I hope that you had a good Easter break and did not eat too many Easter eggs! I hope that you found the time to spend some time as a family and reflect on the busy Spring term. I enjoyed the break and as well as reflecting on the Spring term took some time to begin planning for the Summer Term ahead. I can promise you that it will be extremely busy! I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and all of the extra-curricular opportunities we will afford the children, as well as supporting the children through their important assessment activities in every year group.

First week back has certainly started as the way we mean to go on! Year 8 had the opportunity to either visit Hartlepool Power Station or Newcastle University – I have been informed that both visits were very successful. Also as part of our careers programme, Newcastle University came to Chantry to work with Year 5 to deliver their Campus Explorers programme. Thank you also to the Year 5 parents who attended the Hawkhirst Parents Information Evening – I know that the children are really looking forward to canoeing on Kielder Water at the beginning of May. I am also grateful to those parents who attended the 5C Literacy lesson and lunch – I hope that you learnt something and enjoyed your lunch.

My highlight of the last week was the whole school assembly when we invited David Watson, father of Rebecca in Year 5, into school. At Student Voice it was decided that we would support the DEBRA charity on Friday through a non-school uniform. Mr Watson delivered a very important presentation on the work of DEBRA, a charity very close to their family’s hearts. Rebecca has epidermolysis bullosa, which is an inherited skin disorder that causes the skin to become very fragile. Mr Watson spoke frankly about the treatment that Rebecca endears every day to help ease and control the symptoms. I am delighted to announce that we raised £377.85 which will be presented to DEBRA, who continue to work hard to find a cure. I am very proud of the students for their generous donations. I know that Rebecca is very happy! Well done everyone and thank you to Mr Watson and Rebecca for preparing the presentation.

In the next couple of days, I will also be writing to you to invite you to join the Trout Ticklers fishing events. We are planning to offer you three opportunities to fish with your child before the summer holidays. You will be able to fish at Fontburn on 10th May or 12th July and at Higham Lake at 14th June from 8am – 4pm. If you are interested in taking up this offer please contact Andrew Jackson, father of Joseph in Year 5, using the following email addres: [email protected]. We would be grateful if you could inform him by 12noon on Friday 1st May so that he can make the necessary arrangements. Please note that an adult must accompany your child throughout the visit.

The Trout Ticklers Club was founded at Hirst Park, Middle in Ashington in 1997 and has had many successes over the past 17 years. However, members have moved on and membership has sadly declined. Students and parents from Chantry have already been invited to an event earlier in the year and we hope that the Trout Ticklers can live on through our school. We hope that we will be able to celebrate the children’s achievements at the fishing events in assembly and through our website. Please do not hesitate to contact Andrew or the school office if you have any further queries.

With best wishes for the coming week

Steven Johnson