College chief to step down - THE first-ever female principal of Northallerton College has announced that she is standing down from her position next summer after nearly seven years in the job.

Jennifer Slater, an experienced and well respected educator, made the announcement following early signs that she was suffering from a hearing problem.

Leeds-born Ms Slater said: "I have decided that my hearing has deteriorated to the point where I feel I can no longer be as effective as I want to be, either in the classroom or in meetings."

In her time as principal, the Durham University graduate has steered the college through a period of expansion and alteration - including the acquisition of Technical College status and the building of a new maths block.

Commenting on her time at the 680-year-old college, Ms Slater stated: "It has been an exciting and rewarding job, which I shall miss."

John Dennis, the chairman of governors for Northallerton College, said: "We are very sorry Jennifer is going. She will be very difficult to replace."

Dyslexia awards

Students with dyslexia were rewarded for their efforts at a Golden Globes Award ceremony at Oaklands School.

The ceremony, which took place last night, was aimed at celebrating outstanding efforts from the students throughout the year.

Claire Winstanley, who is in charge of the centre, said: "I have a book of brilliance in my classroom in which I record any outstanding effort or achievement.

"The students know it is a special reward to be named in the book of brilliance but up until now there has been no tangible reward.

Prizes were presented by Louise Barnes, a former teaching assistant who was at the school when the centre was set up five years ago.

Festive concert

Lowfield School's Christmas concert will take place tonight from 7.30pm.

Traditional Christmas songs will be performed with readings from staff and students.

Tickets are £3 on the door. For information phone 01904 791674.

Pensioners' party

Students from Huntington School are busy organising their annual senior citizens party taking place tomorrow.

More than 100 guests have been invited and will enjoy a sherry reception, Christmas lunch, carols, mince pies and coffee before watching the school's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Winter warmer

Youngsters from Tang Hall School helped with litter picking at St Nicholas Field today as part of he conservation charity BCTV's Winter Warmer project.

The children helped plant 10,000 bluebell bulbs last year and returned to help keep the area looking nice.

As well as litter picking the children were able to get involved in decorating Christmas biscuits.

Citadel concert

York Area Schools Symphony Orchestra and the York Area Schools Concert Band will perform at the Salvation Army Citadel on Saturday from 7pm.

Tickets are available on the door or by contacting City of York Council's arts service on 01904 554660

Information day

York Connexions Centre Information Shop, on Piccadilly, is holding an open day this Friday, from 10am to midday and 2pm to 5pm.

The sessions are open to all and will provide information on a range of topics, including careers and learning.

For information phone 01904 656655.

Updated: 09:21 Wednesday, December 10, 2003