I hope that you had a good weekend.

On Thursday evening I had great pleasure of attending the High Sherriff of Northumberland’s Youth Awards at the Northumberland Church of England Academy in Ashington with Mrs Michie. Chantry were invited by the South East Northumberland Magistrates in the Community group to collect a Youth Award on their behalf. Olivia Carrick collected the award from the High Sheriff, Mr John Carr-Ellison and chose Hollie Sparham to accompany her – well done. It was humbling to be part of the evening and celebrate some of the fantastic awards, which included youth projects from across Northumberland. It was great to listen to all the volunteer’s stories and achievements – what a fantastic place Northumberland is to live and work in!

On Friday afternoon, the children enjoyed the Easter Extravaganza and the PTA helped us to make lots of money – we raised £417.90 – what a fantastic achievement! The children really enjoyed playing games such as Play Your Cards Right and Wheel of Fortune. Thank you to all parents who contributed chocolate for prizes – this is very much appreciated as always.

On Saturday evening, our 49 students returned home safely from their week’s skiing in the Alpe d’Huez region of France, with Mr Hutchinson, Miss Edwards, Mrs Brown, Mrs Craigs and Mr Robson. I do hope that you have followed their adventures on the school website or through twitter #CMSski15 – please follow us! Mr Hutchinson spoke to me on Sunday afternoon and said the students were a credit to Chantry Middle – well done. I am sure that they will remember this trip for the rest of their lives.

On Wednesday we will be hosting our last Year 4 taster day with students attending from St Roberts and some of our out of catchment schools. These have been a real success and the children have really enjoyed the Technology and ICT activities, taking home a key ring that they made with Mr Stoker or a cup cake that they baked with Mrs Elliott. They also enjoyed having to make a choice of what to eat at lunchtime.

We have another very busy week in school with a Skipping Festival , Year 8 Hindu workshops, trip to Beamish, a visit from a Sky Sports Ambassador and a famous book author, speed dating as part of the Year 8 Careers programme and house matches! That is just for starters……

I do hope that you take the time to read our Easter newsletter that will be published on Friday.

I do hope that you have a relaxing and peaceful Easter break and hope that you do not eat too many Easter eggs!

Please remember that school reopens on Monday 13th April at 8.55am.

With best wishes

Steven Johnson