Another busy week in school started off on Monday with the Year 7s taking part in a Shakespeare Day. It was certainly a hectic day with the students being involved with workshops and performance in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the death of the Bard. It was great to see the staff and students throwing themselves into the activities and it was tremendous way to celebrate the impact that Shakespeare has had on the English Language and literature as a whole. I would very much like to thank Miss Bates for working so hard to organise such a superb event but also all of the English teachers who helped make the day such a success. It was also great to see our Sixth Formers taking part in their Life Support Training this week. Being in Year 12 isn't just about studying hard for AS Levels, there are lots of opportunities to gain experience in a range of activities. We are well aware that many of our Sixth Formers will be applying for universities in the autumn and it is crucial that they are able to show a breadth of interests and experiences in their personal statements. I would like to say a big well done to all of those that took part and thank the Fire Service for coming in and making the day so positive. Roding Valley is a safer place for us all thanks to their efforts. In this column over the last few months I have mentioned our Year 7 boys rugby team on several occasions as they have had an impressive year. With this in mind I would like to congratulate the Bancrofts RFC Under 12s who reached the final of the Essex County Cup for the third year on the trot. The reason I'm including this is that nine of the team hail from Roding Valley High School so it's fantastic to see them doing so well in a such a tough competition. They beat strong sides from Southend, Billericay, Chingford and Chelmsford in the pool and then edged past Rochford in the semi final. It was all down to the final and unfortunately they came up against a very strong Old Brentwood side who had pipped them in previous finals. Very well done to all the boys concerned and I hope that this group can go on to represent the school with distinction on the rugby field for years to come. I very much hope that you all enjoy the long Bank Holiday weekend but do spare a thought for our Year 11s who will sit their first GCSE examination proper on the Tuesday we return to school. Very best of luck to them all. They certainly deserve to do well as a reflection of all of their hard work. James Luck Headteacher
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Week ending 22nd April 2016
Year 7
Highest Attendance
7X
Form with the highest Honours
7T
Student with the highest Honours
Evie Prasse 7T
Highest Attendance
8X
Form with the highest Honours
8X
Student with the highest Honours
Chloe Julians 8U
Class of the week
Year 8
Student of the week
8t/Gg1 nominated by Mrs Barron for all doing their best week after week – A delightful class! 8s/Rs1 nominated by Mrs Hodges for their fantastic effort on their Easter homework projects. Many beautiful and creative pieces showing lots of time and care. Lots of people achieved or exceeded their targets on this piece of work. Tyler-Blue Kirby-Arif 8X & Livvy Turnbull 8X nominated by Ms Cordwell for outstanding homework in Geography Tyler-Blue Kirby-Arif 8X & Raj Singh 8V nominated by Mr Bayliss for excellent contributions in Science.
Year 9 Year 10
Highest Attendance
9X
Form with the highest Honours
Lexia 1
Student with the highest Honours
Harry Stone 9S
Student of the week
Freya McLaughlin 9R & Hana Damania 9S nominated by Mr Dowd for excellent work producing a Romeo and Juliet poster.
Class of the week
9uv/Fd2 nominated by Mrs Goosen for an extremely positive approach to their practical lesson (curry).
Highest Attendance
10U
Form with the highest Honours
10S
Student with the highest Honours
Chloe Deamer 10S
Highest Attendance
11Q
Form with the Highest Honours
11English
Student of the week
Year 11
Class of the week
Lucy Lucas 11S nominated by Mrs Musker for great dedication to her speaking and listening and all round dedication to her studies. Anna Cullers 11U, Sena Demiryaban 11Cat, Charlotte Garvey 11Cat, Minty Holmes 11W, Natasha Hooper 11Cat, Shyla McDonald 11Cat, Tia Russell 11Cat & Freddie Morrell 11X nominated by Mrs Goosen for persistent positive attitude regarding their revision. Lucy Raymond 11X, Joe Busby 11U, Elena Tsvetonova 11M, Vivien Lee 11X, Toby Parsons 11V, Holly Carter 11W & Emily Willis 11V nominated by Mr Punungwe for consistently working hard in Science. Chelsea Knowles 11W nominated by Mr Punungwe for working hard in Science. Ross Xenfondos 11W nominated by Ms Patel for constantly attending extra science revision and being a pleasure to teach. Patric Constantinou 11W nominated by Ms Patel for showing a supportive attitude towards peers and encouraging them to do well. Danny Biggerstaff 11M nominated by Mr Harris for improvement and focus in Business. Oskar Mateja 11R nominated by Mr Harris for getting an ‘A’ in Unit 1 Business for a past paper in class assessment. Sienna Baki 11U, Nafissa Darr 11Q, Holly Swift 11R, Humzah Hussain 11Q, Jack Patterson 11M, Matthew Thomas 11V, Lucie Stanley 11V & Anya Khan 11S nominated by Mr Harris for continued hard work. Tegan Wrate 11R nominated by Mrs Lafferty for her independent revision, focus and determination to do well in her English exam. 11a/ScA4 nominated by Ms Patel for their great attitude towards learning and doing their best at all times. 11C/Ec1 nominated by Mr Harris for their 100% attendance after school in the hall for their walking talking mock.
