Page 3 - Ickford Informer Newsletter September 2022

I have no doubt that it will be, in some
respects, a challenging year. Not least,
because of the exponential increase
in energy costs and the challenges
of maintaining the buildings and
grounds. One of my aims beyond
ensuring excellent standards of
teaching, is to ensure that the school
is completely compliant in all aspects
of Health and Safety. That is not to
say we are deficient but demands
A message from John Ronane Headteacher are constantly changing and the role
of the Headteacher is increasingly
S I WRITE, the diggers and construction machinery are beginning akin to running a corporate business.
A to excavate the site for new housing behind the Recreation Ground Fortunately, we have a group of dynamic
and I wonder what impact another thirty or so houses may have on the school. I am not parents who I am trying to engage in
sure but I imagine families living in Worminghall with pre-school age children may be capital projects that will enhance the
starting to get a little concerned. One thing I can be certain of is that, just as we have offer for the children. This is a great
not received a penny from the Deansfield site, we shall not receive anything from the help to me and now that we also have
Rectory Homes site. I think I wrote previously about my meeting with representatives from some new Trustees eager to see the
Deansfield homes and their suggestion that the donation of a raffle prize at the Summer school retain its position at the pinnacle
Fayre would secure a positive relationship and help build community. Needless to say, of Primary education in the county, the
I declined their more than generous offer and, in the interests of impartiality will decline a future is bright and I have no doubt that
raffle prize offer from Rectory Homes. all challenges will be surmounted.

I am resigned to the fact that, without the I know the strength of the teaching One of our intentions this year, is to
large sums of money required to expand, team and I know the integrity of our ensure that books and reading are
the school will remain as it is, small and assessments and results and I know that assured the prominence they warrant
limited in classroom space. Even if we I have good people around me. as a fundamental part of our curriculum.
were in a position to build additional We have been liaising with the Book
classrooms, we would need significant Prior to the end of term, I was delighted to House in Thame and fostering a
funds to build a dining facility, kitchen and welcome a group of ex-pupils who came to relationship of mutual benefit with them.
the extra toilets required for an increased visit and ‘hang out’ as well as bumping into This will not only assist the school
pupil intake. I like to compare the school others in Thame, working at various places in managing the increasing costs of
to a restaurant in an area where there are and even one in a pub! Without exception, resources but also help engage the
plenty of other establishments providing I was really impressed by all of them and children and parents in our library.
diners with a range of menus. We aim to enjoyed immensely their fond memories of I am delighted to have taken delivery of
be the Michelin starred establishment, the school and the teachers, particularly a completely new reading scheme for
possibly more difficult to get a table but Mme Basnett. Each young person, Ickford the children in the Early Years and Key
ultimately a more memorable experience alumni, that I have have seen is confident, Stage 1 and am extremely grateful to
when you do. polite, articulate and a credit to their the indomitable Mrs Ellis and Mrs Snell
families and perhaps, I hope, our school. who have given up time in the holiday
When the summer holiday draws towards incorporating this into our on-line library
its end, I always look forward to the new During the past couple of weeks, I have system. These new books (several
school year and this one is no different. heard from, or spoken to, several parents hundred) will, I hope, inspire the children
Last year, there were additional hurdles of former pupils who have recently on the start of their reading journeys
that we had to overcome including, received GCSE or A-level results and and make learning to read exciting.
Ofsted and a Review of Governance each one credited Ickford with having
but on both occasions, when I asked played a huge part in their children’s In the very near future, parents will
those tasked with scrutinising the success regardless of what Secondary be able to order and purchase books
school whether they would send their School they attended. I recognise that for themselves at a discounted rate or
own children here, the response was many aspire to the Grammar Schools donate a book to the school complete
a resounding, “Yes” with one stating, and the Independent sector but, in with a note of dedication inside the front
“Yes, every day of the week including my opinion, we are fortunate to have cover. A new page on the school website
weekends!” I have no doubt that Ickford two strong comprehensive secondary to be published shortly will have book
is an outstanding school and I am quite schools on our doorstep where, providing lists and recommendations aligned to
prepared to argue this on any platform. I they have a strong work ethic and a children’s age groups. If anyone reading
know it is because I have been here long supportive family, the children are able this would like to donate a book through
enough now to have seen the fruition to build on their Ickford experience and the scheme, don’t hesitate, all donations
of goals and the fulfilment of intentions. achieve a great deal. will be gratefully accepted! v

ourickfordnewsletter@hotmail.com 3 September 2022