You may recall that in last month's newsletter I mentioned our intention to invite Kirkland Rowell to conduct an independent parental survey later this term in order to gather opinion on the School. We are at a stage where we need you to tell us how well you think we are doing and how we can improve the things that are important to you. Your son/daughter should have brought home a questionnaire earlier this week and I would be grateful if you could spare ten minutes to complete it, telling us how you think we should be spending our time and resources to make the School the best that it can be; your feedback is most important to us. Please return your completed questionnaire – one for each child you have at STRS - to school Reception by Friday 12 December in the envelope provided (clearly marked Parent Survey) via your son or daughter.

I have received reports lately of some lower school pupils effectively playing 'chicken' at the Cheltenham Road traffic lights in the mornings – running across when the pedestrian lights are on red in the gaps between traffic. This is incredibly dangerous behaviour and I would be most grateful to parents if they could reinforce the message of remaining vigilant on the roads, particularly as mornings and nights get darker and travel conditions become more treacherous. The importance of following the traffic signals at pedestrian crossings goes without saying, however, I have asked Form Tutors and Heads of Year to remind boys of road safety.

Christmas will soon be upon us and I have pleasure in inviting you to our annual Carol Services to be held on Monday 15 December and Thursday 18 December at St Catharine's Church, London Road and Holy Trinity Parish Church, Church Road, Longlevens respectively, both starting at 7.30 pm. The services will follow the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols format and complimentary tickets are available from Reception. When requesting tickets, please specify clearly which service you wish to attend. The Carol Services are an excellent way to bring the term to a close and lead into Christmas. We would be delighted to see you.

Final preparations for the School's production of 'A Christmas Carol' which takes place on 10, 11 and 12 December in the School Hall, are well underway. We also have the festive delights of music and readings led by the Brass Band to look forward to on Friday 19 December at 7.30 pm, which I am sure will be a splendid occasion.

The Parents' Association still have tickets available for the Quiz and Pudding Evening this Friday and these can be obtained from Reception. Please do join us if you are able to, for what will be a most fun and enjoyable event.

Matthew Morgan,
Headmaster