BRJ does Grease

Have been thoroughly entertained this evening by returning to BRJ to see their excellent production of Grease.  There were some stunning performances – songs were nailed, the choreography was superb and there was lots of humour throughout.  It was great to see kids that I have known since year 7 really stepping up to the plate and it was especially good to see some of my old 10CT form taking starring roles.

It’s been quite an emotional evening – I had a great time but there was also a touch of sadness that I am no longer part of the place.  Still, it was good to catch up with old friends – staff and pupils alike.

Catching up with old friends…

Met up with some friends from BRJ last night – it was great to see them.  Some superb organisation by Madame Evans resulted in a fine evening which culuminated some top nosh at K2.  On the way to the pub, Jon (thanks for the lift) and I became founder members of the Sarah E. fan club although I did let the side down somewhat as I forgot exactly what he said… Still, thanks again and I’m looking forward to the next one!

Last day at BRJ

It was a really sad day, but after 5 good years, my time at BRJ has come to an end. I guess the reality of the situation will hit me in September but I have to say a big thank you to all my colleagues and friends who have made my working life such a pleasure. The difficult days would have been much worse without all their support, patience, friendship and laughter – I hope to stay in touch with as many as possible. If the staff at SHS even come close to the friends I have at BRJ I will be a very fortunate man indeed.

Although sad, it was a day of good memories.  I had a party during my year 12 lesson and they pulled out all the stops with food, a cake with candles and a present which was great.  One of my form took some time out from work experience to present me with a bottle of champagne and a card which was really nice – good memories.

BRJ Leaving Do

Had a wonderful send off last night with my friends from BRJ – I will miss them all greatly but we had a good time in Ironbridge with a meal and drinks at the White Hart.  A real surprise was the appearance of John Martin, Richard Lawson, Dave Humphreys and Austin Atkinson – all ex-heads or assistant heads who really added to the occasion by making speeches for myself, Shirley and Dave.  It’s going to be a strange day today…. 

BRJ Year 11 Leavers Ball

Had a great time saying good bye to the Year 11’s at the Shrophsire golf club last week. On the whole they have been a really good year and I will miss lots of them. Lots of fun was had by all and about 40 staff turned up which was a great turn out. Managed to get in my usual Whigfield, Saturday Night dance moves and also a last ever BRJ break dancing moment after lots of peer pressure!

The Final Registration with 10CT

Had my last registration period with my form yesterday.  They are year 10 and off for 2 weeks work experience.  Although we have not always seen eye to eye it was quite a sad moment and its a shame that I couldn’t seem they through to the end of year 11.  Got a nice box of chocs and a few bottles of wine but more importantly a couple of really nice cards from some unexpected sources!

Bala Lake

Fantastic weather, great campsite, good company, dodgy football result.

Had a great weekend away with some colleagues – fires on the beach, bbqs and sailing.  Would recommend the campsite and I hope to head back there again soon….

 

BRJ Sports Day

Another sad "last time" moment, however, I was delighted to be asked to run the first leg for the year 12 girls relay team who were guesting in the year 10 race.  After I exploded from the blocks, you can imagine my disappointment when, after about 20 meters, I dropped the baton. Gutted.  We still finished third but I feel I may be on the receiving end of some stick tomorrow.  I believe there is also some video footage and I will post it here if I manage to get hold of it.

BRJ French Exchange

Ah.. Paris in June. Four staff and 35 year 7 students have just returned from a jam packed few days in Paris. We had a wonderful time with fantastic hosts and fantastic weather. Have a look at the trip blog for some more details.

Sadly, this will be my last trip away with BRJ but it was a great way to go out. I was even persuaded to come out of my self imposed break dancing retirement. All very relevant I suppose as I think I probably began to break dance when I was on French Exchange aged around 12…..

Fantasy League

Mr Curtis – top of the BRJ fantasy league table, am looking forward to picking up my trophy…