2nd October 2017
October Newsletter Dear Families, As Headteacher I, once again, am extremely proud of our school community. Open Morning was a huge success, with so many students helping out with the vast numbers who attended. With over 900 people in the three talks, our Head Girl and Boy spoke from their hearts of the strong ethos and vision of our school; its academic success coupled with that deep sense of individual worth and community. We have already received a lot of highly positive feedback and I wanted to share a few words with you: ‘…was very friendly (chatting to our son Max, age 10), very articulate, very personable, very knowledgeable, a good sense of humour and she was happy to share her honest opinions with us. She was also exceedingly patient with us, and answered our numerous questions and requests. We couldn't have asked for more!’ ‘The Head Boy and Head Girl spoke with passion, humour, articulacy and great commitment - I heard many parents saying that they will not forget the analogies of the seeds and the pizza! Impressive well beyond their years. A year 7 boy took me around the school and I was astounded by how much he already knows and loves about the school after just a few weeks! He was a credit to Simon Balle. I spoke to many others too, in passing, and they were polite, helpful, welcoming, well-spoken and enthusiastic about their school experiences. ‘ The fun run was another example of that community spirit. This year we are focusing on raising funds for our swimming pool, which is not only used by our school but by an increasing number of community groups. The theme for fancy dress was “European Languages” and the school was ablaze with a variety of outfits. It was lovely for everyone to see our youngest children enthusiastically taking part too. To date we have raised almost £9000 so please send in any outstanding donations/ sponsorship money as soon as you can as we have some way to go to reach our target for the replacement swimming pool liner.
Academic success- 2017 Earlier this week the DFE published its preliminary performance data for summer 2017. As many parents are aware, there were many changes this year and thus it is very difficult to compare results year on year. Also this year, many schools have asked for re-marks and these are trickling in with some success for students. However, it now looks as if Simon Balle has increased its rate of progress for students compared to last year and thus once again our value added will place us significantly above average and in the top 5% of school nationally. Our success at all levels is also linked to our pastoral support which so often involves working together with parents. At the start of this busy term, it is with sadness that I have to report the passing on of a Year 8 student who arrived at Simon Balle battling a terminal illness. Our thoughts go out to friends and family. From time to time we know of families who are coping with very difficult situations, illness and tragedy and this is a real test for everyone. However I am always heartened to see how the community pulls together and offers amazing comfort. Thank you. Alison Saunders
Dates For Your Diary 4th – 6th October 16th October 19th October 23rd-27th October
Second Phasels Wood trip (Y7) PSA AGM Y11 parents information evening Half Term
Attendance, punctuality and leave of absence SBAS Expectations Student’s attendance is 100% Students to catch up work in own time if absent from school Arrive at school by 8.40am as lessons start at 8.45am. I would like to start by thanking those parents and carers who have supported their sons/daughters and the school in terms of attendance. Last year the schools overall attendance was 96.4% which is above national and county averages. It is widely recognised that regular and punctual attendance to school is both a legal requirement and is essential if young people are to maximise their educational potential. There is now a new tab on the school website under ‘About SBAS’ called Attendance that has much more detailed information about our procedures and policies, but I would like to highlight a few changes and remind you of certain procedures. 1) Term Time absence – This is only authorised in exceptional circumstances. The green forms are no longer available and should you need to apply, there is a google form to complete on the front page of the website. A reminder that you need to apply before booking any travel and that if not authorised by the school will go down as an unauthorised absence. 2) Attendance – We will celebrate student’s excellent attendance throughout the year and will continue to run a House competition linked to this. If students fall below 95% there will be interventions put in place to improve this. In extreme cases students and parents will be invited to attend an attendance panel meeting and if no improvement made it will be passed on to County to the Attendance team to take on the case. 3) Lateness to school – There is now a new lates process in place to improve punctuality to school. If your child is late to school twice in a week then you will receive a letter and student will get a consequence. Persistent absence in the half term will then lead to more serious interventions and consequences.
FUN RUN 2017 We held our Fun Run on Tuesday 26th September. This was the biggest and the best fun run yet! We managed, once again, to book a glorious afternoon of sunshine. With students from age 4 to 18 running (as well as staff and a few parents joining the Elite Race) it is a whole-school community day of which to be proud. The donations are still being processed – the latest figure is just under £9,000 and I would like to thank all parents and students for their contributions that will go towards the refurbishment of the swimming pool. It was coupled with the day of European languages and the fancy dress efforts were truly amazing. The photos will be available on the website soon—but as you can imagine, there are hundreds to sort through! Results Elite Race Staff/Adult – Mr Coy Upper School Boy – Alex Willis Upper School Girls – Trixie Wraith Lower school Boy – Alex Harley Lower school Girl – Niamh Smith Fancy Dress 7 – Nicole Williams & Marie Taudal Heath 8 – Dylan Harrington 9 – Verity Graham Rhian Stodel 10 – James Threlfall & Scott Watson 11 – Theo Purssell 6th Form – Dr Who
Bag2School We are pleased to announce that the school has again this year organised a textile collection with Bag2School in order to raise funds for the PSA. Last year this scheme raised over £300 for the school. This year, with more families involved, we should be able to raise much more than this. Bag2School are the UK’s leading textile recycler and fundraiser working with schools and since its inception in 2001 they have now paid out over £20 million. As well as raising vitally needed funds for our school, it also helps the environment by helping to divert unwanted textiles away from landfill. A recent DEFRA report has shown that textile collection schemes are helping to reduce the volume of textiles discarded as municipal solid waste. However it is a fact that as a nation we still send 1,081,000 tonnes of textiles to landfill every year. By getting involved in our Bag2School collection, you have an opportunity to sort through your cupboards and wardrobes and donate unwanted textiles in the bag provided – this can include good quality adults’ and children’s clothes, shoes (tied together please), hats, belts, handbags and soft toys. Please note bedding, curtains, and household linen cannot be accepted (refer to www.bag2school.com for details). In addition to raising much needed funds it will also raise awareness amongst the children of the benefits of recycling and reuse. Pick up a donation bag from either the secondary or Larch centre reception. If you fill the bag and still have more, then you can use any other bag to donate your items and don’t forget to ask grand-parents, friends and neighbours to have a sort out as well! We have plenty of bags, so please keep filling them. The more we collect the more money we raise. Every little helps! Bag2School will be collecting from our school on 3rd October . Please bring your bag (or bags!) to the Larch Centre before 9am on that date and help us have a really good collection. Thank you for your support!
