Lindsworth School - Lindsworth School - Every Child Matters

The long and winding road

This morning’s assembly followed the theme of this week, which is “The long and winding road.” It focussed on Duwayne Brooks, who in April 1993 witnessed the murder of Stephen Lawrence. This event has had a profound impact on our society in that we have all had to look at our attitudes toward racism and how schools, police, and other agencies deal with this issue.     

Duwayne had to live for many years with the fact that the people who had killed his friend were walking free. Finally earlier this year two of the men involved were convicted. Duwayne travelled a journey that was a very tough one. He suffered from post-traumatic stress and lived in fear for many years.

Despite this, Duwayne looked to the future and did not let himself be defined by the past. He has championed people working together and bonding to prevent further tragedy. Lewisham, where he lives, is like Birmingham in that it is multicultural, diverse, and there is income inequality. Traditionally this would lead to tension, but thankfully racism is now frowned upon by the overwhelming majority of people.

Mr Brooks has taken his experience and is building on it to work for good in his community. He now serves as a councillor, representing his community and working to improve the lives of the people of Lewisham.

He is an inspiration and a guide for us all.

David McMahon.

Concern for Missing Kings Norton Teenager.

From West Midlands Police:

BIRMINGHAM Police are appealing for help in tracing a 16-year-old who has been missing since the start of April.
Andrew Williams was last seen by his mother on Friday 30 March after he left the family home in Kings Norton and did not return.
Police are now becoming increasingly concerned for the teenager and are appealing for anyone who may have seen him to get in touch.
Andrew is described as white, 5ft 8 inches tall with brown hair. At the time of his disappearance he had a goatee beard. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark bottoms and grey and orange trainers.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bournville Police on the non-emergency telephone number 101.

Lindsworth's Got Talent!

What a phenomenal show that was put on this morning for the end of term. The judging panel of Sharon Osbourne (Caroline Tams) Randy Jackson (Trevor Francis) and JLo (Annissa Cherif), plus an audience of invited guests (pupils and staff) put on a show to remember. Special mention must go to Anas, Trenton, Lemar, Big John, Leah, Jamal, Anita, Daniel, Ryan, and Deshai for putting on the best show Lindsworth has seen in years. They were ably supported by Ken, Mick, Lucy, Sonia, Thelma, Ralph, Dave, and not forgetting Bobby, Tony, and Dennis.

The performances we saw today are something that should make everyone associated with Lindsworth feel proud about. Well done to all.

We all look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 17th April 2012 for the start of the summer term. Staff have a training day on the 16th. See you then!

David McMahon, Headteacher. 

You want to become a Governor!

So – you have often thought about being a governor, but you have never been asked. You are not sure what governors do or whether you will be good enough. Well, here is an opportunity to change all of that.

Here is some information to get you started:

Lindsworth School is looking for Governors to join a successful board who care about the children we work with. Lindsworth’s last Ofsted on the  Social Care side was “Good” and the quality of education is “satisfactory.” We have the potential to become consistently good and outstanding. We work closely with other special and mainstream schools in the area.  We are particularly looking for governors who have knowledge, skills, or experience in any of the following

·         Education

·         Finance

·         The law

·         Buildings/premises

·         Human resources

·         Child Protection

What do you get in return?

YOU GET

·         To use your skills for the benefit of our school children, their parents/carers, and the local community.

·         To develop skills that may be useful in your work.

·         To show your employer (if you are working) that you have leadership skills/experience or potential.

·         To show yourself (in unemployment or retirement) that you have skills that are of high value and of great use in an education establishment.

·         A chance to work with a great bunch of like-minded people.

·         To have a great feeling of doing something worthwhile.

·         To join the largest volunteer force in the country.

·         Training in all areas of leadership and education.

Don’t just think about it – you will be getting a letter from the school very soon, please fill in the application form and take part in a very rewarding activity. If you are unable to volunteer, but know of someone who is a parent and would like to make a contribution, then please ask them to get in touch with me, or Emma Hall, our Clerk to the Governers, who would be pleased to help. 

Best wishes,

David McMahon.