Mary’s Bay and
helped run the field trip to Snowdonia. He was also
noted for his fine tenor voice and his energetic
performances as the dame in school pantomimes. Over
the years, he also helped raise much needed money for
school funds through the organisation of quizzes. He
hopes to start a new life in Lincolnshire and we wish
him and his family well.
Mrs. West is moving after seven years at the school to
spend more time with her family. She originally came
to the school as a newly-qualified teacher and during
her time here she has used her energy and enthusiasm
to help develop the Design & Technology department.
In the History Department, Mr. Smith is moving after
six years to take on the challenges of teaching in a
special school. His organisation of numerous History
visits will be missed. Mr. Richardson, on the other
hand, is moving to a Head of Department position in
another school. During his four years at Robert Napier,
his energetic approach in the classroom and outside
with the running of school teams has left an
impression on many. Finally, Mr. Burgess, who
stepped down as head of History last July, but who
returned to teach his Year 11 group, has finally ended
his long association with this school, so that he can
spend more time with his gardening ventures.
In Art, Mr. Taylor and Miss Street have decided to
broaden their experience by moving to other schools
within Kent after two years at the school. We thank
them for the contribution they have both made to
student progress and enjoyment in their subject.
In the Learning Support Department, we also say
goodbye to two long serving LSAs. Mrs. Harrison is
leaving after 13 years. She will be remembered for the
caring, sensitive and patient approach she always
adopted with students. Of late, she has also begun to
lead classes and she will be moving on to become a
cover supervisor in her new school. Mrs. Lees will be
moving to work in a special school after eight years at
Robert Napier. In her time here, her energy and
passion for the welfare of AEN students have seen her
lead several initiatives, including the Socialisation
classes and the Buddy scheme.
Finally, a big thank you to Mrs. Taylor for once again
stepping into the breach when she was needed in the
English department.
To all the members of staff, who are leaving, we
extend our thanks for their efforts during their time at
Robert Napier and we wish them good luck for the
future.
Dear All
We are vey pleased to tell you that this year we have nearly doubled the
amount raised last year to almost £600. A BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers
– parents, staff and pupils, and also to all those who supported us by
buying raffle tickets, refreshments and uniform. We have more plans for next
year including a Quiz & Bingo Night and a Disco for Year 7 in December...
Watch this Space!!
Just an end of year reminder about uniform – any good quality unwanted
uniform can be taken into the school office for us to collect. All donations
gratefully received. Anyone wanting uniform can contact us via the School
office or see our stall at all Parents Evenings.
We are also trying to establish a list of volunteers who would be able to help
out on refreshment stalls once or twice a year, so if you cannot commit to
attending meetings or if it’s not your thing, we would still appreciate you help
in whatever way you can. We are always looking for donations of raffle prizes
or perhaps your firm would be willing to sponsor an event. Once again please
contact us via the school office.
You can help us too by making www.everyclick.com your homepage. Every
search done using this page earns us money!! And in January we will be
collecting used mobile phones for recycling for which we receive a donation.
For anyone interested in joining us, our next meeting is on 18th September in
the School Library at 6:30pm. All are welcome!
Happy Holidays...
The ‘Friends of Robert Napier School’
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Many thanks to all parents/
carers who have attended.
We have enjoyed a very
successful year ending with
a cream tea.
The purpose of the group
is to share experiences and
ideas, offer advice and
have a laugh.
Over the year we have had
different speakers ranging
from the Autistic Outreach
Service, Educational
Psychologist Service,
School Counsellor, Year Heads and Head Teacher.
During one session we sampled canteen food and we were all impressed with the
quality and variety of fresh food. In another session Mrs Lees (LSA) demonstrated
some of the games used in Socialisation to much hilarity. We set our own agenda
with the emphasis on informality. Children are welcome but they are the
responsibility of the parent/carer.
Drop in session dates are as follows: 1st October 2008, 5th November 2008,
3rd December 2008, 7th January 2009, 4th February 2009, 4th March 2009,
1st April 2009, 6th May 2009, 3rd June 2009 and 1st July 2009.
J Wilford SENCO