I'd like to wish you a happy and prosperous new year! I have high hopes for 2023 and I am confident that we will continue to change lives, empower our students to be their best selves, and grow as individuals and as a Trust.
As I look to the year ahead, I see a landscape of opportunity to deepen our connections within the communities we serve, whether that be through working on environmental pledges or raising money for community projects. Last term, we saw many schools across the Trust go out and show just how much community spirit means to us, and it fills me with great pride to see how many staff and students are invested in making a difference.
During term three, we will also be celebrating our long service awards, congratulating staff that have completed 5–25 years’ service in their schools or the Trust. Many schools will be planning parties, assemblies, and surprises for their colleagues and peers, and I look forward to hearing the story of their journeys and what’s to come next.
I feel privileged to begin a new year with such a fantastic network of schools and central services. I wish everyone a year filled with success, accomplishment and celebration.
School Highlights
Sea swimmers brave chilly sea temperatures to raise money for green space and garden at Furzeham
The sea swimming community from Brixham, in our South West region of schools, enjoyed a dip in the sea on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day to raise money for a green space and garden area for Furzeham Primary School and Nursery.
The school doesn't have its own outdoor green space, so they are receiving support from the brilliant 365 Sea Swimming community group to raise money to create their own conservation area.
It's another gold for The Portsmouth Academy as they win sports award
Sports enthusiasts at The Portsmouth Academy are celebrating gold after the school was recognised for its commitment to the development of competition across the school and into the community.
The school has been accredited with the School Games Mark Gold award for its outstanding physical education delivery and enrichment activities, with a focus on friendly tournaments.
Students invited to visit the National Tennis Centre (NTC) and meet Ryan Peniston, GB Number 5
Goodwin students, Artie, Beau and Liam; Tennis Leaders within the LTA, were among 28 pupils across Deal to visit the National Tennis Centre.
They had a fantastic day meeting GB Number 5 player, Ryan Peniston, trying their hand at Pedel and exploring the NTC facility, where they were fortunate to see Wheelchair Tennis Number 1 in doubles Alfie Hewett and GB Number 4 Jack Draper training.
Deal Parochial C.E Primary School praised the boys, saying they are a credit to Goodwin and the Tennis School.
All Faiths and the Trust bid farewell to Mrs Marion Browning as she retires after 20 years
The end of last term saw a number of celebrations across the Trust in preparation for Christmas. In our Strood Hub, we also spent our final week celebrating All Faiths Headteacher, Marion Browning, as she prepared to retire after working at the school for more than 20 years.
Throughout the week, we welcomed back past students and colleagues who have had the pleasure of working with Marion over the years. It was wonderful to hear students reminisce about their time at the school and speak about what they are doing now, with many studying at University, Grammar Schools or preparing for the next step in their educational lives. Staff across the Trust came together to share stories and memories with Marion and bid her a fond farewell and best wishes for the future.
Read Kent Online's report here
Goodwin Academy welcome new Headteacher as Simon Smith leaves after 17 years
Goodwin Academy also said goodbye to their Principal of 6 years, Simon Smith, as he left to try a new challenge, working within Kent County Council.
Stepping up into the role, Rachael Moon has now started as Headteacher from this term.
Rachael is a wonderful, well-established member of the Goodwin team who will be a fantastic head of the school!
New Horizons celebrates being awarded Eco Schools Green Flag
New Horizons Primary School in Portsmouth has been recognised for its commitment to environmental issues. Eco Schools, a national programme that provides schools with an educational framework about being more eco-friendly, has presented the school with Green Flag status to acknowledge their drive to protect the planet.
Well done and congratulations to all the children and staff.
Our Thinking Fitness family of gyms has grown!
Thinking Fitness Brixham and Thinking Fitness Rochester are now OPEN!
Our Rochester site offers brand new, state-of-the-art facilities, including a purpose-built dance studio and sports hall. Thinking Fitness Brixham has also had a recent makeover, now boasting new equipment and a fresh new look.
Well done to the Thinking Fitness team on the opening of their two new gyms. It's fantastic to see our new facilities and equipment enjoyed by both our students and members of the public.
Our 4th #WeAreOne event of the year is just around the corner!
LGBTQ+ History Month is fast approaching, with our latest #WeAreOne event due to launch on 1st February. We are extremely excited to kick off Term 3 with a vibrant and feel good event which encourages our staff and students to understand the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community and embrace our differences
