This week there has been a huge mixture of emotions as students prepare to move on from the Learning Centre with feelings of excitement, fear and sadness. They are also trying to come to terms with the very sad loss of one of their friends.

As you may be aware, last Friday we heard the devastating news that one of our New Bridge Family, Kyle Crossland from Year 13 had very sadly and suddenly passed away.

Our thoughts go out to Kyle’s family and friends at this very difficult time. I’m sure that next week there will be lots of students and staff who join family not only to say goodbye, but also to celebrate Kyle’s life and all that he meant to us.

I can’t say that Kyle never swore at me, or got frustrated or angry with me but there was so much more to Kyle, as he often pointed out. At the beginning of Year 13, Kyle put himself forward as a nominee for our Student Council and he delivered an amazing speech that showed the very caring side of Kyle who wanted to make a difference to the lives of his friends. Kyle had a fabulous sense of humour and was very quick witted; during a recent assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, Kyle had said something as was his wont, however it was quickly followed by, “I’m not being disrespectful to those who have died, it’s just that, well…you are a bit boring!!” You had to laugh.

There is definitely a Kyle shaped gap at the Learning Centre. Kyle will be much missed by both staff and students alike. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve, Helen and family at this difficult time.

Mr Thompson led our end of year Talent Contest on Friday, ably assisted by Sabiha and Cherrie, and we had everything form ‘The Greatest Showman’ to ‘Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ – I have to say that between us all at the Learning Centre, we definitely have an eclectic mix of tastes! Well done and thank you to Covy..

..Sophie and Bobby-Joe..

..Natasha..

Matthew, Sophie and Josh..

..Michael..

..Adil and Jordan..

..Farhaana..

..Cherrie..

..Suleman..

..Dyme..

..Shihab and Omar..

..Usayd..

..Natasha and Ellen..

..Joseph..

..Malcolm..

..and Junaid..

We closed the show with a song dedicated to Kyle. Cherrie and Sabiha led the singing of ‘Blinded by your grace’ by one of Kyle’s favourite artists, Stormzy. Even though many were upset, the Learning Centre students joined in with singing, dancing or clapping..

I think Kyle would have liked it, although I’m unsure he would have chosen a song with no expletives!!

It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the year and we are looking forward to next week’s activities. On Tuesday morning we are down at New Bridge School theatre for the Year 14 Record of Achievement – please remember students should be taken straight to the school site. The presentation will be followed by a buffet for Year 14 students and their parents and carers. Our Year 14s are looking forward to their end of year trip and we will also be enjoying Mr Taylor’s ‘End of year Crazies’, Pool and Table Tennis competitions and our very own 50s themed party.

On Friday evening I attended the New Bridge Prom; our students looked amazing and I always have an immense feeling of pride both in our young people and the staff team that support them and enable our students to grow and mature into such amazing young adults. I’m sure we will be sharing the many pictures soon.

Dawn

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