A Message from the Governors

It was a special pleasure to have a full Speech Day at school this year. No one should underestimate the disruption that has occurred over the last two years, and the interruption that it has caused in people’s lives and educations.

RICHARD THOMAS CHAIR OF GOVERNORS The benefits of seeing everyone together in reality are immense. As human beings, there is a dynamic in interaction which just doesn’t exist in a virtual world.

As the school year concludes, I would like to congratulate all staff for what they have done this year. Whether part of the teaching cohort or in the support sector; providing invention and variety in lessons, serving and preparing the meals, maintaining the grounds and all other duties many and varied.

The contributions that you have been able to impart have been exemplary. It is the dedication and initiative that is on view for all to see which helps make Truro School an institution of which we should all be immensely proud.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Governors for their part in the structure of the School. They are not involved in the operational duties, but play a vital role in driving the process of setting the strategic direction of the School and leading the governance. This includes the long-term development of the School’s buildings and facilities, and maintaining a sound financial footing for a sustainable business. All Governors work entirely voluntarily for the good of the School, and I commend their commitment and dedication to ensure the best environment for the education of all children, and overseeing the provision. There is one particular Governor who I wish to single out. His name is Peter Stethridge, and he retires from the board this summer. He has served for 12 years. He was a former pupil at the school, was formerly County Surveyor and Chief Executive for Cornwall Council and attends Truro Methodist Church. He is a perfect fit for governance.

That is the biography, but the main reason for attention is his contribution to the governing body over his term. He has been Chair of Estates for many years, and in his time has provided governor oversight for the development of the Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre, the Leiths Cookery School, the Prep School Classrooms, the Prep Music Room and Hall and many other matters, including establishing a proactive maintenance regime. He has provided immense support to the board.

He always provides wise and considered opinion, and will be sorely missed as his term comes to an end. He will retain interest in the school through his position on Foundation, but we thank him sincerely for the dedication and contribution of his time and expertise over the years. It has been invaluable.

This last year has had a theme of curiosity. As human beings we all have an innate curiosity, everyone has a desire to learn. Linked with willingness and passion, we can achieve expertise in whatever field appeals.

Curiosity encourages initiative and provokes an inquisitive mind. I see all these character traits in our School.

Curious people ask questions, read and explore. They are active about seeking information or experience, and are willing to meet challenges and to broaden their horizons. They are not shy to ask questions and delve deeply into the topic that interests them. For pupils to have been encouraged in this way will help their development and provide diversity in their education.

As the School year draws to a close, there has to be a special word for our Head. It has been a challenging year to run a school.

While normality of a sort has returned, there are still illness issues far in excess of usual, and levels of concern and challenge remain in many areas. For that reason, the up-and-coming year of compassion is important. We should all remember and continue to engage in the community spirit that saw the school through the pandemic. Important lessons were learned in that period of pulling together and working as one for the good of the pupils at all levels. We must maintain that.

To all pupils and, in particular, Years 11, 12 and 13. Your time here has been severely disrupted, and to be thrust into external examinations for the first time has been an unenviable task. The School will, I know, have prepared you well, and to have been there and done it shows the bravery and courage that you all have in you.

So, on behalf of myself and the whole Governing Body, thank you. There are exciting, if challenging, times ahead and, as a School, we will look to deliver our aims and maintain our values in the Community that is Truro School.

Although Truro School Governors are very much “back stage”, it is at the forefront of our desires to create the environment for your children to flourish both at school and in society, and we strive to support and challenge the School in that aim. We are always available, and if there are views or opinions you wish to share, they are very welcome.

Highertown Truro Cornwall TR1 3QN

Trennick Lane Truro Cornwall TR1 1TH

EMAIL: prepenquiries@truroschool.com TELEPHONE: 01872 272616

EMAIL: enquiries@truroschool.com TELEPHONE: 01872 272763

Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust Registered Office: Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR Charity Number: 1142794 Company Number: 7649422