Q News
Issue 20 Summer 2024
Les Quennevais School
Learning
MRS HAGUE’S LAST HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
Since we introduced Q News eight years ago it has become a chronicle of pride and a vehicle for celebrating and showcasing the wonderful things that happen at our school that can sometimes get lost or missed as we quickly move onto the next thing such as the pace and vibrancy of this community.
Mr Richardson writes and edits each issue with scrupulous pride and it is no surprise that this final edition from ‘us’ is a bumper issue reflecting many events and people who give so much to our school.
It has been another extraordinary term and a hugely successful one for so many students with such a huge variety of experiences to enable them to thrive, shine and enjoy themselves fully.
It is a term which is always signified by the natural ‘end’ of things. Year 11 have ended their final exams, they have gone on to leave the school following their wonderful Leavers’ Ceremony and Leavers’ Ball. The last House events of the school year have played out culminating in Sports Day, the presentation of the House Cup at the Whole School Awards and the anticipation of Activities Week which for so many students is something they look forward to in the final week of school.
Activities Week is such an important part of our culture. Our staff work so hard to ensure every child has as enjoyable and fulfilling an experience as possible. The relationships they form with each other and together with the skills and experiences gained help to ensure they go off into their summer break positive, happy and fulfilled with lifelong memories. More than ever it has delivered this. None of this is possible without the herculean effort of our staff who in their last working week of the year always manage to lift themselves particularly those going off-island to London, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain this year. What incredible memories for our students and the joy in the images captured and shared shows staff know and feel it’s definitely worth the effort.
It is the ‘end’ for several key members of staff leaving this year. The retirements of Mrs Moisan and Mrs Morley are celebrated in this issue. Our students are so lucky that so many years of their incredibly successful careers were spent here at Les Quennevais.
We also say goodbye to Mr Brennan, Mr Mitchell, Miss Cooper, Mrs Davimes and Mr Richardson. We thank them all for everything they have given to our community and we are all the better for knowing them.
Mr Richardson, a much loved Head of McKeon House has had an enormous impact on our House system and has been instrumental in the success of McKeon.
He took over the leadership of the House four years ago and in the previous 22 years, McKeon had never won a Sports Day or the House Cup. It is a remarkable testament to his inspiring, passionate and very personable leadership that under him McKeon House have been undefeated with 4 successive wins on Sports Day and 4 House Cups under their belt.
Every House event from the smallest to the biggest has seen him championing his students. He has driven his House to believe in themselves and to be proud of their House, even if they only pick up minor points. He has created a culture within McKeon, where every member is fully committed to doing their bit, creating a collective endeavour, and in doing so, made success infectious and inevitable in their mindset.
This comes not only from investing time in the role but more importantly, time in young people. As our Business Manager, his office is never empty with students continually popping in to talk to him, discuss tactics or show him something that is important to them. He has sort out students to congratulate them on their achievements outside of school and at times has had a quiet and effective word when someone has perhaps fallen short of his expectations to show his disappointment. The impact is immediate such as the high regard in which he is held by his students.
I have known many students in his House when they have been spoken to by me have been left mortified when asked - ”and what would Mr Richardson think about all this?”
That’s when you know that leadership has become mentoring and has become impactful and it has become something very special. I want to thank him for all that he has done for his House, he has changed lives in the process.
I highlight this because it is highly unusual for a Business Manager in a school to have a role with students that is so crucial and front facing. It has quite simply been one of my best decisions to spot his talent, spot his qualities and to see in him something that the school needed beyond his skill set as a Business Manager.
Thank you, Mr Richardson on behalf of all of us and especially on behalf of McKeon House. You will be a very hard act to follow.
It will come as no surprise to all that I have found this term extremely emotional and very humbling. To leave such a community has not been an easy decision but if you read your edition of Q News from last year I touch on the compromise involved in school leadership and the importance of not having to compromise so much, that you lose the values you believe in and rely on to do the very important job of leading young people and the way you believe is right for them.
I have always strived to lead the school with a clear set of values and a clear moral purpose. That means sometimes not taking the easy road but the road you believe is the right one however rocky that may turn out to be.
I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together during my time as Headteacher. My values have served me well as have the incredible people it has been my privilege to work with. You are nothing without people and I have been picky and careful about choosing the best people to bring into our school for our students because I fundamentally want only the best for them.
Every member of staff has given so much to our school because they have bought in to what our school is about.
I have not always been easy on them, in fact I have been very demanding at times because that is what our students deserve and that is the only reason we are all here.
Thank them for coming with me on an ambitious journey, one that has also been full of fun, full of energy and now in the last few years especially, full of the most remarkable success.
They have given me the most beautiful and heartfelt sendoff and for that I am both humbled and truly grateful. I will cherish our last few months together forever. They have become more than colleagues, they are a dear family to me and having so many former students now working within the school is something that gives me immense pride. I leave them as their Headteacher, but I hope my future with them will be as a lifelong friend.
The best part of my job has always been our students. In my 26 1/2 years at Les Quennevais, I have met the most fantastic young people who have gone on to be such wonderful adults, many who still keep in touch today.
As a Humanities teacher, I hope I have lit fires and given the love of Religious Studies and History just as my History teacher gave to me when I was in High School all those years ago as a student myself.
As a Head of Year, the Class of 2003 will forever hold a special place in my heart. Being a Head of Year was one of my favourite roles in school and one that I remember with huge fondness.
My senior leadership roles took me away from a lot of the day-to-day contact with students and further into leading the school strategically and culturally. What a privilege it has been. To hold a senior position in a school allows you to leave your mark and change things for the better.
That has always been my aim. It’s a rather simple one but making things better is all you really need to do.
People have asked me, what do I think is my legacy?
That is really for others to decide but for me it is first and foremost our young people who go out into the community after their time with us and are truly the embodiment of Les Quennevais - with our spirit, our ambition, our kindness and our huge sense of fun. Life can be very serious, but we don’t have to be.
It is also I hope... courage!
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues- but the form of every virtue at the testing point” - C.S.Lewis
Courage comes in many forms and it challenges us all every day. The biggest risk is not taking risks and so much can be lost if you lack a bit of courage.
This is why I have donated the Courage Award to be presented every year to remind our students of the importance of courage.
Life is full of challenge, so be bold, be true to yourself, be honourable, decide what’s important for you, hold on to your values and BE COURAGEOUS!!!
Thank you for the most incredible 26 1/2 years. It has meant the world to me and I doubt I will ever have again what I have had at Les Quennevais, but at least I have had it!
I will cherish my time here forever.
Thank you for your support, love and trust.
#alwaysquennevais
Sarah Hague Headteacher
CHEZ CONNIE’S
Chez Connie’s pop-up restaurant debuts in a culinary triumph
In an unprecedented and delightful twist, our school hosted its very first pop-up restaurant event, ‘Chez Connie, organised by the talented Year 10 Hospitality & Catering students. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedicated guidance of Miss Waring, Mr Taylor, Mr Heaven, and Miss Payn. Adding a touch of culinary magic was none other than Will Holland, the Michelin Star and Executive Chef of the Atlantic Hotel, who ensured that every dish served was nothing short of spectacular.
From the moment the lucky guests arrived, they were treated to an evening of exceptional service and entertainment. The front-of-house team, comprised of our amazing boys, welcomed diners with warm smiles and kept the drinks flowing all night. The ambiance was further enriched by the melodious tunes played by our talented student pianists, creating a delightful dining atmosphere. Mr Jones took on the role of Maître D with flair, ensuring the evening ran smoothly and all guests were well taken care of.
The menu at Chez Connie was a testament to the culinary skills of our Year 10 students and the expert mentorship they received. Diners were first presented with fresh sourdough bread, accompanied by honey butter and sundried tomato butter—an enticing start to the meal. The main course offered a choice between succulent salmon served with Jersey Royals, green beans, and a luxurious hollandaise sauce, or vibrant and flavorful homemade spinach and ricotta tortellini, tomato, and parmesan crisp. The evening concluded on a sweet note with decadent chocolate fondant, homemade ice cream, and salted caramel or a refreshing passionfruit cheesecake paired with fresh mango sorbet.
The inaugural event was hailed as a huge success, leaving guests impressed and satisfied. Miss Waring, who played a pivotal role in bringing this event to life, expressed her hopes to build on this success and host more such events in the future. Chez Connie’s has set a high standard for what our students can achieve, and we look forward to seeing more culinary excellence from them in the years to come.
Bravo to the Year 10 Hospitality & Catering students, and heartfelt thanks to all the staff and Chef Will Holland for making this a memorable evening. Here’s to many more delightful dining experiences at our school!
