This week

As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, we were delighted on Thursday to welcome Dr Alex George, the Youth Mental Health Ambassador to give a talk in the Main Hall. It clearly went very well and many were able to get books signed at the end. Assemblies all week had a mental health theme and reflected on the importance of making connections with others. We are grateful to Dr George for spending so much time with our students in what was likely to be a busy week.

On Wednesday, Years 7 and 8 were very patient and helpful, looking at their best when we took photographs in the Main Hall which we hope to use on an updated website in the near future. It also gave Dr Airey the chance to remind them of why, as a school, we like to insist on a smart appearance, on sitting attentively when in assembly and in lessons and why our values and rules are so important to the success of all pupils at the School. They did very well and should be congratulated on how they conducted themselves throughout the process.

Reminders

We continue to have reports from members of the public about the lack of care some students show when crossing roads. They have had many reminders in assemblies about this but continue to take risks including crossing roads without looking and allowing themselves to become distracted by their phones or each other. We are concerned that it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

Parents/carers are reminded of our Communications Policy which can be found here. There has been a recent increase in calls into the School from parents where the expectation is that staff must call back in a very short time frame. This is not usually possible due to their teaching workloads and duties in school. We appreciate everyone’s patience and politely remind all parents/carers that our Reception staff are not expected to tolerate shouting or abuse. If this occurs then the call will be ended.

Year 11 students have Pre-Public Exams in some subjects on their return from the half-term break, They will therefore need to get the right balance between rest and hard work over the week ahead. Their countdown to the public exams has begun – they are now just 13 weeks away.

Year 8 Rewards

Year 8 students have celebrated their achievements for the second half of the first term. Each tutor  nominated one student from their Form for the Tutor Award. This award was based on the student demonstrating the School values of Respect, Responsibility and Honesty. Tutors shared several examples of how the values were being demonstrated consistently by each student. All ten students have been rewarded with a £5.00 Amazon gift card.

In addition to these awards we also celebrated whole tutor group awards.

The attendance award was presented to students in 8XF and 8YC.

The best behaviour award was presented to students in 8YD.

The achievement award was presented to students in 8XW who have accrued a total of 3780 achievement points.

The Year 8 pastoral team would like congratulate all students involved.

Cooking competition

Congratulations to Ella who has won the regional round of junior master chef and is therefore now in the final in Canterbury on Saturday, 25th February. We have a strong history of success in this competition and are grateful to the sponsors – Rotary for their involvement.

PSFA news

The second hand uniform sale last weekend raised £579 for the PSFA. Thank you to all who came. The funding raised will help support the School’s plans to improve the outside environment and support the purchase of new water dispensers.

Don’t forget to join the lottery. Details are available here. The next draw prize incudes a £25,000 jackpot!

Parents’ Evenings – Change of dates

Due to the clash with planned industrial action it has been necessary to change the date for two of our parents’ evenings after half term. The changes are outlined below. We have this evening written to parents of Year 10 students about the change to their evening. Details about the Year 9 evening will be sent out after half term.

Year 10 – Changed from Thursday, 2^nd March to Wednesday, 1^st March

Year 9 – Changed from Thursday, 16^th March to Tuesday, 21^st March

Dates for the diary

Monday, 13th February to Friday 17th February	HALF TERM
Wednesday, 1st March	Year 10 Parents’ Evening
Wednesday, 8th March	Year 9 Options Evening
Tuesday, 21st March	Year 9 Parents’ Evening
Wednesday, 29th March	Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Monday, 3rd April to Friday, 14th April	EASTER HOLIDAY (return Monday, 17th April)
Thursday, 20th April	Year 7 Parents’ Evening