A place to share our good news, compliments and thanks with you.
Good Morning,
Just wanted to email in and say thank you very much to everyone involved in Transition this week.
From the very kind and lovely Mrs Roberts and Mrs Downham on Reception to Miss Millar for organising it all - and everyone else involved.
My daughter (students name), was nervous and apprehensive but came home happy and excited!
Thank you!
We really appreciate all your hard work.
We just wanted to say a massive thank you to all the staff at Chepstow School who have made (student) 7 years there such a happy time. We couldn't ask for more supportive people to have given him all the knowledge and experience he has gained to take him onto the next part of his journey. He has loved being part of the Chepstow School community and particularly the past 2 years in 6th form.
Also thank you for giving him the opportunity to be Head Student - he has learnt so much and the experience will most certainly help him in whatever he goes on to achieve.
Whilst it is the end of (students) journey with you, we are looking forward to continuing seeing (sibling) flourish in the same way.
Please pass our thanks on to everyone and hope you all have a lovely and relaxing summer.
I hope this gets to the people that it needs to, including Rhidian Phillips. We are parents of two children in Chepstow School, our youngest in year 7 who was involved in the Wizard of OZ production. We were blown away by the quality and energy of the production. Such an enjoyable evening and we felt proud that are children belonged to Chepstow School.
Well done, amazing.
Good evening.
I just wanted to congratulate all the students and staff involved in the performance this evening. My 10 year old daughters were thoroughly entertained and I genuinely felt like I was watching a theatre performance involving professional actors/singers and musicians.
What a talented bunch!
Best wishes
Hi
Thank you the extra effort in hosting us as prospective/Year 6 families this afternoon, an extra effort after the main event on Thursday. It really was so helpful in getting a feel for the environment, and to see it as a functioning school - something that is impossible with a prospectus! The school clearly has some great facilities, a very positive ethos and responsible students - as demonstrated in the quiet classrooms hard at work and the orderly exit at the end of the day.
Much appreciated, thank you!
Dear School Team,
Please would you pass on our thanks to the fabulous Year 10 tour guides who very patiently, professionally and good humouredly took us round on our school tour last Thursday evening.
They kept us moving and smiling and answered all our questions expertly. They were an absolute credit to the school.
Best regards
Good afternoon
I just wanted to drop you all an email to say thank you for such a warm and exciting welcome last night at your open evening. My son is starting Year 7 in September and is nervous about this big step but your staff and students were so friendly and welcoming and have made quite an impression. I also have to say that your students on duty last night were an absolute credit to you. In this business, it is important to give credit where it is due!
Many thanks again, have a great weekend
Dear Mr Mc Grath,
I am not sure whether you remember me or not but I was a pupil at Chepstow Comprehensive, what feels like a life time ago now.
This evening on my drive home, I was listening to a section that was discussing teachers that have influenced peoples lives, even years on.
I do not look back on my school days fondly, being a clumsy, ugly girl suffering with acne and Asperger’s was never going to be a good mix. However, I loved learning and still do to this day.
When I first had an English class with you, well, you petrified me. I remember double checking I had to make sure my uniform was on point before entering, that I had all the stationary I might need (so not to interrupt the class to ask for a missing pencil or something). You wouldn’t accept any work unless it was the best I could possibly do, or the best you thought I could do; which, at the time, was more than I thought I could do.
Slowly over the years in Chepstow and more so now I am a parent to my 8 and 9 year old, I realised why you were all those things and how much you taught me both in and out of the classroom. You helped me on my tough days and even showed me you did have a sense of humour, just very well hidden! Most importantly you instilled in me a sense of perseverance, dignity and discipline which I try now to teach my two boys as they grow. I try to teach them that the most important thing isn’t necessarily the A’s or B’s but that they try their best and push themselves to reach their full own full potential, whatever that may be.
Thank you for inspiring me and being the best teacher I could of asked for (even if I didn’t know it at the beginning!)
Kind Regards
Good Morning Mr Sims
I just wanted to quickly let you know that (student) (still at home with completely asymptomatic Covid) was pleased as punch today when (sister) came home with a chess book that Mr Walsh had given her to pass onto him.
