Les Quennevais School Learning to be your best through excellence and enjoyment Issue 14 Summer 2022 Q News
2 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 HEADTEACHER’S
REVIEWHEADTEACHER’SREVIEW
“You campaign in poetry and govern in prose “…so says Mario Cuomo former Governor of New York. I think what he meant by this was you can be imaginative, playful, lyrical and provoke emotional responses at times, but ‘hard graft’ is needed to make things happen. The last two years have certainly seen more ‘prose’. A lot of logistics, a lot of reactive planning, crisis management and agile responding, looking for solutions to problems. Indeed, it has at times been ‘hard graft’ and draining and frustrating. Our final two terms in this academic year have seen us begin to thrive once more as we emerge from the challenges of the Pandemic. Everyone has been desperate for more ‘poetry’ and I think we have delivered in Ispades.ammore convinced than ever that energy and momentum comes from driving that sense of community and a narrative that presents a compelling story in which our central characters, in our case our students, our staff, our families, are all part of building something special. In this edition of Q News our powerful culture and unique sense of identity and a mission to create more ‘poetry’ bounces off every page. The old saying of “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone “ is truer than ever. The enormous pride and joy we experienced as a community was palpable, when we saw the return of our School Production, our Sports Dinner, a full Sports Day and our Whole School Awards Ceremony and so much more. These events have all had an extraordinary impact and lifted our spirits and, in doing so, reminded us how important they are in the life of our school. A particular highlight of this year was the engagement from our students in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. I’m not sure there are many secondary schools that would even begin to contemplate a day on the scale which we experienced. It encapsulated our sense of fun and the enjoyment we all receive when we come together. It is something I will cherish forever. I am beyond proud of how we have forged ahead as a community and as a school in the face of much challenge at times, largely due to things out of our control. Dear Reader, Doing the ‘right thing at the right time’, which is not always an easy call to make, has been the hallmark of leadership in school this year and I know at times the impact of these decisions have been keenly felt at home, but every decision we make is always in the best interests of our students and I am immensely grateful for the support we Ourreceive.Core Values define our personal mission for excellence at Les Quennevais and they are the backbone of our school, shaping our Curriculum and pedagogy, guiding behaviours and the wider experience we want to offer our Thestudents.energy in our school this year has propelled our students to achieve huge success in so many varied areas of school life. For many this comes naturally, for others it requires greater resilience, effort and at times the courage to make changes.
For others they have developed the resilience to push themselves out of their comfort zone and experience greater challenges for themselves, their House, their Year Group, and the teams they are part of. I often mention the importance of ‘collective endeavour’, our whole community benefits from this – but personal development and engagement in the wider parts of school life, seeking and making the most of every opportunity is where growth and self-discovery is the most powerful and brings the most benefits. You will read many examples of this within the following pages and I applaud all our students this year who have indeed embraced every opportunity, every challenge to make the most of every day. Their ‘poetry’ is a thing of great beauty!
Looking back over this year helps us look forward to what we can do next and I’m both excited and proud of what we have achieved and what is still yet to come. I wish all readers a restful and happy summer break and thank you all for your unwavering support throughout this year. As I reflect on this academic year, I feel more privileged and proud than ever to lead this community and I am inspired by our amazing young people, who remind us every day that we have the best job in the world. Yours sincerely Sarah HeadteacherHague
3Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
BANAHAN
Returns
BanahanRETURNS
Many students were unaware that Matt won the Les Quennevais HSBC Sporting Award for Hockey (at the time the youngest Jersey player to play for the 1st Men’s team as well as representing West of England) and not rugby. He only played rugby for Les Quennevais and Jersey Schools until moving to Highlands to study Sport and being convinced to play with his fellow students at JRFC. The fact he played all sports when he was at school was something that was not lost on the students and is one of the contributing factors to his success, 295 professional appearances for Bath and Gloucester and 16 full International appearances.
It was a pleasure for the students not to mention those staff that taught him and we look forward to a visit again soon.
Early in May we had the pleasure of welcoming back Matthew Banahan Class of 2003 to the school. Matt was in the Island in order to be part of the Siam Cup build up and to have a game in the Jersey veterans side reuniting with a number of players he played with before he left the Island to play professionally. He couldn’t turn down the opportunity to visit his ‘old’ school in the ‘new’ building. Matt as always, was generous with his time talking to everyone that wanted to meet him during the tour of the school, signing autographs and taking selfies. The pinnacle was his talk to the KS3 rugby players and Year 10 GCSE students. Now retired from the game, Matt spends his time with his family when not coaching at a school and working with the Glass House Academy. The academy programme is an opportunity for children to grow in a different environment away from the school structure. Matt’s enthusiasm when talking and then answering questions was inspirational for the students to listen to. Lots of focus on ‘doing the right thing’ ‘listening to others’ and ‘working hard’. The enjoyment of playing a game with friends and the importance of teamwork. One of the most surprising answers to the question about one of your most memorable, enjoyable moments when playing rugby, was for Matt to name one of his team mates and friends putting in an amazing performance when the press and some coaches were starting to write them off, a measure of the man and role model he has become.
Mr C TeacherJonesofPhysical Education
Mr C TeacherJonesofPhysical Education Harry recently spoke and presented awards at the 2022 Les Quennevais Sports Dinner
Harry’s attitude and mentality to succeed is an example for all our students to follow. No doubt he will be back on the school rugby pitch during the 2022-23 season as he just can’t leave the school where it all started. One fact about Harry that he frequently shares is that he never played rugby until starting at Les Quennevais School. He trusted the advice and guidance from his PE teacher, joined JRFC Academy and this is the result! Well done Harry, keep doing us #alwaysquennevaisproud!
5Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 HARRY DOOLAN
Harry Doolan - The latest ex-LQ student to join the PE Hall of Fame Doooooolan! Class of 2018. Signed his professional contract for four seasons in the 2020-21 season, made his Jersey Reds 1st Team debut in an outstanding manner by scoring two tries. Not only did that mean he was the first Jersey born player to start for the Reds since the 2014-15 season, but that his shirt gets to be displayed alongside other Ex Les Quennevais Rugby legends Myles Landick and Matthew NotBanahan.forthe first time this year Harry returned to school to see his shirt donated by the Jersey Reds framed and ready to go on display. Many students have already met Harry at the Sports Awards evening and at the last game of the season where he ran the warm up and assisted with the coaching.
What was your greatest achievement at Song/band/albumschool?that defined your school years? I am 31 years old and a very proud, former Les Quennevais student. I am currently a Chartered Accountant who works for JTC in their Operations team. I am also fortunate enough to have the honour of being captain of the Jersey Bulls men’s football Sinceteam. leaving LQ in 2006, I have been extremely fortunate to spend a decade living in different places pursuing two passions, football & education. I am very grateful for all those experiences and people I have met along my Iway.often reflect back on my journey to date and truly believe the foundations of who I am now, was shaped during my time at LQ. Still to this day, my closest friendships are also former LQ students. After living away from home, In 2016, I returned home to Jersey where I have pursued a career in Finance, which I thoroughly enjoy to this day. What was your biggest challenge at Findingschool?the balance between doing well in the classroom, playing sports and having fun with my friends outside of school. Personally, Les Quennevais provided the environment for me to succeed at my own pace in my own way. There was not any pressure to conform to a certain way, the support network LQ provided was fundamental to shaping me to be the man I am today. All the tools were there, however it was about me figuring out in my own time the direction I wanted to go in when I left LQ. Which aspects of life at Les Quennevais helped you become the person you are today? Representing the School in Football, Cricket, Rugby or Athletics and PE lessons with Mr Jones & Mr Heaven is a given. However, surprisingly one of my favourite lessons was Religious Education with Mrs Hague. Favourite lesson or activity?
Which years were you at Les Quennevais?2001–2006.Findingthatbalance!
I think I did well-ish in the classroom, whilst playing huge amounts of sport and making lifelong friends, many of whom I still have to this day. I was a big fan of Oasis growing up. However I was open to lot of different genres and went with whatever was ‘popular’ at the
Alumnitime.James Queree
Interview
6 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 ALUMNI INTERVIEW
• Every Sports Day was always a great day that brought the whole school together #WeAreMcKeon;
• The day-to-day memories, when you would get chance to catch up with friends at lunchtime, playing football against the older kids and all the ‘out of school’ weekend events you would hear about on a
rewarding.Favouriteaspect of your job? Do not put too much pressure on what comes after your time at LQ. There is no right or wrong way to go about things or right or wrong time to do things, only what is right for YOU. When I was in Year 11 I got told something that stuck with me; “In 10 years time will it matter? If not, don’t worry about it” – the reality is a lot of issues students face are short term and, trust me, they will find a way of being Inresolved.addition, I would also say it is important to realise it is ok if you do not know what you want to do (I was 26 before I found my Career path!) If you are unsure just find a way of keep moving forward, learning and growing. Try different things, be open-minded and most importantly have fun whilst doing whatever you decide to Finally,do! do not stress about things outside your control. If something is perceived as a ‘controllable’ and you can influence it, do it! If you cannot, do not worry! The likelihood is in 10 years it will not matter anyways... ...and of course, the best of luck with whatever you decide to do!!! What advice would you give to students looking at their career options?Ifyouwould like to be a Q News featured alumni, please contact our Business Manager Mr Richardson. We’d love to hear your story! I am a big believer in learning from others, young or old it does not matter! I have had numerous role models over the years, from the likes of Steven Gerrard, to my first big boss when I returned to the island. Of course, I owe a huge amount to my family who have supported me every step of the way. I am always trying to learn and develop traits I admire in others and learn from my mistakes. Everyone is inspired in different ways and it is important you find what motivates you to the best person you can be.
7Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 ALUMNI INTERVIEW
• We went to watch Liverpool play as part of a Leisure & Tourism trip… thank you Mrs Ashley!; and
There are several memories that come to mind:
FavouriteMonday.memory of Les Quennevais?Iwasveryfortunate to be offered a 2 year apprenticeship with AFC Bournemouth, during this time I was lucky enough to play & captain their U18s & Reserves. This started me on my path of playing football but most importantly pursuing my education and development as a young man. After getting released from AFCB, my next big opportunity was when I embarked on a football scholarship in the USA for 5 years. I returned to the UK in 2014 to undertake my Master’s Degree in Leeds. Finally, I spent a year playing football in Marbella, Spain before returning home to Jersey in 2016 to pursue a career in Finance. What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get you where you are today? I am very fortunate I work for a great company with great people. JTC is a company that shares many of the same values I do. However, my favourite aspect of my job is on a daily basis it allows me to continue to grow and learn as an individual. Given I am an ambitious person, I find the concept of learning and developing my soft skills very
The popularity of students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award is something that we have watched grow year after year. This year has been no exception! Over 130 students in Year 9 have given their all to this year’s award and have been submitting their evidence to ensure they have achieved all the requirements of the Bronze level. The Bronze expedition took place over two gruelling days in high temperatures, totalling over 25 miles! Students embarked on their expeditions from different starting points from Gorey common to St Catherine’s breakwater. Although the hike is not a competition, that didn’t stop some fierce competitiveness and rivalry amongst the groups as they bid to be the first to make it to Crabbe. Rozel Harbour was the first check-point where groups were able to stop and refill their water bottles. It was an amazing sight to see them appear down Rozel hill and make their way across the bay – with some tumbling over on the sand! By the time they had reached Les Platons on the North coast, tiredness was beginning to kick in for some, but with the support of their friends and a helping hand, they were back on their feet and continued the trek onwards towards Crabbe, despite a couple of groups having to re-check the navigation and routes on their maps to ensure they didn’t head out to Sorrel! With tents pitched and Trangia stoves at the boil, the final group made their way into camp to resounding and supportive cheers from all other groups. For staff, it was simply nice to watch them interact and communicate as a team without the use of any technology and just a simple campfire and marshmallows to keep the spirits up, whilst the traditional songs were sang out at full pelt! Day two began and an early start as the first group set off at 8:15am, with the aim to head out to the north-east of the island through the lanes and reaching the checkpoint at L’Etacq. Groups had varying success with this, with all arriving from different directions, but all eventually made it to the checkpoint. By the time they had journeyed across towards Les Pulentes, the sun was incredibly strong and groups battled the final stretch with tremendous courage and vigour – not to mention some nasty blisters! By the time all groups had made it back to the school, there were some very tired legs and a few blisters that needed attention, but much more than this, there was a sense of pride as they had all achieved an undeniably long distance in some harsh conditions.
