The Chorister School - Latest News RSS Feed

Walking Bus January 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:51:54 GMT

We do hope that you have had a healthy and restful festive period. Unfortunately we have been advised that Prebends Bridge will be closed as from Monday January 9 for a number of weeks.

The walking bus arrangements will be changed to accommodate this; in the mornings the walking bus will operate from Kingsgate Bridge/Dunelm Students Union and will be manned from 8-8.15 am. In the afternoons the children will be walked to Palmers Close playing field and should be collected from there at about 4.15pm. You will be able to pull off the road into the field to collect your child.

As before the telephone number for the walking bus is 07599537162, and you should leave any messages regarding arrangements on this number or with me on the school number. If your child is signed down to be on the walking bus in the morning and is unable to join it due to change of plans or absence please do contact the walking bus phone so that no-one is wondering where your child is.

If you have any queries please contact me by telephone or email.

Best wishes

Jill Finch

Term Dates 2011-2012

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:28:52 GMT

The Chorister School

2012 dates

Lent Term

January 2012

Monday 9^th January Training day.

Choristers/probationers/boarders return to school (6.00-8.00 pm)

Tuesday 10^th January Term begins for day pupils

February 2012

Friday 10^th February Half term begins for all

Friday 17^th February Choristers return (6.00-8.00 pm)

Sunday 19th February Boarders and probationers return (6.00-8.00 pm)

Monday 20^th February Term resumes

March 2012

Friday 23^rd March Term ends for all

Friday 30^th March Choristers return for Holy Week and Easter (6.00-8.00 pm)

April 2012

Sunday 8th April Easter Day: Choristers free after services

Summer Term 2012

Sunday 22^nd April Choristers return (6.00-8.00 pm)

Monday 23^rd April Boarders/probationers return (6.00-8.00 pm)

Tuesday 24^th April Term begins

May 2012

Monday 7^th May May Bank Holiday. Day pupils do not attend

June 2012

Friday 1st June Half term begins

Sunday 3^rd June Half term begins after Evensong for Choristers

Sunday 10^th June Choristers/probationers/boarders return (6.00-8.00 pm)

Monday 11^th June Term resumes

July 2012

Wednesday 18^th July Speech Day, term ends for all except choristers

Sunday 22nd July Choristers term ends after evensong and dismissal

Michaelmas Term

September 2012

Sunday 9th September Choristers return (6.00-8.00pm)

Monday 10^th September Training day (boarders/probationers return 6.00-8.00 pm)

Tuesday 11^th September Term begins.

October 2012

Friday 26th October Half Term begins after school ends (after Evensong for Choristers)

November 2012

Friday 2nd November Choristers return 18.00-20.00

Sunday 4th November Boarders/probationers return 18.00-20.00

Monday 5th November Term resumes

December 2012

Friday 14th December Term ends after School Carol Service for all except Choristers

Tuesday 25th December Term ends for Choristers after Evensong

The Big Draw

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:03:40 GMT

The Big Draw 2011

Held throughout October, The Big Draw is the flagship programme of The Campaign for Drawing. The aim is to get everyone drawing, regardless of age or ability, and to bring communities together in creative ways. It is the largest drawing festival in the world! More than 1000 venues take part annually, from national museums and heritage sites to schools, village halls and local parks. They show how drawing can be used to connect visitors with their heritage, environment or each other.

This year our pupils are lucky enough to be collaborating with Durham Cathedral s Education Team to produce some artworks under the Big Draw theme of Fantastic Creatures. Throughout the month of October all pupils, from Nursery to Sixth Form will be visiting the Cathedral to learn about the fantastic creatures which can be found there. Pupils will then take part in a range of art activities, from designing new gargoyles for the Cathedral, to creating Green Man weavings.

The finished artwork of our pupils will then go on display in various locations around school and the Cathedral to inspire others taking part in the Big Draw. The Cathedral\'s Education Team will be running Big Draw workshops for the public during half-term: a perfect opportunity to perhaps to take part in the Big Draw yourself!

www.thebigdraw.org

Art Week

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:37:56 GMT

Art Week Summer 2011

Dear Friends

Our Summer Art Week is open to all Prep School Pupils and will take place as follows:

Dates: Tuesday, August 30 - Friday September 2 2011

Times: 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. each day except Friday when pick up is from The Chorister School.(to be advised by staff)

Venue: Palmer\'s Close Playing Field (all pick up and drop offs from Palmer\'s Close Sports Pavilion unless advised otherwise)

Cost: £60 per child

Other: Your child(ren) will need suitable clothing) and a packed lunch each day..

