7th May 2021
Dear Parents/ Guardians
Last week the Headteacher recruitment panel consisting of five Governors and supported by the local authority held a two-day interview process to employ a new Headteacher to lead Fair Oak Junior School.
After ratification by the Full Governing Body, I am delighted to inform you that Mr David Bessant will become our new Headteacher from September 2021.
Over the next few weeks, Mr Bessant will be in School often as we prepare for a smooth handover.
Experienced Headteachers will tell you that this year has been the toughest they have ever faced. Here in Fair Oak, we have faced those challenges with an interim leadership arrangement.
Mrs Layley, Mrs Cooper and Mrs Gowers have performed magnificently alongside the Senior Leadership Team over the past year. I am proud of everything they have achieved, from the way they have maintained the School through the building works, looked after our children as they returned to School after such a long period of absence and provided a safe and caring place for the children to learn. Thank you.
Since Mr De Silva’s appointment as Headteacher the School has moved forward in so many ways, with Mr Bessant as our new Headteacher our School and the Fair Oak family will not only be in very safe hands but will continue to prosper and develop.
Mr Bessant has asked me to share the following message with you all…
Dear Fair Oak Family,
I feel incredibly proud and privileged to have been invited to become the next headteacher of Fair Oak Junior School from September 2021. During my time in school last week, I met so many wonderful children who are an absolute credit to their parents, carers and the staff team with whom they work so well. They are polite, hardworking and inquisitive about the world they are growing up in. They are going to be a pleasure to work alongside from September.
It was lovely to meet so many parents on Wednesday morning; thank you for taking the time to share with me what Fair Oak Junior School means to you. I am looking forward to working in partnership with you to ensure that your children continue to thrive as part of the Fair Oak family.
I am going to be joining an ambitious, dedicated and caring staff team who are determined to provide your children with inspirational learning experiences whilst widening their horizons and enabling them to become global citizens who explore their ideas about the world. Mrs Layley and her team have continued to build on Mr De Silva’s excellent work and should be incredibly proud of how they have led the school during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Your school is supported and challenged by a really strong team of governors who I am looking forward to working alongside. Their passion for your school was evident throughout the two days I spent with Rob and his team last week and I was delighted when he asked me if I would accept the opportunity to become your headteacher from September. I can’t wait to get started!
David Bessant
Thank you for your patience over the past year while we have made this appointment. If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Best Wishes
Rob Gardner
Chair of Governors Fair Oak Junior School