This has been a very up and down week, we have experienced both highs and also some truly dreadful lows. We have often said that the New Bridge community is like our extended family, we spend so much time together that our lives are inextricably intertwined. We are happy for each other and sometimes sad for each other, we are pleased if someone is successful and encouraging if they fail. We needed all the support of that family this week when we lost a very dear colleague, Tracy Lowe. We have been left devastated by her sudden death. Tracy touched so many of our lives, she was one of those selfless people who always put others first. We cannot begin to imagine how difficult this must be for her loved ones, our thoughts are with her family at this awful time. We could write so much more but we know that Mr Quinn has dedicated his blog to Tracy this week and we would like you to read how beautifully he has expressed all our feelings here.
Our ‘buddy system’ is a vital part of our school community. We often talk about how proud we are of the care and consideration our young people show each other, and our buddy system recognises the importance of this. It equips our young people with confidence and promotes their self-esteem, and it encourages them to help others and be aware of those less able than themselves. We are very pleased to report that five new ‘buddies’ completed their training this week and are now proudly wearing their official badges. They join our current team of ‘buddies’ who not only support their peers but also play a valuable role in the wider running of the school and Learning Centre, assisting at performances, parents’ evenings, coffee mornings and on open days. Well done!
We would like to congratulate some more young people on their outstanding behaviour. This year we have welcomed a significant number of new pupils and students who have joined us through mid-year transitions from other schools. Last week alone saw two young people from Waterhead Academy begin their transition to New Bridge and we are delighted with how quickly they are settling in and already becoming part of our community.
It was a pleasure to see so many parents and carers at the Learning Centre Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ progress and achievements, both personal and academic, and to thank families for their continued support. It is this successful partnership which enables our young people to thrive and achieve their full potential. Parents and students were also able to discuss future pathways and opportunities with colleagues from ‘Bridging the Gap’, Future Finders, New Bridge Horizons, Tameside College and Pure Innovations with the support of Chris Thomson, our Careers Advisor. If you were unable to join us on Tuesday evening but you would like information or guidance, please do call the Learning Centre.
Sport has been another highlight of the week. Last Saturday Mr Fieldhouse took some members of the New Bridge Karate Club to the C.I.K.A. England Karate Open Championship in Liverpool – you can read his report of the day here.
We were treated to a visit from Liz Johnson, the Paralympic Gold Medallist on Tuesday. Liz spent the full day with different year groups across the school and you can read all about her action packed schedule here. Our young people were ‘wowed’ with her dedication and commitment, she is an incredible role model and the day went far too quickly. It was a privilege to welcome her to New Bridge and we hope to see more of her soon!
On Wednesday we hosted a Dodgeball Tournament with teams from other high schools competing against each other. Mr Smith did a great job of organising the event and Vision for Education donated some fabulous medals. We would like to thank Mr Bright and the Digit4ll Pathway who filmed the event and captured some of the enjoyment and interaction..
As you know, over the last few weeks we have spent time in various lessons and activities, observing our students engrossed in their work and obviously enjoying their learning. We are particularly proud of our ‘Hortus’ students who were themselves teaching a group of pupils from Holy Rosary Primary School in Fitton Hill. This is part of a wider programme involving schools and organisations within the local community. Well done to Jack, Corey, Matthew, John and Kevin for an outstanding lesson!
Next week our Year 11s are off to Wales on their eagerly awaited residential when they will be staying at the Haven Hafan y Mor Holiday Park for a five day adventure. Mrs Lamb had the pleasure of accompanying Year 11 this time last year and she has said she knows they will have a great time.
May we wish you all a peaceful weekend. We would like to thank all our staff who have pulled together and supported each other and our young people on what has been such a sad and difficult week for our New Bridge family. Please do read Mr Quinn’s thoughts here if you have not yet seen his blog.
Take care,
Judith and Dawn
