Christine has sent OnTheWight an open letter to share with Cowes Enterprise College students, governors and the Isle of Wight community. In her own words, Ed
Dear OnTheWight
As I leave my post of Executive Principal at Cowes Enterprise College I really 
wanted to write to express my thanks to the groups of people on the island who have made the biggest impact on my work here and who have won a great big piece of my heart.
To students
It was as a result of meeting students in march last year that I decided to come to Cowes as Executive Principal and having developed relationships with you over the past nine months I can honestly say that you have not disappointed me. I have worked in a good number of schools in my career and I would have to say that students at Cowes are amongst the most articulate young people that I have ever met.
To staff
What a roller coaster of a ride we have been on. I am so proud of what you have achieved over the past nine months and no matter what challenges have been thrown at you have all worked together to prove that Cowes has the potential to be an Outstanding College. Teachers, support staff and administrative staff have shown a multitude of excellent skills and some of the events that have been organised have been the best I have experienced. I am particularly proud of your achievements in improving the quality of teaching and learning. I am delighted that most recent monitoring visit from OFSTED recognised the improvements and changes that we have made on the path to success.
To governors
I really do not think people understand the passion that you all have for Cowes. As ‘unpaid’ voluntary governors, who have very busy professional and personal lives, nobody should question the incredible amount of time and commitment that you have put into this College for the benefit of our young people. I wish all the very best wishes for the future as the College becomes an Academy.
The Isle of Wight Community
I have been so impressed by what happens on the Island – from superb charity work to excellent entertainment and ‘fun’. My husband and I (as well as our dog) have fallen in love with the wonderful outdoors enjoying lots of wonderful walks, punctuated with the most delicious cream teas.
My advice to you is – please do not take what you have for granted and please help all the young people to appreciate what they have here. Cowes Enterprise College is a learning campus at the heart of the community and I will be looking forward to this wonderful new building playing a positive role in your lives.
Please don’t let the ‘political’ agenda cloud your judgement about the potential the building has. The opportunities that it brings to learning are fantastic and has infinite potential.
Good luck to you all. I will be watching with interest your development and I will certainly say hello when I come back to this beautiful island for holidays.
A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
Christine
