This weekly bulletin contains the latest news updates across Year 11.
EEKLY W B ULLETIN 15 SEPTEMBER 2023
KEY SCHOOL DATES
A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEADTEACHER
HOLIDAYS & NATIONAL DAYS Alzheimer’s Awareness Month - September Suicide Prevention Month - September Rosh HaShanah (Jewish New Year) - 15-17 September Youth Mental Health Day - 19 September International Day of Peace - 21 September Year 13 Geography Trip to Barcelona Information Evening - 18 September Year 12/13 Information Evening - 19 September Student Photographs - 21-22 September Year 12 Subject Change Deadline - 22 September Year 10/11 Information Evening - 26 September
I am delighted to be writing our first bulletin of the school year. This is always such a lovely time of year, full of excitement and possibility. Not only is it wonderful to welcome our new students in Year 7 and Year 12, but our returning students and staff always enjoy catching up with each other to share tales of the summer holidays and plans for the year ahead. This week in assemblies I have been talking to students about Rosh HaShanah, the
*PICTURE OF BILLIE*
Jewish New Year which begins this evening at sunset, using this as an opportunity to reflect on how we can learn from the past as we begin a new year. One tradition we enjoy every September are the new school photographs. These will take place next week on Thursday and Friday for students in Years 7- 11. All students will have an individual photo as well as a tutor group photograph. We have reminded all our students about our uniform policy and appreciate your support in ensuring students comply with this. It was lovely to meet so many Year 7 parents and carers at our Information Evening on Tuesday. A huge thank you to our fabulous PTA who hosted informal welcome drinks in the Sixth Form. The PTA will be holding a Pre-loved Uniform sale on Saturday 30 September, any donations of unwanted uniforms would be very much appreciated. Finally, I would like to thank you for your support on Wednesday when we were forced to close the school at short notice due to having no water supply. Your patience and understanding was greatly appreciated.
~ Ms Tongue, Headteacher
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your stories and photos to share by email to info@waldegravesch.org Follow us on twitter @Waldegravesch for general news and @WaldegraveSport for frequent sports updates JOINING THE PTA To get in contact with our PTA about joining the team please click below.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it can also make young people feel anxious. Clinical psychologist, Nicholas J. Westers, recommends seven ways parents can help their children get the school year off right and build habits that foster strong mental health: 1. Encourage them to define their values and goals: The beginning of the year is a good time to focus on who they want to be and what they believe in. 2. Think of this year as a new start: A new school year is a chance to start fresh. 3. Foster meaningful friendships: If your child wants to make new friends this year, encourage them to start small: Say hello to at least one person every day, compliment another classmate or ask them about their interests. 4. Learn from setbacks: Build resilience by reframing challenges as learning opportunities. 5. Remember that although grades are important, so is being well-rounded: Many children and teenagers feel nervous and anxious about getting good grades. Remembering that activities and interests outside of the classroom are also important is helpful. 6. Remind your child that you’re their biggest ally: Many of the most successful and emotionally healthy students at school know that their parents can be their greatest ally. 7. Learn when to seek professional help: Key signs might be: noticeably and consistently different behaviour, poor sleep or school avoidance.
CONTACT PTA
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 11 It has been wonderful welcoming Year 11 back to school after the summer holidays. I hope they had the chance to rest and recharge for another busy year ahead. All students have made such a positive start to the year and I am really impressed with the enthusiastic and hardworking approach they have demonstrated so far in lessons. This will help them to make the best possible start to Year 11 and help prepare them for their forthcoming mock exams. Students are already busy building up their epraise points; the top tutor group for Year 11 is 11PON, who already have an impressive 41 points. They are closely followed by 11ESU and 11SPA, with 38 and 27 points respectively. There are a number of extra curricular clubs already starting up. This is a perfect opportunity for students to try something new this year. Click here to view the Autumn 2023 extracurricular timetable. Well Done to Floss G in 11FLE for achieving a Distinction in her Grade 4 Trinity Singing exam before the Summer break. Congratulations to Georgia M-M in 11FEL for passing her Grade 4 Trinity exam with a Merit! We are inviting all parents/carers of Year 11 students into school on 26 September for an information evening to discuss how the school works and the support available for students. A letter is being sent to Year 11 parents this week explaining the key dates ahead. The Sixth Form Open Evening will be taking place on Thursday 19 October between 5-8pm. There will be three sessions of one hour each where applicants and their parents/carers can hear from Mr Bannister, Head of Sixth Form, about the Sixth Form vision and ethos, how to make an application and explain how the evening will proceed. Visitors will then have the opportunity to visit the Sixth Form block, our new Learning Space, the creative subject spaces and the Performing Arts block. Tickets will be available to book from 10am on Tuesday 19 September. All visitors must book a place including Waldegrave Year 11 students. Spaces are limited so we advise early booking. More information and the Eventbrite link can be viewed here: Making an application to Sixth Form 2024.
MRS BASHFORD-HYNES, HEAD OF YEAR 11
BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This book is written from the perspective of Charlie through letter entries, following him and his friends through their challenging navigation through high school and life. It’s a moving and honest story.
~ Recommended by Neeka P, Year 11 student
DRAMA DEPARTMENT SUPPORT
Please can we kindly ask for parents/carers picking up and dropping off their children in cars to be considerate of the neighbourhood and their street policies in place for parking. You may incur a Penalty Charge Notice if you are found to be contravening the on street parking restrictions. PARKING NOTICE FROM THE COUNCIL
We are really excited to be rehearsing our latest school production, Annie. As ever parental support would be very much appreciated. In particular we hope someone may have a free standing door frame with a door in it to donate as part of the set design. The help of a theatre lighting expert to offer specialist advice would also be very welcome.
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 KS4@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 10 HEAD OF YEAR AND TUTORS
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