Just for those of you that won't receive it because you're not ex-pupils or have moved a sufficient number of times to be unfindable, here is the full text of the letter that my sister received:
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23rd March 2005
Dear Former Pupil,
Inquiry into Discipline Policy at St Vedast and St James Schools during the formative years.
I am writing to you on behalf of the Governors of St James Schools and at their request to inform you that they are seeking to establish an inquiry into discipline policy and its application during the formative years of St Vedast and St James Schools, with particular regard to 1975-85, but not restricted to that period.
The Governors hope the inquiry will be conducted by a Queens Counsel, who is wholly independent of St James Schools and The School of Economic Science, which inspired the development of the schools for children some 30 years ago.
The decision to hold an inquiry has arisen following various adverse comments brought informally to the Governors' attention, along with a handful of specific complaints about the application of the schools' discipline policy in the 1970s and 1980s. The Governors' wish is to establish the truth about these complaints, and then, if appropriate to facilitate any reconciliation between past pupils, the teachers and the schools.
Former pupils wishing to participate in the inquiry should submit any complains to the Clerk to the Inquiry, Mrs Christine Betts, whose email address is
vedast@vwl.co.uk by April 29th 2005. (This date is an extended deadline from March 16, as notified to former pupils, both boys and girls, via the 'Seventh Form' website).
Any complaint should be specified as fully, clearly and accurately as possible. Recognising that these matters may have taken place up to three decades ago, it would nonetheless be helpful to the inquiry if complaints could say what was said or done, by whom and against whom, in whose presence or hearing and with what effect, and when and where the incident occurred. If a complaint about the incident was made straight afterwards, then details of that complaint should also be given.
Discussions are continuing witha small group of former pupils as to the Chairmanship of the proposed inquiry and its terms of reference. The precise nature of the inquiry depends on teh volume and nature of complains registered. The Governors are hopeful that all detailed matters affecting the conduct of the Inquiry can be settled soon after Easter.
The Schools have also been approached by former pupils who wish to express their positive support to both teachers and the schools during the time of this formative period. Those wishing to make general statements rather than specific complaints, should also write to Mrs Christine Betts at the above address, but to mark the correspondence or email with the title "General observations on St James and St Vedast".
If this letter has been forwarded to you from the address we possess, we would be grateful for an update for our files and records.
Finally, Mrs Laura Hyde, Headmistress of the Senior Girls School, Mr Paul Moss, Headmaster of the Junior School and myself would also like to extend a warm welcome to any pupil, at any time in the school's history, who would like to come and visit us now. All three of our schools have recently been inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and have achieved very positive reports. Much has changed as the schools have gained experience and matured. We are confidnet you would find today's Schools interesting and refreshing.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely
David Boddy
Headmaster
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