Mr Chris Trueman
It is with great sadness that I write about the death of Mr Trueman on Sunday, 19 May.
Mr Trueman joined Sackville in January 1983 and taught history throughout his time here until his early retirement last summer 2012. His students always enjoyed his lessons, enthused by his love of history and his endless stories of characters and events from the past. In later years he also taught politics in the sixth form, impressing all with his knowledge and his many digressionary tales of political figures.
Mr Trueman became a Year Tutor in 1993 and saw 4 generations through their compulsory school years. He was a caring pastoral leader, who saw the goodness and talent in each individual and nurtured them to achieve their potential.
He was always a keen sportsman and when he took early retirement last summer he was hoping to pursue other interests, including competing in triathlon events. After falling ill in August, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and finally passed away on Sunday night.
He was loved and respected by all as a great teacher and a friendly, supportive colleague. He was highly amusing, with a dry wit and a great skill for storytelling. To spend time in his company was a joy. He could talk without seeming to draw breath and have everyone splitting their sides with laughter.
He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.
Mrs Robson
Headteacher
Head’s Message
How do we see ourselves and what do we strive to offer your children?
Sackville is a large school, but a small community. We are in partnership with our parents to ensure a happy, caring and supportive environment, within which we all work together to achieve the very highest standards. Those standards apply to all aspects of our life - academic learning, creativity, sport and not least, respect for one another.
That is why we offer all our students the chance to learn and grow, the right to be listened to and express themselves. We also provide a clear set of expectations about behaviour, which aims at fairness for all. Students at all levels enjoy taking on responsibilities and working with those in other year groups.
Our last Ofsted in April 2013 confirmed that “Students’ behaviour and safety are good. The school is welcoming and calm. Students are well cared for and appreciate their teachers.”
We see ourselves as both a community within our own walls and at the same time as part of a greater community, that of East Grinstead and beyond. This is reflected in our awards for Engineering Specialism, Artsmark Silver, International School and Healthy School. In the 21st century we will all have to be more flexible and better equipped to meet change. Certain human values, however, do not change. At Sackville we hope you will join us in meeting the challenge of producing the citizens of this exciting future.
Visitors are always welcome; simply contact us to make an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and showing you round.
M Robson, Headteacher
