Greasby Junior School

Message from Mr D Bettridge

I am writing to introduce myself and welcome you all back after the summer break and to extend a warm welcome to our new students as we start this new term. I am delighted to have taken up the post of Interim Headteacher at Greasby Junior School from the start of this term until January.

I met all of our students today and assured them that the ethos of Greasby Junior, in terms of its care for students, will not change.  I appreciate that having a new Headteacher can sometimes be an unsettling time for a school and I will ensure that the school continues to have the strong leadership and provide the high quality of education that Mr Martin has achieved.  Without doubt, he has left big shoes to fill and I am excited and privileged to take on this challenge.

A little about me: I was born and bred on the Wirral (New Brighton) and, for the last 12 years, I have worked in Wirral primary schools and for the local authority; with the last 5 years being employed as Deputy Head Teacher of Thingwall Primary School.  I have taught across all age ranges including Key Stage One and Two.  My subject specialism is Maths and I have worked with a wide variety of Wirral primary schools helping to provide Maths advice and support.

I look forward to bringing some of my own interests and contacts to Greasby Juniors and providing some exciting opportunities for the children this first term.  Some initial plans are: dance clubs, sports clubs, computing opportunities and, of course, continuing Mr Martin’s Friday scooter races!    More information about these will follow in the next few weeks.

I believe that good relationships enable pupils and staff members to make the best progress and be as effective as they can be. I am firm but fair and make my expectations clear through open communication.  With this in mind, I have already asked the staff to introduce one new job which they have agreed to.  Every Friday, I have asked each member of staff to select one child that deserves praise perhaps for their effort, behaviour, improvements, resilience etc. and to try to make contact with the child’s parent at some point on that Friday to deliver this praise whether it be in person at school pick up, or via phone/email.  Therefore, if you do have a missed phone call from school on a Friday, please don’t panic!

 I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know your children.  I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of you already and thank you for such a friendly and welcoming introduction just within the first few days.  Where possible, for the first few weeks, I will try to be on the lower Key Stage 2 playground (to help settle the new starters) before school starts, so do please pop along if you’re dropping off children and say hello.  Otherwise, I’m always happy to meet parents and, if you would like to make an appointment, please do contact the office.

This is clearly a vibrant and friendly school, with a very strong community and caring ethos.  I am very pleased indeed to be joining your school.

Kindest wishes.

David Bettridge

School Staff

School Governors