I know it’s a small thing in many ways but lots of small things done well and often have an amazing impact. Mr Walsh has such a fantastic knack for spotting what makes children tick and making them feel seen and understood. I don’t know if it’s a talent or something conscious and practised but either way he’s very good at it.
We would like to thank the school and all the staff once again for navigating a very difficult term . We really appreciate the standard of education that has been maintained for all pupils , despite the ongoing complications of Covid.
Thank you for all your hard work!
To whom it may concern
I just wanted to say my husband, daughter and myself attended the open evening on Tuesday, and what a lovely time we had. All the staff were welcoming and friendly and had clearly put in a great deal of effort into the evening.
The stars of the show undoubtedly though were the two girls in year 8 who showed us around. I really wish I had made a note of their names. They were a real credit to the school. Nothing was too much trouble and they answered all my daughters questions honestly. You could clearly see that they loved the school and were very proud indeed to represent it.
My daughter is now very much looking forward to starting school next September.
Thanks again for all your help and hardwork.
[parents]
Good morning Mr Sims,
May I start by thanking your students, staff and yourself for a warm and welcoming Open Evening last night.
The young people who showed us around were a credit to the school.
My daughter found it so enjoyable she wants to start next week, not next September.
Best wishes,
[parents]
Good Afternoon,
We just wanted to send a quick email to thank you and your entire staff team for working so hard this year.
We really appreciate how difficult this past year has been for all school staff with constant disruption, changes and worries. However, our children have been very well cared for and educated to a very high standard throughout it all. We really do appreciate all you have done.
We wish you all a happy and restful summer.
Best wishes,
[parents]
Mr Bringhurst,
Thank you for your recent letter in which you offered the opportunity for [pupil] to begin extra-curricular french lessons when she starts year 9 in September 2021. We have discussed this with her and ascertained that she would be delighted to take part in this programme building on the rudimentary french she learnt at primary school.
We are most appreciative that Chepstow School is able to exercise the flexibility to run this type of initiative to stretch more able pupils and do not underestimate the additional work from teaching staff it requires. Thank you for your continued efforts and enthusiasm.
Best Regards
[parent]
Dear Mr Bringhurst
I have just received your email with regard to [pupil] progress and the opportunity to start learning French in September.
It goes without saying that I am delighted, I know that we touched on this briefly during the virtual parents evening, but to have confirmation today is wonderful news, I feel sure that [pupil] will be super excited!
Whilst writing I would like to take the opportunity in thanking both yourself and Miss Beech for the encouragement, support and a superb level of teaching that you have both given [pupil] over what has been an exceptionally challenging year for all concerned.
[pupil] has really flourished with her Spanish and is extremely passionate about it, in all honesty she probably puts a little too much pressure on herself sometimes, but her commitment to you both and the subject is definitely there.
Thank you both once again, I hope that you both have a wonderful summer and a much deserved break.
Kindest Regards
[parent]
Dear Mr Simms
I was driving past the school on Tuesday and was so impressed when I saw a group of your pupils, under the direction of staff members, undertaking a litter pick in the town. As Chair of Gwent Federation of Women’s Institutes, which of course was involved in the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign all those years ago, I can only commend you and your teachers on your valiant efforts to instil a sense of public responsibility into the adults of tomorrow.
Living in Llandogo I am well aware, as a result of our own litter picking efforts, of the fact that during lockdown litter in the village fell to very low levels and as soon as lockdown was eased fast food wrappers and uneaten food appeared once again in the verges at both ends of the village. Your pupils are the drivers of tomorrow and I should like to congratulate you on this initiative which the WI sees as a very important part of supporting young adults to grow up with a responsibility for the surroundings they live in.
Congratulations - I hope they were not taxed too much by the weight of the rubbish that they undoubtedly collected, or maybe that doubles up as an activity for improving fitness!
You should be reassured that the work you and your colleagues have done over the last 12+ months has been amazing with blended learning and do take it as a compliment. It's not been easy for anyone.
