Dear Parents

I started writing my first letter to parents back in July.  First impressions count.

Ma and Pa were curious and requested a copy, closely followed by Gloves. Reading it back before sending it to L, my main secretary i am scared to find i sound like Mr Underwood, my very own first Headmaster of my state Primary School near Watford, who only recently died. Maybe we all sound the same - full of pompousness and educational sound-bites.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

To the returning families, welcome back to a very exciting new school year. I hope you have enjoyed a superb summer. A special warm welcome goes to all the new friends and family that have arrived from near and far to join our growing learning community in Addis.

It has been an honour and privilege to have been selected to head the primary division at X School and to ensure that your child enjoys high quality teaching and learning during their formative schooling experience using the framework of the English National Curriculum.

Having had the opportunity to see the school first-hand briefly in April, I was delighted to observe dedicated educators working together and such warm friendly students in situ. School development is an ongoing process and I relish the opportunity to be part of this special project.

Originally from London, I come to you with over twenty years of international education experience in a wide variety of teaching, managerial and inspectorate roles across three continents, including England, Hong Kong, Colombia and India. X School offers diversity to incorporate over 50 nationalities in an ever global world which should be both respected and celebrated.

With well-trained and qualified teachers and support staff, X School are proud to nurture the talents of our students into becoming life-long learners. Together, alongside a strong management team, I am committed to make X School the very best it can be. Indeed, staff have been back at school over the last two weeks for in-service training, planning and room preparation to ensure a smooth start to this academic year.

Punctuality

I am keen advocate of punctuality. Late arrivals to school disrupt classes already in progress, which is unfair both to the class teacher and to the students who made it to school on time. Similarly, it is unfair to duty staff that look after the students after school hours. I would much prefer their time was utilised in class preparation. I am acutely aware of the traffic and road conditions in Addis, especially during rainy season, and I strongly urge you to make time allowances accordingly.

Channels of Communication

The School Diaries/Communications Books are the main link between school and home on a day to day basis. Messages can be passed between you and teachers on a daily basis. If you do have a concern about your child, you are requested to contact the class teacher in the first instance and request an appointment. Our teachers are always pleased to assist you. Only if the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, a meeting can be arranged between the class teacher and Ms J (Early Years co-ordinator), or Mr Z (our new Deputy Principal and Head of the Upper Juniors G2 – G5).

Both Ms J and Mr Z alongside myself now make up the Primary Management Team and I am delighted to have their support and insights as we work together in the on-going school improvement process. 

Uniform

Uniforms are compulsory for all students. The school uniform consists of a blue and white striped button up, cotton long sleeved shirt with blue/black trousers, skirt or dress. The P.E. kit is a white or light blue polo short sleeved shirt with blue/black shorts or tracksuit bottoms. School uniform must be worn every day, unless your child has P.E. class. Please ensure that every item is clearly labelled.

Materials and Resources

Please ensure that the students are equipped with relevant materials and resources on the correct day, especially with borrowed books from the library. In order to help us to help you please ensure that all clothing, materials and resources are clearly labelled.

Extra Curricular Activities 

We are currently compiling a list of after-school activities to enrich your child’s X School Primary experience. This will be sent to you shortly. I would like to personally thank my staff for volunteering their time after school hours.

Vacations Outside of Designated Holidays

The school calendar provides plenty of time for vacations and I would urge you to use such times fruitfully. Taking family vacations during term time is disruptive to your child’s education and breaks the flow of our planned educational progamme. Students learn from each other and I encourage our teaching staff to be interactive in the learning process. No text-books or work-sheets can replicate the classroom experience.You are expected to submit a request direct to myself if this applies to you and your family.

Successful education should be a partnership between school and home, working together, to develop each child to their fullest potential. I look forward to your support and meeting you in person over the course of the school year.

Yours sincerely,

 

Mountain Man

BA (Hons), PGCE, MA Education (International Schools)