Following our wonderful Abbey Service on Friday and Diversity event at School, it was an absolute delight to once again see the school community coming together to enjoy Christmas lunch on Monday. Over 500 students enjoyed a traditional roast dinner, with vegetarian options and with many participating in wearing Christmas jumpers and accessories. The atmosphere for the last week of term was so very enjoyable and epitomised the warmth of the STAGS community.  

Tuesday saw our seasonal Christmas music concert. The quality and talents of our students never cease to amaze me. With over 100 participants involved in the concert and representatives from all year groups, the choral and orchestral pieces were a joy to behold and certainly a joyous end to the term. My thanks go to Mrs Hennelly and Mr Kulha for supporting our students so admirably and    galvanising the performers so well at the end of the term and to all of the peripatetic staff who support our students during the course of the term and also to parents who ensure that practice continues and attend these wonderful events.

As we near the shortest day, which signals the start of winter, we also arrive at the end of a long and very rewarding term. There has been much to celebrate in our Achievement Assemblies for all Key Stages as we congratulated students on their attendance, punctuality, effort, attitude, attainment, service to the school and wider community, House Awards and Commendations. Certificates and    rewards have been given to students and I would encourage that all certificates should be placed into the Leadership Passports as a celebration of superb achievements.

The attendance of students shows much to congratulate with the whole school at 96.6% attendance, Years 12 and 13 at 95.8%, Year 11 at 95.6%, Year 10 at 96.4%, Year 9 at 96.9%, Year 8 at 96.8% and Year 7 at 97.5%. This is despite  various bugs and general ailments, which are prevalent at this time of the year.

Congratulations to all students for their diligent approach towards their studies. This was particularly evident during the recent mock examinations, which were most impressively taken by all in Year 11, 12 and 13. We continue to utilise all available teaching time and so requests for time off for trips abroad and various other family based events sadly cannot be authorised: The importance of learning continues as our focus up to and including the last day of term.  

It was such a delight last night to welcome back our STAGS alumni, our past Year 13 students, for their A Level Presentation evening. We welcomed our guest speaker, Mrs Mayo Walters, OBE, who inspired us with her address about her amazing life experiences, which ranged from chalet girl to one of the first female judges in Northern Ireland – it just shows that with perseverance, when one door closes another one opens!

Finally, we congratulate Mrs Khan on the safe delivery of a baby girl who arrived the day before maternity leave was due to start! We bid a fond farewell to Mrs Smith who is taking time away from teaching.  

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you again on Monday 7th January, when term starts at 8.35am.

With all good wishes and appreciation of your continued support.
Margaret Chapman