Dear Parents,
Parent Governors: Three of our Parent Governors have given notice that they do not intend to stand again when their terms of office come to an end in September. I will write to you with more details of their work and the procedure for replacing them when the school reopens after the summer holidays.
I am writing now to tell you about some of the expertise and personal qualities required of those who become Governors so that you have time to consider if you would like to volunteer to help do the varied and important work of a school Governor. Schools are legally required to have Governors to take responsibility for overseeing the running of all aspects of school life and to support the hard work of the Headteacher and the staff.
The most obvious thing is that you must be the parent or carer of a current pupil. Parents whose children join the school in September will qualify, which is why it will be more appropriate to conduct the selection procedure next term.
It is vital that you are able to give your time to the varied work of the Governors if you are selected. Those who are available during the day are particularly valuable as they can come into school when pupils and staff are there.
This does not exclude those of you who have daytime commitments – as most of our governors do. Your contribution would be appreciated however much time you can give. You would have to ensure that you could arrange to attend our meetings and to undertake assignments for the governors.
We hold a meeting of all the Governors every term – that is six times a year – usually in the evenings.
In addition every Governor sits on two committees. Some sit on more than two if they choose to do so. All can attend any committee meetings if they so wish. All the committees carry out the work of the governing body and report back to the full meetings. The committees deal with Finance (budget and spending), Environment (buildings, grounds, Health and Safety), Curriculum (monitoring of teaching and learning), Personnel (staffing) and Strategy (strategic planning and promoting the school).
In addition each Governor links with the co-ordinator of a Curriculum subject and reports to all the Governors about what is being done and planned.
Anyone willing to share in the work of our committees would be very welcome. We are in particular need of governors with an interest and expertise in the work of the Environment Committee. Business skills and knowledge would be much appreciated and an interest in Health and Safety.
As with all organisations, the future and succession planning must be looked to. The Governors need the strong leadership of those who are willing to chair the committees and acquire the knowledge and skills to chair the full Governors at a later date.
You will have concluded that we need some special people to continue the work of the governing body. Please think hard as to whether you are able to volunteer yourselves to this important and rewarding role. You will need to be hard working, discreet, confidential and willing to learn. If successful in the selection process, you will be sharing the work with a dedicated, supportive and kind team.
I will write to ask you for nominations next term. If more than three candidates come forward, an election will be held to select three.
The School Year 2010 to 2011: It has been an eventful and hard working year for us all and it is my pleasure to thank everyone in the school community who has contributed.
The children have chosen their new values very wisely and are living them in all aspects of what they do. We are very proud of them. I would especially like to thank the children who are leaving for all they have done over their years at Sonning Common Primary and to wish them happiness and success for the future.
All our parents have supported and contributed generously to the life of the school. The continuing dedication of those who run the Parents’ Association is as impressive as ever.
Mr Hirst and the staff, who are such a committed and caring team, have spent so much time doing their best to help every child achieve their full potential in the most interesting and fun ways.
The knowledge and enthusiasm of my fellow Governors has made working with them such a pleasure.
I wish you all a very happy and restful summer break and look forward to seeing you in September.
Yours sincerely,
Jackie Million, Chair of Governors.
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