Q News Spring 2021

Q News

Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Issue 10

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Spring 2021

Les Quennevais School Learning to be your best through excellence and enjoyment CONTENTS

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW Dear Reader, I am delighted that we are able to present an edition of Q News which finally, after some time, reflects a full term at school for all students, interrupted by Covid events.

Spring is around the corner and we can all sense that a change is within reach, thanks to the superb effort everyone has put into keeping us safe. I have been immensely proud of the way our school community has continued to respond and cope with the adjustments we continue to make each day to get us to this important point.

It is hugely exciting to be once again able to plan ahead for sporting events and even a school musical for the Autumn term featured in this edition.

Contributions from Sarah Milman, Head of Drama and Nigel Arnett, Head of Music, highlight both members of staff are looking forward immensely to some form of normality resuming for their subjects. The Performing Arts subjects have been perhaps the most adversely affected by restrictions, yet our staff sought creative, safe solutions to keep all students thriving within Music and Drama. The promise of a school production has given us all a real boost and I for one cannot wait to see our students performing once again, such is the talent at Les Quennevais School it promises to be a real treat for us all.

HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW

This term has been a time of great confusion for our Year 11 students. They experienced huge highs, securing the highest ever GCSE examination results in English and Maths in the history of our school.

English - 92%, Maths - 77%.

These are extraordinary results and the effort our students demonstrated in securing such outstanding outcomes speaks volumes of their ambition and resilience. They are a shining example of how important it is to never give up and despite the many challenges thrown at them from lockdown and isolation to positive cases of Covid, they kept going. We are so very proud of them all.

Their reward is a validated, authentic and actual GCSE examination grade which can never be in doubt or disputed.

They deserved the opportunity to secure the same success in their remaining subjects but due to UK Government changes, examinations are being replaced with teacher assessed grades.

Currently all students and staff are working extremely hard to ensure this process is as fair, accurate and authentic to the outcomes we believe students are capable of achieving. It has been and remains a very testing period to navigate our way through – but we will ensure this happens.

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

These events remind me of the importance of optimism and gratitude. Keeping hopeful is something we have to work at specially when things don’t go the way we would want.

However, in the words of the Dalai Lama “with gratitude optimism becomes sustainable!” I have seen this work successfully in our school. Gratitude and hope go hand-in-hand - if you make a conscious effort every day to be grateful about specific things, it does help hope and positivity to grow. We can have hope and still struggle. We can stay hopeful and still see ‘the dark realities of the moment‘ - but they will not overwhelm us.

I am grateful to be leading this community and never more so on days such as Red Nose Day, when we raise funds for Comic Relief. This is when the “spirit of Quennevais” is unleashed with such incredible impact as a force of good. To see 800 students, 96 members of staff and countless parents fully engaged and throw themselves into what we call “serious fun“ at Les Quennevais, is a sight to behold and treasure!

It was a spectacular day, as you will see in the many wonderful images within Q News. It is a day that is ingrained in the very culture of our school, when we always commit fully to doing something amazing for others.

This year We benefited ourselves from the day - it allowed us to stop, pause and have great fun with each other and laugh together. The costumes, the talent shows, the gunging, Amarillo, the pop-up food stalls, the Photo Booth, the FIFA World Cup competition - it was all a much-needed shot in the arm.

This is what we do so well at our school. Our culture is something we cherish and guard closely and I’m sure it is the envy of many!

Gratitude and hope is the message in this edition of Q News.

I wish you all a very Happy Easter. Spring is nearly upon us and something wonderful is just around the corner for us all.

Yours sincerely Sarah Hague Headteacher

HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW

Bringing wildlife and outdoor learning to LQS

There is a buzz to the new Les Quennevais School, which does not come solely from the students’ and staff’s abundant excitement and enthusiasm for the facilities.

Indeed, much of the buzz comes from the many species of birds, bats and insects which are also settling into their new home within the newly created wildlife zone.

From an early stage, the design team wanted to include the wildlife zone at the new school site for many reasons, and this made it easier as we had a designated area to translocate protected wildlife into during the site strip.

We helped design the wildlife area to include habitat and favourable features for the species we knew to be on site.

WILDLIFE ZONE

This work included the provision of ponds for toads, dry stone walls (using granite taken from a dry stone wall that needed to be removed from the main works site) for reptiles, and the creation of undulating wildflower banks to attract insects and provide further habitat for small mammals and foraging birds and bats.

Despite having only been created a year ago, the area is now a thriving space for wildlife with two ponds and a huge diversity of species.

Toads and newts have already been found on site, and it is hoped that they will start breeding in the ponds, to provide a local biological / life-cycle example interest for students to learn about. The site will also be visited by a variety of birds, insects and bats, and it is hoped that a ‘bio-blitz’ (a count and record of all the different species that can be found in an area in a set time period) can be undertaken this summer, just to show the diversity and number of different species that use areas such as this, if you just look closely.

