Mr Alaric Govan - CHS January 2023

Dear Parents/Carers

 

As we approach the end of this term, I wanted to introduce myself as the new Headteacher of Chichester High School from January 2023. I am very much looking forward to leading the school and becoming part of the TKAT family of schools.

 

This is my twenty seventh year in education, sixteen of which have been spent as a senior leader. My background is as an English teacher, before taking on senior leadership roles in different Hampshire schools. I am particularly passionate about reading, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education, and opportunities outside of the classroom.

 

As Headteacher, I have high expectations for uniform, behaviour, and achievement inside and outside of the classroom. I will expect students to work hard, take a pride in their work, and to excel in everything they do. I believe that excellent behaviour is fundamental to ensuring that learning takes place. At Chichester High, we will emphasise the importance of treating people with courtesy and respect, and working together as a school and wider community. With this in mind, I will be looking to engage with students, staff and parents/carers in the New Year to help me to help build on the high standards that already exist in the school.

 

As a parent of three children, two of whom have attended Chichester schools, I appreciate the pressures that can come from our children regarding conforming to school rules. I would therefore ask for your support in ensuring that your child wears the correct uniform, attends school on time, works hard in all lessons, completes homework to the best of their ability, and gets involved in extra-curricular activities. I

think it is particularly important that children do take advantage of the opportunities available at Chichester High. Do encourage them to join a club, take up a sport, or get involved in the Creative Arts. Who knows where this new interest of passion will take them?

 

In my experience, high expectations lead to high outcomes and this starts with how children present themselves as this reflects their pride and buy-in with school. The reason we have a school uniform policy is to eradicate differences between children and also to create a sense of community and oneness. With this in mind, we will be having a refocus on uniform at the start of next term, particularly with regards to jewellery, makeup, shoes and hoodies. Please refer to the school’s website www.chs-tkat.org/308/uniform for further details of our uniform policy.

Having visited Chichester High several times this half-term, I know that most students are already very smart and are fantastic ambassadors for the school. However, I do need to tell you that any student who attends school in the wrong school uniform on Wednesday 4 th  January, and thereafter, will be asked to make this right. If this is not possible, they may be removed from circulation or sent home to rectify the situation. I would ask for your support in ensuring that your child returns to school in the correct uniform to ensure that this is not necessary.

 

Second hand uniform is available from the Assistant Pastoral Support Manager Hub for each year group; this is provided free to Pupil Premium students.

 

It is almost five months since I was successful at interview, and I am really excited to start in January. Over the past two weeks, I have met with the Senior Leadership Team and led a whole-staff meeting; I am looking forward to seeing the school production of GRAnnie this week. Chichester High is a special school and I am honoured to be leading it in the New Year.
 
Please kindly note that Tuesday 3 rd January 2023 will now be an INSET day so your child does not return to school until Wednesday 4 th January 2023. I hope that you are all able to have a restful holiday and I look forward to seeing your child back in school with effect from Wednesday 4th January.

Yours faithfully

ALARIC GOVAN
Headteacher