Update from Waldo
Hi All
It has been an interesting beginning to the new year and second term. The change in management allowed me the opportunity to meet with parents/carers of the young people we have at Gateway Connect. It was good to see some of the parents that we already know and helpful to create new relationships with new parents/carers.
The first two weeks that we did not have any students in was used to its maximum effect. In week one we ensured that any outstanding delivery preparation was completed. This enabled tutors to be more prepared for their sessions to the extent that students have commented on this fact. Other comments from students have been “We are learning a lot more now”
The second week was used to prepare our physical learning space, All the staff assisted in cleaning, organising and painting the unit and warehouse areas. We know that the environment we find ourself in could be thought of as industrial. In some cases we use it for exactly that reason. However it doesn’t mean we should not have pride in what we have and all the staff now have a new found sense of ownership for the unit (especially since I made them clean and paint it).
On that note I would like to thank Anna, Vikki, Joanne, Sarah, Andrea, Anne, Audrey and Mick for all their hard work. Nathan Hunnisett also gave up some of his time and Ian from TGA to help with more specialised DIY. John was booked off by his doctor and I know that he wanted to be here to help us.
Our year 11 group have found the new structured environment helpful especially since they are focussed on completing their BTEC qualifications. Their return did not go without incident and unfortunately I had to have the police in to deal with some intentional damage that was caused. All was resolved and everyone is back and settled.
Our year 10 group is finding the new structure slightly more difficult to fit into. For one we have them separated from the Y11 and that means they don’t have any good behaviour to model. They will probably take a little longer to understand that the sooner they get into the routine the less hassle they will get and the better their achievement.
February half term will give us our firs indication on where the year 11 are to complete their qualifications. Then its pushing on to April and completing qualifications in May.
Good work by everyone and keep your eye’s on getting through the qualifications.
Thank you
Waldo