We wanted to design an area that was good for wildlife, but that also allowed and encouraged access for the children to learn and appreciate nature and allow outdoor learning to take place.

So many different topics and aspects of the curriculum can be taught here throughout the year from the obvious biological sciences, to it providing a stage for music or inspiration for an art lesson. There are many studies now that show how outdoor learning has many educational and mental-health benefits for students, and I’m sure the teachers are thrilled with the opportunity for learning this area will provide.

There are already ideas of how we might include bee hives and vegetable plots in the future, all of which will help the teachers to deliver the curriculum in exciting and engaging ways.

Paul Wagstaffe Nurture Ecology - Director

Students share the love for Valentine’s

Following the huge success of our Les Quennevais Christmas hamper appeal that was greatly received by the Western community, Year 11 students followed up with a Valentine hamper. Students continue to recognise the importance of reaching out to those most in need during the current climate; for many people who cannot see or be with their loved ones, this was another perfect chance to spread some Les Quennevais love. Year 11 students presented a virtual assembly to the whole school to discuss the cause and on Friday 5th February, the whole school came together to wear red: the colour of love. All donations were then used to purchase Co-Op vouchers that were included within the hampers which also consisted of tea, coffee, biscuits, valentine chocolates and many other goodies kindly donated through our partnership with the Co-Op.

The hampers were made and created by the Senior Student Leadership Team and Prefects before then being delivered and presented to St Brelade Parish Hall by the Head Boy and Head Girl. In total, 37 hampers were created and donated to those who had been nominated within the parish. We look forward to our next fundraiser, where we hope we can continue to support our community.

“With caring young people like you in our midst, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

- Irene “It was a truly lovely surprise on Valentine’s Day. Thank you so much.”

- Peggy

Mr Harris Assistant Headteacher

“To be involved with this project and knowing that we will make someone’s day, at this, the most difficult of times, makes us feel incredibly proud. It’s what we do at Les Quennevais. We give our best to the community.”

- Alex, Head Boy VALENTINES HAMPERS

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Music finds its new groove

At the halfway point of the first year in the new school, things are beginning to come together and the future is looking (and sounding) good in the Music department. For this article I was asked to think about how we take Music forward in the new school. To sum it up I would say that our aim is to engage as many pupils as possible and enable them to make the best use of brilliant facilities that we have.

We have 4 band areas set up in Music that get good use during the day and at lunchtimes. I would like to see them used more after school as rehearsal spaces for student bands or soloists.

When it comes to developing instrumental skills there is a huge range of resources available online (many for free) that allow students to learn independently and really follow their own interests. I would be happy to point anyone towards these if interested.

MUSIC

The hall and the technology in it is next on my list. The new mixer has more controls than a spaceship, and, so far, I have managed to turn it on. I have got a very steep learning curve ahead of me before the first show or Battle of the Bands competition!

My aim is to also train up a small group of students who have an interest in this aspect of music. We also have a Dante audio system which allows us to route audio from anywhere in the school to anywhere else. My first experiments with this have been very successful and would, for example, allow me to record a concert in the hall back to our Mac in Music without trailing wires all the way down the corridor.

We now have a room just for the Steel Band which has saved on time and allows greater accessibility to the instruments.

The steel bands have been able to continue to an extent, and we currently have three running.

They are looking forward to getting out and performing.

Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

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Music production is an area which we are really developing this year. All KS3 and GCSE Music students now have access to Soundtrap – an online DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) which can be accessed from any device. It is a powerful tool that allows them to compose, record and arrange music. Music production and DJing are now options at GCSE Music (they can be used in place of traditional performing). This allows any pupil with an interest to access to GCSE Music, even if they do not play a traditional instrument.

We are in a fortunate position in Music at Les Quennevais.

We have the equipment, the enthusiasm and the space to create. It is now up to us to do something with it.

Mr Arnett Head of Music

MUSIC

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Meet the Governor Tracy Mourant

One of the highlights of my career has been the successful campaign to find a site for the new Les Quennevais School so I am delighted to have joined the team again as a Governor.

My work as a journalist and communications professional has taken me from London to Hong Kong and back to Jersey, my home. I have worked with three previous Education Ministers and have also served as a Governor of a Jersey primary school so I bring a range of previous experience to the role. I have also served as the Honorary Secretary of Guide Dogs Jersey for 16 years and have a range of other interests. My two children are coming to the end of their education, which means I have recent experience as a secondary school parent. I am proud to be supporting the Les Quennevais community at such an important and exciting time in its history.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Beaulieu from the age of 4 to 18.

GOVERNORS

What was your biggest challenge at school?

