First of all, this will only be a short blog as I am expecting to provide you with at least one other update in this critical final month before formally opening our doors for learning in September
This summer break
Anyone with the impression that colleges and schools ‘wind down’ during the summer would be in for a shock if they knew exactly what happens on site as well as the amount of work staff typically put into planning and preparation for the new academic year. This year it feels like this planning has magnified 100-fold as we are challenged to literally do everything from scratch. Needless to say, this challenge continues to be such a privilege and an exciting period for me and my staff. I am certain that everyone involved in our brand new college will be impressed with what we have achieved.
Tours
We continue to conduct tours of the college as it draws closer to completion. We have had to add a few more days on to Eventbrite. Of the tours conducted so far, I have received really brilliant feedback and a sense of genuine excitement from both students and parents. I frequently have heard expressions along the lines of ‘I did not know it would be this good!’
Handover
The college is officially handed over by the building contractors on 18th August. The subsequent couple of weeks will enable us to move in furniture and resources and make the college fit for learning from 11th September. During recent tours a number of generous parents and students very kindly offered to assist with moving furniture into rooms etc. I still do not have a final number of official and available ‘movers’ yet but if we are short of ‘muscle’ we will certainly put out a message to parents probably during the week beginning 14th August.
Sixth Form Students
I expect that Year 11 students will be getting increasingly nervous as GCSE results day draws closer. Please remember to come and see us at the college on 24th August and we will be available to advise and guide you at this very important stage in your lives.
Wishing you all a continuing happy and fulfilling summer
Ciaran O’Dowda