At last the weather seems to be improving and there is hope that warmer temperatures will be experienced after Easter. May I thank you all for your cooperation during the very poor weather, your support during the closure for snow is much appreciated. As a result of the cold snap some pupils have resorted to wearing hoodies under their blazers.
After Easter non uniform clothing, including hoodies, cardigans and scarves will be confiscated from pupils until the end of the day.
Visitors to the school will have noticed that we have had new doors installed to the reception and more recently to the courtyard. The replacements to the old brown windbreaker doors are now operational and ensure that security to the school is tight. The doors will be set on a timer so that during lesson times the doors will be locked, they cannot be opened during this time. Anyone needing access to the school has to report to the main reception through the main doors to the front of the school. Pupils arriving late also have to report to reception through these main doors.
On another point of security I am aware that many children use the town facilities during lunchtime. Although this is not necessarily a risk parents must be aware that their children are doing this and give them permission to leave school at lunchtime. From next year we will be operating a lunchtime pass for pupils who leave school at lunchtime. These will be given to pupils only when we have written permission from parents – forms to be completed by parents will be distributed next term. We will not allow Y7 or Y8 pupils to go to town at lunchtime but obviously will allow them to go home for lunch. There is also an opportunity for someone to take up the role of a Midday Supervisor. We need someone to help supervise pupils during lunchtime starting at 12.30 and finishing at 1.30 everyday – if you are interested in rates of pay etc, please ring the main school office for details.
The school would like to encourage all parents who are eligible for Free School Meals to take up the offer. If you are currently in receipt of Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or support under the Immigration Act you may be eligible for free school meals. Further information can be obtained from C2BG on 01495 311556.
Not only do you receive the benefits of free meals the school also has the benefit of special consideration when it comes to funding and other measures. It is very important that we maximise the number of pupils receiving free meals.
Pupils at our school continue to achieve highly and enjoy a wide variety of extra curricular activities. Pupils have recently visited London with the music department, France with Modern Languages and many pupils represented the school at a Rock Challenge in Southampton– further information can be read later in the newsletter. In Y7 we have recently held our annual Eisteddfod competition the winners will be performing on Thursday 25th March at 6.00pm, I hope that you will be able to attend.
Term ends on 26th March at 2.50 p.m. and re-opens for pupils on Tuesday 13th April 2010. Monday 12th April is a staff INSET day.
May I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter!
Paul Stock
Headteacher