From Mr M Hall (Principal):
Dear Parents and Carers,
‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!’
These words by Helen Keller have inspired, reassured and guided our community over recent months. They have reminded us that so much can be achieved when we all pull in the same direction. I am pleased to report that so much has been achieved by the Grace College community during these weeks of lockdown, both onsite and through our online provision. We have much to celebrate and be thankful for. I write this letter with all year groups having returned to lessons in our building; what a tremendous blessing! Our students have made an excellent start upon their return to College. Together we have, and we will continue, to do so much to ensure all members of the Grace College community achieve their personal best.
Nevertheless, I recognise that these past weeks will have had difficulties. The world does not exist for you alone; we are here for you, and we want to support every family and member of our Grace College community in the best way we can. An extensive Welfare Support area has been developed on our website. Please take some time to explore this resource which is for everyone connected to our school.
1761 Lateral Flow Covid Tests have taken place in our building this week. There has been one positive case and two void results. Those students who have not been tested have not attended onsite learning. May I thank the dedicated staff team and our tremendous group of volunteers who have enabled such an important process to take place at Grace College. Testing continues next week and I encourage all in our community to do all we can in keeping each other safe at this time.
Attending school everyday is crucial for students to make excellent progress, grow in character and achieve their personal best. All members of Grace College are infinitely precious and gifted for a purpose. As a staff team we want to utilise every possible opportunity to see our students succeed and achieve far beyond their expectations. We break for the Easter holiday on Thursday 1 April. Let us endeavour to not miss a day of school between now and then. If you are absent, for any reason, we want to know how to support your return as soon as possible. Remember, together we can do so much!
The options processes are on the horizon. These relate to subject choices in the Sixth Form, as well as the incoming Year 10s (GCSE and BTEC course options) and Year 9s (two out of four options subjects will be selected). More information will be shared soon through various video communications. A Microsoft Form should be completed in due course indicating student option choices after the Easter holiday.
We are delighted with the completion of recent building work in Student Reception. Excellent new toilet facilities are available for our Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students. There is also extensive ongoing refurbishment of our Sixth Form Centre. We are all looking forward to enjoying further high-quality renovated facilities at Grace College as the building work continues. I hope that you will be able to visit us on site to see the work in person very soon.
Thank you for your continued support for all we do at Grace College. Together, we are doing so much!
Yours faithfully,
Mr M Hall
Principal