Q News Autumn 2022

Les

School

Dear Reader,

HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW

The Autumn term in any school is always the busiest and the longest but it remains my favourite term of the year. It is a time when we have welcomed a new year group right at the very start into our community and to see them settle, blossom and thrive so quickly, never ceases to delight us. It’s the term of new beginnings for us all, new staff who have joined us are now very much part of our team and each one of them has strengthened and added so much to our school and new challenges for our students as sporting fixtures commence, a new House Competiton gets underway and the pace of learning moves up a gear.

This is particularly significant for our Year 11 students who have had a very busy term undertaking their iGCSE English exam and wading their way through mock exams as we begin more final exams when they return in January.

It is a time of real joy in school as we move into the Christmas period and one that we make a real effort to celebrate fully at Les Quennevais. Our building is decorated so beautifully inside but this year we wanted to bring some joy to our neighbours and our Parish so our fantastic Site Team went all out to light up our boundary trees to spread some Christmas cheer.

They are team that takes great pride in everything they do to support our school and to make it a beautiful environment for us all and we are so lucky to have such a special team who really make such a difference for us all.

At the busiest time of the year, we are often thinking of how to find the perfect present for a loved one or friend. I am reminded of the joy that we can find in the small things which are just as important and can instantly change our mood and make a difference to how we feel.

Small things, despite their size, can make a massive difference. Some of the small things that bring me greater joy; (you might be able to relate to some of them) a Sunday roast, clean bedding, an open fire, a really funny meme, pockets (especially in dresses!), a good laugh, someone making me an unexpected cup of tea and a packet of Minstrels!

Professionally, I know my colleagues and I experience great joy when we find a handwritten card or letter of thanks in our pigeonholes, when a young person says thank you, laughter in staff briefing, a nice email that arrives unexpectedly or simply a piece of chocolate left on our desks.

In the big things that we all deal with and will continue to deal with, let’s not forget that in both our personal and professional lives as parents, students, staff and Governors it is sometimes the very small things that can give us a lift. With just a little effort, we can bring joy to ourselves and each other.

Right now, that in itself is not just a small thing. I spoke with all our students before the final week of term about the true spirit of Christmas and thinking of what we can do for others. I shared with them a teaching from Mahatma Gandhi - “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. These words are more important than ever in today’s society and the challenges that we face.

Our student leaders experienced great joy as they prepared our traditional Christmas hampers for the elderly and needy in our Parish. We received a thank you card from one of last year’s recipients, which I read out in assembly last week, the recipient expressed how she felt when her hamper arrived unexpectedly from our school - “It has taken me back to my childhood, the excitement of receiving something I’d never imagined I would ever get. It’s made my Christmas so special to be thought of in such a kind way by people I haven’t ever met. It made my Christmas magical, thank you from the bottom of my heart”

Such a small gesture from us as a community can make a very big difference to an individual. How lovely that we can do this for people who need a bit of a lift at this time of the year. Thank you to all our families who generously donated to make this possible once again along with Mark Cox and our friends from the Channel Islands Co-Operative Society.

This year we have also raised funds to contribute to the Bailiff’s Island Appeal, following the recent devastating incidents in our community. Many of us have been extremely touched by these tragic events, and our thoughts are with all the families involved. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our emergency services. Their response has been relentless and extraordinary as they continue their recovery work. Our thoughts are also with them and their families as they continue to work tirelessly on behalf of all those affected.

Christmas this year for all of us will be a time for great reflection. A time to be thankful for what we have and what we are part of and a time for us all to think about other people and make a special effort to make time for those for those around us.

I wish all our families a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Yours sincerely

Sarah Hague Headteacher

LQS holds Jersey’s first school surf competition

One of the biggest highlights of this term was our inaugural Inter-House surfing competition, where we not only showcased our students’ enormous talent but also celebrated the school’s longstanding connection to surfing, the sea and St Ouen’s Bay.

It was a day that typified the culture of Les Quennevais School - a school that doesn’t just go the extra mile but the extra ten miles for our students. And we are extremely grateful to Mrs Le Riche who conceived the idea and took it upon herself to organise Jersey’s first school surf competition and provide this wonderful experience for our students.