Old Pound Coins The old "round pound" will stop being legal tender on 15th October this year. Please note that the finance office will not be accepting old ÂŁ1 coins after this date. Second Hand Uniform We require any good quality second hand uniform (Primary and Secondary) for the PSA to sell at events. If you have any to spare please bring it to the school office. Thank you. Student Printing With such a successful one device per pupil scheme at Simon Balle we are always looking at new ways to encourage students to think about the environment. We have decided for the start of the academic year that students will not be able to print within school. We have reduced CO2 admission as a result of this. We hope that students can also be encouraged at home to make exciting changes to benefit the environment. Year 7 Phasels Wood Trip Form groups 7M,7N and 7R thoroughly enjoyed their 3 day trip to Phasels Wood last week. We hope groups 7A,7B and 7L are looking forward to going this Wednesday. There will be a full report in the next newsletter. PSA AGM Oct 16th 7pm in the school Library, followed by PSA meeting at 7:30pm. Please join us at our AGM to -Hear about the events/initiatives we have supported over the last year -Hear about the funds raised and what they are paying for -Influence the plans for the year ahead We need your:Ideas, support at events, donations, skills & expertise to run the association. Thank you.
GINformation Evening Saturday 14th October 2017 7pm for a 7:30pm start All you Gin lovers out there, we have something special coming up! You are invited to join us at The Larch Centre on Saturday 14th October, where the very popular Hertford Gin Club will be hosting a private pop up gin education, tasting and supper evening - available exclusively to Simon Balle friends and families. As you’ll know the country is enjoying a gin renaissance, encouraging us to become more adventurous and better-educated about the juniper spirit. If you are keen to get into the spirit, then our GINformation Evening could be just the tonic! Our aim is to provide you with a fabulous gin drinking experience in a relaxed and convivial environment. Throughout the tasting our host will fill you in on a bit of ‘ginformation’ on the different styles of gin and will guide you through four exceptional examples of small batch artisan gins. Your drinks will be served over cracked ice, accompanied by superb Fever Tree Tonic with a garnish individually matched to the gin being served. This is an informal tasting intended to entertain and inform so you can discover more about this wonderful and intriguing spirit. Included in the ticket price will be delicious dishes prepared by the marvellous Pickle & Slice and, if you book before 30th September, you will receive a complimentary welcome gin based cocktail to begin your evening On conclusion of the guided tasting, a few specialist gins will be available to purchase – should your palate remain curious! Tickets are priced at just £30 each and are limited to just 26. We do anticipate that tickets will sell quickly so encourage you to book early and to extend the invitation to friends and family straight away. For more information about any aspect of the evening please email psa@simonballepsa.org.uk, Tickets priced at £30 per person are available exclusively via the PSA website. To register and purchase your tickets for this event and future PSA events, please visit: www.simonballepsa.org.uk
WARE'S THE FUN PALACE SATURDAY 7TH & SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2017 Taking place on the weekend of 7th and 8th October at The Southern Maltings and Ware Arts Centre, Ware’s the Fun Palace is an opportunity for the local people of Ware, and the surrounding area to come together and celebrate all that this amazing community has on offer. From craft and music to science and nature, Ware’s the Fun Palace will give people of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to take part in workshops, events and performances, all of which are completely free. For a list of what is on across the weekend, then please click here: http://www.waresthefunpalace.co.uk/planned-workshops. Everything on offer is being run completely by volunteers and therefore, whether it’s delivering workshops, manning the stalls, or serving the delicious refreshments that will be on offer throughout the weekend, there is an opportunity to get involved. We need Ware’s the Fun Palace to be all about OUR local community. If you have an idea for a workshop or have a talent you would like to teach to others, then why not contact us today and one of the Ware’s the Fun Palace Makers will be in touch http://www.waresthefunpalace.co.uk/contact Fun Palaces all over the country are showcasing what is great about their local community and we are doing the same. Life should be varied, exciting and fun. With your help and participation, Ware’s the Fun Palace will give people the chance to experience just that. Ware Arts Centre, Southern Maltings, Kibes Lane, WARE, SG12 7BS.