Dear Parents and Carers,

Having listened to the news this week, as I’m sure you have, I am struck by the importance of open and honest communication; in a school this is vital in every way.  We always do our utmost to keep parents and students apprised of everything that is going on in school, whether that be celebrating the achievements of students, or contacting parents where there are issues with students’ progress and behaviour, or simply in letting you know what is going on.  This is one reason the newsletter is so important, and I hope that you find it informative and interesting.

 

Speaking of communication, I hope that all parents are signed up for ClassCharts, which is our preferred communication platform, helping parents and students to stay informed with regards to your ward’s timetable, attendance statistics, behaviour points, detentions, view homework and receive notifications from teachers.  Having recently launched the homework function of the app it is vital for parents to see what students should be doing at home.  I hope you find it useful, and if you have not yet accessed it, please head to your preferred App store to download the App and contact your ward’s Director of Pupil Progress for log in details. Likewise, should your ward have misplaced his log in details, his form tutor will be able to assist him.

 

Another vital area of our school communication strategy is parents evening.  It was great to speak to Year Eleven parents over the last two weeks through our online parent booking platform which we use.   As a school we really want to engage with parents and this gives us a chance to have a face-to-face conversation about progress so that we can all support learning; my belief is that education can only be truly successful when there is communication between, and amongst, parents, staff and students.   The next set of these evenings will be for Year Nine and they are coming up at the end of February, just after half term.   Please look out for the email communication closer to the time which will take you through the process.

 

The term is well and truly in full swing already, and it remains a real privilege to be able to see so much going on.  So far this week I have been able to see the hockey and football teams perform well, seen music rehearsals continue to flourish, as well as seeing the industry of staff and students in the classroom.  For our Year Eleven students, we are looking forward to Sixth Form Taster Day on Thursday.   The Sixth Form is such an important part of our school of which we are justifiably proud and I look forward to seeing Year Eleven getting involved in the sessions.  This will be followed up with one-to-one appointments for all students to discuss the best pathways at the end of the year.

 

Thank you for all your support and have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

 

Sean Furness
Headteacher