Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable Easter break, filled with quality time with family and friends. As we prepare for the new module, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this academic year. Your involvement in your children’s education is invaluable, and it truly makes a difference in their learning experiences.
We are excited to welcome the pupils back to the academy on Tuesday, 22nd April, starting from 8:00 am. Please remember that the academy gates will close as usual at 8:30 am, so we kindly ask that you ensure your children arrive on time to maximise their learning opportunities.
At the end of Module 4, we shared our latest newsletter, which provides a wonderful overview of the various activities and achievements at the academy. It is a great way to appreciate the breadth of talent and enthusiasm that our pupils demonstrate each day. I encourage you to take a few moments to read through it via the following link: Academy Newsletter. We hope that you enjoy the multitude of stories and highlights it contains.
During our recent parent forum, a valuable suggestion was made regarding the opportunity for parents and carers to nominate staff members for recognition within the academy. This initiative would not only allow us to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our staff but also help foster a positive and encouraging environment for our pupils. For more details on how to participate in this nomination process, please refer to this letter: Staff Nomination. Your involvement in this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to the morale of our staff, making the academy an even better place for learning.
As a testament to our commitment to providing an excellent environment for our pupils, I would like to commend our site team, who have been working diligently during the break to ensure that our facilities remain in top condition. You may recall my previous correspondence in January regarding bike safety and the importance of securely locking bicycles on the premises. In line with this, we have relocated our bike sheds from the main gate to a safer position at the front of the academy. This ensures that pupils can store their bikes safely and conveniently. I would like to remind you that all bicycles must be securely locked. Should a pupil forget to bring a lock, we kindly ask that you inform the Reception team, and we will ensure that the bike is safely stored within the academy for the day.
I am thrilled to report that, at the end of Module 4, our exceptional Performing Arts team, along with a large number of our talented pupils, staged a stunning performance of “Shrek the Musical”. The show was truly remarkable, and our pupils showcased outstanding confidence, skills, and creativity. It was a genuine delight to witness their hard work come to fruition. Furthermore, we were pleased to welcome several primary schools to collaborate in this event, including Elaine Primary, Cuxton Primary Academy, Leigh Academy High Halstow, and Bligh Juniors. Thank you to all participants for contributing to such an unforgettable performance, which exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and collaboration that we cherish at our academy.
Over the Easter break, we embarked on two thrilling international trips: one to Disneyland Paris and another to New York City. These trips provided our pupils with fantastic opportunities to enhance their cultural awareness and personal growth. Exposure to diverse environments and experiences is vital to their educational journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff members who led these trips and worked tirelessly to ensure that our pupils enjoyed a safe and enriching experience. Such opportunities are invaluable, and we are proud to provide them.
Additionally, a significant number of intervention sessions were conducted for Year 11 and Year 13 pupils during the Easter break. Thank you to our committed staff members for their support as our pupils prepare for their upcoming examinations. These extra sessions will bolster their confidence and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in their studies.
As we return, I would like to gently remind parents and carers to ensure that all pupils have a Chromebook sleeve and a fully charged Chromebook. It has come to our attention that many pupils were without this essential piece of equipment during Module 4, which hindered their ability to fully engage with their lessons. A fully charged Chromebook is critical for all pupils, as it enables them to participate effectively in the curriculum throughout the academy day.
Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth for all our pupils.
Warm regards,
Mr Jon Richardson
Principal