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
My name is Ashleigh Le Marquand, I’m 32 and part of the unforgettable Class of 2008.
After leaving Les Quennevais, I went onto Hautlieu to study my A levels then onto University to study Criminology and Psychology. I returned to the island after completing my degree and started the search for a job in my degree field which proved quite difficult. I always said to myself ‘no matter what, I will never work in finance’. Shortly after this I began my career working in finance! 11 years later, a move off the rock to the big smoke and a return back to the island I am still working in finance but now in an area I feel extremely passionate about as a Compliance Manager for a large fund administration company.
Alumni InterviewAshleigh Le Marquand
Which years were you at Les Quennevais?
2003 - 2008
What was your biggest challenge at school?
The core academic subjects. I didn’t feel particularly academic in the core subjects at school and thrived more in the creative, but I worked hard when it came to my GCSEs as I knew I wanted to be able to go to university. Although, I look back now and realise how much that hard work and determination has carried me through a heavy written assignment based degree and a career which has been majority focused on writing reports.
What was your greatest achievement at school?
Being presented with the head teachers award by the one and only Mr Thorpe.
Song/band/album that defined your school years?
Oh so many. The 00’s really defined my Les Q years! I would probably say Beyoncé or Rhianna but it really stretched as far as the Snow Patrol, Chemical Brothers, The Kooks and The Black Eyed Peas. Slightly ashamed to admit but Crazy Frog came out during this time and everyone had it as their ring tone!
Which aspects of life at Les Quennevais helped you become the person you are today?
I think the values around respect, commitment, being kind and seeing the best in people and encouraging others to be their best self. I think the relationship teachers at Les Q had with the students really helped shape and focus these values. Sarah Hague was a teacher who I really valued at Les Q. I never felt a power dynamic, but instead a relationship of feeling equal, respected and knowing she wanted me to achieve my very best. This really motivated me and has stayed with me and I continue to stay true to these values today in the way I line manage employees within my team.
Favourite lesson or activity?
It has to be Food Technology. Without a doubt Mrs Moisan had everyone in hysterics every class and it was just a lesson I always looked forward to going to.
Favourite memory of Les Quennevais?
It has to be my commitment to fancy dress on Comic Relief! Little Britain was a prime tv show at the time and it seemed only right to bring it to life for comic relief.
What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get you where you are today?
I think my parents have played a huge part in inspiring me through my journey. They have always been so proud in everything I have achieved and my biggest supporters and this has really motivated me to want to do well.
After Les Q, I went onto Hautlieu to do my A levels which enabled me to go to University and study Criminology and Psychology, a subject area I thoroughly enjoyed. After finishing my degree I came back to the rock and started my search for a job in my degree field which soon became short lived.
I remember meeting with someone to discuss a job in probation and he said to me ‘can I suggest you go off, do any job, gain some life experience and then come back to this career’, to which I just thought he thinks I’m not good enough. That piece of advice was the best piece of advice I ever recieved. I started my career at a large bank, worked hard and was lucky to receive many promotions along the way. At the age of 25 I decided I needed a change so moved with the same company to London for 4 years. In this time I learnt so much about myself and this is when I really started to shape my future career. I learnt that numbers and complex lending wasn’t for me, but finance wasn’t just about numbers and moved my career into the world of Fraud Investigations. This is when I realised this is the direction I want to take my career. Covid came along, I missed seeing my family and friends so I made a spontaneous decision to quit my job with a company I was with for 7 years and move back home. I took a short 3 month career break and then joined the JFSC regulator as a financial crime examiner. However, I missed the buzz of working in industry so after a couple of years I took the plunge into the world of Compliance at a large fund administration company and now work in a job that I’m proud of and for a company which really supports my life values.
Favourite aspect of your job?
The people. Without the people, my job wouldn’t be what it is. Being in a really supportive and positive culture is really important to me and that’s what my team brings. We all work hard, but play hard too and I believe it’s so important to have that balance in the workplace.
What advice would you give to students looking at their career options?
Do what makes you happy and live life in the moment. Try different jobs, travel the world and gain valuable life experience. Don’t worry about having your life planned out and instead create your life along the way.
Ocean Culture Life Exhibition - A celebration of marine storytelling
Back in April, we held an inspiring assembly led by Matt Porteous and several members of the Ocean Culture Life team, launching a competition that focused on telling stories of the sea. The students were given a broad brief, allowing them to choose any media form to convey important narratives about the sea and our impact on the oceans. Matt Porteous himself conducted photography sessions with our Year 10 GCSE students, while the English Department facilitated the creation of outstanding pieces of creative writing for the competition.
In their own time, students produced a diverse array of fascinating work, from crocheted turtles to seaweed collages illustrating the critical role seaweed plays in carbon storage. The competition saw over 60 entries, all of which were exhibited. Held right at the water’s edge at La Saline, the exhibition was a stunning showcase of work from every year group, displayed with a level of professionalism that was truly impressive.
The majority of students attended the exhibition during the awards ceremony, where numerous awards were given for a variety of achievements.
Seb and Anika in Year 7 were awarded the top prize for their unique photographic book which had a genuinely contemporary and sophisticated approach to the ocean narrative challenge.
It was a tremendous honour for Les Quennevais School to be part of this prestigious event. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations with the OCL team. Special thanks go to Miss Shannon O’Connell for her tireless efforts behind the scenes. Her energy and positivity were crucial to the event’s success.
Mr P Jones Assistant Headteacher
Celebrating CreativityHouse Photography 2024
This year’s House Photography Competition centred on the evocative theme of ‘line,’ a fundamental element in photography that manifests in numerous forms. From leading lines to repetition, and both organic and manmade patterns, the students had a broad canvas to express their creativity. We were delighted the competition attracted hundreds of entries, many of which showcased exceptional talent, making the shortlisting process a formidable task.
The Photography department narrowed down the submissions to the top 40 images, which were then presented to this year’s judge, Richard Picot. Richard, a local expert photographer and a member of the Ocean Culture Life Community, was highly inspired by the quality of the entries. To ensure that as many remarkable entries as possible were acknowledged, he decided to award a best entry from each year group.
The overall winner was Jude from Watts House in Year 7, with his striking photograph of a tennis court. According to Richard Picot, “Jude successfully captures a poignant stillness. The surrounding fencing adds a sense of confinement and distance, evoking themes of isolation and abandonment.”
We extend our gratitude to all participants for their brilliant and diverse contributions this year. Your creativity and talent continue to elevate this competition, and we eagerly look forward to next year’s challenge with great anticipation.
Mr P Jones Assistant Headteacher
Isabella, Year 10 Winner
Mia, Year 8 WInner
Scarlett, Year 9 Winner Amiyah, Year 7
Jess, Year 10
William, Year 7
Poppy, Year 10
OVERALL WINNER JUDE
Goodbye Class of 2024
In an emotionally charged ceremony where parents were invited to mark this very special occasion, Year 11 students and their families gathered to mark the end of an era, it was time to say goodbye to the Class of 2024.
The end of this era was formally noted with the presentation of student’s Records of Achievement followed by prizes being awarded for excellence and commitment across all subjects as well as student’s immense sporting talent, team achievements and prizes awarded to students who have most reflected the school’s three core values – Ambition, Resilience and Respect.
Head Boy & Girl, Harriet and Dylan delivered a knock out speech reflecting on their year group’s LQ journey and noted that Mrs Hague was “going out at the top leaving with the Class of 2024”. They also paid tribute to their devoted Head of Year Mrs Goodchild who has been their immensely proud Head of Year since they were little Year 7s and the last year group to experience the old school. Mrs Goodchild shared a uniquely close bond with her year group and she will miss them dearly.
The ceremony closed with a rapturous student ensemble performance from the same group who won the Battle of the Bands competition in the Autumn who finished with an electrifying performance of one of Mrs Hague’s favourite songs, Dancing Queen on the steel pans. This group formed a close friendship starting in the Steel Band together in Year 7 so it could not have been a better way to end the ceremony and bid the Class of 2024 farewell as they left to start their GCSEs in earnest.
No amount of fanfare could properly pay tribute to just how consistently brilliant this year group have been but this ceremony came pretty close with lots of hugs, tears and students not wanting to leave! We are sad to see them go but take great comfort in the knowledge that the Class of 2024 will go on to achieve great things and accomplish everything they set out to as Mrs Hague always says, “you might be leaving Les Quennevais but we hope Les Quennevais never leaves you”.
Good luck and #alwaysquennevais !
