Father Christopher elected Abbot

3rd July 2002

Dear WOBS,

I am writing to inform you that earlier today I was elected Abbot of Worth by the monastic community. As some of you may know, the Constitution of the English Benedictine Congregation requires all monastic communities to hold an abbatial election when an abbot has been in office for eight years.

Having considered what is best for the school as well as for the monastic community, I have decided that I should not continue as Headmaster now that I have been appointed Abbot. I will, therefore, be standing down as Headmaster with effect from the end of this month.

In consultation with the governors, I have decided to appoint Peter Armstrong (currently Deputy Head) as Acting Headmaster for one year, with effect from 1st August. Peter Armstrong has been Deputy Head (Development) for the last six years. He has had responsibility for the day-to-day management of pastoral care and has been instrumental in devising the current school development plan. He lives at Worth with his wife Julie, and their three children. He himself attended a Benedictine school and he has a deep commitment to the values upon which Worth is founded.

I am also pleased to say that Father Mark has agreed to be Deputy Headmaster. As you may know, Father Mark has just retired after nine years as Gervase Housemaster and brings a wealth of pastoral experience with him. Fred Belcher will continue in his current role as Deputy Headmaster (Curriculum). Peter Armstrong together with Father Mark and Fred Belcher constitute a strong leadership team and I am confident that they will carry the school forward with great skill.

I myself now become President of the Board of Governors and will continue to work with the Board to ensure that Worth offers high standards of care in all areas of school life. The Board will now be instituting a process to make a permanent appointment to the Headship of the school with effect from September 2003.

Please continue to pray for the Worth community at this important time in our development.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Jamison