18th January 2008

Public Benefit
You may have seen independent schools in the news this week. They now have to justify their existence as a charity by proving public benefit. If they cannot prove public benefit they could lose their charitable status.
I feel that independent schools should not have to prove public benefit in some contrived way such as sharing facilities, giving bursaries and offering partnerships to state schools. Independent schools already have enormous public benefit. If independent schools were to all close tomorrow the bill for educating all those extra children would cripple the economy. The money saved by children going to independent schools is enormous as, don’t forget, if you send your child to an independent school you are paying twice. Parents who don’t burden the state with a bill for their children’s education are still paying taxes towards education. Significantly independent schools on the whole produce the pupils who will one day become leaders, innovators and serve the economy well. Doctors and other essential practitioners often come through the independent system. This is the public benefit. Remove charitable status from independent schools and many of them will simply go out of business. That can only be bad news for public benefit. The fact is that whether you agree with them in principle they have to plug the gaps in the state system. Tied up by red tape and the need to follow the next political trend, state schools cannot be free to deliver the quality and excellence seen in the independent sector.

Coming Up
Next Wednesday we have an Under 10 netball fixture at Moorlands (2pm). If you have not yet made an appointment to see your child’s teacher please complete that over the coming week.
John Hipshon

Friends Meeting
New parents are the way forward for the Friends of The Alcuin (PTA). It’s always great to get fresh ideas for events and you may have valuable skills we can use! Our meetings are a social event in themselves!
So do come along to the next Friends meeting on Wednesday 23rd January 7:30 pm at The Alcuin School

Shared Supper
Everyone associated with the Alcuin School come and join us for a shared supper and the launch of something new …

Friday 1st February 2008
At the Alcuin School
From 7pm onwards
Bring a dish you love making
Licensed bar
Adults only
Admission Free
Isola Blair

Summary Box
Monday:
Art Club 3.30-4.30pm
Tuesday:
Swimming
Drama Club 3.30pm-4.30pm
Chess Coaching Years 2, 3 and 4 3.30pm-4.30pm
Wednesday:
UK Chess Challenge Round 3 Lunchtime
Netball U10 v Moorlands (2pm)
Story Club 3.30-4.30pm
Thursday:
Chess Squad Lunch time
Netball Practice 3.30-4.30pm
Friday:
Orchestra Lunchtime