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
Dylan & Harriet say goodbye
Our year at Les Quennevais as Head Boy and Head girl have come to an end and we would like to say how much of an honour and a privilege it has been to fulfil these roles. Les Quennevais has a reputation for being remarkable, and we couldn’t be more glad to have been a part of that. This school has taught us how to take on every challenge with ambition, respect and resilience, which is something we will use for the rest of our lives.
Looking back on our time in school, we think about all the new traditions we have seen being created when moving to the new school building, as Year 11 were the last students to experience the complex old school. These have included fun street parties, delicious Friday fish and chips and of course, the continuation of the famous school shows which are now on our very own stage.
We cannot thank the teachers and support staff enough. Les Quennevais staff are a class of their own, who have always gone above and beyond to support us through our time at Les Quennevais as we wouldn’t be the people we are today without them.
This has been especially true in Year 11 when the teachers have stayed after school for hours and even come in on holidays and weekends to give us the chance of extra revision sessions. Their dedication to our successes cannot be overstated and for this we are forever grateful.
To the current students - we advise you to simply take advantage of all the opportunities the school presents to you and to not let school just happen to you.
To our fellow Year 11s, we have been a record breaking year, thanks to both our hard work, but also the work of our form tutors and of course Mrs Goodchild. And what fun we have had along the way! We wish you all good luck on the next chapter of your lives and we thank you for all of the amazing memories from the last five years.
To the class of 2025 leadership team, even though at times it will feel daunting and possibly scary, make sure you use every opportunity because from experience we know it flies by. To Muwahhid and Sydney, congratulations on your new positions! We are very glad the school is in safe hands.
We can’t miss the opportunity to put into writing our respect and admiration for Mrs Hague. Mrs Hague has led our school through unprecedented times and always with a smile on her face. Her leadership skills have taught us so much, as has her kindness and support. We know the whole Les Quennevais school community will miss her greatly but we thank her for passion and dedication and wish her the very best of luck in her new school.
And of course, our parents… we often forget to express our thanks to our parents. But without their guidance and love, we wouldn’t be the people we are today and the Les Quennevais school community wouldn’t thrive as it does without their support and commitment to us all. Thank you, parents, for all you do - day in and day out.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our time at Les Quennevais school and who have made this journey so memorable. We wish you all the best and hope you all have a lovely summer break.
Dylan & Harriet, Head Boy & Head Girl 2023-24
Class of 2024 go out in style!
As befitting for the Class of 2024, they looked absolutely stunning as they made their grand entrances at the L’Horizon Hotel for their Leavers Ball, their last official engagement as Les Quennevais students.
And the arrivals this year did not disappoint! We had horses, tractors, supercars, vintage cars, donkeys, open top buses and even a Chiwawa! Friends, family, the general public and even tourists gathered to watch these iconic arrivals and were blown away at how amazing the students looked. This is an event students look forward to their whole school life and it is the reward for getting through the gruelling GCSE examinations process, which this year group have tackled head on so it was lovely to see them so excited to gather with their friends and peers on this formal occasion to mark the end of an era for them as a year group.
Once the glamorous arrivals were over, students gathered with their friendship and form groups for official photographs before being seated for a three-course formal dinner. As only we would expect from the Class of 2024, the students were an absolute joy and their Form Tutors, the Senior Leadership Team and their Head of Year Mrs Goodchild just looked on with immense pride as this group of students who came as little Year 7s had blossomed into such mature, funny, kind and caring young adults.
Students were itching to get on the dance floor and as soon as the last plate was cleared and the DJ started they rushed to the dance floor and never left! Joined by Mrs Goodchild and their tutors in the thick of it, they danced the night away until the DJ finished with a personal request from Mrs Hague dancing at her 21st and last Leavers Ball to Abba’s Dancing Queen, a fitting end to an evening with a year group she so fondly adores.
As is tradition, students departed with a cupcake with their Year 7 photo on it, some of which didn’t even make it out of the hotel they were eaten so quickly! As students waved goodbye as they moved to the next part of the evening’s celebrations, we were reminded that year groups like the Class of 2024 don’t come along too often and they will be dearly missed.
We won’t see them again until their Results Day and wish them the best of luck for what will surely be a record breaking set of exam results for Les Quennevais School, but until then we wish them the best and longest Summer ever!
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
Duke of Edinburgh Award
BRONZE
This year saw an amazing 135 students embark on their bronze expedition, a change for this year was spreading the expeditions over three trips allowing students to be more adventurous and independent with their routes.
Students set off from St Catherine’s Breakwater in high spirits with fresh legs and full stomachs, A few set off with great enthusiasm, but unfortunately in the wrong direction and soon realised their error and corrected their navigational mishap.
Day one is a long day with lots of ups and downs before they get to Crabbe Campsite, a few took this in their stride, but for most this is a challenge, thorough in a few blisters and sore shoulders and it makes for a very long day. This year’s cohort was some of the most positive I have ever encountered, they met every setback with a smile and words of encouragement for each other.
The evenings were spent pitching tents and boiling pasta, a staple diet of any DofE student. This year saw some interesting deviations and additions to the now very standard tomato sauce and pasta. For those still needing just a little bit more sustenance there is always time for a toasted marshmallow around the campfire in the evening.
There is always a look of horror on the students’ faces when you tell them they have to be up by 7am, and every year without fail they wake up with sun at 6am. The moans and groans slowly subsided as packets of hot porridge filled empty stomachs and day two’s hike began. Whilst not as far as day one, students are tired and still have to work as a team to be successful. Throughout the day students continued to impress us with their determination to complete the course, always encouraging each other and of course finding different ways to patch up those blisters.
Resilience and teamwork were certainly the elements that underpinned this year’s expeditions, with the groups cheering each other as they set off in the morning and as they arrived at their final destination.
SILVER
It had been a long time since the training expedition in August last year, but students were raring to get out and beat the midday sun on day 1. Setting off at a good pace the groups were all still in high spirits and feeling confident as they hit their midday check points. Unfortunately for some groups they’d forgotten how to read a map since the training sessions, making a long day for several of our groups, nothing that could dampen their spirits though.
Much to the delight of students, once camp had been set and a variety of pasta based meals had been consumed, it was off for a quick evening walk to find the Dolmen at Faldouet.
One of the main differences between the Bronze and Silver expeditions, other than the distance, is that students need to have an aim for their expedition and present their findings at the end. The groups all visit a range of Dolmens across the Island as part of the walk, this makes the navigation more challenging and takes students to areas they haven’t been to before.
Day two saw an early start with students up and on the road by 8am, this was followed shortly afterwards by the introduction of rain to the expedition. Although students varied in their preparations to deal with bad weather, they all came out the other side smiling. Fortunately all the groups had now remembered how to read a map and the day continued with no navigational errors.
After a long day students arrived at Crabbe on a sunny evening, once again tents were set up and the aroma of boiled pasta drifted through the evening air. Some students had realised that they hadn’t rationed their food in quite the way they had planned and were now facing a third day with very little to eat. DofE is all about students being independent and working as a team, soon they were boiling extra pasta and preparing pasta salads for the third day, very resourceful indeed!
The evening was all about camp fires, and birthday celebrations and that old favourite camp fire song “You’ve got the eye of the tiger”.
Day three started early, with students heading off from 6am, they were now a well honed group who needed no prompting, they also wanted to be back at the Les Quennevais in time to get the school bus home!
In order to run the Silver DofE in Jersey we push our students more than we would if we took them to the UK, they walk further than they need to and their routes take them to parts of the Island they haven’t been to before. Day three is all about navigation and and finding paths they wouldn’t have used before, I’m happy to report that every student was absolutely spot on with their navigation.
This year we had the DofE organisers on the island from the UK over visiting. This gave us a great opportunity to get our students to give their presentation to the people at the top of the organisation. Every student had to take part and presentations ranged from historical accounts of all the Dolmen sites they had visited to biodiversity across the island and looking at the population difference from east to west.
All that remained was a short hike back to school, some sorting of kit and home for a good night’s sleep in a real bed.
Mr T Watson Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Ferreira reflects on a busy year for DEC!
It has been another busy term in DEC (Design, Engineer, Construct), with lots of different competitions, awards ceremonies, events and trips taking place, for students across all year groups.
Year 10 started off the term with a trip to the Jersey Opera House site, where they had a tour of the building, delivered by Ashbe Construction. Here they learnt about the design and construction techniques used on the project, and about the different rules and construction professionals involved in the redevelopment of this iconic building. Such a fantastic experience for our students to see first hand what they learn about in the classroom.
Our Year 9 Architecture Challenge competition winners, Lucy, Lauren, Flynn and John, were treated to a tour around the Jersey Air traffic control tower, courtesy of Ports of Jersey. They had an amazing day, experiencing what it is like working in the radar room, and in the control tower, as well as being the first students to use the flight simulator training system, directing and landing virtual aircraft! They also had a tour of the Heron and the Engineering Suite, such a fantastic and inspiring experience and opportunity for them to see all these job roles in action.
