Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you and your families had a good half term. 

We have had a really positive start to the half term, I've really enjoyed visiting classrooms and seeing high levels of active engagement and learning. Congratulations to Year 11 for demonstrating excellence in their Mocks this week, we are so impressed with their attitude and effort. Keep up the good work next week!

I would like to extend a warm welcome to two new members of staff; Mrs Sheedy has joined as the Interim SENCO while Mrs Andrews is on Maternity Leave. In addition, we have Mrs Black who joins us as Welfare Officer. 

On Sunday a group of pupils will be joining me at the Remembrance Service at St .Peter's Church. We will then make our way with the congregation down to the war memorial to lay a wreath on the school's behalf. On Monday we will be remembering our war heroes in a whole school assembly, at 11am we will all go out to line-ups on the court to mark the 2 minutes' silence as a community. I have no doubt this will be a poignant moment,  it's so important that we mark occasions like this, ensuring future generations never forget our war heroes. I come from a military family and fully appreciate the sacrifices our military personnel have made and continue to make; we will take a moment to remember and appreciate everyone who has served and continues to serve. I know we have a large number of parents and carers who are currently serving in our forces, thank you very much for your service. Pupils are encouraged to wear their cadet uniforms on Monday, it's heart warming to see the pride radiated when military uniform is worn. 

Next Friday will be a non-uniform day for Children In Need, please can pupils bring in a £1 donation for this wonderful charity. We will also have a cake sale, sponge the teacher and staff V pupils basketball matches. All donations are gratefully received. 

Following last week's communication, please can you remind your child/children to wear their school coats, this is part of the uniform and must be worn. We are working with a very small number of pupils who aren't adhering to the school uniform, the vast majority are very smart,  I appreciate your support with this. 

I hope you have a good weekend when it comes. 

Nicky Goodridge, Head of School