The competition was held at El Tico in clean 1-2ft surf. Forty three students entered the competition demonstrating how much surfing talent Les Quennevais has, with an equal split of boys and girls from Year 7-10.

The event was supported by Healing Waves, The Surfyard and RNLI Lifeguards Jersey who gave up their time to ensure the event was a well organised success, for which we are extremely grateful.

The competition was judged by ex-LQ student Jake Powell who was well known for his surfing talent during his time at school and is now a surfing coach to many of our students outside of school, all of whom were in the competition. Thank you, Jake!

The individual winners were announced in a special assembly the following day with McKeon winning overall.

There are many school events throughout the year that make me extremely grateful to be part of this very special community and this event is now one of them! It is always exciting when a new House competition is introduced and this one is certainly a keeper.

Let’s just hope McKeon can win it again next year!

Mr A Richardson Business Manager

Alumni InterviewChelsea Rudden

My name is Chelsea Rudden (formerly Vibert) and I am a Community Staff Nurse. I have been qualified for around 4 years now, and I absolutely love my job! Since leaving LQS in 2013 I have been on a rollercoaster of a journey to get me to where I am now. Straight after LQS I went to Highlands College and studied Health and Social Care Level 3, which then led me to getting a place on the on-island nursing degree for 3 years. Straight after this I landed my dream job as a Community Staff Nurse.

Which years were you at Les Quennevais?

2008 – 2013.

What was your biggest challenge at school?

My biggest challenge at school would have definitely been my confidence in stepping outside the box and pushing my limits. I was always a shy student and there were definitely parts of my education I should have pushed myself to try, one of these being Head Girl. I had the encouragement of many students and teachers to go for this but did not have the confidence in myself to do it!

What was your greatest achievement at school?

My greatest achievement would definitely be entering the cooking competition with JCG and coming runner up against many other students in the island. I remember I cooked fish cakes with potato gratin and carrots.

Song/band/album that defined your school years?

The Climb by Miley Cyrus is a perfect fit for me, as I was always doubting my abilities at school but kept my head held high and thrived at everything I did.

Which aspects of life at Les Quennevais helped you become the person you are today?

Where do I start? The support from all of the teachers allowed me to reach my goals and become the nurse I am today. I would take as much as I could out of each lesson and make the most of the guidance that was available to me.

Favourite lesson or activity?

Health and Social Care would definitely have been my favourite! Second to that was Food Technology – I still love to bake!

Favourite memory of Les Quennevais?

Friendships! All the amazing friendships I made throughout the years, many of which are still strong today! The importance of friendships during school years are often over looked, they play a vital role in a student’s journey.

What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get you where you are today?

My inspiration came from numerous people, all in different ways from encouragement to guidance. From an early age I knew I was going to take the path to becoming a nurse, and already knew what I needed to do to get where I am! I studied Health and Social Care at school for my GCSEs, which led me to doing Health and Social Care Level 3 at Highlands for 2 years. I was very lucky to then get a place on the on-island nursing degree which took 3 years to complete. During this time I worked as a health care assistant to earn some money on the side and build up on my clinical skills and knowledge.

Favourite aspect of your job?

The rewarding feeling you get on a daily basis when you can see the improvement and difference you are making to a patient’s life, whether that be easing their pain with medications, to dressing their wound. Nursing is a very challenging role, but seeing this positive impact you are making, makes the bad times all worthwhile.

What advice would you give to students looking at their career options?

Never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your goals, never let anyone make you doubt yourself. If you want something enough, you will make it happen. Never give up on your goals and dreams! Work hard at everything you do, always strive to be your best self in everything you do, and have fun along the way! Appreciate the support and guidance offered to you and cherish the friendships made along the way!

If you would like to be a Q News featured alumni, please contact our Business Manager Mr Richardson. We’d love to hear from you!

Year 7 settle into life at LQS

Wow, how can I begin to try and put into words what an incredible group of students have just walked through our doors! Here at Les Quennevais we describe ourselves as a community, not just a school and I think this group of Year 7s have demonstrated that so perfectly even after just one term.

I think we can all remember how it feels to be the newbie; going from a big fish in a small pond to the small fish in the big pond at a huge secondary school with new people and new surroundings, but our Year 7s have taken that all in their stride and thrown themselves into Les Quennevais life. From school projects to inter house competitions our year group has done it all.

We kicked off this amazing term with the Year 7 Transition projects which I have to say was the best Transition Exhibition I have ever seen here. The standard of the work completed was just unbelievable and some of those art projects wouldn’t have looked out of place in an art gallery. The Head Teachers award-winners were then given a very special breakfast with myself and Mrs Hague during which all of them were able to eloquently describe the process behind the making of their projects which made me incredibly proud.

We then began Year 7 auditions for our January production of High School Musical which is set to be a fantastic hit and we hope to see as many parents and family members in the audience as possible.

From then on we have had students representing their Houses for events such as football, netball, tug of war and surfing; memories they will have for a lifetime. Students have also been amazing at representing the school for sports events against other schools and as the next term begins I hope Year 7 will continue to sign up to other seasonal sports clubs here at Les Quennevais.

The saying goes ‘the bigger the better’ and with 200 students in this year group all working together. We are set to be not only the biggest but the most successful year group to come through Les Quennevais and I am beyond proud to be the head of such a phenomenal group of students. Keep smashing it Year 7 and have a wonderful Christmas.

Miss Thebault Head of Year 7

Year 7s produce best Transition Exhibition yet

For seasoned readers of Q News, it will come as no shock to hear me tell you what an extraordinary Transition Exhibition we had this year. More than any other year, it was the highly personal and creative responses which really stood out for me. There were so many incredible ideas which lifted each subject area to new heights.

From the incredible zoetrope and flick-books of a moving sun in the photography category to the wonderful cinema quality drone footage exploring our island history. This exhibition will stick long in the memory due to the uniqueness of the exhibits and the sheer hard work and determination of our youngest students to produce such special work.

There were scores of standout pieces of work this year. We could have handed out double the amount of Headteachers Awards such was the quality of everyone’s exhibition work. For me it was such a joy to unpack the work and carefully curate beautiful pieces of art, exceptional food menus, video walkthrough guides of local sites of interest, sporting and scientific investigations and much, much more.

The exhibition is a powerful reminder of the knowledge, passions and talents of our youngest students; of what they have brought with them in terms of their learning from their primary school years and what kind of statement they want to make about their learning when they join us in September. I will never tire of this magical start to life at Les Quennevais School for our youngest students. I am already looking forward to next year!

Mr P Jones Assistant Headteacher

LQS Careers Fair means business as it returns bigger and better

Employers and business representatives from 53 different sectors came to Les Quennevais school as we expanded from last year’s first Careers Fair.

All year groups were able to attend the event that took place in the main hall where they engaged with delegates about their respective sector invoking inspiring conversations and questions about the varied careers that are both available now and in the future.

From Finance to Law, Animal and Conservation Care to Sport, Finance to Building Trades and Apprenticeship programmes, nearly every industry was covered and there was certainly something for everybody to be utterly inspired and engaged with.

It was lovely to welcome back so many ex-Les Quennevais students who now represent many different sectors and could talk so passionately to current students about their own qualifications and routes into the different careers.

Feedback from students was well received with one student in Year 9 commenting:

“I’m already thinking about what I might like to be in the future and talking to so many different people who could tell me about their experiences has got me thinking about my option choices for GCSE.”

The delegates from the day were so impressed with our students:

“What a fantastic event! We can’t believe how many different industries were here. Your students were so polite and asked a variety of questions. They didn’t just look, they immersed themselves in the experience and made the most of such an important opportunity.”

The event was a huge success and we look forward to seeing how this will continue to grow and provide our students with a range of career opportunities in the future.

Mr P Harris Assistant Headteacher

LQS to take part in Durrell’s ‘Tortoise Take Over’

We are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Sculpture Trail in aid of Durrell. You may remember the success of the sculpture trail of the gorillas a few years ago which raised well over a million pounds following the sale of the artist gorillas and the fundraising which went alongside this from schools and community groups. This year, the chosen species is tortoises. As Durrell states;

‘From the Galápagos tortoises at Jersey Zoo, to the Aldabra giant tortoises that serve as “ecosystem engineers” on Round Island in Mauritius and the precious, golden-domed ploughshare from Madagascar, Durrell has worked with tortoises for decades. Sadly, chelonians, which includes tortoises, turtles and terrapins, are now the most threatened vertebrate group and need our help more than ever.’

We will be looking after and decorating 3 tortoises, one for each House. We recently launched the design challenge in an assembly and hundreds of students are keen to get involved across all year groups.

The chosen design for each House will then be painted in layers and weatherproofed and a winner will be decided by a judging committee with House points attached to the winning entry.

The tortoises will then be displayed somewhere on the island for locals and tourists to admire in 2023 before coming back home to us to live in the grounds of the school.

We will hopefully give you an update on how this competition progresses in the next Q News, with the chosen designs and finished tortoises ready for exhibiting next Summer.

Watch this space!

Mr P Jones Assistant Headteacher

Mr Lopez? WHO IS...

Who is Mr Lopez?

My name is Emilio Chain Lopez. I was born in Watford. At primary school I read a lot and wrote stories about imaginary fish. At secondary school I read a bit more, joined a band and played badly for the football B-team. At university I completed two degrees in American Literature and read a bit more. Rather than complete a PhD, I made the right decision to become an English teacher. I continue to read a lot, love teaching, and regret my inevitable hair loss.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Using interesting language.

What is your main goal with students?

To simply ensure students enjoy their English lessons and learn as much as possible in the process (that’s two goals).

Why did you decide to be a teacher?

I was inspired by the kindness and intelligence of my History teacher: Brother Michael. I was an irritating student, but he was always calm and showed me the power of learning.

Why did you want to work at Les Quennevais?

I normally stay at a school for five years. Then I get bored and leave. I’d just spent five years at my last school and was ready for a change. This will be my eighth year at LQ. I am certainly not bored at LQ so I’m not going anywhere!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The man who cannot imagine a horse galloping over a tomato is an idiot! This comment from the French surrealist Andre Breton always keeps me on my toes.

What are your likes?

John Ashbery’s poetry. Watford F.C. Beanie hats.

What are your dislikes?

Chiefly celery and Shetland ponies. Both ruin an otherwise perfectly decent soup. Oh, and I also don’t like Luton Town F.C., the Cleveland Browns, Rumpelstiltskin, and stratus clouds.

Who is your idol?

Joseph Conrad. One of the greatest of all English writers. What some people don’t realise is that English was his THIRD language after Polish and French.

And finally, what excites you about Les Quennevais?

Teaching English to our students. All the students I teach are amazing and it is a genuine privilege getting to know them in our lessons. I am also lucky to work with a brilliant department of English teachers. They are very patient with me.

Mr Lopez

He’s the teacher of the year!

After narrowly missing out on the same award last year our very own Mr Lopez has been crowned the 2022 Teacher of the Year.

Mr Lopez was nominated by Year 11 student Poppy who described Mr Lopez as a ‘mentor’ and said that his teaching methods are ‘truly one of a kind and deserve to be applauded’.

Mr Lopez joined Les Quennevais seven years ago as our Head of English and has taken the department into unchartered terrority for a comprehensive 1116 school with last year’s Year 11 achieving 97% grades 9-4.

Well known for his quirky classroom decor such as a tin of spam, Mr Lopez has a unique ability inspire a passion for his subject amongst his students.

In her nomination of Mr Lopez, Poppy wrote - “Mr Lopez is an English teacher unlike any other. Not only myself, but all his students are infused by his passion, commitment and sense of humour, taking English lessons to another level.”

We are extremely proud of Mr Lopez and feel priveleged to have a teacher of his calibre at Les Quennevais.

Year 11 netballers finish their LQ journey with historic win

What an amazing netball career our Year 11 netball players have had. Earlier this term, this extremely talented group capped their five years of dominance by winning the Year 11 Island Netball tournament. A tournament that hasn’t been won by Les Quennevais for twenty years!

They are an amazing set of players who are talented, competitive, supportive and skilful. This talent and ambition has been nurtured over five years and has meant they have a unique and highly impressive record of suffering only one defeat in five years!

Their tournament win and exemplary playing record was recognised by Mrs Hague who treated the team to a special breakfast in the school’s Conference Room with their amazing coaches Mrs Le Riche and Mrs Lindsay.

A well deserved treat for an amazing team who have achieved so much success together.

Well done girls, you are an inspiration to all those that will follow and we can only hope the school will produce many more teams just as special this one!

Mr A Richardson Business Manager

#ambition

With our first full term of being Head Boy and Head Girl coming to an end, we are delighted to say we have been through a fun, but busy couple of months. Even though we are being challenged in many ways we thought we couldn’t have been, both of us have relished the challenges that we have faced - whether it has been transitioning into our senior leadership roles or revising for our upcoming GCSEs.

We began September excited but nervous for our last school year here at Les Quennevais. However we did have the pleasure to welcome the new Year 7s who are just as anxious as us about starting their new journey. After our speech and transition days before the holidays, they were full of energy entering the building, but obviously apprehensive about the sudden jump to secondary. We were thrilled to know they would be experiencing the wonderful facilities, staff and camaraderie between their year group that we experienced, but saddened to know our time here would soon be coming to an end.

Head Boy & Head Girl Report

Before the summer holidays, we attended a conference at VCJ, named Tomorrow’s Leaders, which informed and advised us about how to be better leaders within the school. Towards the end of this term, we were invited back to discuss the challenges within our schools and how to tackle them. After a few conversations with other fellow leaders from schools all around the island, we devised plans to enhance the leadership roles in the school even more and give better opportunities to students across the year groups. As well as the Tomorrow’s Leadership conference, we were also invited to other meetings events that discussed ways to improve the whole island in terms of education. Fulfilling extra events out of school like the Rotary Peace Debate and the island student council meeting which helped us understand how we can make an impact on wider society.

We couldn’t do our job without the number of hardworking students and staff around us, who endeavor to provide the rest of the school with as many of the best opportunities as possible.

House competitions are as rivaled as ever, which are supported by the amazing team of House Captains who tirelessly run around finding names and signing everyone up for events.

At the recent Rock and Roll Bingo, we were so lucky to see scenes from February’s production of High School Musical and we can’t wait to see the finished show. Helping the community is incredibly important to us as a school leadership team and we strive to make everyone’s experience as seamless and heart-felt as possible, especially around the holidays. Christmas hampers and car boots are just some of the things that we try to embed in our Les Quennivais culture, making sure that everyone feels included and thought of.

Ready for the upcoming challenging terms ahead, we urge everyone to carry through the tremendous attitude to learning that they have displayed so far this year. Year 9 Options Evening was a huge success and we aspire to continue this momentum into other events that are on the horizon. All that we both can say is that we are so happy for the incredible environment that our school community has provided us and we hope you feel the same appreciation.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday, and are excited to start the new year!

Harry & Talia Head Boy & Head Girl 2022-23

Year 11 students narrowly miss out on retaining Peace Debate Trophy

In November, Les Quennevais School was once again given the privilege to attend The Rotary Student Peace Debate. The theme for this year was ‘Slavery is History?’ Our Year 11 team meticulously prepared and used the focus question of ‘Why is sextrafficking the most lucrative form of modern day slavery?’

Our nine dedicated students stayed after school every week from 3-5pm and in the end, their speech was 10 minutes long. But their speech was just too good to cut! To motivate the hard-working lot, they had plenty of snacks and hot chocolates from Miss Ritchie.

The day of the Peace Debate began with the Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae welcoming the students.

Being the second last to present, the nerves were on. They covered tough factors such as certain countries and capitalism, as well as how social media has an impact and furthers it. It concluded with the hope to change it, and how as a community, we all need to stand as one. Our students maturely handled this serious topic and gave a passionate speech, split between the six speakers; Sophie, Isla, Bella, Joel, Amy and Talia.

The debate was fascinating, filled with intelligent arguments and calculated responses from all involved. Each school did exceptionally well and provided strong competition. In the end, however, Hautlieu won. We certainly put up fierce competition and even a member of the winning team stated “We can’t believe you guys didn’t win!” Whilst our students didn’t take home the trophy this year, they left knowing they made us all proud here at Les Quennevais.

We’d like to say a big well done and thank you to the students who participated in this year’s Peace Debate!

Amy Year 11 student

I would like to praise the debate team for handling their sensitive topic with maturity and compassion. I would also like to thank Amy, Isla, Bella, Talia, Joel, Ciara, George, Kiera, and Sophie for giving up their time, especially during mock exam season, to attend after school sessions and late night ‘pizza and write’ nights!

All schools participated gracefully and spoke with conviction in a well researched debate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our speakers: Amy, Isla, Bella, Talia, Joel and Sophie. You all spoke superbly and what I was most proud of was your confidence to ask questions and challenge the other schools but also your ability to respond to questions. You were amazing, which makes being pipped to the win by Hautlieu that little bit harder.

Well done team! You were awesome!

Miss Ritchie Acting Head of Religious Studies

LQS celebrates Christmas in style

Christmas at Les Quennevais School is always special but this year has been our best festive period ever.

Carlos, our amazing Site Manager and his incredible Site Team worked tirelessly to light up the trees along La Route des Quennevais. This is something we wanted to do as a gift to the community to lift everyone’s spirits and brighten up the Parish at this time of year.

After a three year hiatus, we were able to bring back an LQS classic tradition - Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo, where the audience got to watch excerpts from our upcoming production of High School Musical and play a musical take on bingo. It was lovely to have this event back in the school calendar and it didn’t dissapoint in kicking off a month of festivities within school.

We have had the Steel Band playing in the Immersive Suite every morning before school and each break and lunchtime filling the school with their musical talents.

Our Student Leadership Team made Christmas hampers for the elderly in our community carrying on another LQS Christmas tradition.

In the last week of term, Heads of Houses prepared a special Christmas themed assembly for their Houses. McKeon’s featured the ‘Xmas Donut Challenge’, Tranter’s featured a Gavin and Stacey Xmas Special introducing Mrs Goodchild as their new Head of House and Watts’ included classic Christmas Day party games such as the ‘After Eight Challenge’.

The term finished on a high with the Santa Dash where 68 Santas ran twice round the building for their respective Houses followed by Year 11 attending a formal meal at St Brelade’s Bay Hotel and Year 10 having their Christmas meal in school provided by Flourish.

No school celebrates Christmas like Les Quennevais School and each year it seems to get better better!

Happy Christmas everyone!

Mr Richardson Business Manager

HALF TERM HEROES

So many of our students do extraordinary things. It is a privilege to be able to highlight some of the ‘Heroes’ that live among us and go above and beyond for others, or to be the best version of themselves.

Each student will receive 5 House Points for their House and an Amazon voucher - a sign that good deeds will be rewarded!

- Mrs Hague

THE WINNERS

Molly 10S: McKeon House

Nominated by Mrs Goodchild School Value: Respect & Resilience

“After receiving the following email, I think Molly is deserving of a nomination for half term hero as the email echoes what we already know to be true about Molly. “For the past few months Molly has been coming to St John’s Church every Tuesday evening to learn how to ring church bells. She came to a taster session with her Scout Troop and decided she wanted to learn. We’ve been really impressed by Molly, bell ringing isn’t an easy hobby; requiring perseverance, hand-eye coordination and great listening skills. Molly always comes to practice with a smile on her face, joins in whenever asked and is progressing quickly. Molly is one of the younger members of the band with the oldest in their mid-80s, but Molly is confident, friendly and gets on with everyone.”

As her Head of Year I was beaming with pride when I received this email. Well done Molly, keep it up!

- Mrs Goodchild

Lulu 10S: McKeon House

Nominated by Mrs Goodchild and Miss Johnson School Value: Ambition & Resilience

“Lulu recently entered her first ever weightlifting competition in Crystal Palace doing herself, Les Quennevais School and what was once the JSF proud. After the collapse of the JSF two months ago Lulu took it upon herself to go up to Strive and ask for their help with training facilities for herself and the other girls who she weightlifts with. She then trained hard for two months solid and is now an official ranking British weightlifter. Lulu has shown great inititivate and personal drive to achieve this goal. Lulu is clearly dedicated to her sport; with great perserverance, resilience and a huge amount of ambition to succeed. Well done Lulu!”

- Mrs Goodchild & Miss Johnson

Jessica 10Q: Watts House

Nominated by Mr P Jones School Value: Respect

“We had a new student join our photography group recently. It’s a small group already and the balance was just right. When a new student arrived with no previous experience of the subject, Jess was immediately very supportive and has happily worked with her over several photoshoots supporting her when she didn’t know what to do. The new student is really enjoying the subject already amazed by what she has created, but this wouldn’t have been the same experience without Jess looking after her and effortlessly taking her under her wing, being kind and patient. Thank you Jess for being such a star and emobodying the school’s core values like this.”

- Mr P Jones

Nia 7L: Watts House

Nominated by Miss Billyeald School Value: Ambition & Respect

“Nia always works so hard in her Science lessons; she presents her work beautifully and makes a conscious effort to complete any extension tasks. She is very eager to share her ideas with the class and on numerous occasions I have observed her supporting the students around her with their learning. She shows kindness and respect to all students and staff and her attitude and actions encompass the core values of Les Quennevais School.”

- Miss Billyeald

Malika 9E: Tranter House

Nominated by Mrs Morley School Value: Ambition, Resilience and Respect

“Malika is not only a delightful young woman but is a real asset to both the year group and the school as a whole. Malika embodies what it means to be a successful young person in today’s society. Her positive approach means that she throws herself into anything that she takes on and that is quite a lot! Malika is a beautiful singer; she has lessons but can also be relied upon to get up on stage and perform in front of her peers. This musical talent also extends to being a member of the school steel band. Not wanting to rest on her laurels Malika also finds time to volunteer with the Jersey Youth Service helping out at the sessions for younger students. Malika’s commitment is also seen in school. Not only does she have the highest number of positive class charts points in the year group, she has no negative points! All of this is achieved through her positive approach and a mindset of always trying to do her best, having the belief that you can achieve anything if you just put your mind to it.”

- Mrs Morley

House Reports

McKeon

McKeon... I told you at the start of the year in our first assembly when we hoisted our flag that we were going to have to do it all over again and you have responded with aplomb.

This has to be our best start to the House competition we have ever had finishing the Autumn term in first place.

Our new recruits in Year 7 have made a blistering start winning the Transition Projects with the most number of Headteacher Awards winners and then followed up with wins in the netball, football and surfing competitions.

This year group already understand what it means to be in McKeon House and their passion for the House competition is fantastic to see.

We started the year with Tug of War which hasn’t been our strongest competition in recent years. Everyone who competed gave it their absolute all and that is all I ever ask for. Owing to that,

Mrs Le Riche did an incredible job in introducing the Inter-House surfing competition this year and I have never been so proud to work at Les Quennevais School as when I was watching all of our students take part in the inaugural competition.

It was the icing on the cake for McKeon to win it and I am extra proud that a McKeon student is gracing the front cover of this issue. Nice one Jack!

Straight after the surfing competition came the netball and football where we finished joint first with Watts House. Again, an improvement on last year. We are moving in the right direction! Our Year 11 netballers lost to Watts by one goal which would have been their first win in five years. I was so proud of these girls for the effort they put in and it was crushing to see them come so close.

We dominated the table tennis this year with the boys winning in every year group and the girls winning in Years 7, 9 and 11.

We capped off an amazing term with a first ever win in the Santa Dash! Well done to everyone who gave it their all in what is far from an easy race. I personally am still recovering!

You are such an amazing group of students who make McKeon House feel like more than a school House, we are a family. And this was clear to see with the atmosphere in the Christmas Assembly at the end of term. All who took part were such good sports. I’m already thinking what we can do next year!

We end the term in a stronger position than this time last year and I can’t wait to get going again next term.

I’d like to wish all students and staff of McKeon House a very Happy Christmas.

Rest, recharge and come back fit and ready to smash the House competition!

And remember...

Tranter

I write this as my final message as Head of Tranter House.

We have not got off to the best of starts this year and although we are currently in third place, the scores are close and there are many events to go – this is a marathon, not a sprint!

You are an incredible House and I am so proud of all of you. The best thing about this role is that I have seen so many of you grow and change over the years as you have stepped up and really shown what it means to be in Tranter House. We may have two incredible Sports Captains, but there are many leaders amongst you all. Your guts and determination last year to push McKeon all the way to the finish line last year is testament to the spirit that exists within the House.

What pleases me the most though is when you have been victorious, you have done it with grace and respect. More importantly, when you have lost, you have held your heads high

As much as we all love to win (and trust me I hate losing!), never forget that this is a competition and you sometimes learn more about yourself through the disappointments than you do with the triumphs.

There is so much to look forward to with many points to play for and many competitions, both sporting and academic, still to come.

Year 7 have started the year with real drive and excitement, whilst Year 8 are pushing hard to be top-dogs this year – watch this year group, they’ve got all the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in House competitions! Year 9 have continued to grow and are now pushing McKeon in every event, whilst Year 10s are so determined and focused to go out and give absolutely everything for the House.

Year 11s continue to lead by example and I would like to thank our Sports Captains, Callum and Jen, who continue to rally

Thank you to all of you for your passion, commitment and your desire to be the very best. I have loved being Head of House and I will always check to see how you are doing.

Don’t ever give up. Stand tall and be strong in all you do.

Once a blue – always a blue!

#ALWAYSTRANTER

Mr Harris Head of Tranter House

WattsWow, what can I say Watts House! It has been an amazing start to this new academic year. It started with Tug of War. The boys teams were outstanding winning overall in Years 11, 10, 8 and 7. Year 9 came second after injuries and illness took out some key members of the team. A special mention needs to go out to the Year 11 boys. For the first time ever they held off McKeon and Tranter to win overall, this is the first time ever they have won the Tug of War! The girls also came out to prove Watts is back in the game and as a House we can work together to gain points on the board. Year 7 girls were phenomenal. Their teamwork, determination and patients brought the win to Watts.

The Les Quennevais spirit from all teams was incredible, but I would also like to thank the supporters that came out onto the field and cheered their House on. The atmosphere from the crowd of students was amazing and this made a huge difference to the teams. And this year I was not the only member of staff that lost their voice coaching the students. The form tutors were out in force supporting their students and getting very involved which lead to other voices being lost!

Then to Inter-House Netball and Football. Year 10 shone throughout the competitions and showed what a team sport should look like. Both the Year 10 football and netball teams are undefeated and again this year they continued this legacy. The Year 11 girls had a battle to remain the champions and after losing the first few games made a tactical change of player’s positions which at the last minute allowed then to win by one point.

For the first time ever Les Quennevais School held an InterHouse surfing competition which showed off the talent we have at this school and within the House. Watts came joint second but won 3 of the events. A huge thank you to all the competitors for making the event happen but also for going out and performing on the day. I look forward to next year to see what we can do in this event!

In addition to the sporting events Watts came second in the Year 7 Transition projects and the Year 8 Science project. This year the projects students presented were fantastic showing their understanding of topics and their creativity in how to present their work.

By half term Watts was on top of the leader board with a staggering 303 points! The school was lit up in yellow and it is all thanks to you.

This term we have had less team events but have finished on a high in the Santa Dash.

I am looking forward to the Spring term with Cross-County, Girls football and Boys baskets ball.

Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to the next term of Watts achievements.

Mrs Le Marquand Head

of Watts House

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

We would like to thank our corporate partners for their generous financial support this year. We are proud to have these companies associated as Corporate Partners of Les Quennevais School, working with us to make a difference and invest in our young people. If you’d like to become one of our partners, please get in touch with our Business Manager Mr Richardson.