NEW BRANCHES & NEW PRINCIPALS THIS TERM

September has seen the opening of several new Helen O'Grady branches, as well as a handful of new Principals taking over existing areas.

In Manila, in the Philippines, Monique and Vince Bunuan have had a great start introducing the unique Helen O'Grady programme to dozens of local children. Here they are above with the magnificent banner they are using to promote their classes. We are very proud of their opening classes and know they will spread the word very quickly.

New mum, Iesher Fitzmaurice Mendez (above), who gave birth to baby Zain at the beginning of August, took over the reins in the Staffordshire area. She has been teaching for the Academy for several years and jumped at the chance of becoming Principal. As well as making a great start with existing students, she has opened three new classes which have all started well.

In South West London, Melanie Moore has opened new studios as well as taking over some existing students. Although drama trained, Melanie was new to the programme and has taken the very structured lessons to heart. She is, as you can see below, very excited to be part of the network. In Northamptonshire, Gemma Knight has succeeded Sarah Moloney as Principal. Sarah was a hard act to follow but Gemma had worked with her for some time before the handover and the students remain in more than capable hands!

In the Herts-Cambs area, retiring Principal, Fiona Taylor, was more than happy to pass the business on to her former teacher, Lucinda Symonds, pictured below. Lucinda will continue to teach and work with her sister, Jessica, who will take most of the responsibility for administration and marketing the business. the Symonds sisters don't believe in doing things by halves! During the first weeks of term they were also planning a wedding. Lucinda married Tim Gray on 1st October. We wish them all the love luck and happiness they deserve.

Last new Principal to launch was Lisa Bennett in Southampton. Lisa, too, has taught for the Academy and is already building the numbers up in her own branch.

All the new Principals have started well and we wish them a long and successful association with the Academy.

TRAINING NEW PRINCIPALS

The end of July sees the latest training week in Bristol for Helen O'Grady Principals who will be commencing operating in September. Above, National Director, Nigel Le Page, Executive Principal, Alison Mazanec and Training Manager, Margaret Darley, prepare for the week ahead.

Training includes a lot of Principal participation, whether it be with the admin. systems (above) or with the Mimes to Music. Margaret demonstrates a vital administration point and, below, new Principals (L to R), Phil Jankovskis (Staffordshire), Natasha Kedrova (Kiev) and Beth Daniel (North Leics) act out The Eskimos mime. It's hard work!

So everyone needs to relax afterwards. Natasha is seen below with Barbara and Malcolm Ryder (St. Helens/Warrington) at the post training dinner. Barbara is demonstrating her traditional 'fluffy pen' award!

Later, the visitors to Bristol have to experience the local nightlife. Nigel, Beth and Margaret fought through the crowds to see a local jazz band.

Training week over, the new Principals return home to start planning for an amazing launch in September. All at Head Office thank them for making the week great fun and wish them all the luck in the world!