As Chair of Trustees, I am in a very privileged position in that I have the opportunity to visit all of our schools and settings and meet with our school leaders, staff and most importantly, the pupils.  In doing this, I can see how our Trust drivers and curriculum are really impacting on the lives of our young people.

At a recent visit to Southwold Primary School, a whole school assembly had been arranged to mark the retirement of John Beckett, who has been involved in school and Trust governance for over 10 years.  During the assembly, the school choir performed to 'open'  our presentation event, and the whole school sang to bring the assembly to an end.  The confidence and enjoyment was a delight and illustrated how important the creative arts are in expressing emotions and bringing people of all ages together. I know that John and his wife Viv, who both have a long association with the school, were very moved by the afternoon.  Many thanks to Southwold for all of their efforts.

I am also an avid follower of all our school Facebook sites as they provide an insight into the huge range of ways that children are engaging in education - there are so many examples of exciting opportunities and the smiles that are evident in the photographs clearly indicate that the children are enjoying their time at school.  I hope that you are also enjoying a view of life at school through the websites and social media posts.

With best wishes for the spring term, for more settled weather, and even more exciting opportunities.

Dawn

Dawn Carman-Jones, Chair of Trustees