Last week, as you all know, was disrupted by poor weather. I know you were set work to complete on Insight, but this is not the same as being taught in school. It is very important that we all work to catch up. 

Whether you are studying for a further qualification or made that New Year's resolution to get up to speed on recent pedagogical thinking, the MRC CPD library for staff will have something relevant for you.

Our theme for assemblies this week is happiness, which Mrs Dickens will lead. I would ask all of you to reflect on what you do and also can do to make others happy. I see students every day with friends every day and it is great to see you supporting and helping one another. I spoke to a very polite student this week in one of my lessons this week and thanked him for being so polite and having good manners. He replied that ‘manners cost nothing’ – very true and something we all can work to improve. Holding doors open, smiling at people, tidying away litter and being polite – very important to make MRC a better place, but also important for life.