A NEW DIRECTION

2008 was an extraordinary year for Newton College. As you will read in this Newssheet our pupils achieved remarkable successes, nationally and internationally, in different fields of school life. We were evaluated by the Latin American Heads Conference and the school's diverse strengths were highlighted and suggestions for improvement were signposted. The school was one of only eight international schools to feature in Cambridge 800, the special book published to celebrate Cambridge University's 800th anniversary.

Now we must look forward to the challenges of 2009. As from this academic year, Mrs. Fiorella Márquez will assume the post of National Director. Mrs. Márquez has been working at our school since 1982. She has been the Deputy Head of Lower School and the Head of Early Years. Her vast experience and knowledge will be of great support during the school's next stage of development.

Mr. Esponda, our former National Director, has decided to retire from the post, but he will continue to be our Head of Religion and to offer his counsel and support throughout 2009. I would like to publicly thank him for his exemplary commitment and reassuring wisdom during the seven years that he held the post.

In the next five years we will consolidate the curriculum so that the pupils develop an even wider range of skills and greater depth of understanding. The new swimming pool is being completed, a new library and two additional classrooms are being built for Early Years and the Art rooms are being refurbished. More computers will be purchased and a new intranet and virtual learning campus will be launched. Emphasis will be given to environmental education and pupils will take part in the national project, Plan Verde Peru.

2008 was an extraordinary year but we must keep advancing and prepare the pupils for the future. As the Spanish proverb says, "He who does not progress, regresses."

Andrew Cino
Headmaster