A group of our Year 11 DEC students attended the 6th annual Digital Jersey Tech Awards, where they were shortlisted for the Student of the Year award, for their outstanding digital work, using industry standards BIM software to design a Net Zero Neonatal Unit. A huge congratulations to Harriet, Elisha, Alex, Clara, Elena and Phoebe for working so hard on their projects, demonstrating exceptional digital skills and for being shortlisted for this award, we are so proud of you all. It was an incredible event to be a part of, surrounded by an array of talent from the Digital sector across the island, and great to celebrate the cuttingedge work being carried out by students at Les Quennevais School. Congratulations also to Miss O’Connell, our wonderful Science teacher and whole school Tech Lead, for being shortlisted in the Teacher of the Year category too.
Year 10 DEC students, Chloe, Amelia, Jamie and Joe, also made us proud when they ran the DEC stall at the island wide Jersey Skills Show. They ran a fun model building competition for students across the island to get involved in, and confidently spoke to students and adults about the DEC course. They were great ambassadors of the subject, and inspirational role models for other students wanting to study DEC and the built environment, well done to you all.
Lastly, earlier this year many of our Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students entered an Engineering competition, where they were asked the question ‘If you were an engineer what would you do?’ Students had to interview an engineer, identify a problem that exists and come up with a design solution to that problem. A huge well done to Harry who was chosen as a winner in the Year 8 category, and Imogen and Aleks who were chosen as winners in the Year 9 category! Also a huge congratulations to Erin who had her winning design from last year chosen to be made as a prototype by Thales Engineers. Erin’s Walkie frame is an innovative design combining a walking frame, removable walking sticks and storage compartments, as well as being adjustable and lightweight! A huge well done also to our students that had their distinction graded work displayed in an exhibition at Highlands, and congratulations to all 200 Les Quennevais school students that entered, we are very proud of you all!
Mrs K Ferreira Head of DEC!
SPORTS DAY
MCKEON HOUSE MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW
It’s the biggest and best event on the Les Quennevais calendar and this year certainly lived up to the hype! After a fairly miserable start to Summer, we enjoyed the hottest day of the year with clear blue skies creating the perfect setting for this carnival like event for our school.
In the week leading up to the big day, the newly appointed Sports and House Captains got straight to work on behalf of their Heads of House to gather students for the various events, choosing their jokers and some keeping their cards closer to their chests than others!
With the athletes selected, jokers appointed, scorers ready with the most efficient excel spreadsheet, we were ready for Sports Day 2024. As always, the day started with the field events. Students started extremely strong, with school records tumbling in the Javelin, Discus, Hurdles, High Jump, 1500m and Long Jump. Once the field events had concluded, an old LQ tradition was revived. The 600m race returned with hundreds of students taking part for their Houses ensuring every student took part and contributed points for their House.
Events then paused for lunch which is when students seized the opportunity to have their faces painted by Miss Slack in a plethora of war paint designs in red, blue or yellow before gathering with their respective Houses before the big walk out. With one last chance to speak to their Houses as a group, Heads of Houses gave their last few words of inspiration before the iconic walk out of Houses around the field to take up their positions. This is always a sight to behold with three armies of red, blue and yellow, marching in unison around the field, flags flying, drums beating, trumpets blowing and chants roaring. This is always a highlight of the day and never fails to capture the unique culture of community, competition and excellence that Les Quennevais rightfully so proud of.
Mr Le Feuvre, our seasoned commentator for the afternoon, announced to the school that so far, this was the closest Sports Day with McKeon a mere 7 points ahead of Tranter before the track events started in earnest. This was enough to set the tone for the afternoon and really get the students going as everyone knew, this one would go down to the wire.
With all three Houses winning various races and placing seemingly even, it was hard to tell which way it was going to go. And whilst the track events were happening, Year 9 Frankie was happily making High Jump history in front of the whole school breaking record after record and coming agonisingly close to breaking the overall school record.
As always Mrs Moisan was responsible for ensuring students were hydrated and well fed with her delicious ice creams, of which she sold over 1000! Another incredible fundraising effort from the ‘Top Dog’ herself, which would not have been possible without the immense support from Year 10 students Daniel and Alex, thank you boys!
This Sports Day marked the last time we would witness Year 10 Charlie do what he has done since Year 7 for McKeon House sprinting with impeccable form and securing another set of 200m and 100m records meaning he now holds EIGHT school records respectively!
At one point, Tranter had taken the lead but it is down to the dominance in the sprinting events that enabled McKeon House to pull away from the pack. The day culminated in the 4x100m relay races and eventually the much anticipated student and staff relays where the House and Sports Captains run with 2 members of staff from their House. For the first time, McKeon not one but both races setting the stage for more celebrations to come.
With all races ran, our amazing scorers Mrs Mills and Miss Hyam punched the last results into the magical spreadsheet and the scores were in! Under the blazing afternoon sun, Mr Le Feuvre announced the following results.
Year 7 Winners – McKeon House
Year 8 Winners – McKeon House
Year 9 Winners – Tranter House
Year 10 Winners – McKeon House
These results meant McKeon were the overall winners - winning their fourth consecutive Sports Day making McKeon Year 10 students undefeated, a worthy accolade for a group of students who have contributed so much for their House on Sports Day over the last four years.
A huge thank you must go to our amazing PE Dept who make Sports Day what it is ensuring the day ran like a Swiss watch. Thank you to the students who donned the mascot costumes and braved the heat to get the crowd going in support of their Houses and thank you to the students and staff in the crowd who cheered, supported and represented their Houses with pride, passion, determination and excellence.
Les Quennevais Sports Days are like no other and this one, Mrs Hague’s last was fittingly the best one yet!
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
SPORTS DAY
IN PICTURES
MCKEON
McKeon
Well here we are, my final Head of House report and what a privelege it has been. From September 2020 when I took over as Head of McKeon, the new Year 7s, now Year 10s knew no different and were very happy to come with me on the journey of ushering in a new era for McKeon as we entered the era of a new school. ‘New School, New McKeon’ - that was the message I delivered to Year 7 in the Hypothesis Room and that year group have been with me all the way sharing the success and playing a huge part in the dynasty. I am truly gutted that I won’t be here to see you lead the school and dominate House events in your final year.
This year the pressure was really on. Once again, we were lucky enough to continue our tradition of starting the year raising the flag at the front of the school and I laid down the gauntlet to you all again, “we’re not stopping, we’re going for four, the dynasty is not over yet”.
I’ve said all year it takes one set of characteristics to become successful but it’s a whole different ball game to STAY successful. It’s always easier to chase the lead than to stay out in front, to still have that desire to win when its all we’ve known. It would have been so easy for us to take our foot off the gas but you didn’t, not once. And that is who we are, WE ARE MCKEON and we are formidable.
The House, the ‘family’, were bolstered by a group of Year 7s who from Day One just got it. They bought in to the culture and fully understood what it means to be a McKeon student. They have been a pleasure to get to know all year and I’m sure they will enjoy a very successful LQ journey indeed.
We had led the House competition all year but we knew that the Summer term is the business end of the competition and anything can happen. We started the Summer term by going through the process of interviewing and selecting Prefects for the role of House and Sports Captains and I was delighted to announce Rebecca and Freddy as our new House Captains and Mylie and Hayden as our new Sports Captains. These students are McKeon through and through and it was no surprise that they got straight to work supporting the younger year groups in the Rounders and Softball Competition which McKeon won narrowly beating Tranter.
But the biggest event of the term, and the year is Sports Day and this is where the House Competition can be won and lost. So we had to leave no stone unturned. This year, I was blown away by the buy-in from students, they wanted this one more than ever, they wanted Number Four, badly. I was hounded, I’m not joking, at every lesson change and break time by students telling me who would be best placed where, who should be the joker in that year group, who is likely to break a record. I told the House you can win Sports Day on paper if you’re organised enough and they certainly listened. The Captains checked, double checked and triple checked the teams, the jokers were chosen, we were ready.
I had never seen an effort like it. You were an army on a war path and nothing was going to stop you. I cannot thank you all enough for delivering the best Sports Day I have experienced as a Head of House as we won three out of four year groups and brought home the victory for a fourth year. You all answered the call to do it for Year 10 and you all helped to cement their legacy as undefeated. I asked if you could be perfect? You were.
