Tuesday 21 July 2020

End of Another Academic Year

We are now reaching the end of an academic year unlike any other and some of our early years settings, schools, colleges and education and skills providers are finishing for the summer.  I know that the last few months have been a very challenging and difficult time for many people across Brighton & Hove.  I’d like to thank you for all of your hard work in these exceptional times.  

From providing childcare, overseeing home learning and reaching out to the most vulnerable children and young people in our city, everyone has played their part and I am particularly proud of all those who have been working in early years, schools and colleges during this unprecedented time.

I would like to wish you all a happy and safe summer.  There is much still to be done to prepare for September as part of our recovery and renewal work and I hope that the summer will provide an opportunity for everyone to find time for a break.  It is so important we are all able to rest and recharge our batteries ahead of the new academic year.  I look forward to once again working with you all then.

Summer fun for children and young people in Brighton & Hove



Despite the challenges of recent months, I’m delighted to say there will be a wide variety of free activities on offer over the summer for children and young people across the city.

The activities, which have been adapted to take into account guidance on social distancing, include a range of arts and crafts, fitness, sport, beach days, playschemes, family get-togethers, fishing, music and more.  Please see the following links for more information:- 


For younger children and young people and their families: https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/summer-fun-2020

Youth workers will also be engaging with young people across Brighton & Hove in places where they gather to build positive relationships and provide support and guidance.

Goodbye and thank you


It’s that time of year when some of our headteachers and principals across the partnership retire or move on to other exciting things. We would like to thank them all for their commitment to the children, young people and families across the city and wish them all the best for the future. We will miss them all and hope they will keep in touch.   

I would like to say goodbye and thank you to Dr James Kilmartin, Principal of Cardinal Newman Catholic School, who will be stepping down from his role at the end of this academic year.  Since becoming headteacher he has overseen a number of developments, always with impressive determination.  We wish him a very happy and well deserved retirement.
Dr James Kilmartin

We also say goodbye this month to Adrian Carver, Executive Headteacher at Downs View.  Throughout his time at Downs View, Adrian has been an inspirational leader and advocate for children and young people with special educational needs and we wish him all the very best for the future.

Adrian Carver

Julie Aldous, Head at Middle Street Primary will also be moving on to exciting new adventures.  Julie has been one of our longest serving headteachers in the  city and her collaborative and innovative leadership has been invaluable.  Julie will be much missed by all who work with her and we wish her well in her new endeavours.  
Julie Aldous

Thank you also to Fran Morrison, Head of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, who is leaving at the end of this term.   I know that Fran’s participation and support will be widely missed by colleagues within the Brighton & Hove education partnership and across the city.  We wish Fran the best of luck for her move and for her new adventures.

Fran Morrison

We also say goodbye to Shaun Collins who is stepping down as Headteacher at Brunswick Primary School following 10 years of headship at Somerhill Juniors, having successfully brought together Somerhill and Davigdor Infants to create Brunswick Primary.  We wish Shaun all the best with his future endeavours.

Shaun Collins

I would also like to thank Sarah Clayton, Head at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, for all of her hard work and dedication in her role as Interim Head at St Bernadette's Catholic Primary.  I know that her steady leadership has been a great support to everyone at St Bernadette’s.

Finally, thank you to Jo Staveley, Headteacher at the Bilingual Primary School, who will be moving into a new role at the school from September.  We look forward to continuing to work with Jo in her new position.

Our next news will be in September when we will welcome new faces to the Brighton & Hove education partnership.

Best wishes,
Jo

Keep in touch and follow me on Twitter @JoMLyons


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