I was the first girl in my family to go to a fee-paying school so I felt a lot of pressure to do well. It was also sometimes a challenge to keep up with my friends when I was a teenager because we didn’t have much spare money so I got a Saturday job as soon as I could to buy my own clothes and music. In terms of lessons, I was awful at music and cookery – so I came back to them in later life.

Which aspects of school helped you become the person you are today?

The head teacher – although I didn’t realise it at the time, she was a great role model: a strong woman, hugely respected and incredibly hard-working.

She wrote to me wherever I was in the world and always with humour, warmth and an encouraging message.

The ethos – we were taught about how other children lived around the world and all of us raised money to send. I grew up assuming that if you could do something to help others then you just would.

The Under 11 Netball team – we won the schools’ tournament one cold Saturday morning and it was the most exciting sporting moment of my life. We had practiced every lunchtime all term and put our hearts into it, fighting hard for every goal.

I still have the photo of us all holding the cup – very red-faced.

We were only 10 but it showed me how great teamwork can be and gave me an ongoing love of physical exercise and friendly competition that I still have.

Why did you choose to go into journalism and later communications?

I always enjoyed learning and journalism enables you to meet fascinating people and find out about a huge range of subjects. It also puts you in the privileged position of being able to ask questions that other people can’t so it appeals to people who have a strong moral sense. Communications built on the skills I have developed through journalism so it was a logical next step. Good, clear communication is essential in every aspect of life and can make the difference between success and failure. As a career it can be very rewarding.

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

What is the most important thing you have learnt from your career?

Hobbies and interests?

It’s essential to keep learning and keep moving forward.

Always try new things and take opportunities that are offered to you. That’s how to stay interested and stimulated by what you do. Almost everything you do will depend on team work and communication.

I volunteer for the fundraising team of Guide Dogs in Jersey. I enjoy rowing and sea swimming (all year) and I keep bees.

Why did you decide to become a Governor and what excites you about working with Les Quennevais?

I previously led the consultation that was the first step in getting our new school. That’s when I first worked with the Les Quennevais staff and I was impressed by their positivity and vision. They passionately want the best for the school and every student in it so I think Les Quennevais has a very bright future and I am pleased to play a supporting role.

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

What is the best thing you have learned about Les Quennevais since become a Governor?

The genuine warmth and enthusiasm the Head and her team have for their students.

The staff delight in all the achievements of the young people at the school. It’s contagious!

Be open minded, do work experience and speak to people who are already working in the area. Think about what you might enjoy but also, at some stage, try to think ahead about where your career choices could lead you. Be ambitious and aim high.

GOVERNORS

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

WELCOME Our new teachers of Mathematics Who is Mr Walton/Miss Noonan?

Mr Walton: Having taught swimming from the age of 17, I knew that teaching was something that I enjoyed and wanted to pursue as a career.

And so, after graduating with a degree in Engineering from the University of Warwick and following a year working in London I began my teaching training in a secondary school near to my hometown in the West Midlands.

Since qualifying in 2011 I have enjoyed teaching Maths to a range of classes from Year 7 to Year 13, preparing students for both their GCSEs and A-Levels.

I have also taken students on a variety of educational trips, including visits to Paris, Normandy, Madrid, Cologne and USA. Just over a year ago, I decided I wanted to move to Jersey – I have been visiting relatives here all my life. Although I was unfamiliar with Les Quennevais School, I only needed to do a little research on the school website and through Twitter to realise that I had to work here.

A year on and I have now been teaching here for eight months.

I feel extremely lucky to be part of the LQS community, working with hard working and ambitious students in a fantastic setting.

STAFF INTERVIEWS

Miss Noonan: I am Miss Noonan, a new Maths teacher at Les Quennevais. I have recently moved to Jersey from Liverpool where I was teaching Maths at a secondary school. Having visited Jersey a few times in 2019 I soon found I loved the Island and would love the opportunity to live here. When the position for Maths teacher came up at Les Quennevais I had to apply.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Mr Walton: Patient.

Approachable. Creative.

Miss Noonan: Reliable. Caring.

Motivated

Why did you become a teacher?

Mr Walton: My first insight into teaching was when I became a swimming teacher at the age of 17. While teaching swimming is not the same as teaching in the classroom, it was through this experience that I realised how much I enjoyed sharing my knowledge to help people improve and being in an active/ practical role.

When I think back, I realise now that the decision to become a swimming teacher influenced my career choice later on in life.

Miss Noonan: I haven’t always been a teacher, I used to work in merchandising. I began tutoring on the side and loved it, it brought back my love for Maths. I decided I had to make the transition to become a teacher, so began my PGCE in Mathematics at Edge Hill University. I loved helping the students I tutored and how great it was to see when they succeeded.

