Headteacher's Message, Friday 29th September 2023

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of showing around four of our feeder school head teachers.  Each year I invite our primary heads to CNS to see how well students are getting on. We spend time together talking about how we can improve our transition for students, and we then visit our Year 7s in their lessons. The look of joy on the children's faces as their former head teachers walked into the room was heartwarming. There was a mixture of surprise and delight that they had taken time to come and see how they are settling in. All of the lessons visited yesterday were purposeful and focused, with students working hard and participating in their learning. One of the headteachers commented that it had made his week to see the children so settled and happy in their learning. 

On Tuesday evening I met with the CNSA, our parent and friends of the school association, who meet and work together to promote home-school relationships and raise funds for the wider CNS community by running the school lottery and organising events such as the CNSFest and quiz nights. We were all delighted to see more people attend the AGM than in previous years which I am sure is a positive sign for the year ahead.  Karen Dures was stepping down as chair after a superb time in post and it was universally agreed at the meeting that the success of the CNSA was due to Karen’s hard work. I would like to formally thank Karen for her energy and commitment in ensuring CNS is a true community school. Gail and Kate were elected as new chairs, and I am very much looking forward to working with them. 

It has been another excellent week at CNS; well done to Miss Cook for organising the co-curricular fair, showcasing all the amazing opportunities available to our students at CNS.  

I hope everyone has a happy and restful weekend. 

Jo Philpott
X: @head_cns_school