Best regards
[parent]
Please could you pass on my thanks to all the staff that we spoke to last night at year 7 parents evening.
It was our first experience of a secondary school parents evening and a little daunting not knowing what to expect. I want to let you know that the whole experience was overwhelmingly positive and also very efficient. We were blown away by the fact that every teacher we met was so enthusiastic and approachable. They also all clearly knew who [pupil] was and had nothing but positive things to say about her behaviour, progress, attitude and abilities. We certainly came away feeling very proud of her. Though I must also say this ,in part, is down to the wonderful staff at the school, who have got to know her and encouraged her. She seems to have a good group of friends around her and is really enjoying the new school.
Hope this finds you well.
Best regards
[parent]"
Dear Mr Sims
I wanted to send an email to thank you and your team for running the online year 8 parent's evening last Wednesday. This is the first opportunity I have been given to meet my daughter's teachers and discuss her progress (due to the pandemic and home schooling). I was very impressed by the professionalism of your teaching team and for the great feedback they gave my daughter. I was particularly impressed by the positive feedback, guidance and encouragement they offered my daughter and the good advice they gave us all on future GCSE options.
I was also impressed by the online format offered, the ease of booking appointments and how well everything ran on the day. As someone who has often had to miss parent's evenings due to work commitments I felt this format worked very well. I do hope you continue with this format in the future as it will make it much easier for working parents to join in with this very important activity. I do hope this online format can continue post-pandemic.
Please could you pass on my thanks to your entire team.
Sorry for the delay in writing this email but I wanted to pass on my feedback from the year 9 parents evening and school in general before Easter.
I’d just like to say how brilliant the parents evening was via teams. We managed to book appointments with all the teachers easily and found the experience on teams excellent. Both working full time it was so much easier to come home from work and log on without the worry of being late etc.
All the teachers we spoke to were so helpful, friendly, supportive and most of all enthusiastic and positive with our son. At a time when I think we have all struggled in one way or another it was a big breath of fresh air to speak to your staff. It also gave us a huge sense of relief to know [pupil] is doing fine and more importantly his teachers are looking out for him, despite all the challenges we have faced.
Working at a primary school myself throughout the pandemic I know how difficult it has been for teaching staff over the past year but I wanted to say that Chepstow Comp has really given us confidence for [pupil] future and education.
Thank you all and good luck with the return tomorrow.
"Thank you so much. I appreciate all the support you give to [pupil]. I think he's really fond of you and it's great that he can speak to you about anything. You're a breath of fresh air. God bless you. I'll repay your kindness one day."
"Mr Whittington has been a fantastic support for [pupil] over the lockdown period"
"I just wanted to express my thanks and concern and consideration shown towards [pupil] during this lockdown. Thank you for the time and effort to put together all he needs to be able to complete his lesson offline. It is reassuring to know that as a school you acknowledge the stress/pressure our children are experiencing, so I wanted to extend my thanks and gratitude to all of you."
"I just wanted to email and say thanks for a well run virtual parents evening last night. I know i wouldn't hesitate to complain so i thought it was only right to send praise as well.
All the appointments we had ran on time (a first for us since primary school).
I think it is a brilliant idea and think it's one you could do in the future"
"I just wanted to drop you a note to say a huge THANK YOU to ALL of the teachers and support staff at Chepstow School. I really appreciate all the thought and planning that goes into each lesson and the imaginative ways the teachers are trying to engage the children so they aren't just sitting at the screen all day! That applies to the teachers too who I imagine find it really difficult talking to a computer screen all day! Please pass on my gratitude to all teachers and support staff during this difficult time, you are amazing."
"I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you to you and the rest of [pupil name removed] teachers. Although he would rather be going to school each day, he is enjoying learning. All of his teachers have been great at creating a variety of ways to interact to enhance online learning which has meant that he is still motivated and interested each day, so thank you!
"I would also like to say thank you for the monumental effort that all staff at Chepstow School have made to adapt to the fluid situation we find ourselves in. It's certainly been testing at times but i think it has been handled very well."
