It has been a warm welcome back for me to the upper school from all of the staff, parents, carers and pupils. I was greeted in the car park by Ethan and Leo in a true Spring Brook Style! It made me smile

Week 1 “back at the brook” – I was happy to see old and new faces. The new apprentices are doing a great job. Mr Kemp is supporting Mrs Roberts with the Key Stage 4 Nurture Group – I have noticed Mr Kemp’s calm nature which will be a strength to the group. Mr Pryce is supporting the Key Stage 3 Nurture Group with Mrs Walters, the boys will love the fact that you are a boxer. I have noticed how friendly Mr Pryce is with pupils during social times. Mr Pryce models the expectations of behaviour very clearly to the pupils. Miss Headland is doing a great job in Year 11 and although it has been a challenging start Miss Headland is still smiling and not giving up – how resilient. Miss Shortall is supporting in SBA1 and is also doing a cracking job. Again, there have been some challenges but these apprentices have made a great start to their careers at Spring Brook Academy. This is the start of an exciting journey and I am so glad that you have joined our amazing team.
Speaking about amazing teams, look at this crew..

The prize for the greatest effort goes to Mrs Needham who actually drove to school dressed as an Oompa Loompa..

The prize for the most daring costume goes to Mr P..

The prize for the most glamorous costume is awarded to Miss Tokelove..

Mrs Thorpe has achieved the prettiest princess prize and I’m not sure who the two witches were but their broomsticks were parked next to mine and Mrs Tootill’s cars..

Good effort with the World Book Day costumes, the pupils really enjoyed it..

Week 2 “under the bridge, a view from the brook” – it’s like I’ve never been away, in a nice way. This week I have noticed the environmental science work that Mrs Daniels has been doing with Key Stage 3 who have been growing broad beans and making bird feeders. They have also been busy weeding the allotment beds at the back of school. We are looking forward to students and staff from the Hortus pathway giving us some advice in the future on how we can develop our allotment and wild life areas.

Year 9 are enjoying taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with Mr Hopkins, Mr Kemp and Mr Daly. The boys are working really hard – just look at how tired Jack is here..

This photograph was sent to me by Mr Allman. When things got a little busy this week, Mr Allman took Key Stage 4 for a brain break. This photograph has made me very happy at the end of a busy two weeks. Just look at Jordan testing the swing and his lovely smile..

Finally, a special thank you to Mrs Thorpe for her staff mindfulness sessions this week, lots of staff have benefitted from this..

Miss Rodgers

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