Dear Parents and Boys,

I hope you have taken the opportunity to have a good break over Easter. I’m sure there have been some uncertainties for us all whether health, finance or worry about the next stage of education.

This is the briefest of notes to say I am looking forward to welcoming you all ‘back to School’ on Monday 20 April. There will be a very short welcome message on Teams from 0900 as I would, ordinarily, be leading the first assembly of the term. I will spare you from my hymn singing!

You should be ready to go for your first lesson of the day shortly after that.

With such challenges, opportunities can also arise. This current situation has allowed us the chance to review our usual plans for the summer term, to think outside the box and to be creative in our curriculum delivery. The Deputy Headmaster will provide further details next week.

I, too, will communicate at greater length about the trial for ‘telecon’ teaching through Teams, grades for years 11 and 13 and making the most of the ‘lockdown period’.

You will have seen in the media that the ‘reopen the schools’ debate is as much of a hot topic as the ‘close the schools’ discussion was a few weeks ago. The truth is we have, currently, no idea when this might happen; the most important thing for my staff, students and their parents is to work together to ensure the continuation, to the highest possible standard, of an RGS education.

We have planned very carefully and thoughtfully for the next few weeks but we do value your constructive feedback as, for sure, it may not be perfect at all times–please do keep it coming.

I wish you a relaxing weekend. Please do not hesitate to ask for help or support if you need it.

With very best wishes and ‘stay well’

Yours sincerely

Philip Wayne
Headmaster