"Dear school
I just wanted to express my thanks for the concern and consideration shown towards [pupil] during this lockdown. Thank you for taking the time and effort to put together all he needs to be able to complete his lesson off line. It is reassuring to know that as a school you acknowledge the stress/ pressure our children are experiencing, so I wanted to extend my thanks and gratitude to all of you.
Many Thanks
[parent]"
"All the staff at Chepstow Comprehensive should be so proud of what you have achieved, role of teacher has had to utilise so many skills, endurance and resilience, but most importantly, each of you are more than just teachers, you each of your own lives, with its own challenges, so wishing you a peaceful, fun half term.
Take care."
"Hi,
I am just emailing to say how supportive some teachers have been for my son and us as a family. This lockdown has been hard for so many and I know [pupil] has found it quite tricky at times. I just wanted to say thank you so much to Mrs Back and Mr Walsh through this time, supporting [pupil] and understanding his education and emotional needs. I think they have really recognised his needs and listened to us both and this has helped him so much.
I also have to thank AJ and Mrs Bowd for their support initially before lockdown.
Also every time I ring up the reception staff are always so friendly and welcoming which is so important.
You have an amazing team and felt I wanted you to know this.
[parent]"
“[Pupil] can’t wait for Spanish every week. The teacher (Ollie) makes it really engaging, even for [Pupil], and they’re learning as well as having fun. Please pass it on!”
"Good morning
My son [pupil name removed] is in [form group removed].
I wanted to take a moment to extend my gratitude for all the hard work and effort being made by all involved at Chepstow school ensuring our children continue with their learning.
I am totally “blown away” by the teaching style of Mr Woodland (Welsh). I find that I too am looking forward to his classes, he is so motivating and encouraging followed by lots of positive praise for his students. I hope my feedback and thanks reaches him.
Kindest regards
[parent]"
"Hi,
Sorry I'm emailing at a late hour but I feel very strongly about what I have to say, there are no words to thank you enough for all you do for and with [pupil] during these uncertain times. I feel that you have worked tirelessly with her and despite a few hardships along the way you have given her skills and confidence that she will value throughout life.
As a parent sitting in with lessons I also feel that as a teacher you have blossomed, your communication with these children is fabulous, you are firm but fair, these kids have developed utmost respect for you.
I wish you every success, keep up the good work with remote learning and know that I have every faith and respect in you.
Regards
[parent]"
"Dear Miss Martinez
Many thanks for you email. It’s great to hear how well [pupil] and her class are doing. I know she’s been working really hard in your lessons. Thanks for delivering really good online teaching. I have three children at Chepstow (years 8, 11 and 13) and have been really impressed with the online delivery of lessons they’ve had. It’s kept them occupied and motivated through such uncertain times and has been very reassuring.
Have a great weekend too
Many thanks
[parent]"
"Dear Miss Martinez
Thank you so much for the email. I’ve forwarded it on to [pupil]. I know she has really appreciated the feedback you’ve given her personally since she’s been in your class. The feedback has really boosted her confidence in English, because she’s always felt it wasn’t one of her strongest subjects.
I’ve also been meaning to drop you an email to say that the accelerated reader has been brilliant for [pupil]. Last year I was finding it challenging to get [pupil] to read, but now I can’t get her to put her book down at night! It’s so lovely to see.
Thank you for everything you are doing under the incredibly challenging circumstances. The standard of online learning has been fantastic.
Best wishes,
[parent]"
"Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to email.
It is great to hear Yr8 are doing so well.
Thank you very much for all your hard work during this time.
We have been so impressed with Chepstow School's online learning provision for our children. We really appreciate it.
It cannot have been easy for staff to transition from in school lessons to online learning at short notice.
Thank you for supporting our children so well during these uncertain times.
I hope you stay safe and well.
Best wishes,
[parent]"
"Dear Miss Martinez,
Thank you very much for your email- it's good to have some feedback as we think the boys are doing their work but don't really know. [Pupil] did tell me that you were doing the Amanda Gorman poem yesterday and I was really happy about that - in fact we watched her reciting it again.
We really appreciate all you teachers are doing and it's working so well and so much better than last spring in our opinion. The boys seem happy and seem to be getting on with all their lessons.
