We are well and truly back into the swing of things and pupils are getting on with all of the activities on offer.The busy games programme has begun and it is good to see so man y boys and girls involving themselves in fixtures in so many sports.

Tonight sees the Cricket Dinner which will recognise the successes of last season and it has been particularly pleasing to see girls' cricket flourishing at the school. Congratulations to Grace Thompson for her cricketing success over the summer and we all have fingers crossed that an England call-up is not too far away. Our best wishes too to recent OD Dan Hogg who took seven wickets in his first-class debut against Notts over the summer. A bright future is assured for him too.

It might be helpful to mention a reminder about our communication policy which can be found here: Durham School (dcsf.org.uk).

In particular, if I could draw your attention to section 5.3 regarding pupil communication with staff via Teams.Please could you discourage your sons and daughter from sending messages on Teams outside of working hours unless the matter is important and urgent. Staff work hard at the school and are entitled to some well-earned downtime.

Finally, thank you to those who have sent kind messages about my departure in April; they are much appreciated. The search for my successor has already begun and the company who will be assisting the governors are visiting next week to find out more about the school.

Thank you in advance to those pupils who may be asked to meet them.

Mr K McLaughlin

Principal