As we approach the end of the Spring Term 2011 may I thank all students and staff for their hard work. It has been an unusually lengthy term with so much going on. Simon Balle continues to have an excellent reputation, so many talented young people displaying outstanding work in a wealth of areas both inside and outside the classroom. Sport has gone from strength to strength with many trophies won and teams playing at County and National level. Our music is at the envy of most Headteachers in Hertfordshire both in terms of quality and breadth. Whilst inside the classroom the quality of work continues to impress. Of equal note is dance and drama, once again we have seen such talented young students perform. And yet what perhaps is even more important is how our young people develop and mature into articulate, polite, well-rounded individuals. Our school is always looking forward, looking to provide opportunities for our young people to develop the skills they will need in order to be highly successful adults. What makes us stand out from other schools is how we look at the individual, how each student is valued for who they are and it is our privilege to work with you as parents to see them grow and develop, achieving far beyond what we could ever dream. Spring is a time for new beginnings, a time of growth. There is so much evidence of this at Simon Balle. May I wish you all a Happy Easter. Uniform reminders Can I please remind all parents of our uniform. Over the past few weeks we have seen some ‘sloppy’ examples. Coats-please do not send students into school wearing coats with bold logos. Hoodies or casual jackets are not acceptable. Girls should not wear footless leggings or tights, even if they wear socks over them. Skirts should be knee length. Boys can wear the summer uniform after Easter i.e. a school summer shirt and no tie. However, they should wear jumpers or cardigans for more formal occasions including assemblies. Shoes, not boots, black leather. Piercings-only ear piercings are allowed, a maximum of two. Aerosols Please be aware that the following has been sent out to students: “Due to some of your fellow students being allergic to deodorants the following measures must be followed at all times: • No deodorants are to be sprayed in any classroom • No deodorants are to be sprayed in corridors Even if nobody else is in the room when spraying, the vapour left in the air can still cause distress, discomfort and breathing problems.” Mr Moss
Dates for your diary 11-25 April 26 April 29 April – 2 May 3 May 12 May 30 May-3 June
Easter Holidays School resumes Bank Holiday Weekend School continues Year 8 Parents evening Half Term
Assessment Review This is just a quick reminder about the school’s Assessment Review. It is not too late to share your views about how assessment works currently! The key questions are: 1. Is the information you currently receive about your child’s progress, in the form of a written report at the end of the year, a data capture sheet at parents’ evening and information in the student planner, as clear as you would like it to be? 2. What further information, if any, would you like to have about how your child’s work is assessed? Please take a few moments to let us have your views, either in a letter or by email to admin@simonballe.herts.sch.uk . If possible, please let us have your response by the end of term and indicate which year group your child is in. Many thanks for your support with this. Liz Ellis, Deputy Headteacher