Why did you want to teach at Les Quennevais?

Mr Walton: When I first arrived at Les Quennevais School, which was in the old building, I could tell that there was a very positive and fun atmosphere.

Both students and staff were welcoming and friendly and you could tell that there was a sense of togetherness and ambition.

Knowing that the whole Les Quennevais community was going to eventually benefit from a brand new state-of-the-art building made the opportunity to teach at LQS even more exciting.

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Mr A Walton

Miss Noonan: I was particularly attracted to the amazing new school and the opportunities it provided for the students. When I arrived for my interview, I was won over by how pleasant the students and staff were, I was delighted when I was offered the position. The Maths department are amazing, and it is a pleasure to be able to work with such a great team.

What is your main goal with students?

Mr Walton: Maths is a subject that is easy for some but more challenging for others, and yet we all need Maths at some point in our lives. It is my main goal to make sure that all students achieve the best they possibly can in the subject to allow them to get to where they want to be when they leave Les Quennevais School. For some, that might be achieving that all-important Grade 4 to get onto their chosen college course and for others it may be understanding Maths to a higher level in order to prepare for further study or a mathematical based career.

Miss Noonan: To get students to enjoy doing Maths. I focus on the them understanding the Maths they are doing rather than just learning methods.

What are your likes?

Mr Walton: Sport and keeping fit, cooking, coffee, travelling, skiing, meeting friends and seeing family.

Miss Noonan: Shopping, scuba diving, keeping active and visiting friends and family. I love to travel the world so the holidays as a teacher are a huge perk and allow me to continue doing what I love.

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

Mr Walton: Do what makes you happy. This advice has been given to me and I try and share this with my students, particularly those making decisions with Options or Post 16 choices. By doing something that you enjoy doing, you are more likely to be happy.

Miss V Noonan

And finally, what excites you about Les Quennevais?

Mr Walton: Since starting in September 2020, I have been hugely impressed with the determination and attitude towards learning of the students at Les Quennevais. Considering the circumstances that we have all faced over the last twelve months, nothing has phased them and it is exciting to be working with such driven individuals from my fantastic Year 11 class who have achieved outstanding results in their January exams through to my tutor group 7T who have made the most amazing start to secondary school life.

Miss Noonan: Another reason for moving to Jersey, I love the sun.

I can’t wait for things to return to normality, and I can really experience the true Les Quennevais community and all the wonderful things that usually happen here.

Miss Noonan: In terms of advice, I love a good quote. I particularly like this one from Walt Disney. ‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.’

STAFF INTERVIEWS

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Alumni Interview Andy Le Gresley I’m currently living in Jersey and running a successful photography business, Andy Le Gresley Photography, which I launched in 2010 and am hugely proud of. My work is really diverse which I love - one day capturing the story behind a local business to help elevate their brand; the next being commissioned to take landscape photos that capture the true beauty of Jersey. I also get to meet and photograph inspiring people - their wedding, their family and their life. It’s taken a lot of dedication to get to where I am now but it’s been such a rewarding journey.

I left school with a strong interest in Art and was determined to keep this going.

Sometimes it seemed hard to find the right career path so I changed jobs a lot when I was in my early 20s, but eventually settled into Architecture. I then decided to take some time out when I was 25 to travel the world, which sparked my passion for photography as I documented my travels. I flew back home knowing that I’d found what I wanted to do for a career, so I embarked upon a lot of self learning, worked hard with other experienced photographers and now here I am today.

Which years were you at Les Quennevais?

What was your biggest challenge at school?

1991-1996

The transition from primary to secondary school definitely felt like a big step up for me, so it came with some challenges.

I took a while to find my groove, build friendships and feel comfortable in lessons but I got there and really started to enjoy school.

What was your greatest achievement at school?

I achieved good exams results at school so was really happy with that! I wanted to go to Hautlieu with some of my friends at age 14, but was advised by my teachers that I would get better grades at Les Quennevais where my confidence could grow more easily by being top set. I respected that decision because it definitely worked out well for me and I may have struggled at Hautlieu with the higher standard of learning. I was ready for Hautlieu by age 16 and went on to study A levels which went really well.

Song/band/album that defined your school years?

Oasis. Although I’ve never been into rock music since!

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

The wide open sports fields and country school suited me very well - it felt homely and I remember often staying late in the summer to play tennis with friends. I love the outdoors and all that comes with it and I think this was sparked partly by my time at Les Quennevais. I also really began to develop my art skills at Les Quennevais, which is the path I have followed all the way through life. First drawing, painting and graphic design at school and university and now photography. It is who I will always be.

Favourite lesson or activity?

Art and design. I couldn’t wait for the lesson to start every week!

ALUMNI INTERVIEW

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Favourite memory of Les Quennevais?

