19th September 2025
Dear Parents/Carers
As we approach the end of our first full month back at school, it’s been fantastic to see our extra-curricular programme spring back into action—both during and after the school day. I strongly encourage all pupils to get involved and try at least one activity. It’s a great way to build confidence, make new friends, and explore new interests.
Staff development day
Please note that the staff development day originally scheduled for Monday 29th September has now been rescheduled to Wednesday 1st October.
We apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Parents’ meetings
Our year 8 form teacher meetings will take place on 25th and 26th September to support our new year 8 pupils in school. Separate letters explaining the process will be sent out today.
The year 12 parent’s meetings are due to take place on Tuesday 30th September 3.30pm – 5.15pm. A separate letter will also be sent regarding these.
Prize giving
Our annual Prize Giving will take place on Thursday 20th November at 1pm. Please note: Pupils will finish at 12.30pm on this day unless receiving a special award. Invitations will be sent out in due course.
Homework Diaries
Pupils use their homework diaries to record homework tasks and other important information. Teachers also use these diaries to communicate key messages such as notes home, detentions, and other updates.
We kindly ask that parents and carers review their child’s diary each week and sign it. Pupils are rewarded with house points when this is completed — a great way to encourage responsibility and celebrate positive habits!
Breakfast Club
Join us every morning in Room 11 for our free Breakfast Club. Pupils can help themselves to toast, cereal, and drinks to start the day right. No need to book – just come along and enjoy!
“Empowering Our Pupils” Curriculum
Our carefully designed pastoral curriculum supports pupils through a blend of teacher-led activities and sessions delivered by expert external agencies. This programme is tailored to meet the needs of each year group and aims to build resilience, confidence, and personal growth.
In the coming weeks, pupils will take part in a range of activities, including:
In addition, all pupils continue to have access to:
More details can be found on our school website.
School Website
Our school website is a rich source of information, featuring our latest prospectus, a live Facebook feed, and an up-to-date school calendar with regularly added events.
European Day of Languages
To celebrate European Day of Languages on Friday 26th September, pupils will be learning how to say phrases such as “Good Morning” and “Welcome” in a variety of languages including Italian, Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian, French, Portuguese, and more!
Thanks to the generous support of Queen’s University, we’ve received a selection of stickers, wristbands, pencils, and bookmarks to help mark the occasion and make it extra special.
World Mental Health Day
To raise awareness for World Mental Health Day, we’ll be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 10th October. Pupils are encouraged to wear something yellow or clothing with yellow accents to show their support.
If you'd like to take part, please bring £1 and give it to your form teacher on the day.
All money raised will go to YoungMinds, a charity supporting young people's mental health.
Let’s brighten the day with yellow and show we care!
Uniform and Piercings
We kindly remind parents that pupils should be wearing either black school shoes or completely black trainers—this means no white or coloured markings.
In line with our Positive Behaviour Policy, pupils are permitted to wear one plain stud in each ear lobe only. No other visible piercings are allowed at any time.
While we have previously made allowances for pupils with existing nose piercings to wear a small, discreet clear stud, new nose piercings during the school year are not permitted. This is due to the healing period of approximately six weeks, during which the piercing cannot be changed to a clear stud.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain high standards.
Punctuality
School starts at 8.45am, with period 1 now beginning at 9.00am and while we are happy for pupils to visit a shop on the way to school, they should ensure they still arrive to school on time. We have increasing numbers of pupils going to Home Bargains in the morning and arriving late to school. As communicated previously, we have a member of staff at Home Bargains in the morning to move pupils on to school. We would appreciate your support in ensuring your child arrives to school on time.
Mobile phones
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all pupils, parents, and staff for your enthusiastic support of our new no mobile phone initiative. Your cooperation has been instrumental in its success.
As a school, we believe we’ve already seen a marked improvement in engagement and concentration—both in classrooms and around the school environment. We’ve also noticed a positive impact on student wellbeing, with more opportunities for meaningful social interaction and reduced digital distractions.
Thank you again for embracing this change and helping us create a more focused, connected, and supportive school community.
We have several important activities happening over the coming months:
Kind regards
K Mulholland
Principal