I hope you're well and coping with all the online work as it can't be easy and must feel a world away from your usual teaching and contact with students.
All the best and thank you for all you do.
[parent]"
@chepstowschool thankyou for recognising that our pupils & teachers need down time from the screens.I was astounded at the stats.We had a good few hours playing cards & board games .Much needed .
— 💙 shelley herniman (@insanemum1) January 27, 2021
@chepstowschool @OrourkeSuzie I would like to thankyou a lovely message about my son off Mr L Goddard last week .I know Noah is working i can’t comment on the work but he is safe his future we can deal with later.He has engaged with online work & the teachers have been great 👍
— 💙 shelley herniman (@insanemum1) January 22, 2021
"We just wanted to send a message to all our sons' teachers and the administrators, technical staff and senior team who are providing daily schooling during the current lockdown.
We are really grateful that our boys (in Y8 and Y10) have a structure to their day every day and meaningful work to do and that they are continuing to learn. As we are both working, we are also really grateful that they get on with things without needing much prompting or help from us, and the conversations we have during the day are usually enjoyable ones about the topics that they are doing. It's great that a lot of the activities also encourage them to get in touch and work with their classmates, and it's really helpful to be able to see comments from teachers on their work that tell us that they are engaging properly (or not!) with what they're being asked to do. Thanks also for the regular communications as new measures are announced.
We know that this must be placing lots of new demands and pressures on you and taking a lot out of you, and that it isn't the way you want to be teaching and working. So we just wanted you to know that it's working really well and keeping the boys busy and motivated, so they enjoy their free time and sleep well. It's impossible to imagine these weeks without it.
With huge thanks and all best wishes,
[parents]"
"Hi Christopher, Joe,
I hope you are both keeping well in these strange and extremely challenging times.
Just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you to all year Seven teachers for the fantastic support you are providing at the moment. My son is totally engaged.
I have listened in to a few lessons, I wanted to let you know, my husband and I totally appreciate what a huge task you are facing, your response is first class!
Please pass on my thanks to ALL the teachers that are presenting each day to blank screen, and probably getting limited feedback. I know from my own experiences how hard this is, but please keep going .
Thank you so much.
You are making a difference, and it isn’t going unnoticed.
Kind regards
Liz"
Have to publicly say a huge well done and thanks to @ChepstowHead @chepstowschool for their homeschooling provision. Organised and focused and supports our son working independently. @wgmin_education @sewalesEAS
— Mathew Pullen 🌈 (@mat6453) January 8, 2021
@chepstowschool as prolonged school closure has now been confirmed,I wanted to express thanks to you all for the hard work that has gone into switching to remote learning so quickly& smoothly.I certainly WON'T be following Mr Williamson's advice to complain to regulatory bodies!
— Elizabeth Gibbon (@Elizabe82855767) January 8, 2021
Totally agree, we have been very impressed with the professional and caring way the school have been implementing Remote Learning. It’s certainly making this whole difficult situation a little bit easier. Thank you very much.
— Claire French (@frenchwoman20) January 8, 2021
Want to thank @ChepstowHead of @chepstowschool for the fantastic video message to the children it made a big difference to Hope as she dont like being home. #Fantasticschool #caringschool
— Virginia Lyall (@softbat) January 7, 2021
Thank you to all the staff @chepstowschool. We really appreciate the hard work that has clearly been put into the organisation, planning & delivery of engaging lessons for our children in Yr 10 & 7 this week. pic.twitter.com/8EY9ljlEuV
— Katie B (@KatieJBradbury) January 8, 2021
"Hi,
I just wanted to drop you a note to say what an amazing job all of the teaching staff are doing.
My son is in year 8 and I have listened in on a couple of his lessons whilst he’s been sat next to me working, and I have been super impressed with how the teachers are engaging with the pupils and the support they are giving them.
This is really just an email of appreciation an to say a really big thank you for all the effort that the school is putting in.
Kind regards
[parent]"
"Dear Miss Martinez
We just wanted to thank you for the ‘live’ lessons you are delivering to [pupil's] Y8 English set this term.
