This letter was sent on the day of the last Parent Focus Group meeting and read to those who attended. We all agreed it should be more widely shared


Dear Miss Green,

Due to unforeseen circumstances I am unable to attend tonight's meeting. Please accept my apologies.

I did want to mention the netball tour, which I think was a resounding success, and pass on thanks to all the staff and senior girls involved in looking after the younger girls and making it such a memorable experience. Also, thanks to Mrs Martin for the organisation: the pre-meetings and itinerary information were first rate.

I really enjoyed Mrs Hardy's blog. This was an excellent way to keep in touch whilst being unobtrusive from the girls’ perspective. Thanks to Mrs Hardy for keeping this going when I'm sure everyone else had headed off to bed. I now need Sian to tell me how to join the blog community so that I can interact in future.

The tours are an excellent opportunity for the girls to grow, explore and experience so many facets of life that will stand them in good stead for the future. I know that the senior girls take great responsibility for the younger ones and the cross age bonds that are formed are so important. As a 12 year old I stood in awe at the whalebone arch in Whitby so I can imagine that the Rock, Tangier and dolphin watching are memories that will be with the girls for a long time.

It was so nice to hear the positive comments from the airline, hotel and tour staff about the girls’ conduct as well. Sian also told me about the senior first aiders rushing to the aid of a member of the public whilst in Gibraltar. I am sure that you would expect nothing less of Polam Hall girls and I think this speaks volumes and is such a credit to the school. These are the examples of selflessness that I think it is important for Sian to see.

Long may such tours continue; let’s hope that we are soon seeing the boys off on rugby tours etc.

I look forward to seeing you at the next focus group meeting.

Regards

Ian Palmer

PS - I forgot to add that it was great to see that even visits to A&E are done in super efficient Polam style. And Polam Hall girls are made of tough stuff, smiling through the pain and just getting on with things even on crutches.