newSBytes 13th July 2016

13th July 2016

Dear families Suddenly the end of term is on us with still so many events to take place. There is as ever so much to celebrate and we look forward to our newly established (this will be the second year in this format) of our Awards Ceremony which will take place on Thursday. This year we will welcome two reception class recipients to our event.

This Thursday also sees us welcome our new year 7 students and two weeks ago it was the turn of the new sixth form students to come along and find out more.

The refurbishment of the main block of our building continues to make great progress and we are now starting on some minor works to the sixth form area which will be ready for the new students in September.

I shall be writing a final letter to parents next week which will include both important information and notices for September.

Alison Saunders - Headteacher

Dates for your diary Wednesday 13th July Thursday 14th July

Transition evening for new Y7 parents Transition day Awards ceremony PSA ‘pre-loved ‘uniform sale 2:45 – 4:00pm in Canteen Saturday 16th July Music tour leaves Monday 18th July Stevensons (uniform supplier) in 3pm—7pm Tuesday 19th July Stevensons in 3pm—6pm Reminder: students moving into Y10 will need to buy maroon jumpers Friday 22nd July END OF TERM—early finish Monday 5th September

All students return

Saturday 24th September Open Morning 8:30—12:30

Traditionally, at the end of the academic year we say goodbye to a number of staff – some have been with us for a brief interlude whilst others for a substantial period. We wish them all every success and happiness.

Nicky Traynor (Head of Year, PE) – Nicky was a Simon Balle when I arrived in 1997. So many students and families will want to send their best wishes and thanks to Nicky for the care and support she has given to so many youngsters and for her commitment to Simon Balle. Her annual school trip to the Ardeche is legendary among students and staff. Nicky will be taking on a number of support and teaching roles.

Jane Mackervoy (Head of Art) – Jane has been at Simon Balle for 15 years and has inspired so many students with her passion for her subject. Jane plans to spend time developing her own art work and travelling.

Liz Ellis (Deputy Head) – Liz joined Simon Balle in 2010 from the Priory School in Hitchin. A great opportunity arose this year for Liz to become Acting Headteacher at Fearnhill School in Letchworth.

She was then successfully appointed as the substantive Headteacher for September 2016. Liz taught English and Spanish here and has already been missed!

Jenny Mather (Technology) – is leaving as she is relocating, we also send her with good wishes for her wedding this summer.

Debbie Upton (English) – Debbie has re-trained and will now be working in her new field.

Sarah Attard (English) – Sarah completed her PGCE training with us and now has secured her first permanent teaching post Nick Lee (Science) – we wish Nick success in his future studies and employment Richard Smith (History) – Richard is taking up a position at Tower School in Ware Monte Fish (Spanish) – we wish Monte well in her new teaching post Julie Calder (Sixth Form Careers) – Julie has decided to take a career break and spend more time with her family Lynda Osterburg (Achievement Leader) - Lynda has moved to a full time role within Hertfordshire County Council Emma Pearce (Achievement Support Assistant) – Emma is now starting her formal teacher training in order to become an English teacher Stacey Waters (Achievement Support Assistant) - Stacy is going to pursue her dream to be a speech and language therapist.

Jazz Nesbitt-Larkin (gap year student ) - Jazz has been our ‘Girl Friday’ manning the reception desk and covering jobs that are too numerous to mention. Jazz is going to University of Bath to study Music and Performance Josh Dear (gap year student) - Josh has been a huge help, primarily in the music department and will be going to Chichester University to study Music.

We wish Jazz and Josh every success on their respective university courses. We hope they will keep in touch and let us know how their studies are progressing.

While not leaving us, we would also like to take the opportunity to wish Laura Jones (PE) good luck for her wedding this summer.

We welcome back a number of our ‘established’ staff from maternity leave:     

Katie Hill – Head of PRE Charlotte Ayres – History Vicky Davies - Head of History Jo Green – Head of Year Jenny Townsend – English

Heads of Year From September the following changes will occur: Head of Year 7 – Graham Davies Head of Year 8 – Jo Green Head of Year 9 – Hannah Ahmet Key Stage 4 Manager – James Pooley

Sixth Form Rob Klippel (Assistant Head) will lead the sixth form with Mark Taylor (Director of Music) assisting, for the academic year 2016-17.

