Dear Parents/carers,
It has been wonderful to be able to welcome the students back to school this week. A particular welcome to our new Year 7 and 12 students who have seemingly settled in very well to their new school.
| Key points |
| Please ensure to rectify any missing pieces of school uniform this weekend. |
| Nails, ear studs, mobile phones please remind students of our expectations. |
| Get involved in the sports and performing arts activities that have already commenced. |
| Look out for your year groups preparation evening. |
| Please consider our neighbours if driving to the school. |
Thank you to the vast majority of students who have adhered to the uniform policy and have returned to school dressed smartly in the correct uniform. We have for many years endeavoured to keep the uniform as generic as possible so readily available at competitive prices at local stores rather than expensive branded items of clothing. Please could I ask that any final missing pieces of uniform are rectified this weekend.
Some of the points we have had to pick students up on during this first week include: removal of false nails, ensuring ear piercings are only with a plain mental stud, phones to be turned off and not seen or heard during the day. Please reinforce this message to your children this weekend to make for a smooth second week.
As I type this message, students are busily signing up to audition for this year’s school play. Having not been able to do so in the last two years, it is exciting to relaunch this tradition with the old classic musical ‘Grease’. Similarly, I am aware that Netball and football practices/trials are also underway.
It has been good to be able to welcome several parents to school in person this week as they have attended the preparation evenings for Years 12, 13 and 8 respectively. We look forward to seeing other year groups during the next two weeks.
Could I at the start of this new term politely remind those parents who drop or collect their children by car to consider our neighbours. The frustrations of blocked driveways and idling engines have been raised with the school, so thank you in anticipation of your considerate parking.
Finally, I must comment on the passing of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Today the school joined the nation in observing a minutes silence at midday and we shall consider further what we can learn and celebrate from her lifelong service during our assemblies next week. Clearly, we all await further details from the Government as to how the Nation will observe her passing and what impact this will have upon schools.
Welcome back to the new year.
Yours sincerely
Phil Grundy
