End of Week Newsletter

A Message from the Principal

This school needs you!

At Ipswich Academy we run an Academy Council whose members are made up of parents/carers of students at the school. I meet the council once per half term to discuss school improvement, to celebrate success and it is also a forum for parents/carers to raise concerns or discuss ongoing activities at the Academy as part of our partnership work. If you are interested in joining the Academy council, we are looking for members ahead of the new academic year, please email the school office with an expression of interest.

Traffic around the school

I must remind parents/carers/visitors to be considerate when dropping off children to school in the morning and/or collecting them after school. Please use the parking bays in the car park and do not block other cars in. Please be considerate on the road immediately outside of the school so that the flow of traffic can continue. Please also note that the car park has one entry point and one exit point. Please do not enter the car park via the exit. This also applies to those accessing the school for evening lettings.

Cycle safely

Many of our students cycle to school and I actively encourage this. However, they must do so safely. If there is a cycle lane on the pavement, students should be using this safely as opposed to cycling on the road. If they are using the road, they must cycle in single file so that it does not disrupt traffic. We are also insistent that cyclists dismount before they get onto the school grounds and must do this safely. We have also observed a minority of pupils pulling ‘wheelies’ this is dangerous and must not happen. Those cycling to school should wear a helmet. I urge you to speak to your child if they cycle to school to remind them of the contents of this newsletter.

Christmas Toy Drive for Ipswich Hospital

We are so excited to announce that we have teamed up with REED IPSWICH again collecting toys for their annual Christmas Toy Drive for THE IPSWICH HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S WARD!

Our mission is to spread a little festive cheer and comfort to young patients and their families who will be spending Christmas in the hospital. We are asking members of the school community to donate what they can for children who won’t be at home this Christmas.

Here’s how you can help:

What to Donate
We are greatly appreciative of donations of any small toys, books, arts, and crafts. Here is a link to help: Amazon.co.uk 

IMPORTANT: TOYS MUST BE BRAND NEW, NOT PRE-LOVED.
This is a critical requirement for the hospital.

Donations Due
Please drop off all donations BEFORE 10th DECEMBER.

Drop-off Location
Donations should be handed into the School Reception (during school hours). Every single donation brings a smile to a child facing a difficult time. Thank you for helping us support these amazing young patients!

Useful Tips for Parents/Carers

Safeguarding

Monitor Money:

If your teenager is losing money or valuables, they may be being taken advantage of. Ask them about it calmly and try to understand the situation. Inform the school so we can provide guidance and support to you as the parent, alongside direct support to the student.

Attendance

Be a Role Model:

Show your child that you value education by being positive about school and prioritising it in your daily routine. Children often reflect their parents’ attitudes towards school.

Reading/Literacy

Make Reading Fun:

Turn reading into a game by creating challenges like “Can we finish this chapter together?” or “Find three new words today!” Making literacy fun keeps them engaged.