Sport was another big thing for me. I remember taking the “week of sport” for activity week one summer. We learnt how to be decent golfers in 2 days - that was fun! My favourite memory though was a cross country run we did through the beautiful sand dunes, down into St Ouen’s Bay, across to Corbiere and then back along the railway track.

It was one of the toughest endurance events that I had taken part in, but by far the most rewarding. I just remember feeling elated at the end of it - I had pushed myself really hard and it was so worth it. It inspired me to continue throwing myself into sports and have an active healthy lifestyle.

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

After getting high grades in Art and Design at Les Quennevais and Hautlieu, I went to Bristol UWE to study Art. I always knew I wanted a career in the arts but it was when I decided to go travelling that my passion for photography really began. I met some amazing people and places along the way, which inspired me to document my experiences by visually capturing them through the lens.

I have been a photographer ever since.

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

Think about and find what you are interested in, explore what can be achieved and then dedicate your time and passion to making it happen. But equally don’t worry if your career path isn’t clear to you just yet, mine wasn’t at your age yet but I have still found success in something I truly love.

Favourite aspect of your job?

Photographing beautiful places and giving me more of a reason to be surrounded by nature, particularly the sea.

ALUMNI INTERVIEW

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At the point of practical completion Andy was commissioned by Rok Regal to take photographs of the finished project.

This is a small selection from Andy’s collection of stunning pictures of the incredible facilities we are priveleged to call Les Quennevais School.

CONTENTS

Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

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ANDY LE GRESLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

WE’RE OFF TO SEE

THE WIZARD! After the year we have all had, with light finally at the end of the tunnel, our thoughts inevitably turn to one of the biggest events of the school calendar here at Les Quennevais… the school show! We have missed the excitement of the run-up to opening night, the first-night nerves and trepidation, the feeling of elation and incredible pride after every performance and the emails saying that they can’t believe how amazing the whole cast, band and all involved are, so it is with great excitement that we can announce we are off to the wonderful land of Oz for our next show!

The story of the Wizard of Oz revolves around a young girl called Dorothy, who lives on a farm in Depression-era 1930’s Kansas. When her farm is hit by an enormous tornado, she and her dog Toto are whisked away to a colourful and magical place at the end of the rainbow – Oz!

Dorothy obviously wants to get back home to her family, and sets out to ask the great and powerful ‘Wizard of Oz’ to help her, and along the way she encounters an amazing cast of characters, such as the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion, who join her quest, all the while teaching her lessons about life and herself. It is a heartwarming tale of the importance of family and friendship, of courage against adversity and good against evil - a truly iconic show, full of challenges in terms of costume and design, but also an amazing cast of characters and lovely toe-tapping numbers.

We think it will be the perfect show for our new school! We plan to use the building to create an immersive experience as soon as you walk in, to use the space in our school hall to its very best, to serve up wonderful Ozian refreshments and altogether have the party and the celebration we have all been looking forward to!

We are looking for parents who might be able to form part of a costume team on Saturday mornings during rehearsals and carpenters who might be up for building the set, and anyone else who thinks they may be able to help with materials or scaffolding. Anyone who has been to an LQ show knows we don’t do anything by halves, and this Christmas show at school, while a brand new departure for us, will be no different!

Auditions for main parts will be in the Summer term with some rehearsals starting as soon as we are allowed, and chorus parts such as munchkins, flying monkeys and poppies will take place in September. I hope your child will consider trying out, and being part of such a wonderful aspect of school life here at Les Quennevais. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to help.

Miss Milman Head of Drama

WIZARD OF OZ

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#CULTURE

Q News | Issue 10 | Spring 2021

Red Nose Day RETURNS! In March, we hosted Les Quennevais School’s most treasured tradition, Red Nose Day! With a reputation that precedes itself, Red Nose Day this year had a lot to live up to from years gone by, but I can safely say that this year was a real triumph and the best yet.

With over £6,000 raised, and counting, our school community pulled together, in our new home, for an incredible day of fun and fundraising.

Staff and students really pulled it out the bag this year for fancy dress. Standing at the entrance to the school, watching our students enter, was real pleasure to behold this year. We had Pink Ladies, Oompa Loompas, Margaret Thatcher, the cast of Alice In Wonderland and many more creative and exciting costumes. The school was ablaze with colour and enthusiasm, and everyone was smiling and in the spirit of the day. There was a real carnival atmosphere with the Steel Band playing everyone in to the school.

This year, instead of the usual Red Noses, we supplied LQS Red Nose Day facemasks for our students and these went down brilliantly and really complemented the day.

Gunge The Teacher is always a massive highlight of Red Nose Day, and it all starts two weeks before the day, where buckets with teachers’ faces are walked round at break and lunchtime to collect donations.

