{"id":2091,"date":"2023-11-10T18:50:09","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T18:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.darrickwood.co.uk\/?p=2091"},"modified":"2023-11-10T18:50:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T18:50:09","slug":"parent-bulletin-10-11-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.darrickwood.co.uk\/?p=2091","title":{"rendered":"Parent Bulletin 10\/11\/23"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This week<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have held Remembrance assemblies all week with all year groups.  These included speeches from two of our fabulous History Ambassadors who talked about the origins of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and the famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”, by John McCrae. At the end of assembly we all stood, observed the Last Post (played by one of our musicians) and held a minute’s silence. As usual, no doubt many of our students will also be participating in Remembrance ceremonies locally over the weekend, but we always ensure we hold some form of Remembrance assembly here at school and this year it was made even more special having two students lead it and a third play the Last Post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Year 7 took part in a Mental Health Workshop this week, run by a company called Humanutopia. Students were encouraged to examine whether they are products of their circumstances (things over which they have no control) or products of their choices. They were encouraged to make decisions which reflect their best selves. They examined the effect of their actions and decisions on other\u2019s wellbeing (filling other people\u2019s bins). Finally, pupils were encouraged to stretch themselves (enter the panic zone) and have aspirational targets and consider the changes they would need to make to their current behaviours in order to realise these. Year 13 students (Heroes) volunteered their time to assist with the event and we were grateful for their input.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Coming up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To launch Anti-Bullying Week, we are encouraging all students and staff to wear odd socks on Monday, 13th November. See below:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

We are really looking forward to our School Production of the Wizard of Oz next week. Our students are always amazing and we are sure this year will be no exception. If you have not got your tickets yet, then be quick – purchase on ParentPay. DWS Audio has even recorded a sneak peek of the production. This is available to listen to here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DWS Audio (darrickwood.co.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst you’re on the blog, do take listen to the other posts from DWS Audio, they really are excellent and all are the product of our talented and hard working students.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The following week (beginning 20th November) Year 11 begin their mock examinations. They should be working hard towards these now. Whilst we will always advocate getting the right balance between work and rest, there is no getting away from the fact that hard work pays off, especially if they are applying the revision techniques learned in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendance update<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Parent Bulletin of 22\/9\/23, we wrote about the importance of maintaining good attendance and punctuality. Our whole school target is over 96%. We provided information from the NHS and about when a child might be deemed too ill for school and when they should be in school. The link to the original guidance is provided again here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is my child too ill for school? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following is also available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children and young people settings: tools and resources – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is also a useful easy guide about different illnesses and whether your child should attend or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoud I keep my child off school checklist poster (publishing.service.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children in Need – Friday, 17th November<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In support of BBC Children in Need, we are asking all students and members of staff to donate money in order to wear something spotty on Friday, 17th<\/sup> November 2022. The spotty item can replace any item of the standard uniform or Dress Code. Alternatively, the item can be an addition to the uniform or Dress Code. Please note that with the exception of the spotty item, all other uniform or Dress Code requirements remain in place. A minimum donation of \u00a31 is recommended. This can be made through ParentPay. Thank you in advance for your support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas in a Bag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Darrick Wood School will be supporting the Bromley Brighter Beginnings<\/a> \u2018Christmas in a Bag\u2019 campaign by collecting donations of selection boxes, chocolate Santa’s and a small gift suitable for a teenager<\/strong> i.e. stationery or toiletry sets (not battery operated please). Your child will need to bring any donations into school prior to Friday, 17th<\/sup> November. All donations can be given to Form Tutors. We would like to thank the students of Year 8 who are driving this Christmas collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is \u201cChristmas in a Bag\u201d? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that around 20% of children in Bromley are living in poverty?  This is over 16,000 children.  Bromley Brighter Beginnings <\/a>are a volunteer-led charity that provides essential child-related items to families living in financial hardship in the London Borough of Bromley. One of the ways they support local families is via their \u201cChristmas in a Bag\u201d campaign.  This ensures that children whose families are unable to celebrate the festive period receive a range of festive treats. Each bag contains a festive jumper, books, toys, Christmas treats, toiletries, new pyjamas and a food voucher.  <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year 700 children received a \u201cChristmas in a Bag\u201d, and the need is expected to be even greater this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you wish to make an additional contribution, the charity is also collecting the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n