Last week I shared information about Oliver’s Dragon’s, the excellent local charity set up to support local young people and those closely affected by cancer. I mentioned that they are having a big fundraising event whereby the brave and the daft have the chance to take part in a fire walk to raise money. The details of the event at Marple Sports Club are copied again at the end of this blog.

It dawned on me over the weekend that I couldn’t just advertise this event, and should in fact take part myself. So, wisely or otherwise, I have signed up to join in the challenge. I would dearly like to raise a good amount of money for the charity and so if anyone has a spare pound or two, and wants to put it to very good use, then you can do so safe in the knowledge that Mr Barker is literally going to walk over hot coals for it. Details of how to donate are here

Aside from that excitement, immediately after half term we are moving to a new whole school MIS (management information system). It’s an exciting change as we move from SIMS to Bromcom. We are sure there will be some teething issues in the early weeks as this is a complicated process, but when all is settled we’re confident that Bromcom will provide a much better service for parents, families, staff and students. Please be patient if things are not perfect straight away!

Finally, Marple Hall School are proposing to make some changes to our admissions policy and the the ‘over-subscribed’ criteria. The Local Authority are managing the process on behalf of all schools, and details can be found here.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week next week, and thank you for all your support over another successful half term.

Best wishes,

Joe Barker

This week, I want to celebrate two things that show the strength of our school community.

On Friday 14th November 2025, Marple Sports Club will host a Firewalk for Oliver’s Dragons. Oliver’s Dragons is a charity set up in memory of Oliver Buchanan, supporting young people by funding leisure and recreational facilities for children in our area and secondly, providing grants to families where a child is closely impacted by cancer. Many Marple Hall students are leaders in this charity, working hard to raise awareness and funds – we are so proud of them.

The Firewalk is a bold challenge: Do you dare conquer the coals? Entry is £30 plus a £100 fundraising pledge. Sign up details are on the poster below.

Even if you don’t fancy warming your feet for free, please support this amazing cause and the incredible young people behind it. Further details on the charity can be found here General 5 — Olivers Site

Speaking of fire…

On Tuesday, we carried out both a lockdown drill and a fire drill, followed by an unexpected fire evacuation on Wednesday. These drills are essential for safety and our students responded brilliantly. Their calm, sensible behaviour and respect for the process were outstanding. It’s reassuring to know that they take these events seriously, and we are very proud of them. I’d like to thank all my colleagues too who handled a complex situation on Wednesday with great skill and positivity.

I hope you all have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

One of the things I love most about walking the corridors of Marple Hall is the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed. A student holding the door open for someone else. A kind word exchanged between peers. A smile and a ‘thanks Miss’ offered to a member of staff. These moments might seem insignificant, but they’re not. They’re the heartbeat of a respectful, thriving school.

At Marple Hall, we talk a lot about our five core values; Determination, Honesty, Readiness, Respect, and Spark. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the kind of school we want to be. But following on from last week’s blog, I want to focus on Respect, and how within it kindness is one of the most powerful attributes of all.

Kindness isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with applause or recognition. But it matters. It matters when someone is having a tough day and a friend checks in. It matters when a student helps another without being asked. It matters when we speak to each other with patience, even when we’re under pressure. Kindness is also sometime brave, stepping in to help someone when others can’t or won’t. Respect isn’t just about following rules or being polite — it’s about recognising the value in every person around us. And kindness is how we show that recognition. It’s how we say, “You matter, and I care.”

In assemblies this week, Miss Gregory has been talking about the kind of culture we want to build — one where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. That starts with kindness. It starts with choosing to be generous with our words, our time, and our attention. So here’s my challenge to all of us, students, staff, and families alike: Let’s make kindness our default. Let’s look for opportunities to lift each other up, even in small ways. Let’s remember that every act of kindness counts.

After all, when kindness becomes the culture, anything is possible.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

I don’t know who first said these words, but they seem really apt today. I’m writing this blog after reading news of the attack on people outside of a Synagogue in Manchester today. That such a thing can happen within our wider Greater Manchester community is shocking to say the least, and my thoughts are with all those affected whether directly or indirectly. I am also very aware that there a people from many different backgrounds and faiths who are feeling anxious at the moment, for a variety of reasons, and my thoughts are with them too.

If you or your child/ward are concerned about this event, or indeed any of the other troubling events in the world at the moment, and you would like guidance on how to speak to them then the Local Authority have produced a helpful guide. It is called ‘Supporting children in an uncertain world‘ and can be found near the bottom of the page here.

I do not share my political views in school and rightly so. My job, and that of our staff, is to educate young people so that they can make up their own minds, free from undue influence in school. But that doesn’t mean we cannot try to instil in people the good values of tolerance and respect – and to promote the most powerful quality of all – being kind.

Take care,

Joe Barker