RED NOSE DAY

It always gets students talking, and soon enough there are campaigns to have different teachers gunged, with the daily totaliser really getting everyone talking. This year, the gunging was the biggest success ever, with over £2,500 being raised!

The unlucky winners were Mr Letch, Miss Milman, Mr Brennan and Miss Byrne, who had the pleasure of being covered in the Site Team’s secret concoction of homemade gunge.

Mrs Hague (miraculously saved from a gunging this year!) and Mrs Moisan had the honour of pulling the levers to send the unfortunate four to their doom.

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Late at night, the corridors of school have been awash with staff warming up for their talent show acts, and the Staff Talent Show that students watched on the afternoon of Red Nose Day was an absolute hoot!

From Yoga in the Biodome, to Tudor First Dates, and to Crosswalk Karaoke starring the cast of the Sound of Music, the staff really flexed their performing prowess for an afternoon of silliness and hilarity. Mr Harris, our in-house video guru, put all of these amazing acts together into an epic entertainment show for our students. It is events like this that really set Red Nose Day at Les Quennevais School apart, and bring our community together in our joint sense of fun.

Totally undeterred by COVID restrictions, this year our staff were able to offer more fundraising activities than ever in the run up to Red Nose Day.

Mr Oliver’s FIFA challenge was immensely popular amongst students and staff – Mr Oliver’s dream to have his XBOX plugged into our massive media wall was realised and he managed to go mostly unbeaten, winning 68 games out of 75 and raising lots of money in the process. Miss Finney’s Photobooth was incredibly popular on the day, and it was wonderful to see so many students going home with mementos of their day, and their amazing fancy dress costumes, to treasure. Miss O’Connell (with the help of Mr Brennan) created a hilarious Guess the Teacher quiz for students to participate in, as well as coordinating a Year 7 Dance Challenge. Mrs Sharman and Miss Powell ran a delicious pancake stall and Mrs Moisan and her merry band of tuck shop assistants ensured our students were supplied with tasty treats during the week. Mrs Moisan also hosted an all-day raffle, and students and staff were showered with prizes and gifts throughout the day.

We even got a special mention on Twitter from Comic Relief Schools asking for our story and how they’d like to use it to inspire schools in the future!

So, thank you, each and every member of our school community for coming together to make this the best year yet! We are so touched that, in what has been an incredibly tough year emotionally and financially, our school community has come together to raise money for Comic Relief and the work that they do. We hope that each student left on that day with a memory to cherish for a lifetime – many of our ex-students quote Les Quennevais Red Nose Days as their favourite memories of being at the school. We can’t wait to see what 2023 will bring!

Miss Le Quesne Head of Dance, Teacher of Drama & Charity Fundraising Co-Ordinator

RED NOSE DAY

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McKeon take the lead after a strong term for the House McKeon After an immensely strong term for the House, McKeon finds itself in unfamiliar territory and yet not out of our comfort zone... in the lead!

In all my time at LQ I have never known McKeon to be out in front so I am one very proud Head of House indeed!

But we must not rest on our laurels, we have built up a reasonable lead over the other Houses and it is going to take grit, determination and resilience to deliver on the challenge we set ourselves at the start of the year. The real work starts now.

We have taken the lead in this tight House competition with a big win in the Netball and Badminton tournament. I have to say that the boys helped out the girls on this one with wins in the Badminton for Years 8, 9, 10 AND 11! A heroic effort for the boys.

Each of those wins were down to key individual performances e.g. Year 8 was decided in a tie breaker with William holding his nerve and winning it for us!

I try to stress to our students that every time they pull on a red shirt it matters because it will always come down to the tightest of margins and we have got to take our chance and the boys did that when it mattered most.

The boys did us proud and we got to see the McKeon flag fly and the school was lit up in red. I want to see more of that.

We also won the Year 7 Van Gogh House Art Competition thanks to the creative endevours of Theo, Joe, Dylan, Ella and Mason. A great effort by these young students who showed that everyone can contribute to McKeon’s success and thoroughly deserved their celebratory bacon roll!

And to put the ‘icing on the cake’, our Year 8’s won the Bake Off! So all in all a fantastic term for the Red Army, now we have to come back even stronger for the Summer Term to get the job done.

It is our time. We are McKeon!

Mr Richardson Head of McKeon

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Tranter We are just over the half-way point of the school year and we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. We have always been the underdogs. We have always been the House who makes the final push, but this is the closet House competition in years!

There are literally a handful of points that separate all three Houses – so when I remind you all of “every point matters” It really does!

I am an incredibly proud Head of House and when we have competitions, whether it be on the sporting field or a classroombased activity, there is nothing better than seeing you all embracing every event. Back in September, I spoke in our virtual assembly about the importance of collaboration and participation and used Sir Captain Tom Moore as a beacon of someone who defined the very concept of resilience. As a school, we pride ourselves on our core values of Ambition, Resilience and Respect.

