I would like to start this week by saying a huge thank you to Janet Lovell who is retiring this week as Clerk to the Governors. Janet has fulfilled this role for 16 years and has been an incredibly diligent and conscientious individual who has worked tirelessly for the school and has had a profound impact on Roding Valley High School. In this time the school has changed enormously and the responsibilities of the Governors has become ever greater so it has been crucial to have someone with Janet's knowledge and calm authority overseeing proceedings. I would like to thank Janet for helping to make my first 18 months as Headteacher run as smoothly as possible and I know that the rest of the Governing Body will miss her enormously. I mentioned in last week's item that the Year 7 boys' football team were playing in the final of the Essex Cup and it was great to see so many parents and staff travel to watch the match at Brentwood School on Monday evening. It was a very special occasion for the team and there were undoubtedly a few nerves but I felt that the boys made a good account of themselves and Mr Hudgell was very much a proud coach. Unfortunately they came up against a very strong Great Baddow side who were slightly quicker to the ball and made it very difficult for our boys to have time on the ball. It is always disappointing to lose in the final but it is worth mentioning that over 90 schools entered the competition and for our Year 7s to reach the final in the face of so much competition is a superb effort. The Year 7 boys' rugby team also performed well in the Essex Regional finals and won three, drew one and lost two of their matches. Mr Bailey was pleased with their performance and it certainly bodes well for the future of the school as I am very keen to develop the participation of students playing rugby throughout the school. I wish you all a restful break before looking forward to the summer term. J Luck Headteacher
You can follow us at www.rodingvalley.net , on Facebook at the ‘Roding Valley High School Official’ page or on Twitter (@RodingValleyHS). You can also sign up to our free electronic media release service at rodingvalleymedia@gmail.com