HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS!

It looks like 2012 will be an exciting and challenging year for young Stroud mum, Rosie Reynolds, as she takes over as new Principal of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Gloucestershire, just months after her first baby, Barney, was born.

24 year old Rosie studied drama at Coventry University where her speciality was the use of drama as an educational tool, perfectly equipping her for her new role as Principal!

Rosie, who taught with the Academy while ex-Principal Nikki Flack was in charge, sais: "I am very proud and excited to be taking over in Gloucestershire. The exciting after school and Saturday classes are great fun! I totally believe in the programme and the benefits it has for children of all ages.

Rosie, who starts classes on Tuesday 1oth January, can be contacted on 01453 756039 or email glos@helenogrady.co.uk We wish her the best of luck!

NEW KINDY DRAMA NOW WIDELY AVAILABLE

Some time ago, the Academy piloted 'Kindy Drama' classes for pre-school children. These classes are now widely available around the country. Visit the website to find out if there is a class near you.

The acclaimed drama programme, which has changed the lives of thousands of children over the last sixteen years in the UK, has been adapted for the younger children. With the emphasis on self development the lessons include some basic speech exercises, lots of movement and some 'dramatic' content each week.

These children were taking part in a short play and imagining they were being moulded out of playdough. Their nursery teacher, who always stays to join in and observe the classes said: "This really captured their imagination. They concentrated so hard and could all tell us what shape they had made"

Using stories, rhymes and songs, classes encourage children to listen carefully, to take turns and share and gives them the confidence to speak out with clarity and conviction. Many will go on to join the primary programme when they start school.

These classes are carried out privately and in nurseries and pre-schools. Contact your local branch to find out what is available in your area.

NEW PRINCIPALS IN ACTION

New Principals threw themselves into the action during training last week in Bristol. Executive Principal, Alison Mazanec and Training Manager, Margaret Darley taught the group a specially extended lesson so they could experience as much of the curriculum as possible.

The group found their big voices for the speech work and used their exaggerated drama actions!

There was no language barrier as the English principals worked with their Spanish counterparts to develop a 'snippet' at the end of the week.

In Spain, the Helen O'Grady lessons will be taught in both Spanish and in English to help the students with their communication skills in both languages.

For more information on the Academy in Spain visit http://www.helenogrady.es/

International Franchisors at Thornbury Castle

For the first time this summer, Franchisors from around the world gathered in Bristol to discuss a very exciting future! Helen O'Grady (CI) Ltd. has recently taken over the world wide rights to Helen O'Grady International and hosted this first Seminar. Visitors from all parts of the globe visited Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire after the meetings to celebrate their success.

National Director, Nigel Le Page, now Owner and Licensor of the Helen O'Grady Drama System, said: "We had a very productive two days. All of us have the same passion for offering the best to the children who attend our classes, which are the only ones guaranteed to develop children's self esteem and skill in verbal communication. It was a privilege to work with so many positive people. Together, we can take the Academy forward into the future with confidence."