Following Sports Day, two House events were still to be decided – Photography and Music. In the Photography Competition I was immensely proud that we won 2 year group categories this year thanks to Year 8 Mia and Year 9 Scarlett and came 2nd overall for most entries. And I was also hugely proud of Ava in Year 10 for winning the Senior Vocalist Competition in House Music.
These events concluded the House Competition for 2023-24 leaving us 195 points clear of Tranter in 2nd place meaning WE HAD DONE IT!
We had achieved the unthinkable. You rose to the challenge and got the 4-peat. The dynasty lives on.
You have a new leader now as I leave you in the capable hands of Mrs Le Marquand, who cannot wait to take the reins and carry on WINNING!
It has been an honour and a privilege to be Head of McKeon House for the past four years and you have all given me more than you will ever know. It has been without a doubt, the best part of my job. To form relationships with such incredible, funny, talented and driven young people has been truly special and I will be forever grateful to have been your leader as we made these lifelong memories together, thank you.
Could we do it? Could we win a fourth consecutive Sports Day? Yes we could. And we did. Thanks to everyone simply doing their job and striving to win. Students who should have come 6th came 5th, who should have come 3rd, came 2nd. Must-win jokers did win. Exceptional jokers broke records where they needed to hauling in big points. Non-jokers broke records bringing in the points. Students stepped up and did events they had no business doing but did it
And just know that whilst I am leaving McKeon, McKeon will never leave me.
Simply because…
WE. ARE. MCKEON!!!
Mr A Richardson Head of McKeon House
TRANTER
Tranter
I would like to start by thanking you all for your extraordinary effort into this year’s House events. You have all proven that giving up isn’t an option, you kept pushing to get those points right until the very end. We were able to turn things around in these last few weeks moving our position from last place to second. We may not have been able to overthrow McKeon this year, but you all stepped up and proved yourselves.
Last month we welcomed our new House and Sports captains. Neve and Sam our Sports Captains lead form the top to help us build on those all important points on Sports Day, ensuring that the jokers were played for the best events and that every event had Tranter competitors. They were both well supported by our House Captains Dexter and Maisie who got involved every step of the way. I know with these four students leading Tranter next year the future is looking bright.
Sports Day was as ever full of energy and positive support for your house. Lead out onto the field by our shark mascot and captains waving the flag, the drum beat blaring to the Tranter chants, we made ourselves known. The Year 10s gave us a strong start with Sam and Neve as Jokers winning their events and numerous records being broken, they were able to lead the way for the lower years to follow.
Year 9 kept their winning streak from last year and went on to claim the trophy again this year with some super strong talent on both track and field. Our two jokers Fearne and Frankie not only won their events but smashed the school records with Frankie keeping his cool jumping a massive 1.62m in high jump with the whole school watching from afar. Year 9s didn’t stop there, they went on to win 13 events across the day. Special mention must go to Carter who broke the Shot put record by almost 3 metres.
Year 8 also produced some excellent scores with both jokers Poppy and Oscar both winning their event and breaking records. The year group put up a good fight against some string competition and I was so impressed to see how you didn’t give up and gained us valuable points for our house.
Year 7, you experienced your very first sports day and joined us in the team spirit. There are some excellent athletes amongst you with our joker Leo smashing the Year 7 1500m record by almost 10secs. I cannot wait to see how next year progresses.
There were many points up for grabs with the latter competitions, Jack winning the lower school house music competition and Isabella winning the photography competition for Year 10.
Tranter, you stepped up. Now let’s continue this rising streak. Now is the time to rise up and challenge McKeon. With Dexter, Maisie, Neve and Sam at the helm this is our year. Let’s make 2024/25 the best yet!
Mrs P Goodchild Head of Tranter House
WATTS
Watts
As I have now completed my first year as Head of Watts House I can look back at how well we have done as a House despite being beaten to the House Cup by McKeon.
I have to take this opportunity to thank all the Year 11 students who have competed ferociously throughout their final year and the previous years. It was a privilege to work with the House and Sports Captains Bo, Lottie, Ralph and Dylan and I wish them along with the rest of Year 11 luck with their results and a great summer holiday.
I was privileged to be part of the interview and selection process for the new House and Sports Captains which showed me how passionate the Year 10s are about the House and the House system itself. It was a tough decision, but I welcome Charlie, Olivia, Diniz and Maisie to their new leadership roles within the House and look forward to seeing where they will lead the House.
They started spectacularly on Sports Day which as always is a spectacle in itself, they worked tirelessly organising the athletes, encouraging younger students and performing well themselves. They have set a standard for the rest of the House to follow next year.
As well as Sports Day in the final weeks we performed well in both the Photography and Music competitions. Massive congratulations to our winners Jude, Nia and Ben.
At this time, I have to say, as much as it hurts! Congratulations McKeon, and good luck Mr Richardson. Watts House and myself have enjoyed the competition and friendly rivalry and wish you all the best.
To all the Watts members out there, enjoy your holiday, but get ready for the 2024/25 competition, C’mon the Bulldogs!
Mr C Jones Head of Watts House
Year 10 say goodbye to Mrs Morley with Retro Sports Day
In what would be Mrs Morley’s last activity with her year group before she embarks on her retirement, she was able to enjoy a fantastic Retro Sports Day with Year 10 on the penultimate day of term.
Now a ten year old tradition thanks to Mr C Jones, Retro Sports Day is a privelege for Year 10 to mark them becoming the leaders of the school before they go off on their last Activity Week and return in September for the trials of Year 11.
Taking place on the field, students took part in ‘old school’ sporting events, such as potato sack, egg and spoon, wheelbarrow, skipping races, and tug of war.
This was all before the big reveal of their parents coming to join them in full retro sporting gear! As they made their entrance looking like something out of an 80s music video students were scanning the group to see if their parents had come to embarrass them!
Once the initial shock had subsided, students embraced having their parents there and got stuck in with them for the three legged races and the joint parents, students and staff Tug of War which of course was won by McKeon House!
To finish off the afternoon, Year 10 students presented their departing Head of Year Mrs Morley with a beautiful signed card and gift before leaving with burgers in hand and taking their parents off the premises ensuring they never come back dressed like that ever again!
As always, it was a fitting end to the year for this effervescent year group who will no doubt have the time of their lives for their Activity Week.
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
Celebrating our Island home: A fun filled Transition for Year 6.75
Transition days this year were a resounding success, filled with an array of exciting lessons that revolved around the theme of “Our Island Home.” Our future Year 7 students were immersed in a whirlwind of activities that showcased the richness of our Island’s culture and natural beauty, creating excitement and challenge as they took their first steps into secondary school life.
One of the standout moments was the entire cohort of 2029 coming together to bake a scrumptious batch of scones, featuring the finest Jersey butter and cream. Working in pairs, the students enthusiastically mastered the rubbing-in method, eagerly watching their delicate mixtures rise triumphantly in the ovens. Kudos to the food department for orchestrating such a deliciously mammoth task over the two days!
In the realm of science, students ventured into the wildlife zone to explore the diverse habitats of our school’s pond and meadow. Armed with iPads and a brilliant app, they identified a fascinating array of insects and plants, deepening their appreciation for the Island’s natural wonders. This hands-on exploration was a highlight, sparking curiosity and interest in so many students.
The transition days also featured the usual inspiring lessons from Maths, English, and Humanities subjects. Each lesson was designed to engage and challenge the students, preparing them for the academic journey ahead. In Design Technology, students had a blast with the sand racing activity, applying their creativity and engineering skills to design and race their own sand vehicles.
After two days of lessons, our students were understandably tired but filled with a sense of accomplishment. The grand finale was a brilliant music concert organised by Mr. Arnett and his dedicated team, showcasing the musical talents of our budding performers and leaving everyone excited by the musical life of the school.
As we bid farewell to these wonderful transition days, we eagerly anticipate the return of this lovely year group in September. They will embark on their journey as true Year 7 students, armed with their transition projects, ready to dazzle us in next year’s exhibition.
Mr P Jones Assistant Headteacher
Whole School Awards
The flagship event of the year, the Whole School Awards is always a very special occasion where the whole school gathers to recognise and celebrate the student’s achievements but this year had some extra magic as this would be last for Mrs Hague, Mrs Moisan and Mrs Morley who have given a combined service of over 85 years!
As always, students were awarded prizes for Excellence and Determination for all subjects presented by the sponsor Adam Budworth, Managing Director of Grant Thornton CI. The winners of these awards are featured on the following pages. Our new Senior Student Leadership were announced, with outgoing Head Boy & Girl Harriet and Dylan passing on the baton. Well done to these students, you will make a formidable team.
