Spring Term Highlights
Dear Parents
It has been another long Spring Term and it seems like a really long winter with snow again last weekend and more forecast for the coming Easter weekend. In spite of the weather, there have been many highlights to look back on.
Deputy Head
It is with great pleasure that I would like to inform you that Mrs Inkster has been appointed as the new Deputy Head of Mayfield Preparatory School with effect from 1st September 2018. We had many applications for the post, including many Assistant Heads, one Deputy and three past and current Headteachers. We interviewed a shortlist of five strong candidates during a very challenging process. Mrs Inkster was the outstanding candidate. She has also been a valued member of staff for the last two years at Mayfield. In her role as Reading Leader, the children in Nursery to Form I are excelling at reading. Last year, she also achieved great success as the Form I Teacher, leading the pupils to excellent results in the Key Stage One SATs. I am confident Mrs Inkster will be an inspirational Deputy who will give her all in supporting me to lead Mayfield to even greater heights in the future.
Trips/Visits
At the beginning of term, the PTA paid for an amazing Maths problem-solving day for the whole school and, thanks to the quick-thinking mathematicians from Upper School, Mayfield was saved from an attack by killer robots! Upper II and Lower III choirs have performed in two collaborations with many local schools at St Matthew’s church; Lower II/ Form II were treated to a day of ‘Living History’ on Anglo-Saxons delivered by the renowned Jonathan Davies from KES; the Form II Mathematics team rose to the challenge at KES, gaining 4th place and having a great day; Upper II and Lower III also sent teams to the Hydesville and Wolverhampton Girls high School Maths Challenge and the Aldridge World Book Day Quiz, with Serena on the winning team.
Sports
6 schools participated in this year’s Mayfield Cross Country and Mayfield had their best results in ten years, coming 2nd and 3rd in most categories; Upper II and Lower III came 2nd overall at the Lichfield Cathedral School cross country, with Nandhika scooping a Bronze medal in her age group; and 4 teams of U9 and U10 boys and girl swimmers participating in the KES/KEHS gala.
House Competitions
The House Netball, House Chess and the House Rugby was won by Scott, while the House Cross Country and the House Merits Cup was won by Livingstone We have also enjoyed the Mayfield Pancake races, an Easter Bonnet parade and the Egg-stravaganza. Well done to everyone who brought their creative designs in today.
Sport Relief
A huge well done to everyone in Scott House for running a most successful day last Friday for Sport Relief. Good fun was had by all and we raised over £500. Special mentions go to Zayan, who personally raised £42, and Surya, who raised £61!
Spring Festival
A galaxy of stars from Lower II and Form II entertained us this week with a stellar performance of the Cosmic Café. There was great song and plenty of drama, and all-in-all it was out of this world!
Easter Service
Mayfield was again fortunate to have our friends from the United Reform Church to support this year’s Easter Service, which included a re-telling of the Easter story, from the perspective of three trees, interspersed with hymns beautifully sung by our children.
PTA Fun Day
Many thanks to the parents and staff who made it such a great morning last Sunday. The cakes in the Great Bake Off were splendid, the egg-catching challenge was a hoot and valuable funds were raised for charity.
Notices
Finally, some sad news. Mr Newsome has given me notice of his intention to retire at the end of the Summer Term. After 13 years of dedicated and loyal service to Mayfield, and a career spanning 45 years, including service in the British forces, he is looking forward to putting his feet up. I am sure you will join me in thanking Mr Newsome for the incredible job he has done for Mayfield and wishing him all the best in his retirement.
The new Site Manager joining us in July will be Mr Moore. He has many years’ experience as site manager in several schools and currently works at Kingsbury, a large secondary school. He is very much cast from the same mold as Mr Newsome. He is not only up-to-date with all health and safety practices and qualifications, but is also an accomplished handyman and is a very approachable and friendly guy. I am confident he will be a worthy replacement to Mr Newsome.
Other sad news is that Mr Johal has given me notice of his intention to leave Mayfield at the end of the summer term. He is re-locating with his family to Dubai to work as the ICT lead across three schools there. It is a step up for him and I am sure you will all join me in wishing him and his family well in their new life in Dubai. We will advertise shortly for a replacement for September.
And Finally
Thank you to all the hardworking Staff and Governors, who have given their best not only to provide high standards of teaching and learning, both in school and during extra-curricular activities, but also to provide all those extras, as mentioned above, which give the children those special memories and a great deal of fun!
I wish everyone a Happy Easter and a great holiday!
Mr M. Draper
Headmaster