Tranter students epitomize these values but it is undoubtedly the core value of Resilience that characterises our House. The get-up and go attitude and that never-say-die spirit is in our DNA and why we compete hard in every venture.

We go into our final term knowing that it is down to every individual in the House to step-up and get involved. There are a number of competitions still to play for and a number of points up for grabs! Last year we narrowly missed out on the crown by 18 points; we certainly do not want a repeat of this. The end of the summer term will mark the end of the school year. Let’s finish this year as the first House to be crowned champions in our new Les Quennevais school.

One final push and effort from everyone – come on Tranter!

We have always rallied to the mantra that “you have to be in it to win it” and I am therefore calling all of you to step up and take part in the remaining competitions to gain as many valuable points for our House.

There are quick wins such as the Behaviour point awarded each week for effort, hard work, excellence and determination in the classroom, this should be an area where we can claw back some vital points, please get on it! Then we have individual competitions such as Photography and the Blake Off where it is imperative that as many students as possible take part. We also have the Sporting competitions to look forward to next term so I really think there is so much to play for.

I am confident that we have the resilience and ambition to dig deep to make up the points deficit. The competition is so close and I can’t emphasise how much each point counts this year more than any other year. We can’t afford to take our foot off the peddle so let’s go forward full thrust and regain that familiar place at the top of the leader board. Come on Watts!

Mr Harris Head of Tranter

Watts What’s happening Watts? Like the other two Houses we too find ourselves in unfamiliar territory at this stage in the school year.

As I am writing this we are currently 3rd on the leader board and it’s not a comfortable place to be, I am sure that you are desperate to rectify that.

We have enjoyed some successes on the Sports field this term with the girls Netball teams doing very well and really showing their dominance to win that side of the tournament. This will continue to be a very strong area for us. We also narrowly lost out on the Year 7 Van Gogh competition thanks to Abigail, Judah and Olivia.

Mrs Ashley Head of Watts

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McKeon win Year 7 Van Gogh House Art Competition This year’s submissions for the Van Gogh Timeline competition were of an exceptionally high standard and Mrs Hague and myself found it incredibly difficult to judge the competition. The quality of the artwork, delivery of the research into Vincent Van Gogh’s life, and stunning presentations made a beautiful exhibition in our Immersive Space and our Year 7 students should be incredibly proud of the effort they put into this competition in their own time.

Theo’s sculpted head gained first place for its ambitious representation of Vincent in both 3-D and paint. His beautiful colour mixing and brushwork captured the style of Van Gogh’s painting and he brought the artist’s portrait to life beautifully.

Judah also used materials in a unique and creative way with his hanging on bark and individual paintings and information on wooden coasters to gain second place.

In joint second, Poppy’s stitched and embroidered 3-D flowers captivated the organic shapes in this still-life piece, her use of textiles media again showing creativity and originality.

Mason joint painting prize

Dylan joint 4th place

Joe joint painting prize

Ella joint painting prize

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Judah joint 2nd place

Sculpted pieces from a variety of materials were also evident in the work of Olivia Wright who achieved 3rd place, and Abigail and Dylan (joint 4th).

The Painting Award this year was jointly shared by Ella, Joe and Mason. Their independent paintings reflected the key techniques they have learnt in their art lessons this year and showed what an amazingly high level of competency in painting they have achieved already in their first year at Les Quennevais School.

Congratulations to all of our students who entered this competition and we will look forward to seeing such talent develop further in the future.

Theo’s winning piece

Ms Croke Head of Art & Textiles

Poppy joint 2nd place

Olivia 3rd place Abigail joint 4th place

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HALF TERM HEROES So many of our students do extraordinary things. It is a privelege 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 Lacey 11S: McKeon House Nominated by Mrs Burgess School Value: Resilience “I would like to nominate Lacey for her sheer determination to succeed. She surpassed her target grade in English, which I know she is proud of. Lacey has been involved in everything that school has to offer. From taking part in Love Bugs every year, to achieving her Duke of Edinburgh Award, in which she never gave up. She has never allowed herself to be defeated by any challenges throughout her time at LQS. If ever there was an award for Resilience, Lacey deserves it.”

- Mrs Burgess “I am delighted you have been recognised Lacey. What a fantastic example not only of resilience, but of the ‘spirit of Quennevais’ you are. Congratulations.”

- Mrs Hague

Sebastian 11N: Tranter House Nominated by Mrs Burgess School Value: Ambition & Respect “Sebastian is a fantastic student - who exhibits all the qualities of a true LQ student. He is honest and trustworthy. He has consistently tried hard with his studies over his 5 years at our school. He attends revision, intervention sessions and is serious about his learning and achieving his target grades. He has embraced every opportunity that has come his way at LQ, taking part in House Football & Badminton. He is an impeccably dressed, well mannered young man. He is an excellent influencer and a wonderful ambassador for our school.”