8 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE AWARD
Year 9s complete Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
Mr AssistantHarris Headteacher
9Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE AWARD
Every year, we are amazed at our young people and how they tackle this challenge, but their determination, friendship and overwhelming positivity always gets them through. None of this of course would not be possible if it wasn’t for the staff who go out of their way to make these experiences happen for the students. This group of Year 9 students has been our largest DofE group, but they have also been the best and have really raised the bar for new groups coming through – no pressure Year 8!
10 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
For the first time in Les Quennevais history, we have had students partake in the Duke of Edinburgh award at a Silver level. Ten students from Year 10 who were inspired after completing their Bronze award, jumped at the chance to complete this award at the next level – it is safe to say, they certainly felt that this next level was definitely a step up regarding the challenge! Day one of their expedition saw students trekking into St Brelade’s Bay to then undertake two hours of kayaking. Spirits were high and there was much laughter – particularly when Mr Harris took a tumble into the sea! It was certainly a great activity and one that enabled all of them to bond in their teams and see some beautiful scenes of Jersey from the water. Once they had dried off, they were back on the road and made their way across to towards the east of the island as camp for the first night was at Gorey, but before they could do that, all students had to fulfil a task of finding three dolmens over the course of the expedition. The first Dolmen (Dolmen de Mont Ube) was found in St Clement and the groups had to use their navigational skills to eventually locate this, before finding their way over to camp to finish on a real high after what was a ten hour day! Day two began with Faldouet Dolmen and then eventually making their way to the north coast – this was undoubtedly the most challenging both physically and mentally for the students, who experienced some extremely difficult terrain between White Rock and Bouley Bay. This did not stop them from keeping their spirits high and singing at the tops of their voices – their rendition of High School Musical’s Breaking Free around the campfire at Crabbe was truly a sound to behold. With sore feet and aching legs, students prepped themselves for the final day as they headed out from Crabbe towards St Ouen and found the final Dolmen, before finding the most direct route to make their way back to Les Quennevais school. After 47 miles of walking, three miles of kayaking and three dolmens discovered, they returned to school to rapturous applause from staff who were there to greet them all home. They were tired and weary, but more than that, they knew they had all achieved something incredibly challenging and through their teamwork, effort and endurance, they have now created a legacy for other Les Quennevais students to aspire to when they take on this next challenge!
Year 10s complete epic first Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
Mr AssistantHarris Headteacher
11Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER AWARD
This real life learning experience is an integral part of the DEC course and allows students to consolidate their understanding from their classroom-based learning. It is great that our students get to work so closely with industry professionals, and visit such inspiring construction projects. Here is what a few of our students had to say about the trip”I enjoy going on site visits as part of my DEC studies because you get to see professionals working in real life. Horizon was a great site to visit because it was so big with so much going on in a wide range of construction roles, and you could see all the different processes that are involved in the construction of a building.”
- Finley, Year 10 DEC students had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Horizon construction site on the waterfront, organised by the Jersey Development Company, in collaboration with our sponsors Rok. They got to experience the real life application of the design, engineering and construction that they learn about in the classroom, during their DEC lessons. Students were shown around the site by project manager Luc, from Le Gendre construction. After a health and safety briefing, students were shown everything from the designing and planning of the building, to concrete pouring, structural engineering works, and the fitting of electrical systems, to name a few. Students were able to see the various stages of construction and the project management of a building site so large in scale, with hundreds of people working alongside each other, and in different areas of construction. Being able to visit such a large scale construction project, with a variety of construction jobs being carried out at one time, students have the opportunity to see which part of the construction industry they are most interested in, for example Architecture, Structural Engineering, Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying or Project Management etc, and what they would perhaps like to study further, or pursue a career in.
Mrs HeadFerreiraofDEC!
12 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 DEC! - What’s been happening?
Throughout May and June, Year 7 & 8 students took part in our first ever DEC House competition. Students were tasked with designing a nature observing shelter/study hut that could be built and positioned in the Les Quennevais School wildlife area. We had lots of fantastic and creative entries from all houses including 3D physical models, 3D CAD models, paintings, hand drawings, booklets and posters.
- Poppy, Year 10 “I really liked visiting the Horizon site because before we went on site we had already learnt about the different construction roles and the safety involved in working on site, but actually getting to see this in practice brought our learning to life. I want to work in the construction industry so these opportunities give me a great experience to see different aspects of construction, and really inspire me.”
There were 5 house points available for the best research, 5 house points for the best sustainable outcome, 5 house points for the best design idea and 10 house points for the overall winners, whose entry covered all these areas to the highest standard. Congratulations to Ella & Isabella in Watts House for winning the best research category, Noah & James in Tranter House for coming up with the most sustainable solution, Sienna in McKeon House for the best design, and Maia in Tranter House for producing the best overall entry. Well done to everyone that entered!
13Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 DEC
Mrs HeadFerreiraofDEC!
14 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
Students triumph in Engineer
winner.whywhowhatwhataannotatedinterviewthedesignandidentifyingyouwerewereAwardthelessons,(Design,andworkedEarliercompetitonthisyearYear7studentshardintheirD&T(DesignTechnology)andDEC!Engineer,Construct)tocompleteentriesforPrimaryEngineer,Leaderscompetition.Studentsaskedthequestion,‘IfyouanEngineer,whatwoulddo?’Theyweretaskedwitha‘problem’thatexistscomingupwithacreativesolutionthatwouldsolveproblem.Studentshadtoanengineer,produceandesignideaandwritelettertothejudgestoexplainproblemtheyidentified,theyinventedasasolution,orwhattheirideahelpsanditshouldbechosenasthe
Students came up with a range of impressive design solutions, including a ‘Surfer Emergency Band’, an ‘Auto Epi-Pen for Allergies’, a ‘Micro Plastic Ocean Filter’ and a ‘Tick-Scan Dog Collar’, to name a few. The judges gave Les Quennevais School Year 7 students some excellent feedback and explained that due to the fact there were so many fantastic entries, they awarded 16 students with highly commended certificates, alongside the two overall winners. The winners, Isabella, who came up with the idea of ‘Fashion Bricks’, and Imogen, who designed ‘Calming Headphones’, received certificates and trophies for their imaginative and creative solutions at an awards ceremony at Highlands College on Monday 27th June. Isabella was also selected out of all the winners, as the recipient of the ‘special judges award’, which was announced from a golden ticket and presented by Suzanne Wylie, CEO of the Government of Jersey. In total 171 Year 7 students entered the competition and achieved Pass, Merit or Distinction certificates. The work of the winners, the highly commended students and the distinction students were also displayed in an exhibition at Highlands College, that was open to guests before the awards ceremony. We would like to congratulate all students for taking part in the competition and for the hard work and effort they put into producing such fantastic design ideas.
LQS marks Platinum Jubilee with historic street party
The highlight of the day was the staff polo match, ably refereed by King Henry VIII before a 25 canon salute of red, white and blue were fired to close the festivities. An oak sapling, which the Science department have grown from an acorn on their growing balcony, will be planted at the front of the school in the Autumn term and all staff and students were given a Jubilee pin badge to mark the occasion.
Mr BusinessRichardsonandFacilities Manager
16 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
The ‘Spirit of Quennevais’ was stronger than ever when the entire school gathered for a street party that could have earned a place in the Guiness Book of World Records. Miss Le Quesne started proceedings by leading the school in singing the national anthem. School Governors, staff and students were then treated to a full afternoon tea provided by the school’s catering provider Caring Cooks consisting of finger sandwiches, scones and Victoria sponge. All this to the backdrop of the hugely talented Year 8 steel band. The historic event saw King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I come back from the dead and compere an informative quiz about the Royal family. Many thanks to Mr Brennan and Miss Ritchie who have to be the best History teachers in the world for their efforts. Nowhere else would you see such level of Studentscommitment.competed for their respective Houses in several ‘lawn games’ which saw senior royals race in a relay around the field and pin the jewels on the crown.
17Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
Outgoing Head Boy and Head Girl Billy and Lottie recieved a standing ovation for their farewell speech which was full of tremendous passion, reflection, joy and thanks. They acknowledged the huge challenges the Class of 2022 have “risen and raised the bar” with. What terrific ambassadors they both are for our school, their Year group and our young people
The Class of 2022 ended the year in style with their Leaver’s Ball held at the L’Horizon Hotel on a beautiful Summer’s evening. After the traditional entrances witnessed by the biggest crowd yet, students came together for a 3-course meal before dancing the night away showing just how close this year group are. Now a tradition, students were given a departing gift of a cupcake with their cherubic Year 7 picture on the top to remind them of how far they have come. This year group have been very special and a credit to Mr Oliver as their Head of Year. We will miss them dearly and wish them the very best of luck for their GCSE results and every bit of success for the future. They deserve it.
today.Farewell
This year’s Leaver’s Ceremony was particularly special as we were able to invite parents to be part of this special occasion when we bid farewell to Year 11. All students received their Records of Achievement and a significant number of students won major awards recognising their outstanding talent, commitment, success and their strong values as young people.
Class of 2022
Billy Lottie&
there.yearforEdinburghHousehasopportunitiesallAsandembodiedfeelinghasofstate-of-the-artoldpartWethewasbuildingworldthejoinedHeadhaveWegoodbyesayarecompletelyhonouredtobeentheHeadBoyandGirlfrom2021-2022.WeLesQuennevaisbackinSeptemberof2017whenthewasadifferentplace.Thewewalkedintothatdaycertainlyverydifferenttoonewehavenowfinishedin.feelhumbledtohavebeenofthetransitionfromthe“greenmachine”toournewhome.Regardlessthebuilding,LesQuennevaisalwaysmaintainedthatLQandwarmththatwasfromtheoldschoollivesoninournewschool.ayeargroupwehaveembracedthevariousLesQuennevaisoffered.Whetheritbecompetitions,theDukeofawardorfundraisingcharity,we’vealwaysbeenagrouptoputourselvesout
Some stand-out-moments for us were watching the likes of Jasmine and Nick taking the lead in this year’s production of School of Rock, or the many talented athletes such as Ethan who was this year’s LQ sports personality, or Hannah and Rhian representing the island at football or even our incredible artists and musicians within the year group. It is undeniable that we have an abundance of talent and creativity within our year. We owe our thanks to all the staff for their countless effort in revision sessions after school, morning interventions and staying positive throughout the difficult few years we’ve had with Covid19. The staff here at Les Quennevais have gone above and beyond to put us in the best position not just for our examinations, but for our next steps of life for these exams. As a result, we think that although we embody each of our core values, it is perhaps Ambition that is the one that stands out most for us- we have never settled to be second best to anybody. Last year we were told about the record-breaking English results - we met the challenge and have raised the bar. Last year we were told about the record-breaking maths resultsagain we met the challenge and raised the bar. And there is no doubt in our minds that we will go on to achieve some incredible results this summer and hopefully when we pick our envelopes we can again say - we met the challenge and raised the bar! Thank you to everybody in our LQ community. Without your help and support, we would not have had the experiences we now leave with. Good luck to next year’s Year 11 and the future Head Boy and Head Girl – we know you are in good hands to have the very best time in your final year. The Class of #youvegotthis22 Billy & Lottie Head Boy & Head Girl 2021-22
Mr P AssistantJonesHeadteacher Days partnership with JT Group
Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
The students were treated to a very ‘cool’ treat by our sponsor of Transition - JT Global in the form of ice creams at lunch on the Friday before they headed into the main hall to watch our steel band and a student ensemble. We cannot wait to see how they take their learning experiences forward over the Summer, ready for our biggest exhibition yet, making space for all the amazing work which will no doubt be brought into school early next term. All 198 of them!
