THERFIELD SCHOOL
HEADMASTER'S NEWSLETTER
July 1988

The Summer Term rapidly draws to a close and I am writing to you to let you know arrangements for the end of term, some of the major items of news and details of the start of the new academic year.

END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
Wednesday 20th July : 1.00 (weather permitting) - Sports Day - parents are very welcome
Thursday 21st JuIy : 7.30 pm - CABARET EVENING
Friday 22nd July : last day of Summer Term. School will close at 1.10 p.m.
Lunch will then be available for those pupils requiring it.

STAFF LEAVING
Each year brings its crop of staff leaving. We thank them for all they have contributed and wish them every success and happiness in the next stage of their careers.

Mr. D. Hoggins, to be Deputy Head at Yateley School.
Mr. P. Bryer to train for the Church of England Ministry.
Mrs. M. Calvert to work with the Associated Examining Board.
Miss O. Inak, Mrs. P. Kitley, Mrs. S. Langhorn, Mr. J. Maloney and Mr. P. King to other schools.

Thanks also to our part-time teachers - Mrs. J. Stanley, Mrs. C. Greenfield, Mr. E. Warren and Mr. N. Grant - for their invaluable help in the Science Department, and we wish Mr. Grant a well-earned rest in his retirement.

At the time of writing this letter I am confident that we shall be fully staffed for September.

SUMMER TERM NEWS
This has been one of the most busy terms that staff can remember. 240 pupils have sat the new GCSE exams - nerve wracking for them and an enormous amount of hard work for staff. We look forward with anticipation to the results.

0ther events have included school visits to Vienna / Budapest and Switzerland, Exchanges with Denmark, and France and the House Music Festival.

The School has had two writers in residence working with our able young writers, and has also hosted the Surrey Youth Theatre who have just mounted the very successful West Side Story at the Thorndike Theatre.

Another major event was the evening led by Mr. James Hammond, the General Secretary of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations on the new Education Reform Bill.

In the last two weeks we have had a House Fun Day, run a Science Day for pupils in Middle Schools and welcomed all the new pupils joining in September for a two day induction course.

NEW REPORT FORMAT - 2nd, 3rd & 4th Forms
This summer we have introduced a new style of report with the aim of giving parents more structured information concerning their son's/daughter's performance. The format of the report sheet is general and as you read you will see that not every category applies to all subjects.

If you have any view on this new style of reporting we would value your comments.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The new courses being mounted under the Government's Technical & Vocational Education Extension begin this September. Amongst other things it will mean more computers in the school, a new Business & Information Studies Centre and a Technology Laboratory.

The new Music Centre is almost complete and we are hopeful that parents will be to look around the area on Cabaret Evening.

The other exciting development is that Therfield has been selected as one of only four schools in Surrey to be linked with the Royal Opera House. This will involve many of our pupils going there, and leading singers, designers etc. coming into school to work with our youngsters. More news next term.

SCHOOL OUTERWEAR
The school had not had a uniform raincoat and on the basis of keeping costs down for parents, does not seek to impose one.

We have become increasingly concerned, however, at our public image given the very vide range of outerwear being worn. We have set out in the general information leaflet what is acceptable outerwear and we seek your support in enforcing this.

It is obviously in the best interests of all our pupils that Therfield's good name and reputation be jealously guarded. In drawing up these rules we have had to bear in mind such factors as the ease with which some materials can be adorned with drawings etc., and the difficulties caused when children bring very expensive items to school. We would be grateful for your usual strong support.

DATES FOR NEXT YEAR
This is to give you some of the dates which were not available when the Information Leaflet for 1988/89 was printed.

School Closures for Staff In-Service Training (as directed by the Government) -
31st October , 1st November, 10th February and 10th April.
Early Closures for Staff Training (as directed by the County)
24th November, 15th March, 4th July - School closed in the afternoon.

Other Dates for your Diary
Our 1988 production will be "GUYS AND DOLLS" - Performances on Wednesday 30th Nov., Friday 2nd December, and Saturday 3rd December.

HELP NEEDED
Our new Sixth Form Certificate of Pre-Vocational Education Course is looking for Work Experience placements. These are needed every Wednesday for one or two terms. If there are employers who could offer any help or who would like more information would they please contact Mrs. Hayes at the school.

The Language Department are trying to upgrade their "listening" and would be very interested to hear from any parent who has any good standard, speakers to dispose of. Please contact Mrs. Pass.

VISIT TO ROMANIA - Easter 1989
There are still a few places available on this trip. Please contact Mr. du Mont for further details.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE START OF TERM
Tuesday 6th September
8.30-10.45 am : Exam Clinic
9.30 am : 2nd Form arrive
11.00 am : 6th Form arrive
1.05 pm : 3rd, 4th and 5th Forms arrive.

May I finally wish you all a very happy and restful summer holiday and hope that the long awaited good weather arrives.

TJ Reddin