Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you've had a positive week. Time is flying at Danebury, I can't believe we're nearly in December already!
This week our internal quality assurance focused on safeguarding, which included behaviour and attitudes, along with personal development. Site walks, learning walks and student voice meetings took place. It was clear to see the impact of the systems and procedures we've put in place. All pupils said they felt safe in school and enjoyed coming to school (the older pupils reported enjoying school more than they did a few years ago) because staff were happier and more welcoming. It was clear from learning walks that relationships between staff and pupils continue to strengthen. The growth of the pastoral system has meant that more needs are being met, supporting pupils when they feel anxious and helping them to return to their learning once regulated.
As a staffing body, we have worked hard to improve professional curiosity and vigilance in lessons and during social times. This was identified by the pupils and the reason they feel safer now. As ever, there are areas for improvement which we will continue to work on, these include: reducing the number of pupils in the toilets at one time, preventing a small number of pupils who vape in the toilet. We are investigating putting vape sensors in the toilets, I have consulted with other Heads, they have reported that the sensors have made a difference and reduced the number of pupils vaping.
In other news, our Year 7 trip to the Water Meadows was a success. The pupils enjoyed the beautiful scenery and are now using their observations to help with their creative writing in English. Our Year 10 and 11 History trip to the Maritime Museum on Monday was very insightful and will certainly help pupils with their understanding of the Elizabethan era. Many thanks to Miss Barton and Mrs Allsop for organising the trips, a special mention to Mrs Lovell for accompanying both trips, we really appreciate the time she gives up to support Danebury in so many ways.
To help parents and carers plan ahead, here's the Trips Calendar for the next 18 months. We will be adding more subject specific trips, local trips to the theatre and sporting events as they arise. However, the bigger trips further afield are expensive and need longer lead in times for payments. .
Once again, our wonderful PTA are representing Danebury at the Stockbridge Christmas lights event on December 6th. If you are able to , please can you donate wrapped chocolate for the tombola stall. We'd really appreciate it. Last year they raised a considerable amount of money which has gone back into the school to help with resources for our pupils. All donations to reception please.
We've still got lots to pack in over the next 3 weeks in lessons and beyond the classroom.
Our annual Carol Concert is on Monday 16th December at St.Peter's Church in Stockbridge, 6:30pm-7:30pm. A truly magical event, everyone is welcome, no ticket needed.
Christmas lunch for all pupils on Wednesday 18th December. This is also Christmas Jumper day. I would love to have all the children sitting down for lunch together on the 18th, community spirit is at the heart of our school.. Our LORIC Hospitality and Community groups are planning, hosting and serving at the event. We have subsidised Christmas Dinner to ensure inclusivity, a two-course meal is £2 and payable on Arbor. We will have entertainment on stage during lunch.
Our Autumn Term ends on Friday 20th December, we will be finishing at 13:35pm. Our transport companies have been informed.
A polite reminder that we have an Inset Day on Monday 2nd December 2024.
Have a good weekend.
Nicky Goodridge, Head of School