We then moved on to the main awards with two new awards being presented to students this year, the Hague Cup for Courage and the Moisan Award. An emotionally charged ceremony saw Mrs Hague pay tribute to the outstanding service Mrs Morley has given to Les Quennevais over a period of 25 years which has seen her fulfil a variety of roles and was the very deserving recipient of the Ashley Award given to a member of staff for ‘going the extra mile’. Mrs Morley has done that and some and was a fitting accolade to mark all that she has given to Les Quennevais students throughout her time here.
Another emotional tribute was given to Mrs Moisan who was honoured for an incredible 34 years of service to the school by way of The ‘Top Dog’ Award for her heroic services to fundraising starting in 1990! There isn’t a trophy big enough to recognise what Mrs Moisan has given to Les Quennevais but the one she received is the biggest ever awarded and as she lifted it with delight to the whole school, she announced that “we must get this ceremony finished because hot dogs are on sale at lunch!”
Students behaved impeccably throughout enduring nearly 3 hours of applause and they never wavered from the first award to the last showing the incredible support they have for one another.
Before the winners of the House Cup were announced, Mrs Freeman and Mrs Moisan delivered a stirring speech in recognition of Mrs Hague, our leader. They reminded students that Les Quennevais is not the best school in the island ‘just because it is’ but because Mrs Hague has had the vision, the steadfastness, the tenacity and the Thatcher-like work ethic to make it so and she will dearly missed and hope that the Hague legacy will live on for many years to come, a legacy of excellence and enjoyment.
Mrs Hague closed the awards ceremony by announcing for the fourth consecutive year that McKeon House were winners of the House Cup so once again McKeon students were showered with red confetti, now a well established tradition. This win ensures that Mr Richardson, Head of McKeon House leaves Les Quennevais undefeated and given that there is no one more competitive, that will mean everything to him!
The Whole School Awards winners were:
Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 7
Nina L
Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 8
Irene V
Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 9
Lauren Le G
Consistent and Outstanding Performance Throughout Year 10
Harry M
Home & School Award - Outstanding Effort and Endeavour in the Lower School
Barley V
Student Who Has Made Great Personal Progress in the Lower School
Lilly P
The Eoin Corcoran Award for Charity Humayra A
The Baines and Band Optometrists Award for Work in the Community
Abigail C
The Welsh Awards for Creativity and Innovation
Paige De G
Lydford Cup for Progress in English
Tilly C
Chair of Governors Award for the Student who has made Great Personal Progress throughout their time at Les Quennevais
Alex De F
The Gary Parkes Chess Award
Ethan N
The Bavichon Cup
Miss Campbell
The Ashley Award for Going the Extra Mile
Mrs Morley
Grant Thornton Award for Unsung Hero
Ben C
Les Quennevais School Ambition Award
Ethan B
Les Quennevais School Resilience Award
William R
Les Quennevais School Respect Award
Maribel F
Guidance Awards
Year 7 - Saxon L-R
Year 8 - James A
Year 9 - Lucas C
Year 10 - Maribel F
McKeon House Awards
Nadia V & Harrsion Le M
Tranter House Awards
Fearne P & Oscar M
Watts House Awards
Aimee S & George B
Headteacher’s Award for Excellence & Enjoyment
Harry S
The Moisan Award
Romie C
The Hague Cup for Courage
Freddy M-S
Spirit of Les Quennevais Award
Sydney D
2024-25 Student Leadership Team
Senior Student Leadership Team 2024-25:
Head Boy
Muwahhid C
Head Girl
Sydney D
Deputy Head Boys
Ethan N
Joss H
Taylor W
Deputy Head Girls
Bea P
Nadia V
Tilly C
House Captains
McKeon
Freddy M-S
Rebecca L
Tranter
Dexter K
Maisie K
Watts
Olivia W
Charlie V
Sports Captains
McKeon
Hayden B
Mylie A’C
Tranter
Sam O
Neve B
Watts
Diniz B
Maisie H
Inclusion Mentors
William R
Abigail C
Student Leaders in action
LQS say goodbye to Mrs Hague with a street party in her honour
MRS HAGUE’S
For what has become a unique Les Quennevais tradition to celebrate the biggest moments, the school gathered once again for a whole school street party to bid farewell to our esteemed leader, Mrs Hague.
As opposed to the Coronation celebrations, the weather played ball and we were blessed with perfect conditions to stage this momentous occasion. The efforts of the Site Team, ably assisted by staff and students were incredible in setting up dozens of tables and hundreds of chairs to ensure the stage was set for the afternoon’s festivities.
Once again, the afternoon perfectly captured the ‘Spirit of Quennevais’ – fun, laughter, love, support, games and what would be a Les Quennevais event without a little Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo!
The amazing team from Flourish yet again rose to the occasion providing lasagne and ice cream for the whole school in a herculean effort! We are so lucky to have them on board for such events, which we absolutely could not do without their unwavering support and hard work. Thank you all so much!
The festivities kicked off with the Humanities department making a grand entrance to a royal fanfare in what would be Mr Brennan’s last outing as King Henry VIII in school before he moves on to pastures new to do it for a living! We were then treated to hilarious limericks from our Humanities staff about Mrs Hague’s tenure before she was officially ‘crowned’ in front of the school.
Once students had been fed and watered and whilst tucking into their pots of ice cream, Mr Richardson and Mrs Moisan rocked the Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo for one last time giving out ‘big money prizes’! It never ceases to amaze how much students just love playing this game that has become synonymous with Les Quennevais!
Students were then treated to the sporting spectacle that is the staff polo which saw teachers donning paper horses on their heads to play a fun game in front of the whole school. Mr Le Feuvre wound back the clock to his Muratti days trying to dictate the play from the centre of the park. In the end it wasn’t enough to deny the scintillating link up play between Mr Taylor, Mr Mitchell,
Mr Harper and Mr Oliver with the game ending 3-1. Students were then magnificent in returning furniture to their respective classrooms contributing to a massive whole school effort.
These afternoons sum up the culture of Les Quennevais, a culture that Mrs Hague has built and embedded and so it was the most fitting way for the school to say goodbye and good luck!
Mr
A Richardson
Business & Facilities Manager
MRS HAGUE’S
Mrs Hague & Mr Richardson get a royal send off
For what would be their last official engagement for Les Quennevais School, Mrs Hague and Mr Richardson - two avid royalists, had their dream ending to their time at LQ by seeing the King & Queen for the recent royal visit.
Mrs Hague had the pleasure of taking departing Head Boy & Girl Dylan and Harriet to the Royal Square for the special States Assembly. Mrs Hague also bumped into one of the school Governors Nigel Smith who was looking resplendant in his number ones with his military medals proudly on show as a proud exserviceman.
Mrs Hague’s group were very lucky to be seated in a cracking position, with an uninterrupted view of the monarch. Despite getting a little wet beforehand the group didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits as they thoroughly enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience.
Mr Richardson was joined by Year 10 students Rebecca and Daniel as part of the invited guests from the Parish of St Brelade and were happily joined by our Chair of Governors Julian Bernstein for the momentous occasion.
Positioned outside the Pomme D’Or to catch a glimpse of their Majesties, they had to brave the monsoon that welcomed the King & Queen for the parade.
Not wanting to miss the opportunity to see King Charles III and Queen Camilla up close, the group waited patiently whilst other guests left to get back on their respective coaches.
The gameplan worked as the rain eased back and their Majesties did indeed come out to speak to the crowds. HM The King spotted Mr Richardson’s Royal Agricultural University tie and engaged with him for a good chat making everyone’s day! Mr Richardson was in pure shock that he had managed to have that once in a lifetime moment with the sovereign of the nation, which was extra special as his father had also spoken to the King earlier in the day! Rebecca and Daniel were chuffed for Mr Richardson and were made up that their patience and resilience were rewarded with such a close encounter with the King & Queen, something they will all cherish for the rest of their lives.
Mr A Richardson Business & Facilities Manager
HALF TERM HEROES
So many of our students do extraordinary things. It is a privilege to be able to highlight some of the ‘Heroes’ that live among us and go above and beyond for others, or to be the best version of themselves.
Each student will receive 5 House Points for their House and an Amazon voucher - a sign that good deeds will be rewarded!
- Mrs Hague
THE WINNERS
Beau 10S: McKeon House
Nominated by Mrs E Morley
“If multi-tasking had a prize, then Beau would win it hands down! What she packs into a day, a week and a year is breathtaking. Not only does she do her utmost best to achieve academically but she also shines in so many other areas. Horses play a key role in Beau’s life and the effort and hard work that comes with them never phases her. Not just this but Beau’s commitment taking part in school activities both wide and varied, everything from athletics and badminton to successes in Golden Microphone and Blake Off competitions. It doesn’t get much better than when a teacher was asked to describe Beau, they immediately replied; integrity and compassion. Beau you are a real star and it has been a pleasure to have you in the year group.”