There are not many lessons where the teachers are present and actually teaching and it makes such a difference when they are. [Pupil] feels more involved and supported and it takes a lot of pressure off parents and grandparents!
I know it can't be easy to run live lessons but thank you, it's much appreciated.
Best wishes,
[parent]"
Some messages of thanks from our community, parents and pupils during 2020-21 Academic Year:
"Dear Mr Goddard
I just wanted to say thank you very much for showing [pupil] and I around Chepstow School today. It was a really informative tour and great to see so many positive changes have been made (e.g. library etc.) since last year when we were making the choice for [pupil's] sister. It feels such a happy and friendly environment which is very reassuring. It really helped to ease some of [pupil's] anxieties about the move to secondary school and he seems quite excited about it all now!
Thanks again.
Kind regards
[parent]"
"Hello Mr Walsh,
Can you please pass on our thanks to everyone at Chepstow School for making the transition to home learning so easy this week. [Pupil] has really engaged with the live lessons and tasks set on teams. She has really enjoyed the ability to collaborate with her peers on assignments via her laptop and phone.
I know how much extra work this had generated for you all!
[parent]"
"Dear Matthew,
I was so pleased to see the piece in The Forester newspaper about long service awards to three staff.
As an ex teacher, having taught at Chepstow for 32 years I know how much something like this will mean to your staff. In my day, staff weren’t rewarded or even acknowledged after long service. Indeed one former HT thought if you stayed for more than 5 years you lacked ambition!
Having taught at Chepstow for so long I felt part of the wider community, not just part of the school. Having a long term relationship with the community and parents builds an important bridge that cannot be underestimated.
Anyway, good luck for the future! I still have contact with a couple of existing staff and I hear good things about how you are gradually turning Chepstow into the kind of school it used to be. A school the Chepstow area can be proud of. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards and best wishes
[ex-staff member]"
"Just had a lovely phone conversation with [parent]
She wanted to extend her sincere thanks for all the hard work and effort the school have put in for the children this term to ensure that school is safe, yet still a fun place to be and learn.
[pupil] has settled back in really well and is very happy – after a difficult period of lockdown this is so pleasing for mum to see – and she attributes it all to Chepstow School.
[pupil] was having a very bad morning, but mum was confident in sending her in as she knew she would be well looked after and cared for."
"Miss Martinez
My reason for mailing you is 2-fold.
Firstly to thank you for the support you gave our son [pupil] in his GCSE English last year and the support you provide our daughter [pupil]. In [pupil]'s case we were really delighted with the English grade he achieved. It exceeded our expectations but we really do credit you - and [pupil].
In [pupil]'s case you continue to provide inspiration and aspiration to her in the English classes. Although the children probably have a challenge to express the gratitude; we thought it good to say it on behalf of the family - quietly.
Secondly I wanted to say congratulations on the professionalism and dedication you and your colleagues are displaying at the current time. Two or three times I have been at the school to collect and always I listen to the children. Attitude, aptitude and availability shine through. You do a very important professional job as you know but it is no bad thing to be told it by an appreciative parent.
Please don't mention the mail to [pupil] - she would be too embarrassed at this note of thanks and congratulations. In years to come though they will reflect and remember I am certain.
Thank you and congratulations on delivering such professionalism.
[parent]"
"He is loving it, coming home buzzing every day. He’s being challenged and excited by the new subjects and work he’s doing. Thank you to the whole team especially in these tough times!!
Kind regards
[parent]"
"Hello Mr Goddard,
Thank you so much for taking the time to email (which I know is a very limited commodity for teachers!) and for your kind words.
We are so grateful for all that the staff are doing to help and encourage the Year 7's as they transition into secondary school life.
This year, more than ever, the wonderful efforts of the school to make the transition as smooth as possible for [pupil] and his peers, has been very much appreciated.
With Kind Regards
[parent]"
"Good morning Mrs Jeffery
What a lovely email to recieve . Thankyou for the support you have given [pupil] through lockdown and since returning to school. He thoroughly enjoys all the art work set and I am pleased to hear that it is always done on time . We do have a checklist of homework that we write down for [pupil] and his brother and it definitely helps them stay on top of their work .