In order to make the necessary arrangements to administrate this program, it is important that children are booked onto the course in advance (places are strictly limited) and that no child arrives without having their place confirmed beforehand.

Please return the form below with your cheque, payable to \'The Friends of The Chorister School\' by Friday July 29^th 2011 latest to :

Mrs Yitka Graham, Hepburn House, 13 Victoria Avenue, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham DL14 7JH (mobile: 07980 686228) (email:friendsofthechoristerschool@gmail.com)

___________________________________________________________________

Art Week Summer 2011

Child/Children\'s Name(s) and Forms

_____________________________________________Form__________________

____________________________________________Form__________________

Address____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________Post Code_______________

Contact Name and Telephone Numbers to be Used During Art Week Course_____________________________________________________________

End of Term letter

Sun, 01 May 2011 21:09:19 GMT

29^th March, 2011.

Dear Parents,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I enclose a copy of the report on our recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. I am sure that you will be delighted that our school has been adjudged to be outstanding -the highest possible grade.

The inspectors saw what we are lucky enough to see every day: delightful children working hard in a safe and nurturing environment. All of our teaching and support staff have worked incredibly hard, and not just in the immediate advent of the inspection. Some have given their all to the Chorister School over decades, bringing stability, loyalty and experience; others have joined us more recently, bringing new ideas into a strong and welcoming community. It is they who provide the environment and stimulus to allow the children to flourish. Yet they are but one important part of what makes our school so special. The inspectors saw the unstinting support that you, our parents, have given us. They saw the benevolence and commitment with which the governing body discharge their duties. Most importantly, they saw our wonderful children. They commented on their zeal for learning and for life; on their good manners, and on their concern and care for those around them. They saw a School of which we are all hugely proud, and my thanks are extended to every single member of our Chorister School team.

Mrs. Day was delighted to receive a copy of this report, and that she is excited about the challenges of leading an outstanding school. I am sure that she will be afforded the customary warm Chorister welcome when she and her husband arrive at the beginning of next term. As I step down from the interim headship that I assumed eighteen months ago, I send my heartfelt thanks to the Chorister School team for the spirited and unquestionable support that they have shown to me even in the face of the sternest challenges. I cannot thank you all enough. I have enjoyed my time leading the school, but for me, the greatest joy comes from the simple privilege of teaching, and working with our pupil, which I will continue to do so as I reassume my position as Deputy Head at the beginning of next term.

I look forward to seeing pupils return to our outstanding school for the Summer Term on Tuesday, 26^th April. It remains for me to wish you a very happy and relaxing Easter, and to thank you wholeheartedly once again for your kindness and support.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Lawrence

Walking Bus 7th Feb 2011

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:32:24 GMT

7^th February 2011

Dear Parents,

I have been so grateful for the support and spirit of mutual co-operation that parents, pupils and staff have shown in the face of the recent and ongoing disruptions to the journey into school. I remain in contact with the numerous agencies involved with the present roadworks, and they are sympathetic to our needs. I am hoping to be able to announce more permanent measures designed to ease the burden of the journey into school in the near future.

In the meantime, however, it is with some frustration that I must pass on news of further disruptions to our normal routes into school. Prebends Bridge is now in need of urgent repair work. It will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from 14^th to 18^th February (the week immediately prior to half-term), 21^st to 25^th February (half-term) and 28^th February to 4^th March (the week after half-term).

The walking buses will still continue. In the morning, we will be using the successful route from Dunelm House, across Kingsgate Bridge and through the Cathedral. This area is very busy in the evening traffic and so we are proposing to walk the pupils to Palmers Close (our playing fields opposite the New Inn) where they can be collected at 1630.There is space for cars to pull in off the road and wait. We will ensure the gate is not locked during the two weeks either side of half term. Access to school via the Market Place will be unaffected.

