Success, Happiness and New Beginnings 

As the United States finally inaugurated their new President in January, I reminded all our senior pupils about our obligations to consider a new 3 R’s for a happy school life namely Rights, Respect and Responsibility. We are all part of a diverse and vibrant community here in College and in order for us all to thrive, it is essential that every staff member and pupil upholds these values.

January also welcomed our new Head of Aldford Rebecca Walker and she has already made her mark on our Junior School. There are new clubs, a code of conduct throughout the school, “Pupil of the Week” awards and a weekly newsletter is planned. Celebration assemblies on Friday have become a firm favourite (with dancing I believe) and preparations for the J3 and J4 Drama evening are well underway.

Sporting congratulations go to our ski teams who competed so well at the British Championships in France and Germany. Congratulations to Georgina Gardner Stockley, Robert Cross and Cameron Ryalls who have all been selected for the English Training Squad and well done to Sophie Caldwell who returned from Europe with two fantastic individual trophies. Our skiing success grows every season and reflects the hard work, training and commitment of the skiers and the staff who support them.  Not to be outdone the Cross Country runners braved the weather at Altrincham last week and the under 11 Girls Team from Aldford won the Competition. The team comprised of Amy Williams (who won the race), Charlotte Williamson, Nia Jones, Beth Jones, Natasha Tudor and Eleanor Parker – an amazing result from one of the smallest schools in the competition. 

These successes are all achieved through hard work and commitment - Abbey Gate pupils thrive on this and I am very proud of all their achievements.  In addition the teachers also do not wish to be overlooked and the wonderful concert in the Theatre by the Music Teachers at the end of January was an absolute joy.  All the peripatetic staff donned their finery and performed to a full house of parents, pupils and friends – Mr Smith, Mrs Dukes and Mrs Goodwin were also keen to share their expertise – it was a memorable evening that also included the Concert Band!

A new generation of Saightonians sat the 11+ Entrance Examinations on January 26th with excellent support from a group of Sixth Form volunteers acting as guides and reassurance for the nervous Year 6 visitors.  That is the nature of every New Year as we immediately start planning for the next academic year too. I hope you have all managed to stick to your new year resolutions and I leave you with the thoughts of Albert Schweitzer ……. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, 

you will be successful.”

Surely a recipe for life in school and beyond!