PRINCIPAL'S NEWLETTER--DECEMBER 2003

Family Fun Day

The HSA Family Fun Day at the Lions Centre turned out to be the success everyone had hoped for. HSA members were at the Centre from 6 am setting up equipment and making all the preparation to ensure a great day opf fun for all.  The gates opened promptly at 10 am and the rush began.  There were lots of activities and games for all ages. One of the most popular was the 'Dunking Tank' where for a dollar you could have two shots at hitting the button and see your 'favourite' teacher sink to the bottom of the water filled tank. Other games of testing your accuracy at throwing were also popular. Many parents were happy to leave their little ones in the specially roped off creche where the children were supervised and could play in safety.  Food, candy floss and snow cones all made for a fair-like atmosphere.  By 3 pm with people still enjoying themselves it was time to draw the day to a close with the Raffle Draw.  The full list of price winners has been published in the Cayman Net News and prizes can be picked up from the school. The hard work of the organisers lead by Ms Susan Josephs and the Principal, Ms Bodden certainly paid off.  Thanks must go to all the staff and HSA members who gave of their time to make this a memorable day.  Without a doubt everyone went away with a sense of enjoyment and looking forward to Family Fun Day 2004. Full details of the funds raised have not yet been finalized but will be published shortly. Thanks again to all who supported the Fair and the Raffle.

Too Many Students--Not Enough Space

It's a fact but 1000 students are just too many for the space available.  I'm not talking specifically about space to accommodate the students in a classroom although even this is at the limit, but I am talking about space to socialise which is extremely important particularly for our age range.  We have inadequate shaded areas for students to socialise during break and lunchtime.  We are all aware of the problems which occur when too many people are sharing too small an area---all research shows that unsocial behaviour and anxieties surface which can lead to physical aggression.  We have been lucky so far this term but we have noted an increase in behaviours which we deem to be unacceptable.

Excellent Reports

October saw the first of our Reporting Sessions.  This year we are awarding 'Excellent Report' in a number of categories; for Effort, for Behaviour, and for excellence in Achievement.  Some % of students was awarded 'Excellent Report'.  We were very pleased with this number but we feel that it can be improved upon with a little more focus on class behaviour and a more consistent approach to class work and homework.  Parents please be vigilant in checking the Homework Planner in which your child should write down ALL homework and upcoming events.  Please note that subject teachers may use the Planner as a way of communicating with you so be alert for teacher comments and reply if necessary.

Reporting Evenings

The reporting evenings which were held in November were well attended by parents and guardians.  Some 60% of students had their Report Card picked up from school on one of those evenings.  Sadly we have some students who never have a Report Card picked up during the three years they spend with us.  If you are unable to come to a Reporting Evening you can send a note with your child and we will send the Report home.  We will be looking into ways to improve the Reporting Evenings. If you have any suggestions please contact Mr. McConvey at 949-9488 or email him at dmcconvey@ghhs.edu.ky.  We will consider all suggestions and ideas in order to improve our delivery of service to you.

Trinity Music Results

Students took a range of music examinations in November. The visiting examiner from the United Kingdom was again impressed with the standard of musicianship demonstrated by our students.  Trinity Music Examinations are recognized internationally as a benchmark for excellence in the performing arts.  Results were up to the expected high standard with a 100% pass rate. Well done students and keep up with your practice!

Key Club

The Key Club continues with its community outreach work.  The latest visit was just this week to Tiny Tots Pre-school where Clubbers read Christmas stories to the children and provided some colouring pictures for the children to work on.  Key Clubbers have worked on a number of projects this term and we thank them for their continued focus on 'caring, a way of life'.

Important Dates for Next Term

Reminders

I am concerned about the number of students who are NOT wearing correct uniform especially socks.  Students should only wear socks which come above the ankle--sports socks are NOT part of the school uniform unless worn during P.E. and only P.E. Please ensure that your child is wearing their uniform according to the school regulations--it will allow us to give our attention to more pressing matters.  Please remind your child that the Homework Planner must be kept up to date and available for any member of staff during class time.

Upcoming Events

1. In February the HSA will be having a Valentine Dutch Auction with a raft of exciting items on offer.  This follows a very successful auction at the Family Fun Day. No bid is more than a few dollars so you can bid small and win BIG! More about this nearer the time.  If you have any items which you would like to offer for the auction please contact the school on 949-9488.
2. The Music Department wishes to remind students and parents of instrumentalists entered for Trinity Examination that the examinations will be held in the third week of March.  Preparation is the key to success so be prepared.  As a school we have a proud tradition to maintain when it comes to music examinations.

On behalf of all the staff at George Hicks may I wish you a very joyous Christmas and  Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.  We look forward to your support in the months ahead as we endeavour to do the very best for your child in exceptional circumstances.