You may well have read in the press that there are plans to replace the bollard that controls traffic off the peninsular with an alternative system of vehicle registration recognition. I have already held detailed and constructive discussions with the Council, and I am confident that our school arrangements will not be adversely affected. It will, instead, be able to run the previous system electronically, rather than using the cards.

A safe and easy journey into school for parents, pupils and staff is always a high priority. I have greatly appreciated your understanding and forbearance in the difficult circumstances of the past few months. I am keen to promote the use of the walking buses and to look for alternative and helpful ways of collecting the children by minibus. The staff and I are always receptive to suggestions that may assist all, so please do not hesitate to contact me with any ideas.

The transport arrangement email and telephone number remain in operation. (email Mrs Field: choristertransport@hotmail.co.uk and mobile number: 07599537162. Parents are welcome to use these if they have any queries regarding transport arrangements.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Lawrence.

End of term letter

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:31:36 GMT

15^th December 2010

Dear Parents

I write to you with our day pupils and boarders finally reaching the end of an eventful term, while our choristers enter Chorister Period and the Christmas season. It was a privilege, as ever, to review a busy and rewarding term with our pupils at our end-of-term assembly today, and I thank and congratulate all involved in another successful term at the Chorister School.

The term has not been without its challenges. As a geographer, I could have marvelled at the sheer extent to which we have been tested by our physical surroundings this term, firstly by the town planners and subsequently by the unusually early advent of what seems set to be a very harsh winter. As a headmistress, however, my immediate concern was how best to deal with these difficulties, and I am proud to say that, thanks to the commitment of pupils, parents and staff, we as a school team coped magnificently. The Walking Buses, organised with precision and reliability by Mrs. Field, ensured that pupils were delivered safely to school without too much inconvenience to parents as a result of the works in the Bailey; I thank all those members of staff who have given up time, at a vital point in the day, to assist in this very important venture and to all parents who have shown such wonderful understanding.

The Newsletters have continued to chart the weekly progress of the school, and to laud the many successes of our pupils. We began the academic year with news of academic success in the IGCSE examinations, and our pupils throughout the school have continued to invest excellent efforts into their work this term; I know that further success will follow. There have been sporting successes with many of our pupils. Girls have been selected for the County Hockey Academy squad at under 13 and 14, three boys have been selected for the Northern Barbarians under 13 rugby squad and three pupils have been selected for the semi-finals of the British Biathlon Championships; all achieved in addition to matches played in Rugby, Netball and Hockey at every possible age group. Likewise, the music department has enjoyed another successful term. The recent Associated Board examination results were excellent, as was the singing and the playing of all our pupils at the end-of-term service. The boy and girl choristers continue to give outstanding performances every week and always rise to every challenge and opportunity that is presented. Christmas with Durham Cathedral Choir on 18^th December, where the Choristers of The Year, including our own Liam Jones, are performing alongside our choristers is an additional concert to the Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols. Finally, who could forget the wonderful performances given by the Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils in the Nativity Play. Their confidence, clarity and singing was amazing in ones so young.

I have congratulated pupils and thanked staff for their respective contributions to the happy and successful conclusion to another term. My final thanks are extended to the parents and friends of the school for their unfailing and generous support, whether on cold touchlines around the county, in the Cathedral or within School itself. Your support is very much appreciated. I wish you and your families a very happy and enjoyable Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all in January.

Yours sincerely

Linda Lawrence

Walking Bus - opening of the Bailey

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:41:00 GMT

THE CHORISTER SCHOOL

Durham

DH1 3EL

16^th November 2010

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your support throughout the road works. They are due to be completed on Wednesday 17th November so from 0600 on Thursday 18th the Bailey will be open. There will also be new arrangements for the walking buses from this date.

From Thursday 18^th November:

Mornings:

We will resume our original walking bus route. It will start from the White Gates. Pupils can meet from 8:00am and we will depart promptly at 8:15am. We will depart at 8:15am as we are due in school for registration at 8:30am.

Afternoons:

There will also be an afternoon walking bus that will depart from school at 4pm and arrive at Pimlico dip for collection at 4:15pm. Pupils may sign up for this either when arriving on the morning walking bus or on the sheet in school.

