I am delighted to be joining Abbeyfield as the Interim Principal. I am an experienced leader who has worked in the toughest of city schools in Birmingham and Nottingham. Working with my teams, we have succeeded in improving the education experience and outcomes for thousands of children.

I will work hard to ensure your child receives the very best education in order that they can become empowered young adults, through gaining the best qualifications possible. A person with choices is more likely to be happy and fulfilled, now and in the future.

Our job at school is to educate your child, keep them safe, and to promote their personal development. Your child’s job is to come to school every day, looking smart, ready to learn and whilst in school, behave well, through following our routines. I believe in keeping everything really straightforward and unless an idea or initiative is rooted in benefiting your child’s education, keeping everyone safe, or promoting pupils’ personal development - then we won’t do it.

I have been to the school for a visit and I have already had the pleasure of meeting many pupils and staff. The school is calm and orderly. My priority for the first half-term is to get to know all staff and pupils. I will be “all over” the school - in lessons, assemblies, out at breaks and before school. It’s important to be visible. I shall also be arranging opportunities for parents to book informal meetings with myself. The purpose of these is to share ideas and gain feedback about the school’s work.

I expect pupils to be in lessons learning , completing appropriate homework and teachers to be teaching. I will not accept poor behaviour, but I will also do all that I can to ensure that support and provision is in place for your child if they need it.

There will be a weekly parent bulletin I shall be introducing this term to keep you all up to date with key events and messages. I know keeping strong lines of communication is important and this is one of my priorities.

Leadership is both a blessing and a privilege for me. I am looking forward to working with the pupils, parents and staff at Abbeyfield School.
 

Fiona Aris

Interim Principal