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Welcome to the final edition of the ‘Whistle’ for this academic year.

What a year it has been. The weather has varied from gale force storms (and associated enforced school closure for some) to a ‘Red’ weather warning for extreme heat – and all in a matter of months!

Furthermore, we have exhibited real determination and resilience in coming through the tail-end of the pandemic. Many will recall the final few weeks prior to the Christmas break with many schools having to ‘close bubbles’ or place year groups on a rota system.

Throughout all of this, though, we have collectively persevered, supported each other and dealt with every challenge that has come our way.

Despite the changes to normal routines and the many challenges, there have been numerous high points and moments of celebration – sports days, proms, concerts & fairs: a sign of us reconnecting as a community.

Throughout the year, whatever the situation, we have done our utmost to preserve the quality of education we provide. We have gone the extra mile to keep our children in school and deliver a meaningful learning experience.

We are now in receipt of our primary phonics screening check results (PSC) and can take heart from the success our children have achieved in their early reading. 86.5% passed the screening check. Furthermore, the KS2 RWM% for our Year 6 cohort of 793 children is 64% compared to the national average of 59%.

We now have fingers crossed for our A level and GCSE results in August.

I know several staff are leaving us to pastures new or indeed retirement. I’d like to specifically mention Jason Scales who has chosen to retire from his position as Headteacher at Boringdon Primary School after 26 years of committed service at the same school! I wish them every success in their new venture or a peaceful and restful retirement!

Looking ahead to the start of the new academic year may I remind staff that: 

Thursday 1 September 2022

  • All WeST Primary leaders and teachers to attend the third curriculum excellence training day at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth. 8:45am arrival & coffee.
  • Support staff will have received guidance from their respective Headteacher depending on their contractual position.
  • All WeST secondary leaders and teachers to attend their own school unless directed otherwise. Again, support staff will have received guidance from their Headteacher. 

Friday 2 September 2022

  • All WeST primary leaders and teachers to attend their own school. As above in terms of guidance for support staff. 
  • All WeST secondary leaders and teachers to attend their own school. As above in terms of guidance for support staff. 

Monday 5 September 2022

  • First day of teaching. All WeST schools open for children with local arrangements.

I sign off by wishing everyone a very well earned break. Do enjoy your time with family and friends, and take the opportunity to recharge your emotional and physical batteries.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring, CEO

Performance Development Review Policy and Review Forms:

Please find attached a copy of our new PDR Policy and interim soft-copy form for use moving forward into next year. This Policy has now been approved by Trustees and replaces our traditional ‘Appraisal’ policy/process. The soft-copy form will be replaced by an automated process via our new MHR system once this has been developed to meet our needs. A ‘How To’ Guide is also under development for publication and distribution in September and the Career Grade Expectations document is due for light-touch review over the summer but is not expected to change significantly.

You can call 0800 174 319 to speak to a professional counsellor or information specialist in confidence 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Just quote that you are an employee of ‘Westcountry Schools Trust’.

You can visit the Care first lifestyle website which offers additional resources and online services at:

Website: www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk

User Name: Westcountst

Password: Wellbeing1234

Opinion Survey: Providing Positive Role Models

This is a voluntary opinion survey assessing the provision of positive gender role models within education. Whether you directly or indirectly effect a child’s educational experience, your opinion is wanted. This research is approved by the University of Plymouth and anyone working within the schools trust is encouraged to participate. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Follow this link: 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.ProvidingPositiveRoleModels 

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 17 July.

Jump Back Up July 

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Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:-  

Oreston Community Academy is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious, and self-motivated Team Leader for the before / after school and holiday club known as Lighthouse Club. This is an exciting new chapter for the club to continue its growth in providing a safe, exciting, and enriching environment for young people. The role of Team Leader is to provide the day to day operations of this provision and take a proactive role in continuing to build the provision on offer. For more information, please go here. Closing date: 7 September 2022.