Once again thankyou for this lovely email .
Kind regards .
[parent]"
"Thank you for your email we are delighted to read this.
It’s so nice when teachers make time to share this feedback with us parents as it’s positive affirmation of their progress and attitude in school.
We look forward to hearing further progression over the coming months.
Kind regards
[parent]"
"Dear Miss Jeffery,
Thank you for your message, it’s lovely to get some positive feedback on how [pupil] is doing and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. He really does enjoy his Art classes.
He was over the moon with the art kit, as was I. Thank you for organising this, it was a great idea.
Kind regards,
[parent]"
Some messages of thanks from our parents and pupils during the COVID-19 closure: March - June 2020:
"Hello Mr Sims, we would like to take this opportunity to thank yourself and all the staff at Chepstow School for the way that the last 4 months have been managed. It has not been an easy Lockdown for us as a family, for lots of reasons, but it has been made so much easier because of the strength of the support and learning opportunities that have been offered to [pupil] over this period of time.
It took us all a little while to get used to Microsoft Teams and at the beginning of Lockdown, when the overwhelming feeling was panic, we were concerned that [pupil] was never going to get on top of it and be able to complete the work for each subject. However, thanks to the support and understanding she received from her teachers, Teams quickly became far less daunting and is now so familiar to us all that we hope learning, in some way, will continue through this medium.
We feel that Chepstow School has manged this unprecedented crisis in a very caring, imaginative and professional way. The idea of holding a Virtual Sports Day and a Virtual Eisteddfod was inspired. This allowed students to continue to feel part of the whole school community. [Pupil] had such fun participating in all the Sports Day activities, as did we!
As [pupil] is a Year 7 student, we would like to say particular thanks to Mr. Parkin as her Head of Year and Mr Pollock as her Form Tutor. They have been so supportive and have always responded immediately to any queries or concerns. We would also like to thank Ms Martinez, [pupil] has really enjoyed completing the English tasks and Ms Martinez's ongoing feedback has been so positive and helpful. Ms Jeffery has also been brilliant with feedback on assignments and [pupil] was delighted to receive a certificate last week for her hard work on completing all the Art assignments. Other subjects [pupil] has enjoyed over Lockdown have been Humanities, DT and Food Tech and the regular feedback from these subject teachers has been extremely valuable and enjoyable to read. [Pupil] has enjoyed DT so much that she has decided she wants to take it as one of her Options for Y9!
[Pupil] is delighted that she will be back in school full time in September, as are we. She is sad that she has missed half of Year 7 but she is excited to be going into Year 8.
It is fantastic seeing Chepstow School moving on and going from strength to strength with strong leadership and committed and talented teachers. I hope you all now get a well-deserved break, ready to face the challenges that the next school year may bring.
Thank you to you all!!"
"Dear Mrs Mellen
I wanted to drop you a line to say how grateful [student] and I were for your time today.
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet with you, as well as Mr.Pollock, and Mrs Bedford. Your introduction to the school, along with your positivity has lifted [student's] motivation to seriously think about his future, and aim for the Russell Group universities. It was very supportive of you to talk to [student] about taking the Spanish option, (rather than his nagging Mum! ), furthermore, it was uplifting for [student] to hear somebody else’s opinion of sensible choices outside of his immediate family.
Could you please also pass on our thanks to Mr. Pollock for the Physics book recommendation.
[Student] will ensure that his application for Sixth Form is completed and forwarded tomorrow, and would be most grateful if he could either be sent the links for bridging his chosen subjects from GCSE to A level (currently Maths, Physics and Spanish), or invited to join the class.
Fingers crossed, all systems go for welsh schools come September!
Toby will be in touch in August to confirm his grades.
Thank you, and I hope you manage to have some rest during the summer holidays."
"Hope all staff are well and coping with the new world we live in. And busy preparing for the return of students.
[Pupil] is in Year 9 and has really struggled with the current situation.
But I have been really impressed with the constant support and correspondence with Angela Jones who reached out very quickly, checking on both my girls.
