Dear Parent or Carer
Welcome to our end of half-term four newsletter. There is a huge range of articles showing the diversity of experience and opportunity available both within and outside timetabled lessons. Over-time it is really notable to see the self-confidence and self-esteem growing in those who have participated in the ski-trip, Art workshops, Dance Live, Science events and Hengistbury Head Geography trip as a few examples. Our committed staff go above and beyond to extend their subjects and give students such great opportunities and we are very grateful.
We have shared two information pieces to develop parents and carers awareness of “Vaping” and “Edibles”. Both vaping devices and “Edibles” are not permitted in school as they either contain nicotine, or cannabinoids which are carcinogenic, or slow brain development over-time in teenagers. All are readily available through Snapchat and Online gaming devices. We would encourage you to read these and discuss the content with your child(ren) where possible.
With the day’s getting longer we strongly encourage students to bus, cycle or walk to school to reduce traffic and pollution and to support their own physical wellness. We have an increasing number of cars driving along Parish Piece, in part due to road works and temporary traffic lights. Please do not drive along Parish Piece to drop off OR pick up. If you need to, please do this away from the school, parking safely, legally and respectfully. Please do not park in private local car parks; on yellow zig-zag lines; or anywhere that could be dangerous.
Year 11 and 13 students are nearing the start of their exam season with practical exams, orals and performances after Easter. If you have a child in one of these year groups, we ask them to utilise this time wisely, as per their revision timetables, but would also ask parents/carers to ensure that they have breaks away from their studies. We wish them all the best of luck.
Lastly, I wanted to draw your attention again to the times of the school day changing in the new academic year, September 2023, so that it runs from 8:50am to 3:25pm. We are giving as much notice as possible in-case this has an impact on caring arrangements, etc.
Tuesday 18 April is the first day back for students after the Easter holidays.
Sticking with the upcoming exam theme, I leave students with the following apt quote, which refers to the consistency of effort over time and how we manage ourselves:
“How we do anything, is how we do everything”
Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.
Ed Hillyard,
Headteacher
