May Newsletter
Dear Parents / Carers,
I hope you had an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend. Things are gearing up for the examination season now so I am sure you will join me in wishing Year 11 every success with their forthcoming GCSE’s. Please find below some important points of information:
Swine Flu
All schools have received advice from the Department for Children Schools and Families about what action should be taken with regard to this virus. Current advice is that schools continue as normal unless there are any specific incidents of swine flu within the school community. Therefore, we would ask that we are informed immediately if you or your family come into contact with anyone diagnosed with the flu. We have reminded pupils about safe practices relating to the spread of germs, especially covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze with a clean tissue and washing their hands regularly. Please support us in this by providing your son/daughter with sufficient clean tissues and reiterating the importance of good personal hygiene.
First Day Absence
Like most schools, we operate a policy of contacting parents if their child is absent and this has not been reported. This is principally a safeguarding measure which I hope you will recognize originates from the best of intentions. We do not wish to cause any undue anxiety by unnecessary calls however so I would be grateful if you would remind your sons and daughters about the importance of signing in at the School Office if they are late in for any reason.
Year 10 Lunchtime Provision
You will be aware that Year 10 pupils have not been permitted to leave the school site during lunchtimes since September. From Monday 11 th May, they will be allowed to leave school premises at lunchtime if they wish as Year 11 will be starting their examination timetables. I would remind pupils that this is a privilege and not a right and that poor behaviour/attendance and/or missed coursework deadlines will result in the privilege being removed. Please contact the relevant Senior House Tutor if you do not wish your child to leave the premises and remember that this is only an option; a full lunch service will continue to be available for Year 10 throughout this term.
School Improvement Plan
I will shortly be posting the next ‘100 Day Operating Plan’ on the school website, which details our plans for school improvement over the next six months. If you would like a paper copy of the plan, please contact the school office. In addition, a selection of pupils and parents will soon be contacted regarding an evaluation questionnaire about the school asking for views about strengths and areas for improvement. Your assistance with this would be appreciated.
‘Motivation’ – Our new Fitness Gym
We have now opened our newly equipped ‘Fitness Gym’ to the public. It is equipped with treadmills, rowing machines, cross-trainers, cycles, presses and a full range of weights. To the first 100 members we are offering membership for £15.00 per month, plus a joining fee of £15. You are welcome to view the facilities on a Thursday or Friday until half term. Your joining fee will include an assessment by a qualified Fitness Instructor. Please come along, even if is just to look, you will be made most welcome.
Calendar 2009 /10
We will publish the full calendar for the coming year in due course. However, it may be helpful to know that the first two days of term (Thursday 3 rd and Friday 4 th September 2009) will be non pupil days.
HMFA
The HMFA are fund raising for specific projects that will benefit current pupils directly. They have launched a campaign to raise £10,000 in order to provide cover for outside seating in the lunch area. All fund raising activities will centre around ‘ Project Gazebo’ and thanks to the generous donations you made to the recent jumble sale we are £500 on the way. Watch this space for updates about activities. The next event is the ice skating on Tuesday 23 rd June at 6.30 pm until 10.00 pm in Romford. To purchase tickets (cost £5.00 admission and skate hire) please contact the School Office. Tickets cannot be issued on the night. .
Consultant School Status
Finally, I am delighted to inform you that Hall Mead received both High Performance and Achievement awards this year from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. These awards recognize the high numbers of our pupils who gain 5 A*-C grades including English and Maths and our high level of ‘value-added’. As a result of receiving these two awards, we have been selected to become a ‘ Consultant School’ which means other schools can be directed to us with regard to best practice. I would like to thank staff, pupils and parents for their hard work in helping us to achieve this mark of recognition.
Best wishes for the rest of term.
Yours sincerely,
Simon London (Headteacher) |
