Dr Slater's beginning of term letter

Thursday 6^thJanuary 2011

Dear Parents,

A very Happy New Year to you all.  I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas and that you managed to keep warm during what has officially been declared the coldest December since records began!

Holiday events

Mr Wayman reports that the school ski trip to Les Menuires was a great success.  There was plenty of good snow and the pupils’ behaviour was exceptional, both on- and off- piste.  The group’s return journey coincided with some very challenging wintry weather for France in general, but fortunately the Sunderland High School coach kept ahead of the worst of it,with the result that the group arrived back in Sunderland earlier than expected.  Look out for some photographs on the website.

The exceptionally cold weather resulted in the school suffering some burst pipes over the holiday period.  Prompt action by Mr Thompson, our Premises Manager, meant that the damage was less than would otherwise have been the case, but some rooms in Clifton Hall and in Carlton House were affected.  We hope that normality will be restored before too long!

Teaching and learning

Staff returned to school one day before the pupils, on Tuesday, for one of our regular professional development days. There were two main themes to the day: first aid training for those whose role requires it; and further coaching on how to develop our VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).  As you know, the VLE came into its own during our snow closure day, but it is not just a crisis tool. Rather, we intend that the VLE should be a routine part of teaching and learning at Sunderland High School, across all subject areas.

Following the success of last term’s Opportunities Day, this term’s Creative Curriculum focus is across-curricular week for Year 7, based on the theme of Malawi.  Each Year 7 pupil was given as aspect of Malawi to research over the Christmas break.  Year 7 will share their findings tomorrow, before embarking on a week during which Malawi will feature in most of their subject lessons.  You will be able to view the results of this project at the Year 7 Celebration in the Summer term.

I apologise for the delay in posting the new Reporting and Assessment Schedule on the website.  It is hoped that the difficulties will be overcome by the beginning of next week.  Meanwhile, please note that a copy of every letter which is either posted out to parents or sent home by ‘pupil post’ will also be posted on the website to make it easier for parents to keep in touch with what is going on.

Events this term

Please find enclosed a copy of this term’s events calendar. Pupils have already been given their own copy, to be kept in their blazer pocket; and we have also posted the calendar on the website. 

You will also find on the website a copy of sports fixtures for this term and, from next week, a copy of the Spring term activities programme which features both old favourites and newcomers.  The new extra curricular programmes begin on Monday 10^th January.  Pupils have been reminded to place their orders for a ‘grab and go’ bag first thing in the morning if they are attending a lunchtime activity for which this is appropriate.

Our school website also features important information about the school, including key policies such as our Child Protection / Safeguarding Policy and our Complaints Policy.  We want our website to be as informative as possible and welcome suggestions for additional things which might be included.

Senior School Parents’ Forum

The Senior School Parents’ Forum meets twice each term. Each meeting has a particular focus, chosen by the members.  The focus of the next meeting will be our Learning Support and ‘Stretch’ provision.  Your Parents’ Forum Representatives are: Mr Vic Lee (Year7); Mrs Federica Leadbitter (Year 8); Mrs Penny Shearer (Year 9 and Year 12);Mrs Andrea Mulholland (Year 10), Mr Michael Cassop Thompson (Year 11), Mrs Robyn Brannigan (Years 11 and 13) and Mrs Ann Wilson (Year 13).  If you have any general points you would like your Representatives to raise on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.  Please remember, however, that I am always available to talk/meet with you individually to discuss any queries or concerns you may have, and that I welcome feedback, whether positive, negative or in-between!

And finally…Malawi!

Thank you to all ofthose parents who so generously sponsored my Boxing Day Dip in aid of this year’s Malawi Expedition.  All of the money raised will go to the three projects in Nkhotakota supported by Sunderland High School: the school, the hospital and the orphan day care centre.  Much of the sponsor money has already found its way to me – thank you!  The school offices (both Junior School and Senior School) would be delighted to take receipt of any further donations.  The final total raised will be announced in the newsletter.

With all best wishes for the Spring term.

Yours sincerely,

Angela Slater

Dr Angela Slater

Head of Sunderland High School