After some of the frustrations of the previous week, this has been one of celebration that was tempered with some dreadful news that we all heard on Friday.

First of all, the celebrations. On Monday evening we held our inaugural Employment Awards ceremony. The young people, their families, our staff team (and our governors and trustees) were joined by the employers across the borough who support our learners on their placements. Unfortunately, I got stuck in London as I had a meeting with Dominic Herrington, the new Schools’ Commissioner. The event was an absolute reinforcement of everything that we do well within the trust. All of the learning the young people engage in leads to a meaningful future. “Creating meaningful futures”. For those learners that are able to move into the world of work, the evening was a celebration of their own and their employers’ achievements. It is fascinating when you talk to other schools from across the country who haven’t had the foresight of our schools. Every single one of our children has a potential appropriate pathway. It can be Horizons, it can be supporting in the community, maybe volunteering, it can be Oldham College, it can be employment. The important element is that it has to be meaningful to the individual.

On Thursday evening we held a similar event, only this time it was the Sports Awards. To be honest I could have been at the BBC event! The event was so well put together. The running order – the video clips – the awarding of medals, certificates and cups.

Both events had many things in common. The amazing dedication of our staff. Their commitment to our children is nothing short of phenomenal. The other element that is common is the joy and pride the young people feel. Their faces when they receive their awards are just brilliant.

So, on to our dreadful news. On Friday we heard the horrible news that one of our shining stars of our New Bridge community had sadly passed away. Kyle Crossland, one of our Year 13 students, tragically passed when on a short holiday with his parents. It came as a massive shock. For the people that had the absolute pleasure of knowing Kyle, they will remember a young man who was spirited, witty and, most importantly, a great friend to many. He was massively loved and, I know, he loved us too. Kyle will leave a huge hole. His presence lit up rooms. His spirit will remain in our buildings for a long, long time. I, personally, will miss him. I admired his attitude. Me and Kyle had a similar soul!! Our thoughts are with Steve and Helen at this really difficult time. Kyle, may your star continue to shine.

Graham

You can find all Graham’s previous blog entries here