9Th July 2021
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9th July 2021 We have reached the end of an academic year like no other. Ivanhoe has seen many changes this academic year – the return of remote education, the introduction of in-school and subsequent home COVID-19 testing, the beginning of our age range change journey and our transition into LiFE MAT to name but a few – and throughout, the students and the staff of Ivanhoe have dealt with these changes with a fantastic attitude and resilience. I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Ivanhoe families who diligently supported their children throughout this challenging year; through home learning, the subsequent return to school and the various changes in the COVID-19 guidance and restrictions. I know that it was a very tough and challenging time for many – yet our students that have demonstrated their amazing attitude to learning throughout. Of course, a huge thank you also goes to my staff team: both teaching and support staff, who have worked so hard during these unpresented times. Despite the challenges of the year, our students have achieved so much. I would like to thank all of our students for their hard work, effort and many achievements throughout the year. This week, we have said goodbye to our Year 9 students. Throughout their time at Ivanhoe we have watched them grow from young children to young adults, and we are so proud of how far they have come. As they continue on their journey towards their GCSEs we are confident they will achieve highly. As Gandhi said: “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.” From all of the leadership team and staff: we wish you good luck for the future. Continued overleaf As we enter the school holidays, we really want to ensure students have support and this service can be used both during term time and in the holidays. It is a fantastic free service which supports students' mental health and well- being and is a brilliant tool for lots of different aspects of this. Click here to watch a video about Kooth. Finally, it is a time to say goodbye to some of our long standing staff who are retiring or leaving us for pastures new. Thank you to the following colleagues: we really appreciate all that you have done for the school and wish you very good luck in the future. Mrs. Berrow, SEND Teacher, who has been with Ivanhoe for 20 years * Mrs. Geary, Science Technician, who has been with Ivanhoe for 19 years * Miss. Twigg, Cover Supervisor, who has been with Ivanhoe for 15 years * Mrs. Watkins, French Teacher * Mrs. Holmes, Learning Support Assistant * Mr. Oakley, Learning Support Assistant In the new school year, we will welcome some new faces to the Ivanhoe Team: Mrs. Thompson, Spanish Teacher * Mr. Burrows, Maths Teacher * Miss. Doran, Science Technician * Mr. Hunt, Learning Support Assistant As I write this newsletter, the Department of Education have outlined some of the steps on Step 4 of the COVID Roadmap. You can read about these steps here. Read on in this newsletter to read more about the initial measures in place as set out in my MyEd message to Year 7 and Year 8 students earlier this week. We wish all of our students and colleagues a happy and safe summer and look forward to seeing you in the new school year. Alison Allford Headteacher Multi Academy Trust Update On 1st July, Ivanhoe College joined the LiFE Multi Academy Trust and its schools; Bosworth Academy, The Winstanley School, Kingsway Primary, Braunstone Frith Primary, Countesthorpe Academy, Ashby School and Ibstock Community College, The vision and values of LiFE are based on a commitment to a collaborative approach of working. Under the leadership of the CEO, Chris Parkinson, LiFE MAT has already had a positive impact in developing collaboration and sharing best practice across the group of schools. Joining the MAT gives Ivanhoe an an exciting opportunity for our school leaders to work with the Leadership Team at LiFE to continue to build on the good work that has already been done within the college. On the date of the transfer, a representative from the Department for Education said “I am confident that these decisions will stand to benefit the local community and children for years to come." As Headteacher, I am delighted that Ivanhoe has joined LiFE MAT and welcome the exciting opportunities that this will bring our school. Lateral Flow Testing Many thanks for your support with lateral flow testing this academic year and for your efforts with regard to home learning. Without your outstanding parental support, we would not have been so successful at keep Covid numbers down in the school environment. Planning for next year We have just received the guidance from the government about arrangements for next year. Please refer to my headteacher’s letter sent today(9th July). In brief: The school day will return to a shorter break (20 mins) in the morning and a longer lunch (45 mins). We will run two separate breaks and two separate lunches next year in case we have to move to separate year group bubbles. In the first instance, Year 7 will have lunch together with half of year 8 and then Year 9 will have lunch together with the other half of Year 8. This will rotate across the week. Lessons will return to 5 x 1 hour lessons per day and students will be allowed to move around the school building to different departments and classrooms. Further details are in the letter, but in the meantime, please keep an eye on the website where we will update parents as soon as we have clarity and make sure that you have the MyEd app downloaded with the latest updates. Or keep an eye on our news area on the website. https://www.ivanhoe.co.uk/content/news.php Thank you again for your support and have a restful break. Water bottle reminder All students must bring a reusable water bottle to school. Following the school decision to stop selling bottles of water in the canteen for ecological reasons, it has been expected that all students will bring a reusable water bottle to school. We have added extra water fountains around school as well as have bottles available to buy or exchange house points for in school. Please ensure your child has a water bottle in their bag every School Uniform Please take time to familiarise yourself with the Ivanhoe Uniform standards on our website: https://www.ivanhoe.co.uk/uniform. We will expect all students returning in Autumn to have full correct uniform, including correct shoes and P.E. kit. In particular may we draw your attention to the details regarding piercings, which will need to be removed before returning to school. (we allow one small sleeper or stud in the earlobe) We have made a small change to our uniform policy and now allow grey smart shorts all year as an alternative to trousers or skirts. These can be purchased from Ashby School Wear. All of our uniform suppliers are offering online ordering, and you can also buy in store at Ashby Schoolwear and Pupil Schoolwear (in Swadlincote). https://ashbyschoolwear.co.uk https://pupilschoolwear.co.uk Marks and Spencer will be running their annual 20% discount scheme from 6th July to 3rd August. http://www.mandsyourschooluniform.com P.E. Kit Following a consultation with students, staff and parents, we have decided on a Covid Keeper for next year. That is to continue allowing our students to come to school in their PE kit on the days they have PE. New Year 7 students will need to attend school on Wednesday 25th August in their full school uniform. On this day, those who have ordered their PE kit through LissSport will be given it. Also on this day, students will find out their timetables and what days they have PE. They can then wear their PE kit on those days moving forward. Year 8 and Year 9 students will need to attend school in their full school uniform on their first day back. They will find out their timetables and what days they have PE on, and can then wear their PE kit on those days moving forward. The deadline to order new PE Kit from Lissport is 11th July to be delivered in time for the start of the school year. Please order online at https://www.lisssport.co.uk Full details of the P.E. Kit requirements can be found here. Including details of the new boys rugby shirt. There is also a local facebook page called ‘Ashby de la Zouch Parents Uniform Exchange’ where families can buy, sell or gift secondhand uniform. We also accept donations of clean good quality school uniform at school, please drop off at school reception. Keeping your child safe this summer . Safeguarding is at the heart of all we do at Ivanhoe. All of our students have had a presentation about staying safe this summer. It is an unfortunate fact that more children are killed or injured during the school holidays than at any other time. As restrictions come to an end it is understandable that young people want to get out and have fun, but as many of them have spent the last year or more without such freedoms they need reminding of how to keep themselves safe. Have a pro social summer STAY SAFE WHEN AROUND TRAFFIC DO NOT PLAY WITH OR CARRY KNIVES STAY AWAY DON’T ENTER OR CLIMB ON DERELICT BUILDINGS FROM RAILWAY TRACKS REMEMBER ADAM JOHNSON! REMEMBER YOUR E-SAFETY LESSONS DO NOT THROW THINGS OFF BRIDGES IF YOU HAVE ANY WORRIES ABOUT YOUR ONLINE SAFETY THIS IS THE WEBSITE TO GO TO FIRST.