The governors’ Personnel, Finance and Premises Committee met on 21st April when, as part of our regular work, we reviewed and considered the new school budget 2016-17 which was then ratified by the full governing body. Members of the committee were updated on essential improvement works that have been carried out over the Easter break other projects being undertaken and over the coming months. We also dealt with the general work of the Governing Body including approving of school policies and planned governor visits. It was also reported to the governing body that the school has almost all posts filled for Support and Teaching staff which is always good for students and the school in general. Paul Wershof – Chair Governing Body Gary Stone - Chair Personnel, Finance and Premises Committee
How do you pay for your child’s meal? Cashless catering has been a great success since we installed it in February 2012. However, although we let Years 7-9 go overdrawn by £3 to ensure no-one goes without food, we have had more students having to contact home because they have already reached this limit and do not have any cash on them. This causes more work for the office and often distress to the student as they do not find out they have no money until they are at the till. You can put money on your child/ren’s account/s in the following ways: 1.
2. 3. 4.
Electronically through ParentPay. All parents have been issued an ID and password which will enable them to put money on to their child’s account using either a Debit or Credit Card. There is the option within ParentPay to receive a text when your child’s balance reaches a certain limit. This is the school’s preferred method of payment and if you need your log-in details please contact the Finance Office on finance@rodingvalley.net. The Finance Office will accept a card payment over the ‘phone. Please just contact the school on the usual number and choose option 3. By sending a cheque into school, marked clearly with your child’s name and form and that it is for lunches. This will be added to their account by the school. Putting cash on the revaluer machine located near the maths department on the bridge. This should be used in an emergency situation only.
K Salmons Business Manager
An excellent two hour life support training course took place this week for our Y12 students. The course evolved through our links with Little Oaks Children's Centre, which originated through our charity work with the Christmas hampers. All our students did the school proud. The certified first aid course was run by the fire service and will stand the students in good stead for the future—it may even save someone’s life! Congratulations all involved. Mr Harris Head of Sixth Form
The Sixth Form Celebrates the Young Badminton Awards. Badminton England would like to congratulate personally Jessica Barclay, William Cain and Lewis Bowden on the completion of the Young Officials Award and becoming a recognised Young Official. Well done all, and of course Mrs Parry. Mr Harris Head of Sixth Form UAL: London College of Communication are offering any Roding Valley High School student aged 16-18 years old a 10% discount on any of their short courses. When booking a course the students need to enter code LCC-RSB to receive the discount. To see the courses on offer the College website address is http://www.arts.ac.uk/lcc/courses/short-courses/ The LCC Short Courses team can be contacted via email on shortcourses@lcc.arts.ac.uk or via phone on 0207 514 2111 Mr L Harris Head of Sixth Form
Maths Support Monday & Friday After school in M5 Maths Club Tuesday & Thursday Lunchtime in M3
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
ICT Coursework Sessions
Please email me to book one of these times, or an alternative time if these are inconvenient, at asmith@rodingvalley.net
Every Tuesday Lunchtime with Miss Wilson in ICT4
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.
Drum Lessons One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Contact: marksevel@hotmail.com
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.
Thank you! A big thank you to the RVHS PTA for purchasing the new freezer for our Science Department. For the Attention of Year 8 students and parents Last year we enjoyed two Jack the Ripper tours on two separate summer evenings. We would like to take year 8 students again this year. Letters of interest will be handed out on Monday. Please note that a parent or nominated guardian will need to attend with each student..... at this stage it looks as though these will be in the first week of July. More info to follow when I have an idea of numbers.
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.
Miss Preston Head of Humanities
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
EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS REQUIRED Roding Valley High School is currently looking to expand our team of Invigilators for the forthcoming and subsequent examination sessions and is looking for efficient, flexible and well organised people. The role involves overseeing and supervising examinations and ensuring awarding bodies guidelines and regulations are followed. There are also internally scheduled examinations held throughout the school year where you will be required. Hours will be on a varied/adhoc basis held throughout a school day. There will be appropriate training for successful candidates. Please contact Jenny Draper, Examinations Officer on 0208 508 1173 for further details.
Breakfast Revision Please find overleaf a copy of the Breakfast Revision Timetable for the forthcoming AS & GCSE Examinations. Breakfast Revision Sessions will be taking place in the Canteen from 8am until 8.45am for students sitting exams scheduled to start at 9am. Our Catering staff will provide students with croissants and juice free of charge. These sessions are hugely beneficial and we would urge you to encourage your son/ daughter to attend. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Draper, Exams Officer.
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.
Access to Water in School Form Class Maths Competition The competition is held twice a month and is accessible to all year groups and abilities. It will help students to develop problem solving skills which are needed for the new GCSE specification. I would ask all parents/guardians to strongly encourage and support the students in entering this fun challenge. Mrs Vermaak Maths Department
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.
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
School Shop Opening Times
Students are regularly coming into school with cheques with the payee being left blank
Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am
Can you please ensure that all cheques are made payable to
Roding Valley High School
Break: 11.00am - 11.20am Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm
The school cannot be held responsible for any cheques which go missing and are then cashed elsewhere
After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm STUDENTS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
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