As we approach the end of the school year it is still all systems go where the students and staff are concerned. This week has seen the PE department host two very successful Sports Days for Years 8 and 9. The weather just about held and the students threw themselves into the activities with real enthusiasm. It is great to see so much competitiveness and endeavour across the range of sports and the students cheered each other on and created a very friendly atmosphere. I would like to thank the PE department for organising the events so well and ensuring that the students get into the spirit of competition. We have also been hosting the interviews for the new Year 7s and their parents. It has been lovely getting to know a whole new cohort of students and it has been great to hear how excited the Year 6s are to be joining Roding Valley. From speaking to the parents and students it is clear that the school's reputation is improving all the time and I feel privileged to be Headteacher of a school that is so highly regarded in the local community. It was also a real boost to receive an email this week from a former teacher at the school who still lives locally saying how impressed he is with how smart our students look. He complimented their Uniform and what a credit they are to the school as they go about their business. This is particularly satisfying since we do set high standards in this regard so it is always gratifying when this is recognised by others in the community. I am expecting our students as a whole to look even more well turned out in September when they will all be wearing formal shoes rather than some wearing trainers. I believe that this will be the final touch to ensure that Roding Valley High School students are the best dressed in the area. Today has been a Non-Uniform Day to raise funds for the PTA. It has been discussed at PTA meetings that an ambitious target would be to try to raise money to buy a Canopy or Covered area for students to be able to use at breaks and lunchtimes as this is something that has been raised at School Council meetings in the past. The PTA are planning a number of events for the new academic year with a view to getting more parents involved with the school. The next event being held is the Quiz Night on the 25th September so please do all make a note of this and arrange a team to take on last year's winners. In addition I would like to ask that if there are any parents with Fund Raising experience we would very much like to hear from you with a view to pooling some ideas for the future. Finally I would just like to remind you that the final Parent Forum of the school year will take place in the School Hall on Monday 13th July from 6pm. I intend to use this as a chance to reflect on the year and consider what has been successful as well as identifying areas where further developments are required. If you are able to attend I would be very interested in your views. J Luck Headteacher 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 You can follow us at www.rodingvalley.net , on Facebook at the ‘Roding Valley High School Official’ page or on Twitter (@RodingValleyHS). You can also sign up to our free electronic media release service at rodingvalleymedia@gmail.com
Week ending 3rd July 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance*
7Q
Student with Highest Honours
Grace Alexander 7V
Form with Highest Honours
7V
Student of the week
Jayga Leslie 7T nominated by Ms Draper for going above and beyond expectations in PE – outstanding organisation skills Toby Donaghey 7S nominated by Mrs Routledge for achieving 1,000,000 words in Accelerated Reading
Year 8 Highest Attendance*
8T
Form with Highest Honours
8X
Year 9 Highest Attendance*
9R
Student with Highest Honours
Georgina Batt 9V
Form with Highest Honours
9R
Year 10 Highest Attendance*
10Q
Form with Highest Honours
10R
Class of the Week
10b/En2 nominated by Mrs Routledge for excellent work on speaking and listening prep and for generally working hard throughout the year
Student of the week
Matthew Jones 10R, Nathan Mellule 10T, Eliska Sommarova 10R & Aaron Khan 10S nominated by Mrs Vermaak on great Maths results and effort – Congratulations! Chloe Humphries & Lauren Humphries 10X nominated by Mr Naidoo for fantastic maths results Amber Wigley 10U, Matthew Tinker 10R, Emma Newton 10V, Kathleen McGlynn 10W, Emily Willis 10V and Lucy Raymond 10X nominated by Mr Punungwe for making the school proud at the Model United Nations debate at Forest School
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.
The Jack Petchey Leader Award
was attributed to Mrs Atkinson and she received her medallion and her certificate during the annual Jack Petchey celebration evening on Tuesday 7th July 2015. Students nominated Mrs Atkinson for being a fantastic teacher: “Miss helps people if they have a problem and takes you step by step to get to your target level. If any pupil in our school have Miss as a teacher they are very lucky as she is an amazing English teacher.” Also a massive thank you to all Jack Petchey Award winners — thanks to your contributions this year we have been able to:
get the latest books for the Library
buy equipment for Art
fund raise for Beyond Ourselves
organise a trip to the theatre for 20 students
buy an electric guitar for music
buy tablets and memory cards for ICT
buy a Wilmshust Electrostatics machine for Science
take 80 students to visit the Greenwich grounds
buy mini robots for Science club
buy football ball for lunchtime activities
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 1011am 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
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
UPCOMING EVENTS For up to date information on all events please check the weekly Parent bulletin and/or go to our website:www.rodingvalleypta.co.uk Our email address is:frvhs@hotmail.co.uk if you have any questions or would like to offer help at an event. Quiz Night, Friday 25th September 2015 Halloween Disco, Friday 23rd October 2015 (Yr8+9) Yr7 Christmas Disco, Friday 11th December 2015 Has your child lost any property over the last academic year? If so please ask them to check at Student reception before we break up on Wednesday 22nd July. We have many items here from oyster cards to a pink bunny! Also many items of uniform such as blazers, coats etc..........
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. 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.
New term dates for September 2015 Thursday 3rd September: INSET DAY (school closed to students)
Message from the PE Department Please remember that the PE department has a no jewellery policy. If your child is going to have their ears pierced during the summer break this should be done at the very start of the summer holidays as they are not allowed to wear them for PE lessons and will be asked to remove them ICT Coursework Sessions Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4
Friday 4th September: Start of term for Year 7 and Year 12 students only Monday 7th September : Start of term for Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students
Maths Support Monday, Wednesday & Friday After school M5
More information will be posted to the website shortly.
Maths Club Tuesday & Thursday Lunchtime M3
Apprenticeships Essex County Council have launched their apprenticeship scheme for young people aged 16-18 if you would like to find out further information please follow the link below. http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/2015/07/search-for-apprentices-begins/ Year 10 Mock Interviews Wednesday 15th July All students who have handed their CV and letter of application in to me will be given a mock interview on Wednesday 15th July. Students will be notified by on Monday 13th July where and at what time their interview will be. Students follow a normal school timetable and just attend the appointment time of their interview. Students do not have to wear school uniform for their interview, however we do expect them to dress smartly as if they were attending a ‘real’ interview. As a guide boys should wear a shirt, tie, and trousers, girls should wear a skirt/dress/trousers with blouse/shirt please do not buy anything for the interview as their uniform is very smart and ideal for an interview. For students attending their interview at the employer’s establishment, please make sure they have handed in their parental reply slip to me by Monday 6th July. If you have any immediate concerns please contact me at the school. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager dmason@rodingvalley.net
Year 9 students were very privileged on their recent trip to Cambridge University. The day started with a tour of the city of Cambridge in which time students were fortunate enough to witness a group of graduate students walk formally into their ceremony. Shortly after students engaged in a stimulus seminar in which they discussed their future career options and contrasted current opportunities to those in previous years. The afternoon was finished with a tour of Emmanuel college by a current Cambridge University student and lunch in the university's dining hall. The staff at Cambridge were thoroughly impressed with Roding Valley students describing them as some of the 'best behaved and most mature' to visit the establishment. A year 9 student, Zoe Donnelly has left with the desire to turn the 'Cambridge Dream' into a reality and hopes to visit again soon. Overall, a successful and enjoyable trip but mostly, an unforgettable experience.
Drum Lessons One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk
Guitar Lessons Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour. Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com if you are interested.
www.jwdrums.co.uk
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
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 7.15 am – 8.30 am , break time , lunch times and after school for homework club 3.15 pm – 4.15 pm. Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources. Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
School Shop Opening Times Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am Break: 11.00am - 11.20am
Singing Lessons
Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm
Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot.
After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm
email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
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