Well this is it….our first Springboard Christmas and what have we done …….

We’ve had trips out to Issan Gym to a taster session with Steve Donnelly (more about this the New Year – which will be part of our Duke of Edinburgh’s skills section in the new year ).

We have had a massive collection for the Barnabus Trust, a charity we have supported for the past 3 years which looks after people who are vulnerable at this time of the year. Thanks to everyone who contributed – not just from the Springboard Project but from all parts of our Trust.

We had a fantastic Christmas lunch provided by the Atium café..

..and we finished the week off with a reward trip to bowling at Rochdale which both the staff and students really enjoyed..

As I am writing this, it is a cold December day. September, when we opened our doors to the Project seems an age ago – almost a dream, as we have done so much in such a short time. When I look back on our first term, I am so proud – not only as the Head but at all the achievements of our students and staff.

So far this year we have:

• built a curriculum that will ensure our young people have THE best possible outcomes – which includes work based placements and activities
• continued to have an active part in the sporting calendar (always close to my heart ) with competitive events in football (City in the Community), rugby and fitness
• begun to make good links with the community and with key partners
• had an amazing opening event – this has been my favourite event so far – with Paul Scholes and Andrew Sutherland
• met with DfE who have sent their report back to us and, whilst they have given us some key points, have reported back that we have made a good start to the Project and that we are making good progress (in the words of the inspector, ‘”If you continue in this way, the students will making outstanding progress.’’)
• today we delivered 6 crates of food to the Food Bank which came from lots of parts of our Trust – Hollinwood Academy, New Bridge and the Springboard Project..

None of this is possible without the backing of our students, staff, parents and carers. Thank you.

Finally, I need to mention our CEO himself – Graham – who is presently living with us in our building (in Rita’s office). Graham has been a constant support to me and our team. As Levi said yesterday at Christmas dinner, ‘Are you staying Quinny or what?”

So Merry Christmas to all our families and we will see you in the New Year.

I will leave you with a picture of one of my favourite presents so far…a picture of a quote by the late, great Tony Wilson..

Mrs Tootill
Head of Springboard Project

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

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