Holy Trinity's Statement on the Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Holy Trinity CE Primary School is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to King Charles III and all the royal family. Our thoughts are with them at this upsetting and difficult time.

We join the nation in mourning Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her 70 years of steadfast service and duty to the country are an example to us all and her loss is greatly felt.

National guidance is that schools will remain open during the period of mourning. The official date of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is Monday 19^th September 2022.  This day will be a bank holiday and as with all bank holidays, schools and colleges will be closed.  Holy Trinity CE Primary School will be closed to all staff and pupils on this day.

School will be open as normal leading up to the event and full attendance is expected.  We will reopen on Tuesday 20^th September 2022.

In the meantime, we will ensure there is appropriate opportunity for pupils to discuss and ask questions about the Queen’s life and reign.  We will also make available support for any pupil for whom this significant national event causes sadness.

Mrs P Gough,

Headteacher

THE HEAD'S WELCOME

Whether you are an established family of the school or, like me, a newcomer, I wish you all a very warm welcome to the new academic year.  I hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays and are refreshed and looking forward to the exciting, purposeful times which lay ahead of us.

First and foremost, may I start by saying it is an honour and privilege to have been chosen to be the new headteacher for Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, Gravesend.  I am very appreciative of the opportunity and fully committed to this role.

From the initial tour of the site, I knew Holy Trinity was the school for me; firstly, because of the children – they spoke of their school with enormous pride and enthusiasm. Their considered reaction to my question as to what type of headteacher would meet their needs, gave a clear directive: ‘someone who is nice but a bit strict’; ‘someone who will talk to us about our interests’; ‘someone who will do it right for us.’ I have interpreted these requirements as a headteacher who will lead with compassion, clarity and cohesion. 

The second reason for applying for the role of headteacher, and in equal importance to the first, is because of the staff.  Collectively, we believe in a culture of the possible, where we can all make progress beyond what previously has been imagined.  We believe that great teaching drives pupils’ progress and we want to maximise learning by ensuring that every moment spent at school is a valuable one. We have therefore adapted the subject timings and internal structures to increase this potential.  We are focussed on making certain that children gain the key knowledge, skills and experiences they need through a relevant, inclusive, stimulating and progressively coherent curriculum: one in which inspires a life-long love for learning. 

Central to the success of the above is the children’s acquisition of basic knowledge which includes number bonds, times tables, [mental arithmetic], telling the time, phonics, spelling rules, and key subject vocabulary. It is an essential element in forming a solid foundation for wider curriculum study, and to ensuring the life chances you wish for your children.  Sharing books and frequent (daily) independent reading are also of supreme importance. 

Undoubtedly, parents, carers and guardians are central in making an important contribution to children’s achievements at school. I thank you in anticipation of your support in helping and facilitating their basic knowledge practice, and other homework; regularly signing the new reading record book, and by guaranteeing punctual and regular attendance to school.  

The impressive school site is another reason I chose to apply for the headteacher post. With its extensive, established grounds, and dedicated activity zones to nurture physical and mental health, I can understand why children (and adults) value and enjoy the school space.  It is widely acknowledged that opportunities to be outside in the natural environment not only inspire awe and wonder but have a holistic impact generally. A body which is healthy in mind and spirit, and has stamina, is ideally placed to achieve the best academic results possible.

I am proud to be joining a Church of England Primary School and am committed to the ethos and teachings of the Anglican Church and principles of the Aletheia Trust.  Holy Trinity CE Primary School is fortunate to have staff and pupils from a variety of cultures and faiths.  It is important to us that we share all celebrations and festivals which represent our community and will collaborate with other faith leaders to ensure tolerance, and liberty are advocated.  Clergy from our local churches will continue to be invited and warmly welcomed to attend school to lead worship with the children and offer pastoral support to staff.  We will continue to take our children to church and visit other faith establishments. 

Certainly, as headteacher I will always value the cohesive partnership of school, church, academy trust and home and, recognise the shared responsibility we have in the safeguarding and all-round development of the children.

I speak for all staff when I say we value and actively promote your involvement in your child's education. Our collective endeavours will help children to grow in awareness of their own strengths, abilities, talents and responsibilities so that they can become good citizens in the world in which they live. Thank you for sending your child to Holy Trinity CE Primary School.

Yours in partnership,

Mrs. Pamela Gough - Head Teacher

MA, BA(Hons) QTS, PGCert IPCYS, Dip Lit