We will introduce all new staff to you in September.

PSA news

Save the date!

Ladies Pamper Evening th

Friday 18 November 2016 Please e-mail the PSA if you would like to be a therapist, take a stall or offer help. psa@simonballepsa.org.uk

Equipment, book covers and homework

Equipment: Please ensure that during the summer you get the right equipment for next term for lessons: All students must have a rucksack, a satchel or a shoulder bag. This must have a zip or can be securely closed. It must be able to hold books, files and an iPad and a pencil case.

All students should have a supply of pens (including black and red biros), pencils, ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener, highlighter pens. Pencils and colours (including felt pens) to use both in class and at home – drawing pencils HB, 2B, 4B & 6B; coloured pencils – a range of 24 colours is most useful; pastels; glue and scissors. For Maths students should have a geometry set and a scientific calculator and compass. If you are unsure which one to purchase, please speak to a member of the Maths Department at the beginning of term.

Book Covers: At the start of the year we introduced book covers for all year groups rather than just Year 7. Students have shared with us during the year how useful they have found them to protect their books and how they feel proud of their books as they are neater and more presentable. Next year all students will be expected to cover their books in all subjects and many will be able to transfer their current clear covers from their old books to their new books as the covers have lasted well. If any student in Years 8-13 wishes to purchase some more covers they can buy them from the main school office at breaks and lunchtimes @25pence per book. By the end of September all books must be covered. If any parent feels they will not be able to provide these for their son/daughter they should contact Mrs Adshead before the end of term at the following email address adsheady@simonballe.herts.sch.uk

Homework: Thank you so much to all the parents who completed the homework survey. We had responses from parents, all teaching staff contributed their views and students contributed their thoughts. From this initial data the Sixth form teaching and learning ambassadors conducted further focus group interviews with students from each year group, the Senior Leadership discussed the findings and a full staff meeting was held to agree the homework principles and guidelines. It was really helpful in shaping and improving our practice to have views from so many members of the Simon Balle community. These are now shared on the school website and can be found by following this link http://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/homework-and-feedback/ (also via the ‘About SBAS’ tab) Details of the expectations and the amount of homework being set by subject and year group are available via the same link. The key focus for the school next year will be on ensuring consistency, quality and clarity of practice across departments and year groups based on the published guidelines and principles. There will be opportunities next year for all members of the school community to provide feedback in these areas to ensure our revised work is having an impact on learning.

Yvonne Adshead – Assistant Headteacher

Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership Day Come along and enjoy the Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership Day held on Sunday 4 September from 12:30 to 4pm at County Hall, Hertford SG13 8DN. The day will encompass serious issues alongside fun activities. Many attractions include an interactive crash car, bouncy castles, and opportunities to sit in fire engines/police cars, competitions and the landing of the Air Ambulance plus delicious food stalls and much more.

All profits raised from this event go to Hertfordshire Air Ambulance to help with the continued delivery of their great service within Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Team The Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Team has provided the following message for parents of school age children.

Simon Balle All-through School is committed to being Smokefree. Nicotine is highly addictive, and it is vital that we help young people to make the right choices, so that they can go on to lead healthy lives as adults. Please help us by: - talking about smoking with your children at home - listening to their views and encouraging them to think through the risks and dangers - if you smoke, not smoking at home or in your car - if you smoke, trying to quit The Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service offers a free, effective and friendly service to help anyone who wants to quit smoking. It can also support you in using e-cigarettes to quit. Get in touch by texting SMOKEFREE to 80818, calling 0800 389 3 998 / 01442 453071 or visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/healthsoc/healthherts/smoking/

AS Roma Football Camp 5 Day Football Camp For 6-16 Year Olds

Summer Holiday 8th -12th August 2016 Sports Zone, Oaklands College

St Albans Campus, Hatfield Road, St. Albans AL4 0JA

Official Nike Kit AS Roma Coaches from Italy 2 Training Sessions & Lunch each day ยฃ185 per place. For more info contact: Gary Wilson or Dietmar Stรถckle

T: +44 (0)777 318 0047 E: asromacampuk@outlook.com @GKW_SportsMng

Registration Form � Training (2 sessions per day) led by AS Roma coaches � High quality Nike AS Roma kit � Varied lunch each day & attractive free time program � Final tournament with awarding of diplomas and closing ceremony Training starts 09.30 Monday to Friday, end of the camp day is at 15.30. .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....