We are still in discussion with the council regarding the use of the cathedral bus from The Sands for travelling to school in the morning and will keep you informed of how these plans are progressing.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Field

Walking bus e mail: choristertransport@hotmail.co.uk mobile: 07599537162

From the Interim Director of Studies: Mrs A Field, B.A.,P.G.C.E.

Telephone:01913842935 Facsimile:01913831275

www.choristers.durham.sch.uk

FUN DAY 2010

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:21:51 GMT

Fun Day 2010

Parents are invited to join their children for FUN DAY on Thursday 21st October to take place in and around the Sports Hall from 2.00 - 3.45pm, after which pupils may be taken home.

There will be no parking in The College - please park on Palmers Close Playing Field.

There will be a variety of stalls and games arranged and run by pupils, staff and friends of the school. Activities will cost 10p or multiples thereof. Children are invited to attend school in fancy dress or casual clothes, on payment of £1, to be handed to their Form Teachers at registration. Uniform may still be worn if preferred.

Any contributions will be most gratefully received for:

The Cake and Jar Stall - including jams, pickles and marmalade and any home-made or home-grown produce. Contributions to be taken to the Pre-Prep on Wednesday 20^th October or the morning of 21^st October.

The Tombola / Second-hand Stall - second-hand toys, books, tapes, DVDs and CDs etc. may be included. Contributions to be taken to Chris Wright s Office at any time between now and Fun Day.

The charity we are supporting this year is The Rainbow Trust .

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:52:38 GMT

THE CHORISTER SCHOOL

DH1 3EL

25^th September, 2010.

Dear Parents,

I am writing to update you on the works that continue in the Market Place and Saddler Street area and to thank you for your understanding while travelling to and from school every day and your support of the arrangements made. I have been delighted by the positive attitude shown by everyone involved in the three Walking Buses that now take place every morning and the two arranged after school. Despite staff having to arrive even earlier than normal, those involved have very much enjoyed meeting the pupils, walking with them and guiding them to and from school. We have had an excellent start to the term.

There is a planned interruption to the work being undertaken in October and November. As a result, Saddler Street and The Bailey will be open to all traffic and Prebends Bridge closed to vehicles other than on Sunday 3^rd October (see note below). You may therefore travel by car to and from school on the dates listed below. However, in order to ensure continuity and security of arrangements for pupils and parents all walking buses will continue, both in the mornings and evenings.

Dates when you will have access to school by car via the Market Place:

Friday 1^st October

Saturday 2^nd October

Sunday 3^rd October (there will be a one way system on this day, via the Market Place and Saddler Street and out via Prebends Bridge 0900-1600)

Monday 4^th October

Tuesday 5^th October

Wednesday 6^th October

Monday 18^th October

Saturday 13^th November

Sunday 14^th November

The arrangements for the walking buses continue to be as follows:

MORNINGS

Nursery and Pre-Prep Pupils Only

Parents of pupils in the Pre-Prep and Nursery may drive their children to school. This will only be possible over Prebends Bridge. Car sharing or collecting other pupils on your way into and from school would ensure the number of cars would be fewer and so lessen your journey time. If the time of your departure from school is critical, please use one the three Walking Buses that will be in place instead.

Prep School Pupils and younger pupils as required

It will not be possible to use our normal meeting point at the White Gates as traffic will now be using this entrance. In addition we will need to accommodate the needs of parents travelling in from other sides of the City. Therefore there will be three walking bus locations:

Prebends Bridge (Route1)

The attached map shows this location. There will be members of staff here from 0800 to 0830. Groups of pupils will be walked to school as they arrive. There will need to be a strict movement of traffic down Pimlico and turning right along to where staff are awaiting pupils. This one-way traffic system will be enforced from Monday 27^th September. If you arrive after 0830 at this location and there are no members of staff there, please do not leave your child. You will need to bring your child into school yourself. Please ensure the duty member of staff knows what arrangement you have made for after-school collection before you leave: i.e. whether they wait at school to be picked up, or which of the two Walking Buses they join.

Dunelm House for Kingsgate Bridge (Route 2)

There will be another two members of staff here collecting pupils from 0810 to 0830. Groups of pupils will be walked to school as they arrive. If you arrive after 0830 at this location and there are no staff there, please do not leave your child. You will need to bring your child into school yourself. Please ensure the duty member of staff knows what arrangement you have made for after-school collection before you leave: i.e. whether they wait at school to be picked up, or which of the two Walking Buses they join.

