A message from Mr Willis:

I am very glad so many students were able to make it into school today and hope they managed to enjoy themselves together while getting some work done. Year 11 students who made it in for their mock exams are to be commended in particular. I am sorry that a number were unable to make it but understand entirely that it is not an easy call to make and it is always wise to consider safety first.

The day would not have been safe and productive if such a high proportion of our staff had not managed to defeat the elements. I am very grateful to everyone who made it in on such a challenging morning, especially those who watched for the roads to clear and came in later when they felt safe to do so. What learning took place was because of those efforts and a lot of families felt able to go to work and businesses could open because they were able to rely on your efforts. I really don’t take it for granted and I know people in the community appreciate the efforts you make on such days. Again I appreciate people recognising when it was not safe and choosing not to take more risks than felt sensible.

The forecast for tomorrow morning shows much less snow around, but I am very conscious that it may be icy, which is equally tricky. We will be open but the same approach seems wise. Do not feel pressed to come into school if you don’t feel safe or confident. If you do come in, take as much time as you need to be safe. We will check with the coach companies and keep people up to speed as soon as we have useful information.

Students should refrain from chucking snowballs tomorrow, please. Today was fun, tomorrow it will be ice and slush, which is not amusing or sensible. This is particularly important where there are young children about or cars. Drivers have enough to concentrate on and tempers may get frayed very quickly.

It seems sensible to drop the requirement to wear school shoes tomorrow. If you feel safer walking in boots, wellies or trainers in the morning it will be OK to wear them in school, just for the day. Whatever feels safer in the morning will keep you upright through the day.

Thank you to everyone involved in making today go so well. I hope to see you tomorrow, assuming it is safe for you to get into Wallingford.