- Mrs Burgess “Wow Seb, what an exceptional role model you are to our students. We are so proud that you are such an outstanding ambassador for our school. Thank you for always giving 100%! That’s what some heroes do, day in day out!” - Mrs Hague

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Adi 10Q: Watts House Nominated by Mr Oliver School Value: Ambition & Respect “When it comes to Adi, all of us here at LQ have become used to how amazing he is! Every day since he started here, he has been exceptional and I think he needs to be recognised. He is a model student, who has a really positive influence on any group or class he is part of. I think it is very rare to have a student who is so capable, be so humble and supportive of others and be so well liked and respected by his peers. Adi, you are a model student.”

- Mr Oliver

- Mrs Hague

“You are a superstar Adi, in everything you do! An all round hero - how lucky we are to have you at LQ.”

Tyler 9C: Tranter House Nominated by Mr Jones School Value: Ambition “Tyler always works to the best of his ability showing huge ambition! He has just received a full set of A’s in his effort grades showing how hard he works. He has a strong sense of right and wrong and will always support the underdog even if it means not agreeing with one of his friends. Tyler takes part in any Form event and is always a pleasure to engage with.”

- Mr Jones “Heroes rarely take the easy option. They take the right one, just as you clearly do Tyler and your strong sense of right and wrong speaks volumes for your character. Congratulations on all your success, we are very proud of you!”

- Mrs Hague

Macie 10S: McKeon House Nominated by Mr Oliver & Miss Alexander School Value: Resilience “After initially being nominated by Miss Alexander for her outstanding effort despite isolating, I feel it is essential that her effort as a whole is recognised. Macie was unfortunately unable to return to school due to the safety of an elderly relative living with her. Whilst some students may take advantage and relax with time off school, Macie did the opposite. She produced phenomenal work during this period. She contacted school asking where her work was if it was 1 minute past the start of her lesson and she was happy to share her high quality work throughout. Because of this, when Macie did return, she didn’t feel out of place or behind and has continued to produce excellent work since returning. She has impressed me the most with the quality of work completed during isolation - more than any other student.”

- Mr Oliver “What an achievement Macie. This attitude says so much about you, clearly you were determined not to let Covid defeat you! So many students did so well during this period - so to stand out is a real ‘heroic’ effort! Well done Macie - a worthy winner!”

- Mrs Hague

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Nico 8N: Tranter House Nominated by Mrs Goodchild & Mr Heaven School Value: Respect “Nico personifies our core value of Respect. He has supported another student in Food lessons who has been struggling. He has done this quietly and without fuss - showing a true sense of community spirit. He has managed to support others with sensitivity and maturity. I am very lucky to have him in my Food group.”

- Mr Heaven “What a true friend and true hero you are Nico! This goes to prove heroes seldom like the spotlight and do what they for others - not for themselves. What a lovely quality that is and I hope your friend appreciates and recognises how they lucky they are.”

- Mrs Hague

Hayden 7S: McKeon House Nominated by Miss Milman School Value: Ambition “Hayden really embodies the meaning of ambition when it comes to McKeon House and sport!

He is always to be seen talking and planning tactics with Mr Richardson - he is so proud of his House. He has fabulous ideas, with a real sense of teamwork, encouraging and involving everyone no matter how sporty they are. This for me is why he is a hero - by making others believe in themselves and that his House can be the best if everyone is involved! This is what leadership and ambition really means. Well done Hayden - for being so inspirational to Year 7 and McKeon House!”

- Miss Milman “Hayden you really are a hero for your House! What a mature, thoughtful and powerful example of being a leader with a moral purpose! By inspiring others to get involved you are showing the importance and power of doing things together! McKeon House is lucky to have you!”

- Mrs Hague

Charlie wins PWC Young Musician of the Year It came as no surprise to the Les Quennevais community that our very own Charlie was recently awarded the PWC Young Musician of the Year Award.

Charlie has wowed us all with his incredible vocal talents by starring in no less than three school productions, most recently Annie and we couldn’t be more proud of his achievements.

Charlie’s winning performance of ‘O Mistress Mine’ by Roger Quilter was judged by Amos Miller, Head of Brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and was part of a special virtual broadcast of the final.

One of Charlie’s biggest fans, Mrs Hague said on Twitter, “Wow! An absolutely stunning achievement by Charlie. I watched his performances and he was flawless, brave and thoroughly captivating! Congratulations to you Charlie everyone at LQS is so thrilled and proud of you!”

HALF TERM HEROES / YOUNG MUSICIAN

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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.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

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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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