Dear Parents/Carers
There is a definite feel of holiday time approaching due to the temperatures we’ve been experiencing as I write this to you all.
Taking a moment to reflect upon this academic year I marvel at everything our children have achieved. Every child should be very proud of their individual contribution to school life. Some have achieved amazing academic success and some have achieved wonderful creative, musical, sporting or social success.
Our recent Ofsted inspection recognised the hard work which everyone connected with our school puts in to make a very successful place of learning. Whilst recognising our high standards they also referred to, amongst other areas, the good relations with the local community which we value so much.
Throughout the year the Governors, Staff and Senior Leaders have listened to parental suggestions and where feasible have acted on them to improve the educational opportunities for all children: the use of Framlingham College to extend our swimming facilities has been very positive; visits to Framlingham Castle as a focus for learning for many of the children; the development of the community garden; the increase in clubs for younger children has opened up more opportunities for them to extend their learning; themed days and weeks such as ‘Book week’, ‘Chick Time’, ‘Respect Week’ and Charity Day give children experiences and challenges in addition to the academic.
I believe that the continued success of Sir Robert Hitcham’s CEVAP School lies with all who are a part of the school family. It lies with the determination by everyone that each child will receive the very best education we are able to provide and we do this in partnership with families, staff, Governors and the wider community.
I would like to thank the Friends Committee for their ongoing support, the amazing team of volunteers who continue to be selfless in their giving of time, the staff for their dedication and care and the Governors for their constant support. Particular thanks must be given to Mrs Armstrong who leaves our school after 27 years of service to our families. We know that we will miss her but I wish her every success in her new role within her Church. I would like to especially thank Rev. Graham Owen our Chair of Governors, Pastor and friend for his strength, wisdom and sheer determination to make our school the best of all Christian places of learning. We will miss him but wish him well in his retirement.
Finally, I will end this letter as I have begun it, with a thank you to the children of whom I am so proud and I wish you all a very restful and enjoyable summer break.
Mrs H Picton, Headteacher
Please see below for a message from Revd Graham Owen, our departing Chair of Governors.
Dear pupils, parents and staff
I took over from Revd Mike Vipond as Chair of Governors of your school almost ten years ago and this has been one of the most satisfying parts of my ministry in Framlingham.
I just love it, seeing the young children thrive at Sir Robert Hitcham’s, and also being there to support the teachers and the Head.
We have seen off 2 sets of Ofsted inspectors!
Working with our dedicated bunch of Governors has been a wonderful experience. Everybody contributes to the smooth running of the school using their own particular strengths.
We have challenging times ahead but I have huge confidence in my fellow Governors that Sir Robert Hitcham’s will go from strength to strength.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big thank you to all the staff - teachers and teaching assistants, the admin team, the kitchen and dinner ladies, cleaners and all the volunteers in making Sir Robert Hitcham’s such a learning, caring & inspiring place.
I shall miss it very much,
Best wishes, Graham Owen.
