Well over twelve months ago the decision was taken at home that a break from work was due and that 30^thMarch 2012 would be the date. It seemed too far away to really be of consequence at the time; just a date in the diary. As time has rolled by, 2012 has become a reality, then March arrived and, finally, the 30th. The last few weeks have been very special ones with time to reflect on successes and challenges shared between friends, colleagues, parents and community leaders in West Bowling and beyond; they have been special days.

Although leaving Newby is the end in terms of leading a BD5 school, I do hope to keep in touch and will be seeking out and celebrating your children’s successes at every opportunity. Some of my earliest pupils are now highly successful business people in the city of London, others head teachers in Bradford and many more leaders in many walks of life in this District and abroad; I expect to hear of Newby’s children’s successes in due course.

I am delighted to be handing over two experienced, skilled and dedicated colleagues in Jean Robinson and Janice Stephenson. Janice will be continuing as deputy head teacher next term to maintain continuity for Year 6 in their crucial final term before being seconded to the role of head teacher at the start of the new school year. Jean will be acting head teacher next term before retiring at the end of July.

To one and all, my very best wishes for the future.

The new bridge will be stunning once built. However, the ground work is complex and this is having a bearing on where pupils and their parents can cross Manchester Rd. Can I ask that all take extra care when crossing the road and take their time. School would obviously like all to leave home a little earlier each day and arrive on time but given a choice between children arriving late or taking risks we would obviously prefer the former.

The work is progressing well and we are hopeful that the bridge will be open at Easter time 2012 rather than September as originally planned.    

As I write I can hear Ernest barking by Mrs Sadana’s desk, see Mrs Simpson holding Pudding on a lead and have just waved good night to Mrs Thompson as she leaves for the evening with Chocolate the rabbit in a box. Pets’ day has been a wonderful way to finish of science week at school. The pupils have been able to experience the fun of handling animals and parents able to rest easy knowing that it was only for one day – so much easier than having your own to look after!

The week has been designed to foster a love of science and has included the setting up a farm outside the SpACe building, the bringing in of exotic and rare animals from Harewood House and experiments with the Mad Scientist as well as everyday things like rocket making, worm hunting and slime production. It has been a wonderful week that all have enjoyed.

As always, we have taken lots of photographs and these are displayed by Mrs Sadana’s desk and on the screen in the entrance area. We hope that you enjoy them as much as the children did taking part. 

After six years of building improvements we have finally made it to the nursery. As I write, buildings are knocking down walls, building new storage areas, creating reception and meeting rooms and opening up new entrances. Patio style doors are being created to make movement between the outdoor and indoor learning environment so much easier and staff are even getting a new office. When we take back the building from the tradesmen, new furniture will be installed and all we will then need will be sixty eight young volunteers to get in there, use it and tell us what they think.