The weekly bulletin contains the latest news updates.
WEEKLY BULLETIN
8 NOVEMBER 2024
ENJOY - ACHIEVE - EMPOWER
HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE
KEY SCHOOL DATES
I hope that everyone enjoyed the extended half term break and that this provided time to catch up with loved ones, particularly for those families celebrating Diwali. Students have certainly returned to school full of energy. Although it has been a shorter week for the majority of the school,
Non-Fiction November Armistice Day - 11 November Anti-Bullying Week - 11-15 November HOLIDAYS & NATIONAL DAYS Cross Country trials - 11 November, after school Year 12 Waldegrave MBA Day - 13 November Year 7&8 - Ultimate Frisbee Indoor National Championships - 16 November
A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEADTEACHER
our Year 11 have been in since Monday for their mock exams. This provided a calm environment for them to settle into the routine of exams which they greatly appreciated. The students have approached the exams with great maturity and calm. Yesterday our Year 12 Psychology students attended a conference in London and had the opportunity to learn about various research including dementia and the musical brain, the work of a forensic psychologist and how to engineer an extreme emotion. On Monday we will be marking Armistice Day in school with a reflective tutor time activity and holding a minute’s silence at 11am. Students can buy poppies to support the Royal British Legion’s work to support members of the armed forces. We are now entering the darker months of the year and with that in mind I would like to remind students to ensure that they are making arrangements to travel home safely. We would encourage students to walk in groups, if they are travelling alone they should not be using headphones or earbuds so they can be aware of their surroundings.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your achievement stories and photos to share by email to
~ Ms Tongue, Headteacher
info@waldegravesch.org STAY CONNECTED WITH US:
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Concerns about the impact on the wellbeing of teenagers has prompted Australia to propose a world first ban on social media for under 16s. Faced by constantly changing technology, parents need to be empowered to understand the risks for children and how to best support them. We have arranged for the Breck Foundation to run a parent webinar about online safety on Monday 18 November, 6pm. Zoom link is here. Meeting ID: 812 3132 2504 Passcode: 011073 National Stress Awareness Day (1 Nov) coincided with half-term and when students in Key Stage 3 are taking part in our annual Readathon. Last year, I highlighted the power of reading for stress relief and thought it timely to return to this idea. Research has shown that reading is many times more effective at reducing stress than listening to music, going for a walk or having a cup of tea! Just 6 minutes of reading is proven to decrease stress levels by 60%, resulting in a slower heartbeat, reduced muscle tension, and an altered state of mind. More information here.
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A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 13
It was with pleasure that I welcomed Year 13 back to school this week.
As the days get shorter and darker it is beginning to feel more autumnal. In an assembly before half term I encouraged students to make the most of nature’s spectacle at this time of year by going on walks to help with well-being during their intensive revision periods. It is vital that students take care of their emotional and physical health while they study so they are best prepared for their mocks. Other things students can do when revising is ensure they have good sleep habits and turn off screens at a reasonable time in the evening to enable a good night’s sleep. I also advised they remove their phones when they are studying to ensure they are not a distraction. A healthy diet and plenty of water is also beneficial. Remembrance Day is coming up on Monday. Poppies will be available at the main school reception to purchase up to (and including) Monday 11 November. Funds raised by buying a poppy go to charity to help support members of the armed forces overcome issues such as depression, chronic pain and PTSD. See The Poppy Appeal for more information. A reminder to all parents that the mocks begin on the 18th November. Students have received their timetable and need to contact Ms Fong, the exams officer, via exams@waldegravesch.org, if they have a clash. They are only expected to attend their exams and will be off timetable for their lessons for that week. If students have any concerns or questions they should contact their subject teachers or a member of the Year 13 team.
Have a good weekend.
MS SILLWOOD, HEAD OF YEAR 13
BOOK OF THE MONTH
‘You don’t understand me’ - Dr Tara Porter A relevant, poignant non-fiction book catalysing the understanding of young women’s experiences in adolescence and leading towards adulthood. Dr Tara Porter utilises her 27 years of experience as a therapist and psychologist to pinpoint the ‘why’ to our actions regarding friendships, education, love, body image etc. Using real life scenarios mixed with scientific knowledge, readers can develop more comfort in them- selves and have a better perception of others over the 10 topics discussed. This is a must read for not only members of our school navigating teenage life, but also the parents of these students who strive to support their child/ren the best they can. I haven’t stopped mentioning this book since I read it! Aisha Y, Year 12
MS O’BRIEN, HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS & MUSIC
WALDEGRAVE RECRUITMENT We are currently recruiting for Exam Invigilators to assist with the conduct and supervision of the School’s public examinations. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Shelli Fong, Exams Officer, for an application form.
WORR DD OFF TT HH EE WEE EE KK
PRIORITY plural noun: priorities
NOUN: the fact of being regarded or treated as more important than others
Who would use this word? Politicians, lawyers, councillors, doctors and authors. Examples: “The safety of the country takes priority over any other matter.” “Pioneering new forms of surgery should be a priority for the NHS.”
SYNONYMS: precedence, preference, pre-eminence, predominance, primacy, the lead, weighting, greater importance
Please contact us with any queries or problems you may have. To get in touch with a member of staff from your child’s year group, you can: Send an email to sixthform@waldegravesch.org Or you can contact the school via phone by calling: 02088943244 WALDEGRAVE SCHOOL Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW2 5LH HOW TO CONTACT YEAR 13 HEAD OF YEAR AND TUTORS
Mental Elf is a festive walk, jog or run around the park. Choose to complete 1,2 or 3 laps - 3 laps is 5k. Festive fancy dress is not essential but strongly encouraged! Sunday 1st December 2024, 11am Marble Hill Park, Twickenham TW1 2NL
Join us for festive frolics and raise vital funds for Richmond Borough Mind!
Full details and tickets are available on our website: www.rbmind.org or scan the QR code
Generously supported by
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