Welcome from the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope that this message finds you and your families well.

It is with great excitement and a sense of privilege that I write to you as the new Acting Headteacher of St Nicholas’ Chantry Primary School. I am thrilled to be taking on this role, in a school that I am lucky to know so well, and is already on such a positive path of improvement. It is a real honour to be given the opportunity to build on the excellent work that has been achieved so far and to lead a staff team so deeply dedicated to making a difference.

I’d like to take a moment to share a bit more about myself and give you a glimpse into the life of ‘Stacy Shopland’ outside of school as often I have the privilege of you choosing to share more personal things about your families with me. I am the proud mum of three lively boys (Harry who is fourteen, Jack who is twelve and little Fred who is eight!). Having a house full of boys keeps Mr Shopland and I constantly on our toes and reminds me daily of the joy, and challenges, of parenting! Our family weekends for much of the year, are often spent on the sidelines of rugby pitches, cheering enthusiastically and embracing the muddy chaos! (I love seeing lots of our children and families, doing the same, when Yatton plays Clevedon!). At home, we share our lives with Wilf, our beloved whippet, who is always eager to join us on long walks, one of my favourite ways to relax. I also enjoy tackling home improvement projects (although I don’t think Mr Shopland would agree!), carrying the picnic as the boys take on the mountain bike trails and spending time with family and friends. Being a mum will forever be my greatest joy, and privilege, and it gives me a deep appreciation for the trust you place in us as educators to nurture and guide your children. 

As I step into this new role, I want to assure you of my wholehearted commitment to the children, families, and the dedicated staff team at St Nicholas Chantry School. Our school has a well-deserved reputation for striving for excellence, and I am determined to continue its journey of improvement with enthusiasm, integrity, and care. My goal is to continue to ensure that every child feels valued, seen, safe, supported, and inspired to reach their personal best, not just academically but also as happy, confident, and compassionate individuals.

I understand that trust and communication are at the heart of a strong school community. I will always strive to listen and learn, welcoming your thoughts, feedback, and ideas. My door will always be open, and I am here to work with you, in partnership, to create the best possible environment for your children.

While I approach this new chapter with both excitement and a little nervousness, I promise to give my absolute best to this role. I am ready to face challenges with determination, celebrate successes with joy, and lead with a clear vision of what we can achieve together.

I look forward to seeing you all in the coming days and weeks, and I am excited about what we can accomplish as a school community together.

A million heartfelt thanks for all your lovely, supportive messages so far. They are truly appreciated and I promise to do the very best job that I can, taking the greatest care of all your children, in the coming months.

If you are a new prospective parent browsing our website, and were wondering if St Nicholas’ Chantry Primary School might provide the right opportunities for your child, or children, to thrive and grow, I would be delighted to meet you and welcome you to our wonderful school community. I believe that choosing the right school is an important decision, and I warmly invite you to visit us to experience first-hand what makes our school such a special place. Whether through open days, personal tours, or informal visits, we are eager to share our vibrant learning environment, dedicated staff, and the many opportunities available for your child. I look forward to meeting you and showing you first-hand the warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm that define St Nicholas Chantry School and make it such a special place to be.

Stacy Shopland

Acting Headteacher