All for One and One for All
As the last watery rays of sunshine lift our spirits at the end of our rain soaked summer, last week also saw our annual Open Day. Apart from the last minute completion of wall displays, activities and experiments, the afternoon and evening are very much a true reflection of life here at Abbey Gate College, not a staged performance. As always our pupils from J6 to the Upper Sixth and including our newest recruits in Year 7, acted as guides for over 130 families on Thursday evening. If the buzz of anticipation in the waiting areas was anything to go by all our visitors were blessed with enthusiasm, consideration and friendliness on their tour. Pupils of all ages and interests stepped into the breach at various points in the evening when guides were in short supply. What a fantastic job they all did – a big thank you to all! I am also delighted that so many pupils came back to demonstrate activities and their skills – they all showed a great pride and warmth which is heartening. Great teamwork throughout.
Our theme of teamwork carries on with gusto after the Year 7s planned the most amazing (and cheap) theme parks (watch out Blackpool Pleasure Beach!) followed by a lively outdoor activity day at the Conwy Centre – well done to all, including the staff, although I’m not sure how many teachers braved the water test!
The Choir Concert at Ruthin Church was an absolute triumph; I am always impressed by the range and repertoire and the Italy tour next summer should be a wonderful experience for performers and the audience alike.
Sports fixtures and practices are now in full swing and well done to hockey player Yasmin Fennell, scoring 4 goals in the resounding win over Tarporley High School last week. Amy Williams in J6 also won the Cheshire Athletics Championships.
Not to be outdone our artists have also struck gold in the ISA annual art competition this year. Awards go to Ruth Siddorn, Catherine Heylings, Alexa Clauson, Emily Burnett and Annie Lenton, with Abbey Gate College winning all the honours for the Sketch Pad competition. Well done to the girls and also to the teachers – all this and a new facility as well – it looks like another good year for Art!
It was the three musketeers who rallied to the call of “All for one and one for all.” Perhaps a little cliché but absolutely right for the importance of the whole College supporting one another from age 4 – 18, from teacher to caretaker and musician to scientist. We will all achieve more with the support of others and we are all on the same team! Don’t forget – I like to hear about all successes both in and out of College – keep up the good work!
LMH 29/9/08