A New Academic Year
I love being on the beach early in the morning before anyone else has been out. Seeing the waves ripple in like long, successive lines of corduroy reminds me of the timelessness of nature, and I get a kick out of being the first person to plant my footprints near the water’s edge, as if I’ve somehow been chosen to be the first human to enjoy the place.
Although not quite as expansive as the beach at Plettenberg Bay, one gets a bit of this sense when returning to school for the new year. Coming in during the last week of the summer holiday, and settling in for the new academic year leaves one appreciating the possibilities that lie ahead, and the promise of good things to come. However, it would be foolhardy to not bear in mind that challenges may come too, bringing with them a myriad of emotions, and puzzles to solve.
At Pilgrims’ we have a team of people in place who are able to help when we have questions, concerns or challenges we would like to share. Our Pastoral Care Team (PCT) is a group of people who hold responsibility for various parts of our pastoral provision. The team consists of:
- John Reid – Deputy Head Pupil Development/Deputy Safeguarding Lead
- Craig Cuyler – Director of Wellbeing/Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Eley McDonald-Smith – Head of Learning Support and EAL
- Nicki Beaumont – Lead Nurse
If you have any concerns that you would like to share with any of the team, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I trust that the new academic year will provide your son(s) with the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.
Craig Cuyler
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Director of Wellbeing/
Head of PSHEe/Assista