On Thursday 30 June and Friday 1 July, our largest ever intake of students (all 198 of them) timidly made their way into their new school for the next 5 years, welcomed by uplifting music, our House mascots and the new Head of Year 7, Miss Thebault. As is always the case, the initial nerves and any worries they may have brought with them soon drifted away as the taster lessons began. Whether it was building air pressurized sand racers in Design Technology, collaging seaweed designs in Art or learning about Fibonacci’s spiral in Maths, each lesson was devoured by our eager new students. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive and everyone left with a beaming smile on their faces ready for the next day. Our carefully prepared lessons always seem to leave our students wanting more and not wanting to leave us to go back to their primary schools!
Transition
In
All the students worked brilliantly in their teams ably supported by their Form Tutors. The day finished with students representing each form and completing a challenging obstacle course of monkey bars, balance beams and climbing nets, ending with the competitor climbing through a tyre. Overall, 9N were the winners of the various team building challenges throughout the day but for the obstacle course 9S were victorious finishing in the fastest time. Although they were almost pipped to the post by the Staff Team, being the first teacher team to have attempted the gruelling course. The spirit and teamwork shown by all forms was outstanding and once again underlines what a credit they are to our school and why I am so proud of them as a year group.
Mrs HeadGoodchildofYear9
YEAR 9 TEAMBUILDING DAY
Teambuilding Day returns for Year 9...
On Monday 4th July Year 9 took part in the annual Teambuilding Day at the airport playing fields. This event hasn’t taken place for a number of years due to COVID restrictions, but it was back in force with this outstanding year group. The event was run by the ATC and provided students with the opportunity to complete problem solving and team building activities. On arrival, students were divided into their Form Groups ready for the challenges that lay ahead. We took part in activities such as Mohawk Walk – a balance beam activity, Spiders Web – students having to get their teammates through different sections of the ‘web’ and Fire Rescue – involving wooden planks, bottles of water and upside down crates.
23Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
YEAR 10 RETRO SPORTS DAY
...Year 10 Retro Sports Day does too!
Burgers and drinks were brought out the field by the Site Team for a fitting retro lunch. The atmospehere was full of magic, extreme competition and encouragement. What a fitting end to the year for Year 10!
Now a rite of passage for all year groups under the stewardship of Mr Jones, Year 10 got the privilege of experiencing a retro sports day before they break for the Summer and become the leaders of the school in TakingSeptember.place on the school’s playing fields in stunning weather, students competed in classic ‘old school’ sporting events such as space hopper races, tug of war, hula hoop relays, egg and spoon races, skipping and ski races! Staff couldn’t help themselves and got stuck in to all events, Mrs Morley on the rope for tug of war was a force to be reckoned with! Everyone got involved, and we mean EVERYONE! As a complete surprise to students, parents rocked up in full fancy dress to take part in the parent races including the age old classic three legged race with their child. The students weren’t as mortified as expected and absolutely loved it!
McKeon were the overall winners for the second year in a row, the first time McKeon have ever won back-toback. The House went ballistic as red confetti cannons were fired over them creating a memorable spectacle. A memory that these students will be sure to never Theforget.very
SPORTS DAY Sports Day 2022 took place over two days in the mornings for the first time ever to mitigate the high temperatures and it proved very successful and could be how future Sports Days are held. The field events took place on the first morning and students took part in shot put, discus, javelin, high jump and long jump in our very own long jump pit installed earlier this year. The 1500m races were also held on the first Schoolmorning.records were there to be broken as only 2021 was in the books with records from the old school being officially retired, much to Mrs Ashley’s and Mr Maguire’s delight!
