Dear Parent / Carer s12

10 November 2015

Dear Parent / Carer

School News

Staff Training Days Please note that the school is closed to pupils due to Staff Training on: - Monday 23 November Monday 4 January

Curricular Summary – Term 2 Please find enclosed a summary of the work that your sons/daughters will be undertaking across the curriculum from now to Christmas. I hope that you find this useful and that you will continue to support them in achieving their goals at school.

New Build We are now in our new school – and we love it! Andrew Parker, County Architect, has created a marvellous place in which to learn – light, airy, warm and welcoming. We will invite all parents/carers to our Opening Ceremony in 2016 – date to be decided.

Children in Need – Friday 13 November In the afternoon, we will be ‘Rambling’ down at Buckler’s Hard. All donations gratefully received. Pupils are advised to bring their own wellies and waterproofs where possible. (We do have a limited stock in school.)

Free Trees for Your Garden This term we have taken delivery of 300+ new trees and bushes which were donated by The Woodlands Trust. Our plan is to use some in our new environment and donate the rest to our local community as thanks for allowing us to build our lovely new school. If any parents/carers would like one, please let us know!

GCSE POD This resource has been designed to help pupils revise for their exams. Revision sessions consist of 4-5 minute tutorials – it is very user friendly. Please encourage your son / daughter to access it. The webpage is www.gcsepod.co.uk

Attendance Please be reminded that, if your child is unwell or not coming to school, you must let us know before the register closes at 9.30am, so that we can record absence correctly.

Following the recent decision by Isle of Wight magistrates not to hear a case against a father who removed his child from school for a holiday during term time, Hampshire have clarified that the legal position for Penalty Notices remains unchanged. A penalty notice will be issued when a child has had 10 or more unauthorised absences (equivalent to 5 days) in any 10 school week period, or one or more absences during an exam  1 day = 2 sessions (morning and afternoon)  If your child arrives at school after registration has closed at 9.30 or if they are on a part-time timetable and arrive more than 30 minutes after they are due to start, they will be marked as unauthorised for that session

Every day counts... because children achieve better when they attend school all day, every day

Every day counts… because going to school means getting a better chance at life

Every day counts… because school helps children build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience

Every day counts… because going to school is a legal requirement

Support for families If your child does not want to go to school, or is missing school without you knowing, contact us immediately for assistance and support.

Parents/Carers Survey As you know, we are always interested in obtaining feedback regarding our performance from pupils, parents and carers. I have enclosed a short questionnaire and I would be most grateful if you could complete and return it to us, either by post or by hand.

Thank you and best wishes,

Dominic Coburn Headteacher