Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

We are extremely fortunate to have such an illustrious alumni group from GSAL, LGS and the High School. Over the past week, I’ve had the privilege of meeting several ‘old’ boys and girls who are offering much to our current student body, from European CEOs to polar explorers. Business leaders from around the globe are willing to visit the school, speak to students, host meetings and mentor our young people. Current Oxbridge students and recent graduates have given up an afternoon to visit us to prepare current Oxbridge applicants from our own school and others locally, before this year’s application round begins. I could go on…you will appreciate the point.

The GSAL family extends far and wide, across generations and continents, and the potential of that network is enormous. Yet the strength of the connection stems from their school days, and so undoubtedly, the most heart-warming letter received this week is from an old girl, who made her way from Leeds to Oxford, from Oxford to Tanzania and who now lives in Cambridgeshire. Describing the impact of her bursary to LGHS in the 1950s, she says the daily journey, ‘delivered me into a magical world full of art and music and drama and singing and dancing and books and teachers on every subject under the sun…The staff were unstinting in their care for us and we flourished and were inspired.’

I’d like to think that she would recognise all of that in the GSAL of 2019, as we continue and grow the traditions of the past, combine them with preparation for the future, and continue to inspire!

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

Please note that to access the downloads in this bulletin you will need to be logged into the school intranet GSAL World. Should you have any difficulty logging in please visit the GSAL World home page and follow the instructions under Password Reset Request.

Whole school notices

Music performances

Our talented musicians give performances throughout the year and we invite you to join the audience and lend your support. Please refer to the GSAL Music Performance Diary for a full listing. The main school events this term are:

Sunday 10 November at 10:30 – Remembrance Service

Thursday 12 December at 19:00 – Winter Concert

Sunday 15 December at 18:30 – Nine Lessons and Carols

GSAL park run

Saturday 5 October, 08:45 registration

The GSAL fun run is open to all GSAL families and friends. Please register at the pavilion at 08:45 for a 09:00 start. There will be an option of running a 2km course (one lap) or 4km. All abilities and ages welcome. Children under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available in the staff car park.

Charity update

The charity collection on Friday 27 September raised £480 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Today’s collection was on behalf of WWF and Cancer Research. Next Friday the collection will be in support of Parkinson’s UK.

Thank you for your continued support.

Year 7 notices

Y7 parents’ presentation evening

Monday 7 October at 17:00

We invite parents to a presentation evening to introduce you to aspects of academic and pastoral life in Y7. Please read the attached letter from Mr S Gibbin, head of Y7, for further details and booking information.

Please note the online booking system for making an appointment with your child’s form tutor will close on Sunday 6 October at 16:00.

Year 11 notices

Sixth Form information evening

Thursday 17 October from 17:00 to 20:00

We invite you and your son/daughter to our Sixth Form information evening to find out what is on offer when he/she progresses to Sixth Form next year. You will be able to talk to subject teachers about their A-level courses, meet the higher education team and learn about our wide range of co-curricular opportunities.

Please read the attached letter for further details of the event and register your attendance online.

Y11 mock GCSE examinations

Monday 4 to Monday 18 November

During the exam period Y11 students may study either at home or in school when they do not have an exam, however we must be aware of all students’ whereabouts at all times. Please complete the study leave options form with your child and return to their form tutor by Monday 7 October.

You will find the form along with full details of the arrangements for the exam period and the exam timetable on the Y11 page for parents on GSAL World.