McKeon win back-to-back Sports Days for first time in history
ThisYearYearYearYearfollows:7:McKeon8:McKeon9:Watts10:Wattsmeantthat
The year group results were as
The first event of the day, the Year 7 girl’s 1500m was the first record to be smashed by Romie who ran an incredible race and set the tone for how Sports Day 2022 would go. From then on, records were broken and new ones set in nearly every event across all four year
Thegroups.points at the end of Day 1 were extremely close and Tranter held a slim lead over McKeon. Upholding tradition, McKeon, Tranter and Watts gathered as Houses before marching as a House before taking their places on the side of the field. Mr Le Feuvre came back for one day only to do what he does best and commentate on the proceedings and what a superb job he did. Thankfully he has turned down several offers from Sky Sports due to his love for Les TheQuennevais.talenton display was phenonemal as was the sheer spirit from all competitors to give their absolute best for their respective Houses. There were some photo finishes with a morning full of extremely closes Theraces.last events of the day were the relays, an event that garners the most noise from the crowd. With all three Houses winning races, it was hard to call who would win the day. Sports Day 2022 concluded with another LQ tradition, the Staff/ Sport Captain relays, which were very close but ultimately won by Tranter for the Boys and the Girls. The points were tallied throughout the two days by the school’s finest MathematiciansMs Hyam and Mrs Mills and the golden envelope was then given to Mr Le Feuvre to announce to a very nervous crowd.
proud McKeon Sports Captains Daisy and Ronan received the trophy from Mrs Hague with beaming smiles as they know they had just earned eternal bragging rights. Special thanks must go to all Sports Captains who did a fantastic job in ensuring all spaces were filled and organising their Houses. And also to the students who did a superb job as House mascots, motivating the crowd and bolstering that carnival atmosphere. And lastly, huge thanks to the PE department who worked tirelessly to make it a very special Sports Day, what a fantastic team they are.
Next year, we go again. We climb the mountain again and plant our flag at the top. Be under no illusion, we are now the ones to beat so we have to be at the very top of our game for absolutely We’reeverything.going for the three-peat. And I can’t wait to see you all in September, with our new recruits to face that challenge. Have a great Summer McKeon, you’ve earned it! Who are MCKEON!!!we!? Mr HeadRichardsonofMcKeon House I could not have been prouder of how McKeon students conducted themselves throughout the 2 days. Thanks to our diligent Sports Captains, Daisy and Ronan, they were organised and punctual, ready and raring for their events. Absolutely everyone was competing, making sure we were making the most noise in support of our House members. I was moved every time McKeon clapped students going off and coming back from their events completely unprompted. The reception Y8 student Charlie received when he returned from his blistering 100m race from the whole House showed that McKeon really are a family. I was so impressed by those who stepped in at the last minute to fill a gap, Y10 Zac did just that for the 200m and came 2nd! There’s your seven points. Y8 student Freddie convinced me to put him in for the discus, he broke the school record. Y7 Ethan finished the 800m with excruciating abdomen pain but insisted he finish. The examples of where this year’s House competition was won goes on but there is no doubt about it, it was won by everyone.
House Reports
Year 7, you did win and we did win Sports Day. You rose to the challenge and on behalf of the whole of McKeon - thank you. We won by enough of a margin to ensure we pulled off the sweetest of comebacks and just pipped Tranter to the House Cup by those mere seven points. But it just goes to show those seven points were in fact gigantic. After all, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish and boy did you finish in style McKeon. Backto-back Sports Day winners and House Champions.
theyYeardepartmenttwithshatteringeventwouldRomieSportsYearpressureaboutotherextremelyreallyIttoandwouldOffwinningTranterTranterWeWell,that’swinweDaycelebratemessageaddressedAtpoints.Competition.decidedSevenMcKeonpoints.Thatiswhatthisyear’sHouseSevenMASSIVEthestartoftheyearItheHousewiththethatwhilstwemustthefactwewonSportsandtheHouseCuplastyear,hadtodoubleoureffortstoitallagainthisyearbecausewhatrealChampionsdo.McKeonyouactuallydidit!hadbeenneckandneckwithformostoftheyearbuttookasurgeleadaftertheVanGoghandBlakecompetitionssoIknewweneedastrongSportsDayanheroiceffortfromallyearspulloffthecomeback.wouldbedecidedbyYear7,atightknitgroupwhoaresupportiveofeachandfiercelypassionatetheHouse.Still,alotofforouryoungest.Itold7iftheywon,wewouldwinDay.Itwasintheirhands.setthetoneforhowitplayoutwinningthefirstasthejokerandabsolutelytheschoolrecordthebest1500mrunthePEhaseverseenbya7.Fromthatmoment,Iknewwereupforit.
28 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 In many cultures and countries the number seven is a digit deemed to be lucky and significant. There are supposedly seven wonders of the world. In the old testament, the world was created in six days and God rested on the seventh. Seven represents the jackpot on a slot machine because it is the lucky number. I could go even further, but it is safe to say that seven is a digit we will all want to forget in Tranter House! We knew going into Sports Day that it was going to be tough and we knew how strong McKeon were going to be. We also knew how much Watts had grown into the competition and would also cause some problems. All of this we knew and together with the Sports captains we plotted our strategy. A strategy that worked so well – all events and jokers meticulously executed and secured some big points and had we had the rub of the green in a few more events, we would certainly have had some more overall wins in different year groups. McKeon came out strongest and took the Sports Day cup by 54 points – from that moment, we knew it was tight. We knew that the House cup was hanging by a thread. The Whole School Awards ceremony came and we waited with baited breath. Final positions - 1617 points to McKeon and 1610 points to Tranter. Seven. Seven points short. That is how tight the competition has been this year. It has undoubtedly been the closest House competition in the school’s history and it is credit to every single student and member of staff who have created this competitive culture within the school. I am incredibly proud of the whole house, not just for the performances and countless participation shown throughout the year, but for the manner and conduct they all demonstrated when they learnt they had come second by seven points. All of them stood. All of them applauded. In these tough times, you sometimes learn more about yourselves and can measure yourself by the way you handle defeat – to do so in these circumstances, makes me incredibly proud and humbled to be Head of Tranter House. A huge shout-out to our Sports Captains, Callum and Jen – you were magnificent! I pass on my absolute respect to both Mrs Le Marquand and Watts House and congratulate McKeon House and Mr Richardson on their victory – they well and truly earnt Thankit. you to all of you in Tranter House for our 2021-2022 school year – we go again in September!
