Headteacher Message
Where to begin....
Put simply - today is an emotional day for me. Leaving this special place, that I have been lucky enough to call 'work' is tough. But I leave feeling proud of my time here. A bit of a cliche, but we always ask you to judge the children on effort. In the end of year reports, look for effort grades before attainment. I can reflect on my commitment to Great Waltham over the past 14 years. I have loved working here. I arrived just after having married Emma in July 2008 and remember teaching Class 5 (in 2008-9 there were only 5 classes) very well. My time as class teacher and deputy head served me well as I made the step up to headship. I never thought it would be here at GWPS, but the timing was key and in January 2013 I started a journey that has taught me so much. My thanks to all the people I have worked with along the way and of course the children that make our job, working in a school, very special.
It was lovely to spend 90 mins (+) at church yesterday for the Leavers' Service. Our very best wishes for all 23 children for their futures. Thanks to Issy H, Graciella B, Francesca S and Alex B for coming back to visit and pass on the Y6 awards for 2022. I should have said thank-you in church - apologies for that - it was great to see you all again.
Congratulations to the winners this year:
Award |
Winner |
Stoker Star for Maths |
Ava D |
Wilson Writer |
Mack W |
Palmer / Eva Sports Award |
Cherri M & Jamie H |
Tinsley Performing Arts |
Maddy M |
ASPIRE Award (inaugural) |
Alice B |
Thanks to Miss Keeley from FOGWS for offering refreshments and to Jo Pritchard and Peter Wells for setting up the church for our service. And to Revd. Dawn for her contributions, including handing the Bibles to the children. Prayers and best wishes with them all.
2021-22 has been a year where we have 'found our feet again'. A whole year with school and no lockdowns and the easing of restrictions. It was very rewarding to be able to offer more events again. Thank you to all our families for supporting the school this year. The teamwork between our staff, the governors, our families and of course the children who attend GWPS is what makes the school a special place to be associated with. Long may that continue.
Thanks so much for the emails, cards, messages and gifts - all rather overwhelming. I will try to respond to you all in time, but they all remained unopened at this point. Your generosity in such challenging times is much appreciated.
I would like to thank my family and especially my wife Emma. It cannot be easy being married to a teacher and my time here has coincided with the primary school years for our two children. Emma has been so supportive and understanding of my role and the hours it can take away from evenings and weekends. I am very grateful and will continue to be in charge of laundry duties at home to try and make up for never really being there for the school run, or the other countless tasks working parents fulfil! Thank you Emma.
Today we were delighted to see Bobby visit his friends in Class Antarctica - they were excited to see him. Such a brave young boy - he was awarded an ASPIRE certificate today for Strength.
Thanks for all your contributions to the GOSH fundraising. We have over £500 now and the target is £1000. My training is going well, On Monday, in rather warm conditions, I cycled 24K, swam 1400m at Tri Farm and ran 8k home via the trail route along the River Chelmer. Link here if you can contribute to GOSH - thank you.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AlexBGOSH2022
I wish you all the very best for the future.
Have a great summer,
Mr Burden