As we approach the end of 2018, it is nice to look back on the year and reflect on the many things we
have achieved. It is hard to imagine the school without a mass of machinery, fencing and construction
workers but the end is in sight! The progress made since March when they started has been
remarkable and we are nearly there! We aim to be completed by February half term all being well.
Like us all, the builders have coped with The Beast from the East and enjoyed the long, glorious
summer. The children and staff deserve huge credit for being able to work as normally as possible
under changing and challenging circumstances and I thank everyone for their understanding. The
new additions were much needed and we are delighted with the spaces created.
This year we have employed several new teachers and other staff who have fitted into the team
seamlessly. Being able to teach in single year groups and being able to put split year groups back
together has had many benefits. Developments to our curriculum have been exciting and innovative,
giving our children broad and balanced experiences and equipping with the knowledge and skills they
will need for the future.
Academic achievement continues to be very strong at Montalbo. Our results at the end of each Key
Stage were tremendous and our children continue to achieve much better than the national average
in each area, including the children achieving above the expected standards. Having a committed and
talented teaching team right across the school allows us to focus on not just English and Maths but
develop talents right across the curriculum.
Our work with you as parents/carers continues to be very important to us. We hope that you have
enjoyed the many opportunities to visit school for assemblies, school performances, World Book Day,
workshops or FOMS events. You have been so supportive of our work and we really appreciate it. On
top of this, we have worked with several parents in their line of work making cakes, sharing
archaeological information and undertaking fantastic science experiments! Parents also helped to
arrange the excellent STEM events at GlaxoSmithKline.
Working with the wider community has been more prevalent this year and we have had some good
workshops and activities at The Hub, The Bowes Museum, The Witham and Scout Hut. We have
supported McMillan superbly and other charities too. We have linked with important organisations
such as the police, fire service, NSPCC and Dog’s Trust to give our children advice on keeping
themselves safe.
The support from Friends of Montalbo School has been remarkable. I think that the events they
arrange for our school are amazing and the children really enjoy them. The funds that they have
raised will provide some excellent resources which can be used by our children for years to come. We
have a really strong core group of people in our Friends group and it would be really great if anyone
else could join to give them a hand! We only meet once a half term to arrange the next event and the
meeting do not last long! If you are interested please see let me know and I will pass it on to the
Friends. Thank you. Friends of School will be collecting old clothing to support school and a firefighter
charity with a collection on Thursday 28th February. A reminder will be sent in the New Year but if you
were having a sort out over Christmas please bare this in mind.
