End of Week Newsletter

A Message from the Principal

Here we are at the end of what has been a very busy but rewarding half term.

We’ve had numerous trips, great lessons, great engagement, great experiences, an OFSTED visit and much more. I am proud to lead this amazing school.

I am delighted to see the attendance of students improving at the school. I am aware that as we enter the winter months colds and coughs may be prevalent. Please do encourage your child’s attendance to be high. Every day your child is in school, they are working towards their future and academic success.

Unfortunately due to tragic circumstances there were significant traffic issues Friday which meant that we were not able to open at the usual time. Please note that I take any decision to open late very seriously and if there was any way that I could have opened at the usual time, I would. Unfortunately, due to the traffic I did not have enough staff in the building to supervise the students. I am aware that this has happened previously but I cannot stress enough that this is out of my control. I will always do my best to try and inform parents/carers at the earliest opportunity if this decision needs to be made again.

Please note that Monday 2 November is a teacher training day and therefore students return on Tuesday 3 November.

Bringing the Wild World of Bugs to IA!

Year 7s have had the opportunity this week for an unforgettable, award-winning educational experience!

Bugfest, the UK’s leading entomological provider offering an interactive showcase of minibeasts and exotic animals directly into the classroom. The students who have attended the Bugfest session have been absolutely hooked, showing incredible enthusiasm and engagement. They have loved the hands-on opportunity to see and touch some of the bugs from stick insects to giant millipedes, with many showing amazing observation skills and a newfound interest in nature. To learn more about this experience you can visit their website at https://www.bug-fest.com/

Phone Pouches

The introduction of phone pouches has started.

This is a positive move to enable a phone free day and get back to the crux of why we’re in school – to focus on the learning. My letter over the summer holidays has the full details however please note:

• Every child has been (or will be) issued a phone pouch
• They will keep this for the year
• It is a required piece of equipment that must be brought to school every day
• Students are not permitted to have their phones out of this pouch whilst in school at any point (those with medical conditions where phone use is essential will have alternative arrangements)
• If there is any refusal to engage in this, it will lead to a suspension from school

The responses that I have had to my letter so far have been very positive. It is reassuring to know that the parent/carer community is with me on this issue.

Useful Tips for Parents/Carers

Safeguarding

Be Aware of Unexplained Injuries:

Unexplained cuts or bruises might mean your child is hurting themselves or being hurt. Talk to them gently and let them know you’re there to help. If you’re concerned, contact a GP and inform the school’s safeguarding team. Sometimes young people are happier to open up to someone outside of the family.

Attendance

Establish a Morning Routine:

Set a clear morning routine that helps your child get ready on time. A predictable routine reduces the chances of being late or missing school.

Reading/Literacy

Build Vocabulary Through Conversation:

Introduce new words into everyday conversations and explain their meanings. The more words your child is exposed to, the stronger their vocabulary will become.