5 May 2023
Newsletter from the Head – Week 3
Dear Parents and Guardians
Spring is very much here in Denstone as we enter exam season, cricket and tennis matches, and a building excitement for the imminent Coronation.
Thank you for your continued support of all things Denstone and for your interest and commitment to joining us for the 'Big Birthday Party' of June 24th; if you have yet to reserve your free tickets, please make sure you do this soon.
This week your sons and daughters have been busy getting back into the swing of a routine and making sure that every day counts; incremental gain and nudges in the right direction are very much our narrative at this time of year and I continue to be a very proud Head.
I have also had the honour and privilege of collecting a national award at the Boarding Schools' Association Conference earlier this week. Denstone College and our boarding community have been recognised for our commitment to activities and adventure during National Boarding Week. Although this is just a 'normal' existence for us, it is always nice to receive national recognition for all that our boarding staff do to support our pupils furthest away from home.
Tuesday 9 May
On Tuesday 9 May, the academic timetable will run as per a usual Monday's lessons. This is in order to regain some lesson time for the subjects that have been hit by two successive Monday bank holidays. Pupils will therefore need to bring the correct books and equipment for Monday lessons. This includes P4-5 Games for First and Second Form. However, in all other respects, the day will run as a Tuesday: it will be Tuesday Activities, not Monday Games, from 4.10pm onwards. If pupils have any questions, they should contact their tutor.
Denstone Village
Please may I respectfully remind parents and pupil drivers of the need to remain very cautious when driving through Denstone Village. We work hard to ensure traffic flow is as smooth as possible but for the welfare of all local residents, please do make sure that you are driving well below the speed limit, particularly when driving near All Saints First School. The local speed watch service has recently reported a number of speeding cars to the police. We recognise the restrictions and limitations of the roads, but ask that you respect all other drivers, residents and pedestrians by driving slowly and carefully.
Tennis
On Saturday 13 May from 1.30pm we will host our Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition.
We encourage all U14 tennis players to get involved in this nationwide tournament - the winner will go on to represent the College at the county finals (date TBC). Our Tennis coach, Mr Barnes will be running the event and we hope that you will be able to come along and offer your support too.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Mackenzie on; [email protected]
Parents of actors in the Lower School Performance of Beauty and the Beast
Please see the letter on the Parent Portal containing important information for parents about the upcoming rehearsals and performances of the play.
Communications Available on the Parent Portal
The following letters can be found on the Parent Portal by visiting https://denstonecollege.parents.isamshosting.cloud
- Lower School Beauty and the Beast Performance – Information for parents of actors
- Heywood House Fourth Form Social
- Shrewsbury House Summer BBQ - Reminder
I wish you all the very best for your Coronation Bank holiday weekend and look forward to pupils returning on Tuesday 9 May. On this Tuesday, we will be operating the normal lessons of Monday to avoid continued disruption to the same lessons - please do remind your sons and daughters of this important schedule change.
Lotte