She has listened and answered so many emails/questions. Even contacting [pupils] teachers to mention how she has been feeling. Angela Jones has used teams to reach out to her on a more personal note.
I been overwhelmed with the support her teachers have given [pupil]. Especially Miss Tiller who in [pupil's] eyes is a very strict teacher. But as soon as she knew [pupil] needed help, or was struggling with work, her support quickly came through.
Luca Goddard wasn’t quick to judge when her work wasn’t completed and again straight away offered support.
I have been touched but all the support she has received. As a school the support has been amazing from all staff. Who constantly update us parents.
From a worried mum at this time - Diolch!!"
"Just a short note to thank all the staff at Chepstow school that are working hard over the lockdown period.
My 2 children - are being well supported by your team during this time and I did not want to leave out saying thank you."
“The fact that you were already checking on [pupil] each week meant that this all moved quicker and more smoothly. We’re really grateful for all your support!”
"Dear [Learning Coach]
I hope you are all safe and well during this lock down.
As a family we owe you so much, thank you will never come close enough. We have got to know you well over the last 7/8 years as both [pupil] and [pupil] have progressed through Chepstow School and [pupil] being in his early years there too.
Due to [pupil's] illness last year you pretty much became part of our family, you were one of the only people outside our household who [pupil] trusted and she allowed you to help her in the school environment. It was the most traumatic time for us and more so [pupil]. I know that it was for you too having to see [pupil] the way she was at her most vulnerable. You went over and above your job, as you do all of the time when it comes to supporting students.
Without you I don’t know where we would be. I know for sure that [pupil] would not have managed to have returned to school and completed 6th form. You had this natural, incredible ability to reach out to [pupil] and you managed to gain her trust, you offered her strategies, solutions, ideas to help her move forward but you never once forced her. She trusted you implicitly, as did we. You provided a safe haven every single morning when it was an enormous effort for [pupil] to even get out of bed and attend school. [Pupil] knew that if she made it to your office then you would “enable” her to work through the school day by offering her a quiet corner to study as well as liaising with all of [pupil's] teachers to obtain the work and negotiate deadlines. Most importantly for us you communicated daily so that between us we could keep [pupil] safe as there was a time when she was at risk, for this, I can never thank you enough.
You really are one special lady.
On a lighter note I wanted to share with you that [pupil] has had offers from the 3 universities of her choice and she has accepted an offer. I know you will appreciate what an achievement that is to even get this far. The good news is that it looks like [pupil] should finish 6th form with the grades she needs (we hope)…. Every single finger and toe is crossed! I think [pupil] has a chance to make a real difference in the field.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done for [pupil] and our family. You have made a real difference."
"Dear [Teacher]
I just want to say a huge thank you for your unbelievable commitment to [pupil] these last 2 years and of course to [pupil] prior to that.
You are a brilliant example of fantastic communication to students and parents. You’re a real inspiration.
You have been a huge support to [pupil] during lock down, coaching her to the end of her modules. This I know has been a challenge for [pupil], given her illness last year. She is delighted to be finishing on a distinction and so much of this is down to your incredible support.
Thank you again and stay safe."
“Well done to all the staff at the school keeping education going.”
“Your words keep me encouraged and the support with school work certainly eases the pressure on my family.”
“Thank you for always being there. This whole thing has really made me appreciate how much you teachers have to do! You should have a clap for teachers when this all goes back to normal.”
“It means a lot to know you are still here if we need you.”
"She has been absolutely brilliant and a terrific support"
"It’s not just the NHS staff that should be recognised, it’s you lot as well – thank you from my house to yours."
"Thank you so much, I really do appreciate your help. All the help is just great."
"Thanks for checking on us, it means a lot."
"You have been a Godsend, thank you so much."
"Thank you – I spoke to [child] and she had a massive smile on her face – thank you again for all of your support."
"Thank you for checking on us, I really do appreciate it."
"Keep safe and thank you for everything that you do."
"Was lovely to get a letter about her transition to Chepstow school, especially as she's the only one going from her school. So please thank transition team if you're in touch with anyone."