Welcome to this week’s bulletin and news round-up…
Here we are in the Summer Term already, though it still feels rather Autumnal out. Thanks to all who attended parents’ evening meetings – it was lovely to see so many of you in school. Thanks also to everyone who has asked about my Argentinian adventure, which was absolutely wonderful with only the odd hairy moment, the two most notable of which involved guns in one way or another. I managed no fewer than nine (!) football matches and am left with the nagging feeling that watching Forest might feel rather dull from now on. I’ve been spoilt.
Today, Friday, is Mrs Burge’s last day with us before she heads off for her first headship. We are sure you will join us in thanking her for eighteen years of dedication to the Parkdale children and community. It will seem very odd here without her!
Budget Setting:
Our Governors meet next week to authorise our budget for 2024-25. This has been a particularly challenging one to make balance as funding for schools has not risen in line with inflation and some very helpful and much-needed pots of post-Covid recovery money have now been withdrawn from schools. We are looking at some staffing restructures and potential job cuts, but not redundancies. Ironically, the (separate) pot of funding we have for capital projects remains very healthy and we are able to continue our Forest School project and also to consider some major building renovations.
INSET Days 2024-25:
These will be ratified at Governors next week and announced in next Friday’s bulletin.
Diary Dates
Wednesday 1st May: Rock Star Day – see above
Wednesday 1st May (4pm): Full Governors Meeting – budget setting
Monday 6th May – Bank Holiday