On behalf of all the Governors of Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School, I am writing to you to keep you in the picture about finding a new headteacher for our school. As you all know, Jenny Elphick will be giving up her post on 31 August 2010 after 14 years which has seen the school grow from strength to strength. I know that we all give her our very best wishes for the exciting adventure she is about to undertake. We will all have the opportunity to give her a proper ‘send off’ at the end of the term – more about that later.
The governors are now getting on with the process of finding a new headteacher of vision and tenacity to take our school forward in these exciting times. We have met several times since Jenny gave us the news of her departure and we wish to keep you advised of where we are up to with regard to finding a new headteacher for the school. Recruiting a new headteacher is a necessarily lengthy and thorough process in order to find the right person to head our school. Therefore, the earliest we can expect a new headteacher in post will be January 2011.
We were encouraged by the Local Authority and the Diocese to explore the possibility of ‘partnership’ with another school. This would mean sharing an executive head for our school with another school. We considered this option, but have decided that, at this time, we would prefer to try and find a suitable person to concentrate on leading our own school in Framlingham, but not rejecting the idea of partnership completely.
The Governors have formed ‘working groups’ to do the following jobs:
a) The Selection Panel: will be working out the logistics of the selection process and how we would wish to interview the prospective candidates.
b) The Advertisement Panel: will be putting together the wording of the advertisement (an important task in order to attract the best candidates). The position will be advertised nationally.
c) The Brochure Panel: will be compiling an attractive handbook of the school, which shows our achievements and aspirations in order to attract a potential headteacher.
Finally we are all thinking about how we shall be celebrating Jenny’s achievements here at Sir Robert Hitcham’s and how we can say thank you to her for her wonderful contribution to the school over so many years.
At a recent Governors’ meeting it was agreed that Mrs Jane Colchester would be the Full Time Acting Headteacher from September, and Mr Robert Vaughan would be the Acting Deputy Headteacher.
Mrs Mawson and Mrs Skevington will be taking Class JC on a job-share basis. We are very fortunate to have two such experienced teachers to cover this class.
As Governors we are aware that you may have questions and concerns, so please feel free to speak to any of us and we will be very pleased to answer any queries you may have. Please find governor details overleaf.
When we have any more news I shall be writing to you again.
Yours faithfully
Revd Graham Owen
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
May 2010
Revd G Owen Ex Officio - Rector St Michael’s - Chair
Mrs W Borg Elected Non-Teaching Staff Governor
Mrs J Bell Elected Parent Governor
Mrs L Cann Elected Teacher Governor
Mrs J Colchester Associate Member
Mr N Dunham Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Mrs J Elphick Ex Officio - Headteacher
Mrs C Honess Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Mrs K Hunt PCC/Parent Foundation Governor
Mr I Moore Local Education Authority Governor
Mrs A Rowles Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Mrs D Schofield Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Revd M Vipond Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Mrs J Ward Diocesan Education Committee - Foundation Governor
Mrs M Whiteley Elected Parent Governor
