21st July: Governors letter - Summer

Chessington Governors’ report to Families

Governors’ Report To Families - Summer 2

This term has really felt like things are getting back to normal school life.  Year 11s have taken their exams & had their prom, and leavers’ BBQ, lots of trips have taken place, Y8 parents had a belated ‘welcome’ BBQ and the week of alternative learning has seen some fantastic events for the students. 

Governors have been carrying out their roles behind the scenes, and I had the lovely job of helping to interview prefects for the Head Prefect positions. It was so nice to meet some of the prefects and to hear their ideas about what they wanted for the school. There are certainly some very confident and motivated students in the school and I look forward to seeing as many of those ideas as possible come to fruition.  

Financially, the school is ending the year in a better position than expected thanks to the careful management of the funds.  As with many of us, energy bills are a big concern and the school is doing everything possible to reduce the costs.  One positive side to the crisis is that being careful not to waste energy, water and other resources can only be good for the environment as well as our pockets.

This year we have said “goodbye” to three governors - Sonia Molnar, Vanessa Sinet and Tamara Graham (staff governor) and associate member (and ex-governor) Jules Hammond.  All have given a great deal of support and input to the Governing Board and I would like to thank them for taking on the role and for making such a positive contribution behind the scenes.  We have also recruited a new Governor, Jo Kilby, who will work with the Quality of Education committee.

Next term we will be recruiting for a new parent governor to join our merry band.  In particular, we would like someone with Special Education Needs experience, either through your job or family experience.  Full training and support will be given so do have a think about whether this is something you would be interested in.  If you are; email our clerk on clerk@chessington.kingston.sch.uk for a pack which will help you decide if it’s right for you and should answer key questions.

I would also like to thank all the staff for everything they have done for our students - there have been a lot of extra hours put in to organise and manage all the events and trips that take place. These are all helping our students make fantastic memories and make up for some of the things they have missed out on over the past couple of years.

On behalf of the Governing Board, we hope you all enjoy this glorious weather and have a great summer break; and on that happy note I’m off to sit in the shade somewhere with an ice cream

Karen Carman

Chair of Governors