The news of the untimely death of Mrs Anne Maguire has shocked the nation, from community leaders to the Prime Minister. No one had a bad to word to say about Mrs Maguire: quite the opposite, in fact. The 61-year-old Leeds teacher stabbed to death in her classroom was clearly an inspiration both to her pupils and her colleagues. She was greatly respected and much loved, not just by the current school community but for generations of students – she was a pillar of the community and ‘the mother of the school’. She had taught at Corpus Christi Catholic College for 40 years and was nearing a well-earned retirement later this year. A committed and dedicated teacher she was in on her day off to help students with last minute revision for their exams. The extraordinary outpouring of grief and affection from current and past pupils is testimony of the tremendous impact she had on so many lives. At some point in our school days, most of us will have come across a teacher like Mrs Maguire; and the impression they leave never fades. The brutal manner of her death has shocked not just the school and the local community, but the entire nation. Mercifully, such events are exceptionally rare: Mrs Maguire is believed to be the first teacher killed in class, allegedly stabbed by a 15-year-old pupil. It would be wrong to over-react to what has happened by introducing metal detectors in all schools, routinely searching pupils. By and large, schools are safe environments and we will work hard to make sure that they continue to be safe and secure environments where inspirational teaching happens. I am sure our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Maguire’s family and the students and staff of Corpus Christi Catholic College.
Last weekend saw a multitude of events taking place, of which I was privileged to attend, from the Equestrian Team taking part at the Show Jumping competition at St Mary’s, Calne, the Iron Man Triathlon contest at school, Cricket at Warminster and the Motor Sports Team racing in the South West Regional Finals. The latter team, after some very canny driving, came 4th out of 30 odd teams and gained automatic qualification to the National Finals which will take place in Northampton in July. Well done to Dominic Shepherd, Dexter Hannant and Harry Purvis and we wish them all the best in their preparations, not only for their GCSEs but for the Finals too. Any parents, friends of the school or businesses who would like to sponsor the team, do please get in touch with the Team Manager. Mr Balch. This week has also seen our visiting Italian students from Collegio San Carlo in Milan, the Inter House Senior Swimming Gala, cricket against Wellsway, sailing at Sutton Bingham, the UKMT Maths Challenge, GCSE Drama and PE Moderation, the GCSE Art Exam, Hauser & Worth visiting the Year 10 Barlow Project and the successful ‘Life is a Cabaret’ yesterday evening – I hear on the grapevine that there may be more cabaret evenings to come which will showcase the tremendous talent we have here at Sexey’s. Also we warmly welcome Mrs Sarah Simms who started at the beginning of this Trinity term as the Head of Marketing, Communications and PR. Mrs Simms will be working with numerous stakeholders, including parents and Old Sexeians, in developing further and establishing links and enhancing the school’s presence both nationally and internationally. No doubt, she will be in touch with you in due course. Exciting times.
I’ve been revising with my Y11 scientists this week and we have been talking about the isotopes of carbon and how we use this important element in everyday life. I am hoping to use some carbon in the BBQ this weekend but only if the sun decides to show its face. I do wonder if it is still on its Easter holidays…
Have a wonderful exeat (quarter term) and Bank Holiday Weekend and don’t forget your brolly – Sexey’s umbrellas are available in Reception!
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