Head Teacher's Message [November 2011]

November 2011

1st November 2011 Dear Parent/Carer

Enrichment Days

The first of our enrichment days takes place on Friday, 4th November. There will be a variety of activities to enhance the learning experience for our students, details of which are in the grid below.

  • Y7 BLACK POWER: A project looking at the civil rights movement in the USA in the 1960s
  • Y8 YORK MINSTER: A visit to York Minster with the Humanities department
  • Y8 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS: Links with schools in other countries
  • Y9 MATHS IAG: Careers information and guidance and how it relates to Mathematics
  • Y9 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS: Links with schools in other countries
  • Y10 OPTION A: Additional study time to support subjects in Option A
  • Y11 SCIENCE: Trip to Alton Towers to support the ‘Forces’ module

Some activities involve trips out. Students will usually be asked to be in full school uniform unless the activity makes it inappropriate to do so. The next enrichment day is on Thursday, 19th January 2012.

School Closure

Unfortunately, the school had to be closed on Friday, 7th October owing to a power failure. It happened at 9.30am. Owing to the design of the building, the ground floor receives very limited natural light and in some areas it is extremely dark. Whilst at first it may seem not important, it was obvious that movement around school would be difficult. It then transpired that we hadn’t any water, so we didn’t have toilet facilities or running water either.

We were trying to find out what had happened but the power company were unable to give us any information. I decided to close the school at 10.15am as we still had no information to indicate what the problem was or when power and water would be restored. We had no phones or computers either but were able to contact Mrs Doyle who is currently on maternity leave to send a text via ‘Keep Kids Safe’. We had a couple of parents who we were unable to contact because mobile phone numbers had changed. It is imperative that school has up to date phone numbers for parents and carers. Although we ask parents to update contact details annually, I would ask that parents and carers let school know immediately of any changes to contact details.

Reminders

As I explained in my April letter, fizzy drinks are not allowed in school. Students are allowed to have a bottle of water in lessons and can top them up for free at the water fountains. Lucozade, coke etc will be confiscated and given back to the student at the end of the day. We are working hard at promoting a healthy lifestyle and need your full support with this.

To help parents plan holidays for next year so that students do not miss school please note the following term dates for the remainder of the 2011-2012 academic year:

Monday 31st October – Thursday 22nd December
Monday 9th January – Friday 10th February
Monday 20th February – Friday 30th March
Monday 16th April – Friday 1st June
Monday 11th June – Thursday 19th July (originally reported as Wednesday 18th July)
 

Staff training days will take place on 18th November, 16th April and 1st June. Twilights for staff training (1pm finish for students) will take place on 13th October, 15th March and 28th June.

Please note the start and finish of the academic year may be slightly different from the dates on Tameside’s website.

Staffing update

Mr Mokhta has gone to China on a one year secondment. Fortunately we were able to employ a science teacher straight away to ensure continuity for the students. We wish him well and look forward to his return. Mrs Marriott will be teaching his classes for the rest of the academic year.

Mrs Carter leaves shortly after Christmas to have a baby. Again, we have been fortunate to be able to employ a fully qualified and experienced technology teacher to take her classes. Mr Allott will be starting with us after Christmas.

Parent Governor Vacancies

We have two vacancies for parent governors. If you are interested in contributing to the work of the Governing Body please contact the Chair of Governors via the school.

Parents’ Forum

If you interested in joining the Parents’ Forum, please contact Mrs Elizabeth Stokes (parent) via the school. The Parents’ Forum gives an opportunity for parents to make a positive contribution to the school; parents are able to directly influence school policies through this forum. The forum meets once a term at 6.30pm.

Past letters

You can view my previous ‘head’s letters’ on our website under ‘Head Teacher’s Messages’. Also, you can view previous newsletters in full colour! Our next newsletter will be published around Christmas time.

Thank you

I have had lots of really positive comments from parents about improvements we have made and how it is impacting on standards and behaviour. I really appreciate the support from parents and it is only by working together that we can ensure the success of our students. We have got a great school but I want it to be better and with your support that will happen. Thank you.

R O’Regan
Head Teacher