Welcome to the final update of the term. We have reached Christmas and it is a great feeling! We sent out the Christmas newsletter yesterday. It’s on the website if you missed it. So this update is relatively brief.

House Matches

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we had the annual House Matches in Rugby, hockey, football and basketball. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Visit of Reverend Ashley Collishaw

I would like to thank Reverend Ashley Collishaw who is a regular visitor to Balcarras. On Tuesday he spent an hour talking to Year 11 RE students about Christian worship and earlier today he came long to speak at our final assembly. He is a great supporter of the school and I am very grateful to him.

Exhibition Debate

After Christmas the Sixth Form Debate Season will begin in earnest. As is tradition, we always arrange a staff debate as a way to model how it should (hopefully) be done. On Tuesday the motion was: This House proposes that the best Xmas movies don’t necessarily have to be about Xmas. The contest was ably chaired by Mr Constance and the adjudication team led by Darren Leatherbarrow. Mr Harding and Miss Parry were the proposers whilst Miss Jowett and Mr Towers were in opposition. Unfortunately, I couldn’t watch because I had a meeting I just couldn’t get out of. I am told it was a great debate and after a close judging call it was given to…Mr Harding and Miss Parry. Well done to them!

Trainee Teachers arrive for Twin Placement

On Wednesday, I welcomed the trainee teachers who will be on placement with us until March. I always make time to meet trainees as they join the school. We had a cup of coffee and chatted about what they might expect here at Balcarras. I told them that they should look forward to their placement here.

Bauble Competition

On Wednesday lunch I went down to the DT department to help on the judging panel for the 2025 Christmas Bauble Competition. There were loads of entries and the quality was amazing. For an article which details who won see the website here:

https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1380

Thanks to the Canteen Staff

On Friday after school I will meet with the canteen staff to thank them for another superb year. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of catering staff who work for the school and it pupils.

Variety Show

Another fine Balcarras tradition is the Annual Variety Show. It has a timeless charm to it and its an event I always look forward to.

Final Assembly - presentation of Charity Cheques

We’ve just had the Final Assembly. I presented Rachel from Sue Ryder with a cheque for £15,450. This was the amount raised by the sponsored walk and the staff who ran the half marathon.

And so, another year draws to a close. As I type this message the pupils have gone and most of the staff have too. After the busyness and bustle of the Autumn term the school is quiet and calm. I feel tired but happy that we have arrived at Christmas in one piece! It continues to be a real pleasure to work with and for the young people of Balcarras. I genuinely hope you all have a lovely Christmas. The only firm plan I have is to eat a lot of cheese!

All the Best.

Dominic Burke