Harlington HEADlights Week 5 –4/10/19 Dear Parents and Carers, This week Open Evening was a great success, and I thank all of the students who helped out on the evening. Despite the rain, we had lots of interested families, who came to see what Harlington had to offer. We have 195 places, and last year had 477 applications. 150/158 first choices were offered a place out of the 195 total. We currently have a waiting list of more than 60 students for the current Year 7. It is therefore essential that if you have a child in Year 6 and would like them to join us next September, you MUST: • Put us as your first choice on your school place application form; • Provide the required evidence of sibling relationship; • Make sure you apply by 31st October This will give you the best chance of securing a place. Please let us know if you would like any help in completing your application form. Please be advised that you must apply to London Borough of Hillingdon: https://archive.hillingdon.gov.uk/secondary Good Luck! “Dead on Time” – Harlington win STEM competition at Brunel University! Year 8 won their recent Forensic Science Competition “Dead on Time”, held at Brunel University. The year 8 pupils were putting their science skills against Bishopshalt School, Hewens College, Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Rosedale College & Uxbridge High School. They had to investigate multi aspects of forensic science and used laboratory and reasoning skills to lead them to Victory, with much encouragement from Mr Ball and Ms Podegsa . Well done to all involved. Wellbeing Update 5 #HelloYellow campaign for young minds Wear something yellow on Thursday 10 October and help raise vital funds for Young Minds. The Wellbeing Ambassadors would like the Harlington Family to raise awareness of child and young people mental health on World Mental Health Day, which is Thursday 10th October. Students (and staff!) can swap or add something yellow to their uniform that day! Together we can show young people they’re not alone with their mental health. It’s not a non-uniform day, but a splash of yellow will be lovely to see! We’ll also be collecting spare coins to raise some funds! Please take a look at the excellent young minds’ website - https://youngminds.org.uk I am also alerting you to a drop - in session that the school nurses will be holding for students at lunchtime on Thursday 17th October. They will be available to answer any health queries or concerns for any student. May I also alert Year 9 and Year 12 students to a survey that the Health Service and London Borough of Hillingdon are asking you to complete? You will be forwarded this letter via Parentmail for your child, which contains the online link to complete the survey. This is optional for all students in these year groups, but the Health Service are hoping for lots of feedback to help them plan support for young people in the Borough. As ever, if you have any feedback, praise or concerns please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help. Yours sincerely, Ms E A Horrigan Mrs A Maidment Headteacher Associate Headteacher Diary Events & Reminders Thursday 10th October - #HelloYellow campaign for young minds – wear a splash of yellow today! Friday 11th October – GCSE and A Level Textiles ‘Knit & Stitch’ Trip. Approximate return time 2.45pm Monday 14th October - Year 9 Brunel University STEM Event – Approximate return time 3.30pm Monday 21st - Friday 25th October - HALF TERM (Diwali - 27th October) Thursday 31st October – Year 9 & 6th Form trip to Tate Modern. Approximate return time 2.45pm Tuesday 5th - Friday 8th November – World Languages Trip to Barcelona Thursday 14th November – Year 7 & 8 trip to see War Horse at the Theatre - Approximate return time 6pm Don’t forget if your child is eligible for, and claims, Free School Meals, there is an automatic 50% discount on the costs of trips and events. We also have a hardship fund if your child is not eligible for Free School Meals but money is a little tight. Please write to Ms Horrigan or Mrs Maidment in confidence and we’ll do our best to help. .