Please fill in all sections and ensure relevant parts are signed and posted/delivered to GKW SPORTS MANAGEMENT LTD, 10 The Avenue, Stotfold Herts, SG5 4LY or email as attachment to: asromacampuk@outlook.com Binding registration for the AS Roma Football Camp (8th August - 12th August 2016) in St Albans: For the price of £185 (sterling) Cheques payable to: GKW SPORTS MANAGEMENT LTD BACs payment available please email for details Participant information Name, Surname_____________________________________________Guardian______________________________________________________ Full Address_________________________________________________________ Post Code_____________________ Date of birth_______________________ Height ( cm) ___________________ Gender______________ Phone _________________________________E-Mail_____________________________________ Position Played_________________________________ Clubs Played For_____________________________ Organiser: GKW Sports Management Ltd, in cooperation with Oaklands College and AS Roma Following submission of your application an email will be sent to confirm receipt and request payment details. Places will only be secured with full payment.

Please note the number of participants is limited. For cancellations within 3 weeks to the camp start date, 50% of the registration fee is due. With the cancellation all claims against the organiser are void. The organisers hold no responsibility for medical costs due to injuries and/or illnesses. We reserve the right to exclude participants with unsportsmanlike behavior at any time, without refund of the registration fee. In case of less than 30 applications, the organisers reserve the right not to perform the camp.

I hereby agree with this statements and conditions.

Date_____________________________________ Signature of the guardian__________________________________________________________ AUTHORISATION TO USE PERSONAL DATA I hereby authorize Stöckle Promotion, GKW Sports Management Ltd and associates, to use the participant’s personal data in order to process registration, payment, follow-up and organise the Camps. (must sign to register) Guardian: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________ MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORISATION AND ATHLETIC / LIABILITY WAIVER: To be allowed to participate in the AS Roma Camp sports programs, the undersigned: A. Declare that the participant is physically capable of participating in a sports program.

B. Acknowledge and fully understand that each participant will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability, death and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from their own actions, negligence of others, the rules of the play or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used. Further, that there may be other risks not know to us.

C. Give consent to have an athletic trainer, coach, manager, emergency medical technician, nurse, medical treatment facility and/or doctor of medicine or dentistry or associated personnel provide the player/participant with medical assistance and/or treatment.

D. Authorise emergency transportation of the participant to a medical treatment facility should an individual listed above consider it to be warranted.

E. Agree to be financially responsible for the cost of the above assistance and/or treatment.

F. Release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the organisers and their directors, administrators, employees, coaches, managers, agents, partners, associates, affiliated, sponsors, advertisers, other participants and the owners and lessors of the premises where the event will be held, for demands, losses or damages to property as a result of the applicant’s participation in the Program and/or being transported to/from the same, or caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the organisers.

G. Please declare if the child has a medical condition or allergy and provide details of how this is managed.

We will require separate medical form to be completed to ensure child welfare at the Camp.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE READ THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE AND UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHT BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT VOLUNTARY. (must sign to register) Guardian: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________ AUTHORISATION TO USE IMAGES: I hereby grant and transfer, at no fee, to Stöckle Promotion, GKW Sports Management Ltd and associates, the right to use images and videos where my son/daughter may appear, where those images and videos are used to illustrate and promote the AS Roma Camps. Furthermore, I authorize you to use those images and videos without a time limit, worldwide, via TV, cable, satellite, in any context and through all known and future communication means (including Internet, other networks and audio/video supports), always provided that your son/daughter’s honour and reputation are respected.

I also declare that both the participant and I will not seek any compensation from Stöckle Promotion, GKW Sports Management Ltd and associates, for any reason, if the participant’s images, video or voice were used for the above purpose. (must sign to register) Guardian: _____________________________________________ Date: ______________