Happy Easter! 

I am writing this blog on a Thursday afternoon. Actually, it's Maundy Thursday, which in the Christian faith is the day that commemorates the washing of the feet (Maundy) and the last supper of Jesus and the disciples . 

For us, it’s the last day of the Spring term. Which is odd as we usually finish on a Friday. 

This week I’ve been looking at the brilliant pictures on the New Bridge blogs. Lots of smiley faces, eggs and Easter fun. Yesterday I saw 9GRT making Easter cakes and some of our IB children on an egg hunt and just enjoying the last few days of this term.

On Monday, Mr Jenkins and I attended the GM Move conference at the Lowry. GM provides us with the funds to set up our Bikeability initiative. The day started with a group performing Tai Chi and then moved into a street dance club. The day was really inspiring and gave both of us a lot of ‘food for thought’, especially around where we can bring sporting opportunities, PE and movement to our children at New Bridge.

We ended our week saying goodbye to some of our staff members who are leaving us today. Miss Gittens leaves us to start her maternity leave – good luck Natalie. Rayer Corlett leaves us to travel the world (how exciting) and Andrew Riddles is pursuing his career in the teaching profession in Bury.  

Leaving us today is our Assistant Head of School for the Autism Base – Clare Shield. Clare has been with us for 7 years as head of the base. Clare is a remarkable member of staff who has really grown and shaped the provision for our autistic learners. She has brought a huge amount of knowledge and expertise as well as introducing sensory movement – which is a huge part of our curriculum offer. We will miss her immensely, but her gap will be replaced by our very own Toni Anglin who has previously been a key stage 3 teacher. Good luck, Clare. 

We have counted the down the day today with our very own digital Easter clock. 

Both staff and students have been fascinated by the clock ticking away, counting down the time that school is out for Easter. 

Next week brings our Easter holiday clubs and I am sure Mrs Bingley and the team will be filling this blog with some fabulous pictures of the fun activities planned for the week. 

Whatever you are doing this Easter Bank holiday -we hope you enjoy the rest and family time. 

That’s it for me now – am signing off for 2 weeks of rest, recharging my batteries for a fun summer term. 

Happy Easter  

Stay safe  

Mrs Tootill