It is with pride and pleasure that we can announce, and congratulate, Mrs Bagnall who has recently achieved the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools. Mrs Bagnall is a hard working, dedicated member of staff who has worked for and supported Lady Manners School since October 2006; initially as a Catering Assistant before progressing to Cook, making our delicious puddings, cakes and biscuits. She then moved into Food Technology as a Technician, preparing resources and supporting in lessons. She has also provided relief support for invigilation, cover supervision and one to one tuition. She is a lifelong learner who has completed many courses to support her work and progression in school including Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools and an apprenticeship programme with Chesterfield College. Mrs Bagnall currently works as a Teaching Assistant and Family Support Worker. She is a strong supporter of Lady Manners School and always goes the extra mile, providing support to our more vulnerable students and their families. We are lucky to have her as part of our staff team.

There was excitement in Year 7 French classes this morning as they received their first letters from their new French pen pals. Our students have exchanged letters with new friends at Collège Saint-Étienne in Sens. This first exchange has enabled them to learn a little bit about each other, and about the languages they are studying. There are plans to keep communicating in writing, online and then, hopefully, in person. Similar plans are being made for our German students and for our new Year 7 students some of whom, from September, will have the opportunity to study Spanish.

Our 3G pitch is, once again, being enjoyed by all of our students during curricular and extra-curricular activities, but did you know that is it also available to hire? The artificial pitch is floodlit and is available to hire either in its entirety or in a combination of thirds for smaller groups. The high quality pitch is constructed of 'Tiger Turf Atomic Pro', a FIFA and FIH (International Hockey Federation) compliant synthetic sports flooring material. Lettings are available seven days a week, outside school hours, and ample parking is available on the school site. There are also grass pitches and tennis courts available to hire. For further details, pitch availability and to book, visit ladymanners.schoolhire.co.uk

Year 7 linguists have been learning about Easter in France and Germany this week and have put their knowledge and creativity to good use to make a traditional 'Osterstrauss' or Easter bouquet. Decorated eggs and cards with tiny bells attached have been added to beautiful 'trees' created by our Premises Team. The tradition of adorning branches and bushes with decorated eggs is popular in Germany. In France, Easter bells traditionally drop Easter treats in the gardens of children on the way back from visiting the Pope in Rome! The beautifully decorated trees have been on display in the Main Hall, helping the students to get into the Easter spirit. We hope that all of our students have a relaxing Easter break and we look forward to welcoming them back to school on Monday 19 April.

Technical Support (Art & Design) Note: applications will only be considered by email or telephone to the school. For details and to apply: - Visit: www.ladymanners.net/vacancies - Phone: 01629 812671 - E-mail: jobs@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk Closing date for applications: 25 April 2021 Applications via Facebook will not be considered.

Year 9 musicians made the most of the beautiful weather as they enjoyed an al fresco music lesson in the sun this morning. The school uses 'boomwhackers' – tuned percussion tubes - to enable music to be taught anywhere (as the current year group bubble arrangements require). The colourful tubes are hit on the floor or hand to create a single note so, when played in groups, tunes and rhythms can be created. They are easily sanitised between groups. There was some serious learning going on as these students were exploring contrast and composing melodies in ternary form structure whilst getting some fresh air!