Mr HeadHarrisofTranter House Tranter
HOUSE REPORTS
30 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
ThankWattsyouWattsHouse. We may not have got the points on the board but, what an end to the year. Two year group wins on Sports Day and new records in Year 7 for individual events! I would like to say a huge thank you to the two Sports Captains, Nikoderm and Hannah, thay made Sports Day such a huge success for Watts House. And a special thank you to Ciara that made the mascot come to life on the day. Year 10 what can I say? Thank you for making your last Sports Day so memorable. School records broken and new ones made, the incredible team spirit and on the day to the boys that just stepped up and competed in events to get every single point for their House – YOU got the trophy and it was well deserved. Year 9, #its your time to shine. 2023 will be your Sports Day and from all your performances this year there is so much excitement ahead. You have SO much sporting talent and team drive. You need to believe in yourselves and show that resilient character you ALL found when competing this year – YOU also got the trophy, Watts Year 9 winners! What a team Year 8 were! Your determination and respect that you showed each other was second to none. You all supported each other and worked as part of a team to get every single point you could this year and it wasn’t easy, but you went out to each event and performed at your best - thank you. And Year 7…what can I say? Throughout this year you have been the MOST inspiring year group to work with. I could have filled in each team sheet for EVERY house event 3 times over, including Sports Day. We have the greatest team of young people. Next year we are going to work even harder to find each of you your niche event. There is so much talent in this year group but, we need to ensure every single one of you shines. I had the pleasure of sitting in the interviews for Sports Captain this year as the Head of Watts House. The passion for this House is incredible. But, all the Year 10 students that Mrs Hague, Mrs Le Riche and myself interviewed were outstanding. I was so proud and touched that they were part of Watts House. And Watts House you did not stop there. The next generation of Year 10, to become the Year 11 Leadership Team, and the Head Girl, for the second year running is Watts - congratulations Talia! They are an inspirational group of young people we all need to aspire to.
The final score board did not reflect YOUR ambition, resilience and respect as a House. I have been so proud as a Head of House in the colours assemblies for Sport, Drama and Music where we have had so many students up on stage. It shows that we are a committed and determined House and that we do shine in so many disciplines. Recently, Ella and Isabella were the WINNERS of best research in the DEC Icompetition!wouldliketo thank each and every one of you that has taken part in a House event this year and look forward to even more entries next year. We have a very exciting new year ahead, with a new group of young and very talented students joining us in September that are going to add to our talent. Watts House, it is our time to shine! Bring on September and that yellow flag being raised to show what an amazing House you really are. Mrs Le Marquand Head of Watts House
Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
WHOLE SCHOOL AWARDS
Whole School Awards
All three Les Quennevais School values were on full display throughout the awards but above all was respect as students applauded every nominee and winner with gusto and emphatic support and gave our cleaners Alexandra and Marie a standing ovation they were acknowledged for all they do for the school. The school year ended on a beautiful high with such an intimate ceremony for the whole school to enjoy before students departed for their Summer break.
As with the Sports Dinner, it’s been three years since we’ve been able to gather as a school to celebrate our Whole School WeAwards.arenow able to hold this flagship school event on our own site in our very own Sports Centre and on the last day of term, the whole school came together to reflect on what has been an incredible year for Les Quennevais and recognise excellence and determination across all subjects. We were extremely privileged to have Adam Budworth, Managing Director of Grant Thornton who very kindly sponsored the event, present the awards and deliver an inspirational speech. This was centred around resilience and a personal life changing experience overcoming extreme adversity and how he learnt and grew as result of that experience. The 2022-23 Senior Student Leadership were also formally announced by Mrs Hague followed by presentation of the school’s perpetual awards before the announcement of the winners of the House Cup. The atmosphere in the room was positively palpable as Mrs Hague announced that there were a mere points seven points between 1st and 2nd place. As Mrs Hague announced McKeon as the winners, red confetti cannons were let off and a new Les Quennevais tradition was Speakingborn. in awe after the event Mr Budworth said “What happened in there was simply pure magic, it needs to be seen to be believed”.
The Whole School Awards winners Consistentwere:and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 7 Lucy H Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 8 Rebecca A Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 9 Micah S Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 10 Ciara B Home & School AwardOutstanding Effort and Endeavour in the Lower School Perry E-R Student Who Has Made Great Personal Progress in the Lower School Monty A The Eoin Corcoran Award for Charity Luke H The Baines and Band Optometrists Award for Work in the Community Joel LM The Welsh Awards for Creativity and Innovation Isabella W Lydford Cup for Progress in English Keira D Chair of Governors Award for the Student who has made Great Personal Progress throughout their time at Les Quennevais Gabby G Grant Thornton Award for Unsung Hero Evan H-C Les Quennevais School Ambition Award Keira D Les Quennevais School Resilience Award Thomas B Les Quennevais School Respect Award Amy L Spirit of Les Quennevais Award Daisy D Sponsored by
2022-23 Student Leadership Team The Senior Student Leadership Team 2022-23: Head Boy Harry E Head Girl Talia B Deputy Head Boys Calum B Ben TylerJ M Deputy Head Girls May SophieDariaBS W Sports McKeonCaptains Ronan B Daisy D Tranter Calum JenniferB V Watts Nikodem T Hannah G We wish them the very best of luck in their new roles. We know they are going to be fantastic and can’t wait to see what they achieve together next year.
LEAP Year 10 students throw themselves into international leadership programmeAfteratwoyearbreakduetothepandemic,LesQuennevaiswaspleasedtobeabletotakepartintheinternationalproject,LEAP.TheLeadership,Entrepreneurial,ApprenticeshipProgrammegaveourstudentstheopportunitytoworkwithotherfemalestudentsfromaroundtheglobetosolvesocialjusticeissues.Itistrulyaninspirationalprogrammeandleadershipopportunityandonethatwillstaywithourgirlsfortherestoftheirlives.WithstudentsfromaroundtheworldincludingTaiwan,China,SouthKorea,India,Thailand,AmericaandRwandaournineLesQuennevaisgirls,madeupthemajorityoftheJerseyrepresentatives–aclearindicationofthegrowingambition,confidenceandsupportthatthestudentsofLesQuennevaisSchoolembody.
The Les Quennevais girls were all in separate teams and worked with a range of other girls from different cultures and communities to come together to collaboratively develop their leadership and entrepreneurship skills. They were tasked with developing a social enterprise project to pitch to a team of seven dragons who had kindly committed over £4000 of funding. During their intensive 10 day programme they were trained, inspired, guided and mentored by over 60 leaders from the Jersey community; company owners, CEOs, CFOs, charity start-ups and government Someministers.ofthe key financial sponsors included: PwC, Perdurance Philanthropy, Fairway Group, Minerva, and Standard Bank. To say we are incredibly proud of our Les Quennevais students does not do justice to the dedication, maturity and respect that these girls have embodied throughout the project. Their ability to engage and work with students from other countries and cultures and deliver something with such passion in a constructive manner, clearly demonstrates the resilience, respect and ambition these students have. They have a very bright future.
LEAP 2023 will initiate in September and over 20 countries, with a total of 60+ delegates. In addition initial discussions are taking place for parallel programmes in Singapore, Phuket and potentially South Africa and China. We look forward to Les Quennevais students being part of this next year!
35Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
Mr AssistantHarris Headteacher
36 Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 HALF TERM
THE WINNERS
“Charlie is a delightfully polite student who always asks with a please and thank you. He always wishes me a good day at the end of registration and a good weekend on a Friday. When students are upset, Charlie is often there, concerned for their well-being. He will do anything you ask of him, with enthusiasm. Additionally, Charlie has excelled in Athletics this year, for school and beyond. He came 1st in 100m, 200m and 300m at Hampshire competition earlier this year let alone breaking school records on Sports Day.”
Harrison 8V: McKeon House Nominated by Mrs Lindsay and Mrs Morley School Value: Ambition, Resilience & Respect
HEROESCharlie
“Throughout the whole year, Harrison has always displayed all three LQ values. He is always polite, saying hello, please and thank you. He appreciates when you go the extra mile for him. He is mature and thoughtful and shows great compassion towards other students. He works hard in his lessons and overcomes and works through anything he finds challenging. He is always cheerful and has a positive attitude. Harrison epitomises what we want a LQS student to be.”
- Mrs Morley Romie 7V: McKeon House Nominated by Mr Brennan School Value: Ambition, Resilience & Respect
HALF TERM
“Romie is a fantastically resilient and ambitious student, who always has a 100% positive attitude to every type of challenge in school life. She unfailingly thanks teachers for each of her lessons, and always asks me how I am at the start of Registration Time. She supports her friends hugely. Romie was one of only two Year 7 students to be given a main part in the Musical this year and she broke two school records at Sports Day in the 1500 metres and High Jump.” - Mr Brennan
- Mrs Hague HEROES
8V: McKeon House Nominated by Mrs Lindsay School Value: Respect & Ambition
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!MrsHague
TERM HEROES
- Mrs Ferreira Ella 7E: Tranter House Nominated by Miss O’Connell School Value: Ambition “Ella always shows an outstanding amount of effort in Science lessons. No matter how big or small the task she really commits and takes pride in what she does. She recently prepared an excellent Jersey Species presentation for the class. Ella comes prepared for every lesson with real focus and a more than positive attitude.”
Fearne & Orla 7E: Tranter House Nominated by Mrs Ferreira School Value: Ambition, Resilience and Respect
HALF
37Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022
“These girls encompass all the Les Quennevais School values. Since arriving in September they have constantly worked hard, got involved in every House competition (jointly winning the Blake Off), numerous sports clubs and fixtures, and both took part in the school production. Fearne is our form representative and often represents the school at meetings and events, she also has 145 positive class chart points and no negatives. Orla has 175 positive points on class charts and no negatives. As well as being ambitious and hard-working, both girls are friendly, kind, polite and helpful. Their spirit of Les Quennevais really shines through, and they are a great role model to their peers.”
- Miss O’Connell
We are delighted to announce that next year’s school production is the popular Disney’s High School Musical On Stage! This show is packed with everything that we do best- energetic dance numbers, roles in the chorus for huge amounts of our students to shine, plenty of main roles to showcase the talents of our students and an awesome Followingsoundtrack.on from the huge success of School Of Rock, we will once again be transforming our school with an amazing set, lighting and sound. With big plans in the making, audiences will be blown away by how the amazing staff and students at our school are able to create a showstopping theatre experience inside (and outside!) our building.
Miss Le Quesne Head of Drama
High School Musical follows the stories of Troy, the captain of East High’s basketball team, and Gabriella, the smart and shy new girl in town. As their story unfolds, we meet Sharpay, Ryan, Chad and Taylor, who are all aiming to be the best at their “thing” – be it basketball, academia or the performing arts. Will Troy and Gabriella be able to show the students of East High that you don’t have to be in one ‘clique’ only, and that you can be friends with everyone and be successful at anything! At the time of writing, we have already held our auditions for Y7-10 with a whopping 165 students auditioning. We have cast the main roles, and currently have a cast of 90, with the new Year 7 students having a chance to audition in September for 20 more places in the show – break a leg to them! We can’t wait to get our heads in the game, and begin rehearsals in September!
We’re breaking free!
39Q News | Issue 14 | Summer 2022 CORPORATE PARTNERS 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.
CONTENTS40 GROUP PROUD TO SUPPORT LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL JERSEY’S PREMIER PRINTER Mailmate Signage Barette Commercial Centre, Unit 7a St Tel:John01534 495 837 e-mail: www.mailmateprint.comgareth@mailmateprint.com
