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General Information
27 September 2007
Dear Parents
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| Alastair Ramsey |
With both schools now back and the term in full swing, I thought it appropriate to write to you with the latest information concerning the development of our new school for September 08. May I take this opportunity of once again thanking you all for the kind words of support, which have been passed to Karen and myself by letter, email, and word of mouth over the summer period.
Governors
You are aware that the Governors met informally at the beginning of the summer and have now held heir first formal meeting. As you can imagine there was a large agenda for this meeting and key decisions will be made known to you in the near future.
Staff
The proposed staff structure has been agreed by the Governors and the staff are currently being consulted about this proposal. We intend to make the first appointments in the very near future and you will, of course, be informed as this happens.
Buildings
The Downs’ site has been extremely busy throughout the summer and we have now completed topographical, environmental, traffic management, mechanical and engineering surveys. The results of these surveys have led to some minor changes to the overall plan which is now a matter of days away from going to formal planning procedures. We have met on site with the planning officers concerned with highways, environment and conservation, and have worked hard with them to ensure that in principle our plans are acceptable. We hope in the very near future to be able to show you a display of the proposed new development in much more detail. We are delighted to say that the first preliminary works have started on site and the much improved and extended Junior School playground is now nearing completion and work started this week on the senior classroom block behind the Memorial Hall. We have established with the builders and architects firm time lines and would hope that the building of the Junior School will start towards the end of this term for completion in early August. Construction of the sports hall will start in March 2008.
Footpath
A number of parents from Malvern College Prep expressed some concern at the route of the footpath on the Downs site and these comments were put to the architects who have redesigned the staff room and landscape layouts to make this an area that is easier to supervise and safer for the children. I would also like to reassure all parents that this footpath is not heavily used and that the local people who are the main users are well known to all of the school.
Parent Consultation
I remind parents that they are encouraged to discuss any concerns that they have directly with myself or Peter Moody at any time during the coming year and we will, from time to time, be inviting parents to more formal sessions, as well as sending regular updates such as this one.
Pupil Links
There have already been discussions concerning opportunities that arise during the year for pupils from both schools to mix and get to know each other as well as meeting members of staff. In the short term, it is very important that both schools operate as normally as possible and any movement between sites will happen later in the year. However, we will actively look for opportunities for social interactions between staff, pupils and parents. In the meantime I shall be a regular visitor to the Malvern College Prep site and Peter Moody will be reciprocating in order that we both gain a sensitive understanding of our respective schools.
Uniform
As you were informed in the summer a great deal of thought went into the new uniform and Schooltogs are confident that all new items will be available imminently; uniform will be on display at both sites as soon as possible.
Open Days
The Downs School and Malvern College both have an Open Day on 6th October; this was a date arranged by both schools before the merger was agreed. Malvern College have offered to arrange an Open Day for Downs parents who wish to see the senior school at a later date. Parents of Malvern College Prep children wishing to visit The Downs on 6th October from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm would be made extremely welcome.
Day-to-Day arrangements
Naturally there will be a great many questions about the day-to-day operation of the new school but sadly the vast majority of these cannot be answered until we have a large proportion of our staff appointed. However, much work has begun on planning such issues and we will start to communicate these to you at the earliest opportunity.
Karen and I very much look forward to discussing all of these matters with you in due course and please feel free to make an appointment at any time should you have any concerns or suggestions.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Alastair Ramsay
Headmaster
The Downs, Malvern College Prep School
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