13th September 2016
Welcome to the Autumn Term 2016 We especially welcome all of those new families joining us—in reception, year 7 or the sixth form. This is for schools a new year and just as with the calendar year, it is a time to look back and enjoy the moment but also look forward. Last year we renewed and promoted our belief in ‘high expectations, high aspirations’ for all of our students. This was actively reinforced through assemblies, newsletters and other events. Promoting a ‘can do’ culture and also emphasising that when things go wrong (which they will) it is very much part of the learning process, and we think has helped everyone. Indeed, our exam results were truly impressive.
Despite national variation this year, we achieved our best ever results, with almost 80% of students achieving 5+ A*-C (including English and Maths), with just under a third of students achieving 5+ A*-A grades. A new performance measure has been introduced this year, known as ‘Progress 8’ which measures student’s progress from when they take their SATS to when they take GCSEs. Our Progress 8 score is likely to be around 0.8 which means that students on average made around 1 grade extra progress than the national expectations. To put it simply; students get better results by coming here than if they attended other schools. Three of our students in Year 9 took GCSE in a modern foreign language—French, German and Spanish respectively. Top grades were awarded to Jean, Lucie and Lucia —well done! A level grades were equally impressive with the average point score increasing once again. A* grades were achieved in 16 different subjects, a recognition of the strength of teaching across all areas of the curriculum.
At the other end of the school we are exceptionally pleased by the achievement and progress made by last year’s reception children. Our parents have been absolutely delighted at how the children settled in and became confident, independent learners. They love school and have made leaps and bounds in their learning with their cursive handwriting, reading and numeracy to learning Spanish and enjoying music. Last week we welcomed another 60 children into our school community and an almost unheard of 6 sets of twins! These great achievements mean that we can start this new year confident and able to really push forward in our drive for real success for all.
Alison Saunders—Headteacher
Fun Run 2016 Letters have now gone out (with correct links and attachments!) by email about our annual Fun Run on Friday 30th September. This is a wonderful occasion when the whole school community takes part, enjoying our school grounds. This year, 9 year groups will take part –from the four year olds to the eighteen year olds. Unlike some local schools we do not collect a ‘school fund’ and are therefore reliant on donations or funds raised through our Parent-Staff Association. This event is one of our major annual fundraisers, in the past paying for the hire and upkeep of one of our school minibuses. This year with 5 extra year groups we are expecting to raise an incredible amount of money. This money, as part of our sixtieth anniversary fundraising, will help to improve our school grounds so that all students can benefit. Among other plans we are considering creating improved seating areas.
Open Morning – Saturday 24th September Following the great success of the previous two years we will be holding our annual Open Morning on Saturday 24th September. Letters will be sent nearer the time but can you please ensure that your child comes along and promotes our school. Each year we welcome over 600 families and we need guides, demonstrators and performers to give the visitors a true impression of what our school is like.
Improvements to the premises You cannot fail to notice how the ‘window-walling’ is improving both the outside and the inside of the building. Work is on time and staff and students are constantly commenting upon how much better the learning environment is. We have also altered the layout of the sixth form learning centre. Students told us that they wanted more quiet spaces to work and so we have sub-divided the large space. In addition we have created ‘The Six Rivers Café’ which is open most of the day serving food and drinks to students and staff.
Staff updates We welcome the following teaching staff to Simon Balle:
Daisy Coulbeck – Science teacher Lauren Davison – PE teacher Rebecca Fish – Technology teacher Fiona Johnston – Art and Design Technology teacher Colin Keast – Science teacher Tom Mather – Technology teacher (p/t) Helen Rhodes – MFL teacher Marie-Claire Riddle – Y1 teacher Charlotte Stuart – Head of Art Mary Williams – Reception teacher
And we welcome back from their maternity leave:
Charlotte Ayres – History teacher Vicky Davies – Head of History Jo Green – Head of Year 8, English and Drama teacher
We also welcome three Schools Direct Trainee Teachers
Nick Hagyard – Music David Kelleway – Science Olivia Rodney - Science
Welcome to the new members of support staff:
Tania Cesar – Science technician Emma Davies – ASA Science Russell Ford – Sixth Form Learning Centre Manager Emily Lewis – TA Larch Centre Kirsty Mayo – ASA English Louise Pettengell – TA Larch Centre Sally Tarry – ASA English Leslie Willies – ASA English
Lastly, we also welcome the following ‘gap year’ students: Lucy Deards , Frances Kendall, Max Milic, Louix Monk and James Pond It is with regret that I have to inform parents that two members of staff are undergoing medical treatment: our sixth form administrator and an English teacher. Admin support has been provided for the sixth form and the English lessons have been covered by English specialists.
