Miss Benfell has visited both Middlemarch Primary and Chetwyd Junior School this week to deliver some descriptive writing workshops.  Pupils learned some new ambitious vocabulary and practised using it in their work, describing an image after the fall of Icarus.  There was some fantastic writing and pupils thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.

This term has been an exciting one for the 17 staff new to Etone.  With their recruitment adding capacity and depth to both subject areas and wider support.

All of our new staff received their welcome packs in the first week to help them ease into their new roles as well as joining Mr Smith and other members of the Leadership team for a welcome breakfast at the end of the first week.

In their highlights of the first week they said “how friendly and welcoming everyone is and how close the staff are.”  They appreciated the “leadership presence and support,” and really enjoyed “seeing Year 7 starting to build their confidence.”

Also, within the first term our new staff have been welcomed by Sam Kibble from the Central Team at Matrix Academy Trust who outlined what was available as part of Matrix’s staff benefits and wellbeing support.

Teachers returning from maternity leave have also been welcomed back with bespoke return to school support and check ins ensuring that the transition is the best it can be. 

Every year we seek to improve and develop our new staff induction support so the induction survey completed by all new staff is essential to this.   Mr Smith met with new staff for a coffee and pain au chocolat at break time to support this evaluation and to thank them for their contributions to Etone so far.

As the year progresses, we will continue to check in with our new staff to ensure they have settled well, enjoy their role and can access the developmental opportunities on offer withing our school and Trust.