This is a joint blog as Key Stage 3 and 4 celebrated Christmas together at Spring Brook and is dedicated to the memory of Sue Tole (was McCabe).

This term has gone so fast! We are very proud of our students who have supported numerous charities this half term: Macmillan, Operation Christmas Child, Children in Need, Save the Children and Barnabus (a homeless charity based in Manchester) to name a few!

We ended the term with a lovely shared Christmas lunch made by our very own cook, Sue – it was yummy! A big thank you to Sue who always looks after our catering needs. We had a civilized get together with both key stages enjoying lunch and crackers wearing our Christmas Jumpers..

The generosity of people at this time of year never ceases to amaze us. Mr Pidlyskyj’s wife made sure that all our students got a Christmas present this year; her team donated gifts directly to school. We would like to say a personal thank you to the team at Salford Royal Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Department and to Mrs Pidlyskyj, Specialist Breast Care Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner. Your kindness has been very well received at Spring Brook Academy.

Monday saw every class joining in the group wide Super Learning Day and finding out about Christmas around the world. Thanks to the staff who organised our first Spring Brook Christmas fayre. The students made beautiful gifts from wood and felt to delicious treats and organised games – it was a fun day enjoyed by everyone..

In the Nurture Group, the boys have kept the structure right up to the end of term..

We have been really busy again in the Nurture Group this week, the group have been getting ready for Christmas. In Maths we have been looking at the area of shapes, with all the group completing a great piece of work, like Harvey’s..

The boys have been learning their tables over the last term and are now recapping them each week as you can see from James’ work..

The boys have completed their Christmas crafts with all of them having lots to take home..

For our Super Learning Day on Monday we looked at Christmas in America. The boys have been colouring the American flag to make bunting for the classroom..

In food technology the group made some fabulous chocolate logs..

Well done boys, you have had a great week!

Those chocolate logs looked so professional! The boys really enjoyed making them, well done. Year 9 have also been busy this week, making and donating items to the homeless..

On Thursday 14th December, after spending numerous days collecting and shopping for items, the Year 9 class collectively donated large amounts of food, clothing and bedding to Manchester’s homeless charity, Barnabus. The charity was overwhelmed with the amount of effort the class had made and contribution to those less fortunate than themselves..

Barnabus awarded the class with a certificate of gratitude which hangs high in our classroom. So proud of you all!

This week has also brought many festive feelings in regards to Christmas and has seen the Year 9 class making personalised gifts to take home to parents. Not only did each learner within the class take part, they all chose their own styles and patiently created a gift to be proud of..

This class have done amazing deeds this week and you should all be extremely proud of yourselves and your own personal achievements.
Well done Year 9, Happy Christmas and roll on a brilliant New Year!
Miss Brown x

Harry had a lovely surprise on Friday when he was taken out for a chocomellow..

..before being presented with a bike from Positive Steps!

Harry had a tour of the workshop looking at all the different bikes with no idea that he was getting one! Harry was over the moon when he was told that one was for him and he couldn’t wait to ride it..

What a wonderful surprise!

Cory has taken some wonderful pictures of our new Winter Art display which is now brightening up Spring Brook..

A message from Mrs Tootill..

This week we say ‘adieu ‘ to Mrs Lamb, the Head of New Bridge School. I have spent the last 18 years working with Judith and I can honestly say it has been a pleasure and an honour. Judith has been an inspiration – she has taught me the importance of listening to everyone; staff, students, parents and carers. She has the ability to make everyone feel at ease and has always had an ‘open door’ and a caring approach. She is my friend and she has watched my children grow up – in return, I shared the news of her and Martin becoming grandparents.

Judith – good luck, health and happiness on your retirement.

Alison

Just to end the term, we are always delighted to share our Spring Brook success stories and a lovely young man came to visit us on Monday 18th December to spread some good cheer. It was Mr Patrick Whitehead. In Year 9 Paddy made some wrong choices and needed a different curriculum offer. In Year 11, Paddy came back into school to sit his GCSEs. I am delighted to share with you the news that Patrick is now serving his country and has joined the Army. It really made us feel positive that our school has supported Patrick through some difficult times but ultimately, Patrick has had the confidence to follow his dream. I am so very proud of you Mr Patrick Whitehead, you are a true success and inspiration to all of our students at Spring Brook..

So from both of us and our wonderful team here at Spring Brook Academy, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Here is hoping that 2018 brings us all lots of luck and happiness..

Miss Rodgers and Mrs Tootill
Head of Site and Head of Springboard Project

You can find all our weekly Key Stage 3 blog entries here

You can find all our weekly Key Stage 4 blog entries here

Click here to read Graham’s end of year message