- Mrs E Morley
Nina 7N: Tranter House
Nominated by Miss H O’Connell
“Nina is the student in Year 7 who has earned the most positives for the whole year by a country mile! On top of that, Nina has zero negatives – wow! Nina is an excellent member of Les Quennevais School. She has participated in football, athletics, rounders and steel band, showing that she is enthusiastic and an all-rounder. Outside school Nina does break dancing and has even completed a “kids’ triathlon”! Nina embodies the three LQS core values of ambition, resilience and respect. Well done for such an outstanding first year at Les Quennevais – long may it continue!”
- Miss H O’Connell
Daisy 9E: Tranter House
Nominated by Miss Alexander
“I am so incredibly proud of Daisy’s journey throughout all of Key Stage 3. She is a polite and respectful member of the year group and can be depended on to do whatever is asked of her. Daisy has always had positive school reports and has developed real resilience in her learning. Daisy will always endeavour to give 100% and is fully committed to her house: Tranter. She is kind and caring towards her peers and always says hello and thank you to all staff. Daisy really does epitomise what LQS is about.”
- Miss J Alexander
Harry 10N: Tranter House
Nominated by Miss S O’Connell
“Harry is a quiet but very determined and dedicated young man. Not only does he work hard in school, but he also shows his commitment outside of school where he has been a member of the Sea Cadets for several years now. This term was a particularly impressive one for Harry and his platoon who took part in a two-day competition to see which Royal Marines Cadets are the best troops in the British Isles. It came as no surprise to us that Harry’s team won the competition and brought home the trophies. A true Les Quennevais student taking our core values out into the world and hopefully his future as a Royal Marine. ”
- Miss S O’Connell
Ari 7Q: Watts House
Nominated by Miss H O ‘Connell
“Ari has shown her ambition throughout Year 7. She won a trophy in the Jerriais competition and was on the radio to discuss it; she participated in the Dance World Cup; she won five medals in a recent dancing competition; she won third place in the Blake Off English Department Competition; and she did the French Eisteddfod in which she earned gold. Wow what an ambitious student we have in this year group! A fab representative of her year group, and her house (Watts) and I am sure she will continue to do great things next year as well.”
- Miss J Alexander
Harvey 8Y: Watts House
Nominated by Miss M Thebault
“If ever we needed a true example of what resilience means, then we have to look no further than Harvey. Despite having to undergo major surgery he has come back to school with an inspiring positive outlook. Harvey has always given his all at Les Quennevais but this half term he really has shown his true colours. Navigating the endless corridors of the school, moving from room to room for 6 hours a day and all with a smile on his face and a good-natured response. What a star and what a role model.”
- Miss M Thebault
Orlaith 10L: Watts House
Nominated by Mrs E Morley
“Orlaith is quite literally a breath of fresh air. I don’t believe the word ‘no’ is in her vocabulary. Her enthusiasm for everything and anything is contagious. Orlaith sees the positive and achievable in everything she is presented with. Academically Orlaith’s Class Charts and Subject reports highlight not only her ambition but also her commitment to working hard to achieve. Orlaith also carries this commitment to extra-curricular activities and in particular, representing her House. Her whole outlook is positive and reflects her passion for Les Quennevais, all it offers her and all she has given back. I know she will have a successful Year 11 and a great future ahead of her. I wish you every success Orlaith, you have been a joy to have in my Year group. ”
- Mrs E Morley
Activity Week once again presented a plethora of enrichment opportunities for our students bringing students, staff and our wider school community together for another jam packed week!
Activity Week gives our students lifelong memories, lasting friendships, skills and experiences that will stay with them forever.
From Turkey to Farm School, from Croatia to Textiles, from London to Surfing, there was an incredible variety of activities for students to choose from ensuring all bases were covered so that students did ‘their thing’ to have the best week possible before breaking for their summer holidays.
None of it is possible either on or off-island without a massive effort from our incredible staff. After a fantastic year, our students deserved a fun filled week to end the year on a high. Here are some of the best pictures capturing what an incredible week it was!
ACTIVITY WEEK
ON-ISLAND
ACTIVITY WEEK
OFF-ISLAND
Happy retirement Mrs Morley, you’ll be dearly missed
Erica Morley retires this year after 25 years at Les Quennevais School. Her role as Head of Guidance, highlights a long and passionate career within the pastoral dimension of the school, leading Heads of Year and ensuring countless numbers of students received the care, guidance and support that is fundamental to their success at secondary school.
Our students have been lucky that she has been a brave, courageous and formidable Head of Guidance, never shying away from a difficult conversation and ensuring that students constantly met the high standards of the school, whether they were walking down the corridor with their shirts tucked in or ensuring their behaviour around the school, and in lessons was always of the MORLEY STANDARD.
Erica has always been able to get the most out of students of all abilities, her previous roles as Head of Upper school and then Head of Year 11 set in motion an ambitious yet very caring approach that often championed the underdog. Her assemblies are often the very best in the school, always well prepared with a clear message, usually very humourous and always grabbing the attention of the audience, not easy to do week in week out. Her current leadership of Year 10 is markedly impressive, not only have they danced to her tune for 3 years but they also sing for her, or should I say , ‘roar’ for her as they belly out their anthem version of Katie Perry’s ‘Roar’ - their last version reducing this great leader to floods of tears as they paid an emotional and respectful tribute to her. Simply wonderful and a fitting end to leading young people, further than they think they can go or sometimes want to.
A change of pace prior to her Guidance role saw her take on the role of Exams Officer, an extremely difficult and demanding role which hugely benefitted from her attention to detail and efficient way of working.
I created the role of Head of Guidance because I knew she would be utterly brilliant at it and it was what the school needed 12 years ago. Her passion for guidance is tangible, real and hugely important to her. Generations of students have benefitted from her no-nonsense approach, and families have relied on her at times to encourage their children to do what even they themselves were finding difficult to accomplish.
Guidance is often a thankless task, much of it goes unnoticed and unappreciated so to do it must matter and you have to care. The ‘pay it forward’ comes often from students themselves when they have long left the building and in their twenties look back and know you really made a difference to them.
It is not uncommon for Erica to arrive in school on Monday and tell a tale as only she can about the ex-students who bought her drinks on a Friday night and how they had had a wonderful conversation reminiscing about their time at school.
The many letters I have received over the years from countless grateful parents and students themselves are testament to her determined efforts to secure the very best for her students.
First and foremost, Erica is a passionate, proud and devoted teacher of English. Those who have been lucky enough to have seen her in full sail in the classroom are often treated to a first class schooling in how to deliver outstanding lessons, expert behaviour management, and engaging and rich curriculum delivery. She is a class act and those students lucky enough to have been taught by her know a very different and yes, softer, side to the formidable Mrs Morley.
Our school owes much to Erica Morley and I am so proud to have worked with her and had her as my exceptional Head of Guidance, and proud teacher of English.
Everything she has given to this school is remarkable, and I wish nothing but the happiest of retirements.
Mrs S Hague Headteacher
Les Quennevais will never be the same as we say goodbye to Mrs Moisan
After 40 years of service to education, 34 years at Les Quennevais, a period of LQ history has come to an end with the retirement of Cathy Moisan, our much loved Deputy Headteacher.
Following a teaching career leading Design Technology, Home Economics, (as it was called back in the day) and most recently Health and Social Care, Cathy is a teacher with a unique joire de vivre that has always got the best from her students.
She has enjoyed varied leadership roles within the pastoral side of our school, as Head of Middle School, Head of Year 7 and Transition, Senior Manager for Safeguarding and Child Protection and for the last 12 years Deputy Headteacher. Cathy was the first appointment I made as the new Headteacher back in 2012 and it turned out to be the best appointment I have ever made.
She is quite simply the best ‘wing man’ a Headteacher could have. I can honestly say we have never had a cross word in the 27 years we have worked together and we have had to navigate the school through some challenging, happy and also sad times.
Together, we have introduced much of what LQS is known and loved for today. Sports Dinners, Whole School Awards days, Royal Street parties, Rock n Roll bingo, the Santa Dash, the Bunny run, Pancake runs, Christmas mayhem and much of our charity work. She has been front and centre at every single school event. From school productions and her ability to roll out a front of house team and make thousands of pounds in the process for charities and our school.
Her fundraising work is the stuff of legend with over £250,000 raised during her time at the school for many good causes. The greatest beneficiary has been the school itself.
She champions students, who can sometimes be overlooked, or who lack a role or lack confidence in themselves. These are the students who she propels into the limelight, giving them a role, a job and in doing so making them feel seen, special and very much part of the school.