Coach Drop Off Point in Watergate, alongside the old ice rink (Route 3)

Two members of staff with the mini-bus will be waiting here from 0800 to 0820. This location will allow a good exit route for cars. Pupils will have to be driven to school in the minibus over Prebends Bridge and so will need to set off at 0820. If you arrive after 0820 at this location, please try one of the alternative Walking Bus sites or bring your child into school yourself. Please ensure the duty member of staff knows what arrangement you have made for after-school collection before you leave: i.e. whether they wait at school to be picked up, or which of the two Walking Buses they join.

EVENINGS

Nursery and Pre-Prep Pupils and older pupils being collected after 1730.

Parents of pupils in the Pre-Prep and Nursery and older pupils who need to stay in school to be collected after 1730 may drive over Prebends Bridge. Car sharing or collecting other pupils on your way from school would ensure the number of cars would be fewer and so lessen your journey time. If the time of your departure from school is critical please use one of the two Walking Buses that will be in operation instead.

Prep School Pupils

Prebends Bridge will be the only end of school bus location. The first Walking Bus will arrive (at the area indicated on the map) at 1600 and the next will arrive at 1700. There will need to be a strict movement of traffic down Pimlico and turning right along to where staff are awaiting pupils. This one-way traffic system will be enforced from Monday 27^th September. It is imperative that staff know, at the beginning of the day, the time you will be collecting your child, so that we can ensure they are on the right Walking Bus.

There will be adjustments to the school day to ensure we have time to organise those pupils to the right location, and to enable parents with pupils in both the Prep School and Pre-Prep to be able to collect their children with minimum wait. The Prep School teaching day will therefore finish at 1540. This means that the first Walking Bus will arrive at 1600. Clubs will run as usual, but will start at 1600 and finish at 1645. This will mean those pupils who will be walked to Prebends Bridge on the second Walking Bus will arrive at 1700.

Early arrivals in school

I appreciate that for some parents delivering your child to a Walking Bus starting at 0800 may be too late for your working arrangements. In this case, please drive over Prebends Bridge and deliver your child for breakfast at 0730. Temporary boarding is another option for older pupils, but it is important that you let us know in advance that this option is required, as our boarding spaces are limited this term.

Parking for parents who wish to walk their child to school themselves.

Arrangements have been made by Durham City Vision to suspend the charges for parking cars on Potters Bank between the hours of 0800-1000 and 1400-1800. Please note the extended times. This is to allow Chorister School parents to have the additional option of parking their cars and walking their children to the Route 1 Walking Bus or directly to school themselves, without incurring charges. In addition, parking will be suspended in the area of the Route 1 Walking Bus to ensure ease of access.

Change in Arrangements

Mrs. Field continues to take charge of transport arrangements in order to facilitate the communication of information regarding the movement and collection of pupils. There is a dedicated email address for any arrangements you would like to make, amend or request breakfast or tea with at least one full day\'s notice. Please also use the dedicated email address if you would like to set up a \'standing order\' of your daily requirements throughout the period. There is also a dedicated mobile telephone number for you to inform us of any last minute changes on the day by text. Only the mobile number should be used if changes are made to your arrangements on the day.

Email address: choristertransport@hotmail.co.uk

Mobile telephone number: 07599537162

The team spirit, reliability and common sense of our pupils, parents and staff has been displayed at all times and has resulted in a large number of pupils being escorted on the walking buses. Our journeys have been made easier wherever possible by Clare James (Durham City Vision), Alison Lonsdale (Durham County Council) and Steven Brudenell (Carillion), who have listened to our concerns and made adjustments and improvements as required.

There were over 700 happy and safe journeys on the walking buses in the first week alone. I have promised the pupils a reward once we hit 3,000!

I am very keen that the works being undertaken do not compromise our communication in these important early weeks of the new academic year. I therefore hope you will feel free to get in touch with any of the teaching staff via the school\'s telephone or email should you have any queries.

Yours sincerely

Linda Lawrence

From the Head: Mrs Linda Lawrence, B.Sc., B.A., P.G.C.E.

Telephone: 0191 3842935 Facsimile: 0191 3831275