DARWEN VALEHIGH SCHOOL
Unlocking Potential for Extraordinary Achievement
July 2016
Dear Parents and Carers
Writing the end of term letter has always been a happy task for me looking forward to the long summer break. This year my feelings are very different as I prepare for retirement and the end of my time leading Vale. (I’m avoiding the word ‘goodbye’ as I certainly won’t be saying goodbye to this wonderful school as I intend to stay in touch long into the future.)
It has been my job to steer the school through some challenging times but it has been a privilege to be part of this school’s history and I have loved working with the pupils, staff, parents and governors to make sure we are doing the very best for the young people entrusted to our care. I confidently predict that we will be celebrating our best ever results this summer; I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together and most of all, immensely proud of our talented pupils.
I didn’t plan for my final term to pan out as it has but life often throws us a curved ball and we have to deal with it. It says a great deal about the strength of the staff and the leadership of the school that this period of transition has been smooth and there are many people who have stepped up to the mark during my absence. I know that the school is in very safe hands going forward and that Mr Hallam will continue to lead the school forward on its exciting journey towards excellence.
It makes sense, therefore, to hand over this letter to Mr Hallam to make sure you have all the information you need for the end of the term and the start of the next. Thank you for the tremendous support you have given to me and I’m sure you will continue to give to Darwen Vale.
We will close for the summer holiday on Wednesday 20th July at 12:10pm. School will re-open for pupils on Tuesday 6th September in good time for registration at 8:45am.
Hopefully, you’ve had chance to read the latest edition of our newsletter which contains some of the amazing achievements that our pupils have accomplished this year.
There are no changes to the school uniform for 2016/17 but I would like to offer some clarification about school shoes. There are a number of “hybrid” shoes available that appear to be half shoe/half trainer; particularly popular brands with pupils are Converse and Vans style shoes. Over this year, they have crept into school in increasing numbers. For clarity, any canvas shoe or pump is not acceptable nor are black trainers or pumps for boys or girls. Some girls have been wearing quite flimsy ballet pumps or “dolly shoes” which are not really robust enough for school wear. Please ensure that your child is in the correct footwear for the new academic year.
I would also like to take this time to place on record my thanks for all the support you have given to the school during this academic year. It’s only by continuing to work together that we can ensure the best outcomes for everyone.
I hope that you all have a safe summer holiday and return in September ready for the challenge of the new school year.
Yours sincerely,
F JackD J Hallam
PrincipalActing Principal
Principal: Mrs F Jack. Blackburn Road, Darwen, BB3 0AL
Tel: 01254 223000 Fax: 01254 223001 e-mail: