I would like to start by congratulating everyone for battling into school this week despite traffic problems and freezing temperatures at times. Clearly we highlight the importance of excellent attendance as there is a very close link between students attending very well and students achieving very well. I fully understand that it can be a struggle to make it in on some days but it is definitely worth it as it will mean that students' progress is not hampered. With this in mind I would like to draw your attention to the "Alternative School Day" letter that is attached to this Bulletin. It is likely at some point this Winter that we will experience some particularly inclement weather and roads may be blocked and travel may be an issue. If this is the case a Risk Assessment will have to be carried out to see whether it is feasible to open the school safely. I will make every effort to avoid closing the school as I realise that this causes problems with regard to childcare for parents. However, it may be necessary to run an "Alternative School Day" to allow time for staff to battle in and be ready to receive the students. A later start and an earlier finish should mean that in many cases we will be able to run lessons and enable the students to enjoy their learning without disrupting their progress too much. Please ensure that you view the school's website for information. If we are going to run an Alternative School Day you will receive a text to this effect. If no text is received then it will be school as normal. Some great news this week from Miss Potter as her group of dancers have made it through to the Semi-finals of the "Great Big Dance Off". This is a National competition and the standard is always incredibly high so a huge well done to all the girls involved and to Miss Potter for her hard work and choreography. Sophia Filaitis, Louise Gilbert, Jodie Simm, Maisie Fellerman, Sarah Bagshaw, Ellie Marshall and Melis Emin all deserve a huge well done and I wish them every success in the next round at the New Wimbledon Theatre in March. Their hard work and commitment has certainly shone through. I would also like to draw your attention to the item regarding the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the Bulletin. This is something very close to my heart and I would certainly encourage as many young people as possible to get involved in what is an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, test themselves against the elements while at the same time making friends and enjoying the experience. I know that a number of our students are already interested and involved with the DofE and it really is a great opportunity. When students come to write Personal Statements for the Sixth Form or for University Applications this is always a great thing to include as it shows that they are the sort of person who is up for a challenge. Do go along to the Loughton meeting on a Tuesday evening if you can. Finally could I remind all those interested that the next Parent Forum will be held at 6pm on 2nd February in the School Library. The main topic for discussion will be Homework, so if you have any views or comments I would appreciate your attendance. I wish you all a very enjoyable weekend. Mr J Luck Headteacher
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YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE OWN PLACEMENT FORMS DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY ONLY FIVE WEEKS AWAY! Mr Murray
Access to Water in School
Year 11 English 30th January 2015 is the final date for Year 11 students to get their Cambridge English written coursework in. No work will be accepted after this date. The written coursework is 40% of their final grade. If there are any issues, please contact your child's English teacher. Mrs Routledge
Parents, please be aware that the canteen has jugs of water available both during lunchtime and break time for all students to access. Bottled water is sold at all outlets Large bottle 50p Small bottle 25p If a student is overdrawn or has no money on their lunch account, they will always be sold water.
Maths Support
Monday, Wednesday & Friday After school M5
Maths Club
Tuesday & Thursday Lunchtime M3
DANCE NEWS I have been working with a group of students from Years 7 to 11 since October last year, teaching them an Urban dance that was entered into a national dance competition called The Great Big Dance Off. We have just received the fantastic news that the dancers have been chosen to perform this dance at The New Wimbledon Theatre in March as they have reached the semi finals of the competition. Well done and good luck to the crazy dolls; Sophia Filaitis Louise Gilbert Jodie Simm Maisie Fellerman Sarah Bagshaw Ellie Marshall Melis Emin Miss Potter There will be an open dance audition in the School Hall on Thursday 26th February for this years dance show . This is open to all students in
Well done to both Year 7 girls, Ellie Blundy 7U & Patsy Stow 7V who represented the school on Wednesday in the second round of the RIBI Young Chef Competition. A special mention goes to Patsy who has now also gone through to the District Finals on 7th February. We all wish her luck for the next round!
Examinations Please find below a copy of the February PPE (Pre-Public Examinations) Timetable and a Provisional copy of the Summer 2015 Timetable. Students will receive their individual timetables shortly for the February PPE's, these will be printed on bright pink paper. All relevant documents and information regarding examinations held at Roding Valley High School are available for students and parents on our school website www.rodingvalley.net In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. J Draper 020 8508 1173 jdraper@rodingvalley.net
Student Absence If your child is unable to attend School for any reason then please report their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am, you must also ring in each day of your child’s absence.
020 8508 1173 On their return to School please ensure your child brings with them a letter explaining the reason for the absence for our records.
Medical Appointments When possible please make sure you make any medical or dental appointments outside of school time. If this is not possible then please try to ensure that your child attends before and/or after their appointment.
Holidays in Term Time It is not school policy to authorise any holidays during term time except in exceptional circumstances. If you put in a request a ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception). Please be aware if the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case may be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school. For full details regarding attendance please see our Attendance Policy which can be found in the ‘Parents’ section on our website or contact Mrs Jeanette Low our Attendance Officer on the school number 020 8508 1173.
Drop in times for Students with Special Educational Needs This year we are trialling some drop in times for parents of SEN students to enable you to discuss your son/ daughter's progress in detail. We will be available at the following times: Mondays 10-11am
Wednesdays 10-11am
Thursdays 2.15-3pm
Please email me to book one of these times, or an alternative time if these are inconvenient, at asmith@rodingvalley.net
Week ending 16th January 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7V
Pupil with Highest Honours
Chiraze Houadef 7Q
Form with Highest Honours
7Q
Pupil of the Week
Ella Margets 7U nominated by Mr Hussain for being a conscientious student who always puts in above expectations. She is a hard working student who always wants to do better. She is a great role model for future students and peers alike.
Class of the Week
7U/It nominated by Mr Hussain for the superb pieces of work they have produced in lessons recently.
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Aiza Ahmad 8Q
Form with Highest Honours
8T
Pupil of the Week
Freddie Crossman-Cox 8Q nominated by Mr Hussain. “He has finished his work to a fantastic standard – well in excess of his target level. He has also spent time helping his classmates and motivating and pushing them to achieve a higher level as well. Very impressive!”
Class of the Week
8QR/It2 nominated by Mr Hussain. “They have created some great sound effect stories demonstrating their creativity and positivity in all lessons. They are a delight to teach”.
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9T & 9W
Pupil with Highest Honours
Daisy Sullivan 9R
Form with Highest Honours
9T
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10Q
Pipil with Highest Honours
Sena Demiryaban 10W
Form with Highest Honours
10W
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11T
Form with Highest Honours
11V
Essex Cross Country Championship Four Roding Valley students represented West Essex in this year’s Cross Country Championship last Saturday in Colchester. Junior Girls Louise Gilbert Y9 - 23rd Place Inter Girls Nancy Callagher Y10 - 24th Place Inter Boys Jack Stone Y10 - 33rd Place Mitchell Scanlan Y11 - 48th Place Well done to all four for their excellent runs P Fitch
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
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