Q News Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
Issue 8
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Spring 2020
Les Quennevais School Learning to be your best through excellence and enjoyment
CONTENTS
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Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW Many of our readers have been asking if this edition of Q News would make it out at the end of this term as normal and I’m delighted to confirm that here it is, largely due to the determination and skill of our Business Manager, Alex Richardson. I think it is perhaps the most important edition and contribution to date, as people yearn for some sense of normality and perhaps a reminder of happier times earlier in the term, together with a sense of hope that we will return to how things were once again. It is impossible to write without commenting on the sudden and life changing events we are currently experiencing. I have learned as a leader to balance optimism with realism and constantly look at how to turn a threat into an opportunity. Clearly the threat we are facing is very real and very serious with COVID-19. However, it has also brought different challenges that we must try and see as opportunities to use our skills, talents and interests in different ways as we search for solutions each day. Suddenly all staff, teaching and non-teaching have all had to think differently and quickly adapt to an unknown landscape. This has become what we now refer to as ‘remote learning’.
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
I have been staggered by the way in which our staff have adapted and changed the way we work to offer our students a continual and engaging educational experience despite the challenges. As each day passes our staff grow more and more technically proficient and their confidence is developing as they explore different creative opportunities to deliver lessons to our students. From initially uploading work similar to lesson structures, many of our children are now enjoying screen casts, live demonstrations and podcasts to break up the daily online delivery. We are very aware of the huge challenges facing our students and our families as they try to navigate their way through all of this. Just like us as staff, students and families have different levels of skills, confidence and resources - but they have amazed us all with a willingness to try and perseverance to succeed. This is very much a team effort. So many of our students are maintaining the daily routine and timetable structure, which is so important to try to do and we are extremely proud of their efforts, resilience and of course, very impressed with the excellent work many of them are producing each day, despite the difficulties they are encountering.
The hardest part so far has been the very abrupt goodbye to our Year 11 students . There were tears, much sadness and shock as we unexpectedly closed the school to them. As a close community we found this very difficult and to not even be able to hug them as they thanked us all through tears and disbelief as they made their way onto buses and home, was extremely difficult for us all. The decision to abandon exams further underlines the gravity of the situation we are in. Our students, staff and parents have all been working so hard preparing for these exams, but as I have said in my messages to them and our parents - learning is forever! All the work skills and knowledge is theirs to keep. Their values, ambition and dreams are what they will take forward with them. Exam governing bodies have assured us students will receive a grade that reflects the work they have done and they have given further reassurances they will not be penalised. It’s hard not to feel robbed not just of sitting exams, but for us we have lost a terrific bunch of students far too quickly and we will miss them enormously. We will however, include them in a special feature of the Summer edition of Q News, so watch this space!
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Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
Of course we miss all our students and when you look at this edition, you can see the talented, vibrant and close community we are and will be again! The beautiful artwork, some of it captured in this edition, produced by our wonderful Year 7 students in the Van Gogh exhibition, reminds us of their extraordinary talent and work ethic. A feature story of ‘Annie’ takes us back to joyous times in January and reminds us that come September, we will be working hard on a new production to take the Jersey Opera House by storm, yet again. Something I’m sure our whole community will look forward to. ‘Annie’ was a triumph. Our students exceptional and our staff involved outstanding.
To close I would like to share with you all something known as “The Best of We!” “In highly performing companies or schools people feel proud of the aim purpose and mission of their company. They feel they are in it together. They are enthused about it, excited to be part of it – it’s our company and they want it to succeed. If they feel like that it creates in turn something that is called “ The Best of me!” This is when people will want to go further to secure the mission they are part of, when they feel valued, proud and have a chance to use their strengths to add value to the organisation. This is when they feel they are part of delivering something quite remarkable.”
This really sums up Les Quennevais School for me, because everyone in our community is demonstrating the “The Best of Me” and helping in turn to deliver the “The Best of We!” This is why now more than ever Les Quenneavis School is indeed remarkable! I look forward to a time when this storm will pass and we are all together again . I wish all our readers a safe and happy Easter however you are celebrating. Look after each other and I hope you will enjoy our spring edition of Q News. #alwaysquennevais Yours sincerely Mrs S Hague Headteacher
Pi Day brilliantly illustrated here, gives you a sense of the fantastic bond between the students and staff - where else would this take place with such good natured fun and respect? These are much-needed timely reminders of the community we are so lucky to be part of. This is why in times such as these our staff will continue to go the extra mile for our students, not just with their learning but continually seeking ways to guard and treasure our community spirit. “Where are the Wallies?” our Facebook post is a great example of this, as is Mrs Goodchild‘s live quiz for our Year 7’s on YouTube. With episodes of “Whose desk is this?” a parody of an old classic ‘Through the Key Hole’, to look forward to and some of our House competitions coming up, you can see even though we are apart we are very much still together.
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
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Annie - A show fit for the West End Les Quennevais School has yet again triumphed and excelled in its recent production of Annie at the Jersey Opera House. This stellar show with sophisticated and mature performances, described as professional by many, was rewarded with sellout shows on all three nights – testament to both the support from our community and the desire to strive for the very best in all we do - such is the reputation of our school shows. Huge thanks have to go Miss Sarah Milman, Head of Drama and Director of Annie who has once again provided our students with an unforgettable experience. The direction that students gained was nothing short of West End quality and mirrored the perfect medley of classic popular musical numbers such as ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Easy Street,’ demonstrated the ability for Les Quennevais students to demonstrate their engagement with the sublime and at times, challenging choreography all down to Miss Danielle Le Quesne, Head of Dance and production choreographer.
ANNIE
The 16 piece orchestra, under the direction of our Musical Director and Head of Music, Mr Nigel Arnett again highlighted the abundance of talent on offer at Les Quennevais with students not only shining on stage, but contributing in the music pit to ensure the standout score complimented the beautifully crafted characters that took the audience members through a range of emotions. With seamless scene changes, combined with elegant music, the students immersed themselves into their roles with confidence, sophistication and maturity. Cydney playing the role of Annie captured the character’s rebellious nature, whilst also embodying the vulnerability of the small orphan. Perhaps one of the most eye-catching scenes, was the show’s most iconic number ‘Tomorrow,’ where Annie sings for a brighter future next to her faithful dog, Sandy – the audience were captivated by the beauty of the song and the control and poise in which Cydney controlled her canine companion. Bailey marked his final Les Quennevais show as the powerful business tycoon, Daddy Warbucks; a role that he made his own, leading the rest of the cast through some big musical numbers, whilst Hannah performed the role of Grace with poise, elegance and sophistication.
The biggest cheer of the night came at the end of ‘Easy Street.’ Charlie was perfectly flamboyant and devious as Rooster, whilst his on-stage sister Miss Hanigan, played by Miriam who was sublime, harnessing the essence of the character, bringing her to life as though taking the character from the page. Coupled with her with incredible comic timing and brilliant dry humour, the audience loved her from the moment she burst through the dormitory doors. Yet again, the bar has been raised by the community of Les Quennevais School. Every production seems to get better and better every year. We are so proud of everyone who has contributed to this amazing show. We have been inundated by the floods of reviews from the general public. Better make sure you book your tickets early for next year’s show – no doubt it’s going to be yet another sell - out! Mr Harris, Assistant Headteacher
Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
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CONTENTS
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Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
Year 7’s show exceptional talent in Van Gogh House Art Competition Our annual Van Gogh Timeline Competition has seen our Year 7 students excel themselves in ambition, creativity and resilience. After setting their standards high with their submissions for the Transition Project, Year 7 have surpassed themselves and moved towards creative excellence with individuality and ingenuity. Painting, drawing, sculpture, audio recordings, recycling and textiles all featured this year with some amazing pieces. As Head of Art and Textiles I am immensely proud of Year 7 and look forward to seeing their talents flourish as they develop further throughout the school and into our new school building with all of the future opportunities to extend their individual talents that this will bring.
The benefits of creativity are scientifically proven and it is very important that our students aid their well being by utilising their creativity in whatever form they wish. The competition was kindly judged by Mrs Hague and our Chair of Governors, Julian Bernstein. This year they really struggled to find a clear winner as the standard of work was so exceptionally high with Mr Bernstein commenting:
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The level of imagination, creativity and raw talent that this year group are showing is truly staggering. Everyone knows that Les Quennevais prides itself on the talent of its artists but this lot truly are in a league of their own and I think we can expect to see amazing work from this group year on year! I can’t wait! Julian Bernstein, Chair of Governors
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Our winners were personally commended of their acheivements with afternoon tea with Mrs Hague and Mr Bernstein and their prizes awarded in their Year Assembly. The overall competition was won by Tranter House giving them 20 points towards the overall House Competition. The individual winners were: First place: Declan 7N for his impressive collection of creativity and excellence Second place: Ethan 7Q for his dedicated research and outstanding presentation, ambition and excellence Third place: Clodagh 7L for originality and combination of cross curricula learning themes, ambition and excellence. Governors Award for Exceptional Painting: Callie 7L Governors Award for Outstanding Effort and Creativity: Daniel 7Q Governors Award for Outstanding Artist Interpretation: Jack 7S Head of Art Award for Sculpture: Lottie 7L Head of Art Award for Ingenuity: Cara 7L Mrs Croke, Head of Art & Textiles
VAN GOGH HOUSE ART COMPETITION
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Year 10 student wins top GCSE prize at Eisteddfod Earlier in March an exhibition was held at the RJA&HS of secondary school art student’s work as part of the Jersey Eisteddfod Competition. It is with absolute delight and I am so proud to say that one of our students won the GCSE section! An incredible achievement considering that this student is still only in Year 10 and was competing with Year 11 students from all of the other schools. Katie is a worthy winner of this trophy as she has displayed all of the values of Les Quennevais School. This was her first major large scale painting and I am sure at times she felt as though it was not going in the right direction and maybe giving up on it.
But her resilience prevailed evoking the true spirit of our school that we will not give up. The scale of her work was ambitious. She used the materials of acrylic paint in such a way to evoke mastery and mystery in her semi abstract landscape piece. Her accomplishment of being awarded the GCSE section trophy against older students deserves the utmost respect. Congratulations also must go to her teacher Miss Heseltine for her expert guidance. All of our other students achieved either Gold or Platinum certificates exemplifying the high standard of work from our GCSE Art students in both Mr Jones and Miss Heseltine’s Art Groups.
We are currently in the process of running two new art competitions. Our students in Year 9 are taking part in a mural competition on the theme of ‘Jersey Vibes’. This is being sponsored by the Co-Op and is only open to Les Quennevais students. The selected design will be painted by the students and installed in the outside wall of The Harbour Gallery. The Governors of the Art in the Frame Foundation, The Harbour Gallery’s charity that supports education, will judge the designs. Our Year 8 students are taking part in a textiles competition to design their own surface design pattern based on the natural forms they will have been studying in their Year 8 Textiles lessons. The submitted designs will be judged by Fashion Designer Di Richardson and textiles designer Ros Varrie. The winner will have their design professionally printed on fabric. If any other students would like to take part in these competitions please email me for details on d.croke@lesq.org Closing dates for both are the end of the Easter Holidays. Get creative! It’s good for you!
Katie’s winning piece for the GCSE Section at the Jersey Eisteddfod
EISTEDDFOD
Mrs Croke, Head of Art & Textiles
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Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
LQS mark British Science Week The Science Department celebrated British Science Week this term, between 6 - 15 March. Year groups took part in various project-based learning activities during Science lessons. Year 7 and 8 focussed on a Practical Action Challenge called Floating Gardens. The students learned about the effects of regular flooding and climate change on areas of Bangladesh and were tasked with designing and building a model crop growing structure, that would float on floodwater. Prizes were won for the models that could support the most weight and for the most innovative designs. Well done to our many winners! The promised prizes will be given out on our return to school.
Year 9 investigated microbes during the week, swabbing areas of the classroom and finding out about the different microbes present there. The site team and cleaning staff do a great job on our door handles and surfaces which were beautiful and clean, however Mr Kotze’s cup shocked us all! We then looked at the latest science on coronavirus and discussed some of the myths and facts reported in the news. Miss O’Connell, Teacher of Science
SCIENCE WEEK
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Year 10 girls embrace International Women’s Day On the 6th March 2020, Year 10 Les Quennevais girls represented the school to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event took place at the States of Jersey Police Headquarters. Kadie, Phoebe, Jasmine, Annabelle and Leah listened to female police staff from a range of different departments within the force.
The focus was very much a celebration for how the organisation had developed when considering gender equality and the opportunities that were now available for female officers to develop their careers. Our girls engaged in some excellent questioning and articulacy, before then being given a tour of the facilities including surveillance, the firearms unit and a quick trip to the cells. They were let out early for good behaviour! Mr Harris, Assistant Headteacher
Teachers take one for the team on Pi Day On Friday 13th March we took part in our second ‘National Pi Day’ event. National Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is approximately rounded to 3.14. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for maths enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about maths, and to eat pie. And that’s exactly what staff and students at Les Quennevais School did.
Departments across the school discussed ‘Pi’ and circles within their lessons, a wonderful way of cross-curricular learning and building Maths across the curriculum. In Maths classes students investigated crop circles and looked at a particular one that appeared in Wiltshire in 2008 that had a pattern resembling Pi. There were debates had by all, ‘do aliens really exist?’ The Maths Department encouraged students to ‘Pi’ the teacher. Staff stepped up on stage to be pi’ed by the students with Mr Harris, Mrs Mills, Mr Wild and Mrs Goodchild getting the brunt of the battering.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY / PI DAY
Next up in our events on stage was the ‘Pi’ memorisation challenge. The ever competitive duo Mr Spencer and Mr Oliver took to the stage to compete over who could recite the most digits of ‘Pi’. Mr Oliver was victorious with a massive 53 decimal places recalled, I think we have found his new party trick! Mr Oliver was taking his bow when a cool, calm and collected Year 8 student, Isaac took to the microphone and was able to recall 108 digits! He even stopped part way to ensure he wasn’t speaking too quickly The students in the audience were stunned to a silence. Watch this space for next year! Mrs Goodchild, 2i/c Mathematics
Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
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PI DAY IN PICTURES
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Alumni Interview Chris Fisher Chris left Les Quennevais in 2005 after completing Year 11 and went on to study his A levels at Hautlieu. He then took some time out to get some work experience and travel the world, before attending Cardiff University to complete an International Business Management Degree. Chris subsequently completed professional qualifications in anti-money laundering (“AML”), countering the financing of terrorism (“CFT”) and Compliance and is currently living in Jersey working as a Money Laundering Compliance Officer at the law firm Bedell Cristin. Which years were you at Les Quennevais? 2000-2005 What was your greatest achievement at school? The Chief Minister of Jersey at the time liked one of my paintings so much he took it to hang on the wall of his office (I’m still awaiting payment).
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
What was your biggest challenge at school?
Which aspects of life at Les Quennevais helped you become the person you are today?
Music classes. I attempted to learn how to play the euphonium but quickly established I had little to no musical talent. I was unable to read music but recall blurting out my rendition of the 007 theme song (I had memorised which buttons to press) to Mr Pritchard’s amazement. I was quickly enrolled into the Les Quennevais orchestra and “played” as part of this orchestra at a concert in front of an audience. Given I couldn’t read music and the 007 theme song wasn’t performed that day you could say my contribution was limited. Song/band/album that defined your school years? Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz (again, music isn’t a strong point of mine)
Les Quennevais is an inclusive school with pupils representing all abilities and backgrounds. This is a true reflection of life beyond school and stood me in good stead for the future. The teachers were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to be the best I could be and building my confidence along the way. Favourite memory of Les Quennevais? Sitting a GCSE exam in the gym hall….hear me out. A good friend of mine was sitting at the desk in front of mine and for reasons unbeknown to me he was wearing his musical Christmas tie. Halfway through the exam, he leant against the table and accidently set it off. Watching him panic when he couldn’t turn “Jingle Bells” off as the song blared out in an otherwise silent hall was hilarious. He was escorted out of the exam. What happened to the tie (or his GCSE) is unknown… although I’m still in touch and he’s doing just fine now.
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Favourite lesson or activity? Art & PE What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get you where you are today? After school/college I took some time out to get some work experience in the finance sector in Jersey, go on a round the world trip and then ended up going to Cardiff University to study International Business Management. Following an attempt to become a secret agent (reached the final stages of the MI5 recruitment/ assessment process in London), I returned to Jersey and the first job I landed happened to be an AML/CFT project at an International Bank. I found the role very interesting and quickly established that this was an area I wished to pursue as a career.
I then completed my professional qualifications and I am currently a Money Laundering Compliance Officer at Bedell Cristin in Jersey. Along this path I was inspired by many, from the teachers who taught me to the weird and wonderful people I met on my travels. Favourite aspect of your job? Variety - no two days the same. You can play detective and every day is a school day – the methods of money laundering and terrorist financing are not static so neither are the methods of countering these illicit activities. The skillset is transferable across various sectors and you are doing something for the good of the Island – no Compliance, no finance industry!
What advice would you give to students looking at their career options? I would say keep your options open and aim to do something you enjoy. If you have an idea of what you want to do, get exposure to that industry e.g. speak to people who already do that job and try to get yourself some work experience. If you decide a certain career path you’ve set your sights on isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to pursue something else – with the retirement age fast approaching 70 there really is no rush with this decision!
Jersey as an offshore finance centre has a mature regulatory environment and a broad and interesting international client base.
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
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Introducing Ms Teal, Teacher of English and new option subject - Media
Who is Ms Teal? I am an English teacher but prior to this I worked as a journalist, reporter and news editor in Jersey, the UK and Australia. After leaving Uni, with an English degree, I returned to Jersey and didn’t really have any idea what line of work I wanted to get into! I applied for a job at Channel 103 as a news journalist and was lucky enough to work there for three years - becoming the News editor and training graduate journalists. It was really exciting, very varied and I particularly loved the crime reporting element as I’d always loved psychology and sociology and had at one point considered becoming a lawyer. I then moved to Liverpool where I completed a fast track Written Journalism diploma so I could write for national newspapers and got a job as a reporter on The Liverpool Echo. After a few years there, I decided to move to Australia where I began working for Australian Associated Press (AAP) doing their Internet News. It was high pressure and very exciting but I missed being on the scene and interviewing people rather than editing other people’s reports.
STAFF INTERVIEW
I lived in Australia for ten years and later became the editor of a beauty magazine. This was great fun. I got to go to beauty launches, fashion shows, interview actors and singers and get LOTS of free beauty products and review luxury hotels, spas and restaurants! I also launched a health and cosmetic surgery magazine for the same company. I had my little boy in Australia and decided I wanted to move back to be nearer my family when he was four months old. It was shortly after this that I decided to re-train as a teacher. How would you describe yourself in three words? I asked a friend about this one as it’s hard to describe yourself! They said: caring, passionate and strong. Why do you teach? I had really enjoyed that element of my role as an Editor - helping people improve their writing and communication skills, sparking an interest in the world around them and exploring how writers put their thoughts and feelings about the world into their art.
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What are your likes?
What is your main goal with students? To build their confidence and help them to realise we all have the ability to explore and analyse literature - all it really is is that someone felt passionate enough about something to put pen to paper and whether or not you love it, hate it or are ambivalent towards it - your reaction to it matters and is worth exploring. Why did you want to teach at Les Quennevais?
‘Time is the school in which we learn.’ From a poem by Delmore Schwartz, quoted by one of my favourite writers, Joan Didion in The Year of Magical Thinking.
What are your dislikes? Cruelty and unkindness, meat, injustice. Who is your idol?
Because it has the best English Department on the Island with an amazing, inspirational team. The school’s reputation is fabulous, it sets high standards yet the teachers genuinely care about every single student. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Travel, live music, reading, yoga and meditation, food and my funny, strong and amazing friends.
I have a lot! Most of them are musicians and poets. And finally, what excites you about Les Quennevais? So much! the atmosphere, the students and their hopes and dreams, the passionate, dedicated team of staff, the move to the new school and the new Media GCSE I will be teaching!
More information about our new GCSE option subject - Media can be found on Page 23 of the Year 9 Options Booklet which can be found on our website - www.lesquennevais.sch.je
STAFF INTERVIEW
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World famous author Peter James delivers masterclass to some lucky students World renowned author Peter James, is a UK No. 1 bestselling author, best known for writing crime and thriller novels, and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. With a total of 15 Sunday Times No. 1s under his belt, he has achieved global book sales of over 20 million copies to date, and has been translated into 37 languages. Synonymous with plot-twisting page-turners, Peter has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career – which also included stints writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the W H Smith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer. Many of Peter’s novels have been adapted for film, TV and stage. To say that the staff and students were excited before his arrival is an understatement!
The session began with Peter discussing his background, inspirations and the routes that eventually led him to global recognition in the literary world. Students were fascinated that, by his own recognition, school was not always easy for him but he always found solace in his writing. During the question and answer session, students wasted no time to ask Peter further questions about his background, how he finds inspiration, what the future may hold and advice as to how they can follow in his footsteps. Peter revealed that many of his characters are taken from his own experiences and that research is one of the key aspects to his success, as he has spent time with detectives and police officers during investigations that have inspired some of his ideas and characters. It was also very clear that Peter’s home town of Brighton has also influenced his writing, with writers such as Graham Greene motivating Peter from a young age.
Leaving signed copies of his books for the school, discussing literature with staff and students, making the time to sign copies of books from parents, the whole experience was utterly inspiring and we are so grateful to Peter for offering us this opportunity. A Year 8 student said; “He was so nice. So down to earth. It was such a good session.” Whilst a student in Year 11 stated that “I definitely want to do something with writing in the future. He was inspirational.” We hope that there may be other opportunities in the future to work with Peter who recognised the extraordinary talents of our students on social media:
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It was such a joy to be with a group of bright young people, so interested in reading and writing, and lucky to have such truly inspirational teachers at this amazing school Peter James, Twitter 10th February 2020
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PETER JAMES MASTERCLASS
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS We would like to thank our corporate partners for their generous financial support. 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.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
PROUD TO SUPPORT LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL 18
Q News | Issue 8 | Spring 2020
JERSEY’S PREMIER PRINTER Mailmate Signage Barette Commercial Centre, Unit 7a St John Tel: 01534 495 837 e-mail: gareth@mailmateprint.com CONTENTS www.mailmateprint.com
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