Governors In the last newsletter I informed parents of the departures of some of our most experienced governors who have served the school for many years. During this academic year we will be saying goodbye to several more. Therefore we are looking for people to join our Governing Body. We look forward to hearing from parents, family or friends who could offer any of the following expertise:
Publicity/Advertising Buildings/Architecture/Health & Safety Health Police Primary School Leadership
Being a Governor is an important role and one of commitment. If you can offer expertise & support but don’t feel you can commit regularly (twice every half term) then also contact us on admin@simonballe.herts.sch.uk as we will never turn down an offer! Also, if you have other skills, again contact!
Thank you for feedback I received a number of emails from parents expressing support for our new rule that all students in Key Stage 3 should not use their mobile phones during the school day. Whilst we have not changed our position with regards to year 10 and 11, we will confiscate phones if misuse is reported.
Dates for your diary 2016/17 Wednesday 14th September Tuesday 20th September Wednesday 21st September Friday 23rd September SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER Monday 26th September Friday 30th September Tuesday 4th October Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th Oct Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th Oct Friday 21st October Monday 24th to Friday 28th Oct Thursday 3rd November
Y10 Expectations evening Y11 Expectations evening Y7,11 and 13 group photographs Sports presentation evening Early finish (1.10pm) OPEN MORNING Inset (school closed for students) FUN RUN PSA AGM and new parents ‘Come And Meet Us’ session Y7 (half year group) Phasels Wood Y7 (half year group) Phasels Wood Non uniform day HALF TERM Y10 parents evening
Simon Balle PSA – New Elected Officers Required The PSA at Simon Balle is a small but active group of parents and staff that support the school with fundraising events and activities. Our fundraising has so far this year paid towards one of the school mini buses and helped with the development of the garden project in the Larch Centre. With a number of popular events planned for later in 2016 we are hoping to be able to make a special contribution in this landmark year as the school celebrates its 60th anniversary. A number of key roles on the Committee of the PSA have become available as the current Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary stand down after many years’ of unstinting service. Alison Saunders, Headteacher remarks: “The work of the PSA is greatly appreciated and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them – particularly for the significant contribution the Committee has made – by enhancing school life and our amenities.” You only need to be a parent of a current student, willing to give up some of your time and are enthusiastic about helping our school community. If you are interested in any of these roles you can find out more details by emailing : psa@simonballepsa.org.uk. The roles of Chair, Vice Chair & secretary will be elected at the AGM on 4 October 2016 but we also welcome new members who wish to help out. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair – it has given me the opportunity to get deeply involved in school life and it’s been great to feel as though I can be part of something that makes a valuable contribution.” - The current PSA Chair, Adrian Lawson. If you would like to get involved and support the PSA please follow our Facebook page to see what’s going on: https://www.facebook.com/simonballepsa/
Call for young people to get vaccinated against meningitis
Hertfordshire County Council is urging young people who are offered a meningitis vaccination to take it up so that they are protected against the disease. Young people should get vaccinated to protect against rising cases of Meningitis W (MenW) and septicaemia. Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are very serious diseases caused by meningococcal bacteria. Both diseases can be fatal, but they are easily prevented. GPs will be writing to the following groups to encourage them to get vaccinated at their surgery as soon as possible: • all 17 and 18 year olds (school year 13; born between 1/9/1997 to 31/08/1998); • 19-year-olds who missed getting vaccinated last year (anyone born between 1/9/1996 to 31/08/1997); Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to more than 200 cases in the past 12 months. There are a number of different types of the infection and the vaccination gives protection against four of them – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. These infections can be deadly and survivors can be left with life-changing disabilities. Young people going on to university or college are particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria. Ideally young people should get vaccinated before term starts – to ensure immunity. But anyone can still get the jab from their new GP in their college town. It is also advised that anyone aged up to 25 starting university get vaccinated by their GP. The disease can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include headache, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet. Students should be alert to the signs and symptoms and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently. Students are also encouraged to look out for their housemates and friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell. For more information on symptoms visit www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Meningitis