Christmas hampers, Christmas raffles, making a birthday cake for every single person in the school and making sure flags are flown to give people their moment in the spotlight.
Pop-up cafés, ice cream stalls in the corridors and the management of our van, Connie on Sports Days, parents evenings and open evenings always draw a crowd. From hot dogs, doughnuts, crêpes, and ice creams there is no end to her sense of entrepreneurship, fun and energy.
There is no doubt that the school building will be a great deal quieter without her lighthearted interruptions on the Tannoy! From serious announcements to organise in the school day or events, to the announcement of raffle winners, and her “come on down” requests to famously laying an egg on the tannoy at Easter. How she will be missed!
Cathy has always had an innate ability to make people do things they would never dream of doing or are entirely comfortable with. From dressing up, to singing or performing on stage or taking part in physical exercise, all in the name of promoting the spirit of Les Qennevais. She is a truly special person.
There is no one better to have on your team and by your side than Cathy, especially when times are tough or to lead the school in my absence. Beneath her impish, naughty humour lies a heart of gold with the best judgement, knowing exactly what to say when needed, and giving me the confidence to do a job that needs to be done well.
She is an outstanding leader, going into bat for our school and individuals on many occasions to ensure students have the very best care and support when needed. She challenges, she leads difficult conversations and always manages to make everyone feel listened to, supported and heard.
Her leadership and expertise of child protection is known and respected throughout the Island. She is doggedly determined in her pursuit for what is right and has been happy to say what everyone is thinking but isn’t always brave enough to voice it. Cathy embodies the traditional values that help make our school and our students so successful because she doesn’t take the easy route, but it is always filled with fun.
Like her leadership of the London activity trip. As well as organising her itinerary to be a full and busy one for students, she puts as much time and effort into leaving little surprises, jokes and creating memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. She’s always been acutely aware that the London trip may often be the very first trip that our youngest students have taken off-Island and takes her sensitive and thoughtful interest in making it special, and has always ensured far too many students each year want to be part of it!
After 40 years of teaching, our entire community owes her a huge debt of gratitude.
People come and go, but the likes of Cathy Moisan are unlikely to ever come again.
For that, we are all slightly poorer and our lives will be undoubtedly less chaotic, but also a lot less fun.
Thank you, Cathy, on behalf of everyone for being you, and for all that you have given to our school over these past 34 years. On a personal note, thank you for working with me every day to make a school that means so much to both of us so extraordinary. We have shared the joy and you have shared the burdens like no one else can and in doing so you have enabled me to love my job as much as I have.
We wish you the happiest of retirements. Retirement is the end of one type of life in exchange for another. For some it is the bliss of doing nothing for others, it is having the time to do the things you love and have been putting off. No one here can imagine you doing nothing, you are the busiest person we know.
We have been so lucky to have you, Cathy, thank you for everything.
Mrs S Hague Headteacher
Mrs Hague leaves behind a lasting legacy as the true ‘Spirit of Quennevais’
This issue of Q News would not be complete without a tribute to our magnificent outgoing Headteacher. Sarah Hague has served Les Quennevais School for 27 years and it is with deep sadness we have to say goodbye.
Miss Sarah Sullivan arrived at Les Quennevais School in January of 1998 as Head of Religious Studies. There was no GCSE RS in the school at that time and after a very short while, she turned it into a hugely popular, and indeed one of the best performing subjects in the school. Her first love of teaching RS and History has continued through her 27 years and she has always stepped in enthusiastically to go back to her true calling! Head of RS was swiftly followed by Head of Middle School in 1999, which then became head of Upper School as the “Mother Hen” following her year group through to Year 11. This was really the start of Sarah’s career, one that set her apart as an exceptional leader, destined for greater things. So much so, that in 2004, she became Senior Manager for Behaviour and thus began her time on the Senior Leadership Team. This was a first time for this role in any Jersey school and demonstrated her care and compassion that shone through for her students.
In 2007, Sarah’s ascendency continued as she became Deputy Headteacher. It was during this time that she really improved our Guidance and Pastoral systems for which we are still highly regarded on the island. Finally in 2013, Sarah Hague became the headteacher of her beloved Les Quennevais School. She appointed a new Senior Leadership Team, designed and built a new school and the rest, as they say, is history!
They say that “leaders are made, not born”. We’re not so sure in Sarah’s case. She has a natural ability to see what needs to be done, what will make a difference, from an individual to a form, from a year group to the whole school. Sarah leads by example and never shies away from ensuring that we are doing right for our school. In this respect she is resolutely single minded – she wants us to be the best and we are!
Sarah Hague has always been a true visionary when it comes to leadership. There is such a huge array of calendar events that are now part of school life, thanks to her ability to embrace that all important “excellence and enjoyment”.
Sarah introduced the Year 11 Ball in 2003, which has been held every year since and has got bigger and better, we have the Sports Dinner, Whole School Awards where students are recognised for both their effort and determination, we’ve had traditional street parties to mark historical events, our Year 10 Christmas Dinner, the School Council and Student Leadership Team, a healthy competition in the House system complete with our now familiar mascots, House Captains, Red Nose Day as no other school does it, our amazing dining experience at Chez Connie’s, Retro Sports Day for Year 10, Teambuilding Days, to name only a few. It is in these events that Sarah goes those extra 10 miles. Who would have thought we would have had the sporting legend Patrice Evra at our school for team training, a Q&A and the Sports Dinner? Our legendary, epic school productions have been taken to the next level and are akin to a West End show. It was she that wanted to secure the Opera House to ensure our students could experience life on the stage as a ‘real’ actor. Not deterred with the temporary closure of the Opera House, we staged them at school, turning our school hall into a top-notch venue and packing the house for a four-night run.
However, nothing shows her true vision for teaching and learning like our iconic school building. Sarah’s love and devotion for the school community went into the design of it and our lecture-style Hypothesis Room and universitystyle reaction chambers in Science, along with the entire school building, is testament to her drive and vision – she simply wants the best for our students. Our school building was designed to enhance the learning for our students and it has done just that, with our exam results being on a par with those of UK schools. 2020 was a huge year for Les Quennevais, notwithstanding COVID, but because we moved into our new building in the midst of an epidemic because of Sarah’s dogged-determination to move in. Achieving that impossible is something Sarah is quite the expert in – she dreams big and she achieves big! When the new school was opened on 25th June 2021, it was an exceptionally proud moment, and one which cemented this school as extraordinary, in Princess Anne’s own words.
Les Quennevais School has never sat still and it is because of Sarah’s tenacity. It is constantly moving forward, it is passionate about making a difference, it is about doing what is right for the community it serves. It is Sarah Hague – she is the ultimate spirit of Les Quennevais School and that award we give to students will take on new significance from now on.
Sarah not only cares deeply about each student, but she takes care of her staff. In her true visionary style, she has envisaged roles we never knew we needed in the school and could identify staff to fulfil them, even if they didn’t know it yet themselves! She empowers staff to take risks and cultivates good leadership which is why our school is so successful. Yet, she is also the most human of leaders, and supports her staff unwaveringly. She is a friend to all and makes everyone feel special.
Sarah often says that she is blessed with the staff and students of Les Quennevais. However, it is us that have been blessed; blessed to have had such an inspirational, energetic and caring Headteacher, who has given her all for every student, member of staff and parent.
It has been quoted, “I want to be remembered as someone who made an impact in the lives of young people. I want people to remember that I nurtured someone and taught them to pursue their dreams and their careers, to leave a legacy.”
- Sarah Hague
Reading the hundreds of comments on social media, and seeing the number of cards she has received from staff, parents and students, it is clear she has done this and so much more. Her legacy to the thousands of students she has come into contact with over her 27 years is incomparable and it is clear how loved and respected she is. However, legacy is not just what you leave on something, but what you leave in it. Les Quennevais School is what it is because of Sarah Hague and she has left her mark indelibly on it and us. We are all better because of her.
To our very special Mrs Hague, we are so unbelievably grateful, thankful, proud, appreciative, indebted and in total awe of what you have made this school. You leave us in the best possible place. It is we who are truly blessed to have had you as our Headteacher for the past 13 years and we are all the better for having you with us every day. Your service to this school and its community has been exceptional and you are at the heart of everything we do. Thank you is just not enough.
So Mrs Hague, we sincerely hope it is not goodbye but au revoir. Think of us often and with fondness and pride and for the last time...
#alwaysquennevais.
Mrs C Freeman Deputy Headteacher
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 would like to become one of our partners, please get in touch with our Business Manager Mr Richardson.
Sarah Hague Headteacher of Les Quennevais School
2013 - 2024