It seems astonishing that we have reached Christmas already. It has been a long and busy term, and an extremely exciting and successful one. I would like to start by thanking all of the students, parents, staff and Governors for all of the support that I have received since starting in September. I can't fault the welcome that I have had and I feel very privileged to be leading such a wonderful school. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the school and I believe that we have already made some changes that will allow us to move forward successfully. Our preparations for the new Sixth Form have continued and I would like to thank all those who provided feedback from the Open Evening on 11th December. There was a real buzz about the place and it was very clear that staff and students are really enthused about Post 16 provision from September 2015. The staff are excited about the new courses and I am confident that our students will have a great experience in the Sixth Form and will be highly successful. In January the applications for places on the A Level courses will be due and I look forward to seeing the choices that they have made. The run up to Christmas is always a busy time and we have packed a lot into the last few weeks. The Winter Concert and the Year 10 Pantomime have been great successes. The Panto was such a hit that we arranged for all of our Lower School students to get a chance to see it and there have been rave reviews. It hasn't all been fun and games though as the Year 11s have been involved in Mock examinations this week. I hope that they do get a chance to relax a little over the break to prepare for the demands of next term. May I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope that you all have a restful break. Mr J Luck Headteacher
Message from the Chair of Governors The Full Governing Body met on 11 December to review the developments within the school during the past term and the work which has been undertaken. It has been a very short time since James Luck joined the school, but we have seen for ourselves the positive impact of the new behaviour plan and punctuality procedures, which have improved the learning environment for all our students. In addition, the development of the reporting system is providing you with greater insight into your children's progress. We are now all enthusiastically working towards the introduction of our Sixth Form, which will provide even greater opportunities for our students. The future is looking very bright indeed. During the meeting, the Governors agreed on the model we would like to adopt under the required reconstitution of the Governing Body. This will be submitted to Essex County Council for the legal documentation to be completed, after which the details will be posted on the school website, but please be assured that our visits to the school and meetings will continue unchanged. The Governors would like to wish parents, students and staff an enjoyable holiday and a healthy and successful 2015. Paul Wershof Chair of Governors
We have been informed by London Underground that TLF have made significant rises in the cost of travel effective from 2nd January 2015. A fare which costs £3.60 at the moment will cost £6.00 in January. Can we please encourage students to obtain an Oyster Card as this will help reduce the cost of travel.
100 Club Winners 1st Mrs J Edgar £71 2nd Mrs J Iles £42 3rd Mrs M James £29
Please see timetables for the forthcoming January GCSE Examinations and the February PPE (Pre-Public Examinations) Timetable. Students that are sitting GCSE Examinations in January have already been issued with their individual timetables, printed on bright green paper. Students will receive their individual timetables for the February examinations after the Christmas break. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me. Jenny Draper Examinations Officer
Open Days coming up: DATE CHANGE: Trinity Catholic High School Open Day is now Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 5pm West Hatch are offering another Open Evening Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 6.30pm
Application Deadlines
Roding Valley High School DEADLINE – Friday 16thJanuary 2015 Hand in to Mrs Mason West Hatch DEADLINE: 31st January 2015 - Post direct to West Hatch Davenant School DEADLINE: Monday 19th January 2015 - Hand in to Mrs Mason Trinity School DEADLINE: Monday 23rd February - Hand in to Mrs Mason Epping Forest College DEADLINE: Thursday 22nd January 2015- Hand in to Mrs Mason
Parents of Year 9 and Year 11 Date for your diary
The Roding Valley High School Annual Careers Fest will be on Thursday 29 January 2015 from 3.30-6.30pm at Epping Forest College. The Careers Fest is for parents and students in Year 9 and Year 11. The Careers Fest gives students in Year 9 the opportunity to find out about future career pathways and to consider their option choices and subjects they wish to take in Year 10. The information and advice available on the evening is very important for Year 11 students who are making decisions about careers and further education. It is an opportunity to talk to future sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers. This will be our fifth consortium careers fair held at Epping Forest College, every year it has been a very professional and successful event and this year there are already over 65 exhibitors including lots of new national and local employers as well as local sixth forms, colleges and universities. Further details will be available to you nearer the time.
If you require any further information or advice please contact me. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager dmason@rodingvalley.net
Guitar Lessons
Drum Lessons
Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour.
One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends!
Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com
Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk
if you are interested.
www.jwdrums.co.uk LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
School Shop Opening Times
The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the following times :
Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am
Monday - Friday (excluding Tuesday): Before school 7.15 am – 8.30 am , break time , lunch times and after school for homework club 3.15 pm – 4.15 pm.
Break: 11.00am - 11.20am
Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources.
Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm
Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm
Singing Lessons
PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot.
School Website Please visit our school website to find details of any recent letters home, the Student Bulletin and previous copies of the Parent Bulletin www.rodingvalley.net
email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com
ICT Coursework Sessions
Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4