From The Head - Friday 18 September 2026
Dear Parents,
“Good morning Mr Posts Puckle, how are you?”
“Good morning Mr Puckle, how was your summer?”
“Hi Mr Puckle! You were in my classroom yesterday!”
“Hello Mr Puckle (with hand offered to shake), welcome to The Ryleys!”
After spending the last two weeks in an eerily quiet building, it has been a pleasure to be at the front gate bidding ‘good morning’ to pupils over the last two days. Above are just a few examples of the wonderful greetings I have received! It is impossible not to be buoyed and energised by the pupils’ politeness, interaction, general enthusiasm and anticipation for what the day ahead holds in-store.
As we settle into the rhythm of term time after the summer holidays, it has been impressive to witness how quickly the pupils have settled into the year. New routines, teachers, classmates and challenges have been embraced and there is so much positive energy around the school. Whilst on the playground yesterday, I took the opportunity to ask some of our new starters what their favourite things have been so far at The Ryleys; answers ranged from “solving problems with Mr Goodchild to avoid being eaten by a shark!”, to “making new friends”, “the cake at lunchtime” and “my new teacher because they’re really kind”.
Yesterday brought our first whole Main School assembly of the year, where we learnt about all of the lovely things the pupils and teachers had been up to over the summer. We also spoke about how everybody is experiencing some level of change at the start of the school year, and how it is okay to feel a sense of apprehension or worry around this. I shared the words of a lovely welcome card I received last week; “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The children have taken those first steps this week into the new year, and they should be excited for all of the wonderful learning opportunities and experiences ahead.
On a personal level, can I just thank so many of you for taking the opportunity to come and introduce yourselves this week. If I have not yet managed to put names to faces, please bear with me, I promise I will get there in the end!
Wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead.
Warm regards,
Giles Puckle, Headteacher