I would like to start this week by saying a huge thank you to Janet Lovell who is retiring this week as Clerk to the Governors. Janet has fulfilled this role for 16 years and has been an incredibly diligent and conscientious individual who has worked tirelessly for the school and has had a profound impact on Roding Valley High School. In this time the school has changed enormously and the responsibilities of the Governors has become ever greater so it has been crucial to have someone with Janet's knowledge and calm authority overseeing proceedings. I would like to thank Janet for helping to make my first 18 months as Headteacher run as smoothly as possible and I know that the rest of the Governing Body will miss her enormously. I mentioned in last week's item that the Year 7 boys' football team were playing in the final of the Essex Cup and it was great to see so many parents and staff travel to watch the match at Brentwood School on Monday evening. It was a very special occasion for the team and there were undoubtedly a few nerves but I felt that the boys made a good account of themselves and Mr Hudgell was very much a proud coach. Unfortunately they came up against a very strong Great Baddow side who were slightly quicker to the ball and made it very difficult for our boys to have time on the ball. It is always disappointing to lose in the final but it is worth mentioning that over 90 schools entered the competition and for our Year 7s to reach the final in the face of so much competition is a superb effort. The Year 7 boys' rugby team also performed well in the Essex Regional finals and won three, drew one and lost two of their matches. Mr Bailey was pleased with their performance and it certainly bodes well for the future of the school as I am very keen to develop the participation of students playing rugby throughout the school. I wish you all a restful break before looking forward to the summer term. J Luck Headteacher
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Week ending 18th March 2016
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
Highest Attendance
7R
Form with the Highest Honours
7Q & V
Student with the Highest Honours
Ruby Thraves 7V
Highest Attendance
8T
Form with the Highest Honours
8V
Student with the Highest Honours
Raajveer Singh 8V
Highest Attendance
9U
Form with the Highest Honours
9U
Student with the Highest Honours
George Hines 9S
Highest Attendance
10R
Form with the Highest Honours
10X
Student with the Highest Honours
Sannah Apabhai 10R
Student of the Week
Highest Attendance
11T
Form with the Highest Honours
11S
Student of the week
Year 11
Class of the week
George Gorak 10Q nominated by Ms Wilson for fantastic work and effort in Computer Science. Tegan Ishmael 10X nominated by Mrs Lafferty for her effort, attitude and engagement with the learning, which has been very positive – keep it up!
Vicky Hayes 11M nominated by Mr Dowd for great verbal contributions and enthusiasm in class. Jack Patterson 11M, Natasha Hooper 11T & Amy Hunt 11E nominated by Ms Wilson for good effort and focus in classwork and coursework. Anya Khan 11S nominated by Mr Hayes for her dedication to her controlled assessment preparation. Sienna Baki 11U, Matthew Thomas 11V, Anya Khan 11S, Nafisa Darr 11Q & Jack Patterson 11M nominated by Mr Harris for attending Monday’s revision sessions after school. Phoebe Wade 11S nominated by Miss Parry for single-handedly organising and putting away 4 trampolines – A very strong knowledgeable star! 11a/En1 nominated by Ms Ahmad for their excellent focus post PPE examinations – they are so determined to get the best results for themselves. Very proud and pleased with their work ethic. 11a/Gg1 & 11B/Gg1 nominated by Mrs Barron for being highly motivated students and keep coming to revision and emailing when they need help. 11a/MaE1 nominated by Mr Edeko for having an excellent attitude towards coursework. 11a/En4 nominated by Mrs Lafferty for positive collaboration and showing a more grown up attitude to their exams.
Roding Valley High School student receives Epping Forest District Council's Youth Council Cup A Roding Valley High School student was one of four Epping Forest Youth Council members to receive this year's Youth Council Cup. The cup is presented annually in recognition of their commitment to the Epping Forest Youth Council. Doncho Atanassov has raised the profile of the youth council in school and takes his role very seriously. He has a keen interest in politics and his youth council experience enabled him to take a lead role in the 2015 youth conference. Doncho, with fellow student Matthew Tinker, won the 2015 Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition organised by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. Councillor Richard Morgan, who introduced the award, said: “While each member of the Youth Council brings their own valued and unique qualities to the role, the supporting team at Epping Forest District Council always note four individuals throughout the year, emerging stars that bring something a little extra special to the role.� Lauren Draper, Head of Year 11, said: "Doncho's contribution to Roding Valley High School has been phenomenal. He is a fantastic student and is always willing to help both staff and peers. He is incredibly hard-working and an asset to the school."
Roding Valley High School student highly commended in Epping Forest District Council's Young Citizen of the Year award Another Roding Valley High School student was highly commended in Epping Forest District Council's Young Citizen of the Year award. Ellouise Lemon , whovolunteers and supports 50 students at our school though an anti-bullying mentor scheme., has delivered assemblies to raise awareness about bullying. Ellouise is also an active fundraiser and has raised money for the NSPCC and Kidscape charities. Lauren Draper, Head of Year 11, said: "Ellouise is a friendly and bubbly student who is always willing to help peers and staff. She is always extremely positive and enthusiastic." Ellouise was unable to attend the award presentations.
Football Essex Cup Final Unfortunately the Year 7s were unable to bring home the trophy after losing 4-0 to Great Baddow High School, who on the day thoroughly deserved the victory. However, regardless of the result, the players have done remarkably well in this competition with over 90 Essex Schools involved. This highlights the magnitude of their success in reaching the Final and they have been an absolute pleasure to work with this year. A match report and photos are on the Essex County FA website—please go there for more information http://www.essexfa.com/news/2016/mar/great-baddow-4-0-roding-valley
Finally, thank you to all who came along and supported the team. Mr Hudgell
Attention all RVHS students Send photos of yourself reading a book or Kindle to Mrs Martin at:
jmartin@rodingvalley.net and see your picture(s) on our @RVgetcaughtreading Twitter feed. The more weird & wacky the better! Mrs Martin, School Librarian
Well Done We would like to congratulate Y11 students on successfully completing their Task 2 Practical Assessment. All students worked extremely hard and the standard of food was excellent. Thank you to all Parents/Guardians who helped with the provision and organisation of ingredients & equipment needed, and thank you for your continued support. We wish all the students well for the future. Just a reminder: All Task 2 evaluation is to be completed by Wednesday 23 March 2016. Well done and thank you Mrs Goosen
Year 10 Work Experience Key Update All paperwork for privately organised own placements is now overdue. Anything outstanding needs to be brought in to Mr Murray as a matter of urgency. Students needing a placement from the school via the BEP database will make their selections with Mr Murray in March. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter Mr S Murray
Needed! Any unwanted good quality badged uniform, skirts especially, for the PTA to sell on at a huge reduction. Good quality used uniform is always available from the school from 3.15pm - 4.15pm daily.
Drop in times for Students with Special Educational Needs Drop in times for parents of SEN students are to enable you to discuss your son/ daughter's progress in detail. We will be available at the following times: Mondays 11.20am—12.20pm Wednesdays 12.20pm—1.20pm Thursdays 10.00am—11.00am Please email me to book one of these times, or an alternative time if these are inconvenient, at asmith@rodingvalley.net
Maths Support Monday & Friday After school in M5 Maths Club Tuesday & Thursday Lunchtime in M3 ICT Coursework Sessions Every Tuesday Lunchtime with Miss Wilson in ICT4
Dear Parent/Guardian Our Immunisation Nurses have visited the school and administered the Meningitis ACWY vaccination to Y9 girls and Y10 boys and girls. Y9 boys will receive their vaccinations in May on the date below. Yr9 boys 20th May 2016 The consent form and information leaflet have gone home. Please ensure the consent form has been returned. The health authority require all forms to be returned, even if your son is not having the vaccination (please either write on the form you do not wish your son to have the vaccination or attach a note on the consent form). This will avoid your son being recalled at a later date. If any student has missed the vaccinations already given out please can you contact the school if you still wish them to have the injection. Thank you.
Guitar Lessons Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at ÂŁ12 per half hour. Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com if you are interested.
YEAR 11 PARENTS - APRIL CORE EXAMINATIONS English, Maths and Science exams have been scheduled during April which will give all Year 11 students a further opportunity to ensure they are focusing on all topics before the GCSE's begin in May, enabling us to identify any shortcomings. All students have received their individual timetable during the last assembly, these have been printed on bright pink paper. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Jenny Draper Examinations Officer
Calling all parents of Year 11 History students! There is plenty of revision work for them to do over Easter to get the highest possible grades. A google classroom (code 9mifgzc) gives them a huge variety of practice papers, video clips, programmes, tips and advice as well as a link to our dedicated website. They have all been told about it but we thought you would all like to be informed. Practice makes perfect! Regards Mr Goodall, Mr Cocker and Miss Preston
You can follow us at www.rodingvalley.net and on Facebook at the ATTENDANCE MATTERS….. ‘Roding Valley High School Official’ page. Student Absence
Our Twitter (@RodingValleyHS) account is a great place to keep up tochild date some of the latest and activities in report school. If your is with unable to attend School fornews any reason then please their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am, you must also ring in You can upabsence. to our free electronic media release service at each day of also your sign child’s
rodingvalleymedia@gmail.com
020 8508 1173 On their return to School please ensure your child brings with them a letter or medical evidence if requested 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 holiday 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. Guidance for Common Ailments Please see, on the following page, guidance from the NHS of common childhood illnesses; this advises what type of illness requires time off from school and what does not. Should you require further guidance please contact the school.
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES The library is open to all students for homework, G.C.S.E. work and private study/reading at the following times: Monday - Friday (excluding Tuesday): Before school 7.15am – 8.30am, break time, lunch times & after school for homework club 3.15pm – 4.15pm. Tuesday: Before school 7.15am - 8.10am, break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources.
School Shop Opening Times
Access to Water in School Parents, please be aware that the canteen has jugs of water available both during lunchtime and break time for all students to access.
Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am Break: 11.00am - 11.20am
Bottled water is sold at all outlets Large bottle 50p Small bottle 25p
Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm STUDENTS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
If a student is overdrawn or has no money on their lunch account, they will always be sold water.
PE Twitter Account The PE department have activated a Twitter account where regular PE updates, extra-curricular news and curriculum information will be regularly published. Follow @RodingValleyPE to keep up to date with our department. Mr Hudgell The Humanities Faculty has a Twitter account designed to promote sites of interest, pre-reading, revision, humanities information, news and general humanities support. It is aimed at all KS3, KS4 and A-level Humanities Students and can be followed @humsrvhs
Students are regularly coming into school with cheques with the payee being left blank Can you please ensure that all cheques are made payable to
Roding Valley High School The school cannot be held responsible for any cheques which go missing and are then cashed elsewhere
Drum Lessons One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Contact: marksevel@hotmail.com
Singing Lessons Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Alex Larke for more details and to book your slot. email: alex@thevocaltutor.com Piano Lessons To book piano lessons please contact rosswall@gmail.com
Pilot Careers Live 9 April 2016 Sofitel Hotel, Terminal 5, London Heathrow 10am - 4.30pm Pilot Careers Live is an exciting career event for anyone looking to take the first steps towards a professional pilot career. It will cover all there is to know on what it takes to become an airline pilot by bringing together leading pilot training companies, airlines and pilot career experts in one venue. Speakers and exhibitors include: British Airways, the RAF, CityJet and Flybe as well as many Approved Training Organisations and Universities from all over the UK. Visitors will be able to get a unique insight to life as a pilot with the airlines, flying for the military, aviation degree courses, advice on the selection process and the pilot training journey explained. It's all there! Questions the event will answer: What qualifications do you need? The selection process explained. What are the costs? When can you start? Life as a pilot – what can you expect? How to combine a university degree with pilot training. Pilot apprenticeships. What are the job prospects? What are the salaries? What does the training include? What are the different types of training available? Royal Air Force – what are the careers options? More information and Tickets For discounted student tickets and full information visit
www.pilotcareernews.com/live/london
Easter Egg Hunt Students took part in an Easter Egg Hunt this week to raise money for the schools charity in Zambia. The Enterprise group, which is held every Wednesday, has decorated eggs & hidden them around the school, students needed to find the eggs, tick them off their sheet & make a note of the room in which the egg was found. We had a great response to this with over 30 students taking part and their enthusiasm was fantastic!! The first three students to return their completed sheet to the Learning Zone received a large Easter egg each, but everyone that took part received a prize. Well done to everyone that helped & all the students.... The first three students to return to the Learning Zone with their completed forms were.... Joel McManus 7U Daniel McSweeney 7V Tommy Grieve 7U Thank you & Happy Easter
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided