As another academic year draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on what has been achieved and start to think about the future. For DCET, it was another busy year with new schools joining and more planned for the next academic year. The priority though remains to provide outstanding education for all our pupils in line with our Trust values. I have been a Director/Trustee of DCET since its inception and currently I am Chair of the People, Governance & Communications Committee of the Board. We always need to thank people for the work they do; Mrs Taylor and her team of tireless professionals, our teaching staff, our support staff and the parents of our pupils, and of course our pupils themselves. However, given my role I want to focus on thanking our volunteers, our Governors, PTAs and others, including my fellow Directors, who contribute so much of their time. Without people like you giving your time, DCET would not be the success that it is. People volunteer to support causes for many reasons. I feel education is somewhat unique, we all have to follow process, have our backgrounds checked, and undertake training, but we do so to help support the adults of the future. I find being a Director rewarding and indeed challenging, but for me it is all worthwhile due to one day a year and that is our Public Speaking Competition. This is run with the support of the The Catenian Association, and our pupils speak on Catholic Social Teaching. To see our pupils challenge themselves to speak on a topic in front of an audience, to appreciate the time they have spent with their teachers preparing and rehearsing, to learn something new myself every year (we held our 4th competition this year), to see pupils learning life skills, is to witness joyous and outstanding education in action. This one day makes all the meetings, the training, the time, worthwhile. I’m sure, my fellow volunteers, you have your own examples, please share them with others and encourage them to volunteer as well. Have a great summer. Peter Smith Director and Chair of the People, Governance & Communications Committee
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