We held a non-uniform fundraising day to support the charity ‘Jeans for Genes’ today and we are hopeful of raising well over £1500. Although the actual ‘Jeans for Genes’ Day took place last year, we were unable to participate as we had large numbers of students undertaking exams. Our School Council, however, felt that we should support the charity and hence today everyone is walking around in their jeans! Jeans for Genes Day raises money for Genetics Disorders UK and aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders. I would like to thank parents for their support. Further details on the charity can be found at: http://www.jeansforgenesday.org/aboutjeansforgenesday/ Year 9 Parents’ Evening takes place next Wednesday from 4.30-7.00pm. This is an incredibly important evening as students start to consider their option choices next year. Whilst we have had to delay the Options Evening until Thursday 13th February, I would encourage parents to be talking to children in Year 9 about the sort of courses they would like to study next year. Teachers will also be able to help and I would encourage parents to talk with their child’s teacher about their subject at GCSE level. Hopefully all Year 9 parents have seen their child’s appointment form but if you are experiencing difficulties getting appointments please contact Ms Allinson (Head of Year) or Miss Darabasz (Pastoral Team Leader) at the school and they will be able to help you. Congratulations to Daisy Bloor (8Q) who has won the Jack Petchey Award for January for her fundraising and support of a number of charities and her fundraising for the Zambia project. It has been an incredibly positive start to the term and I have been impressed with the manner in which all students have approached their studies. In going round the school yesterday, it was very pleasing to note the work that was going on in every faculty area across the school. I would, however, like to draw attention to one aspect of our uniform policy that relates to hairstyles and hair colouring. We do not allow hairstyles that we consider to be ‘extreme’, nor do we allow any patterns or lines that are shaved into the hair style. Similarly the minimum length of hairstyle we allow is equivalent to a ‘Number 2’ razor. Any hair colouring must also be of a ‘natural’ colouring. Students who come into school and whose hairstyle or colour is in breach of our policy will be sent home until the matter is rectified and I would appreciate parental support in ensuring all our students adhere properly to our uniform code. I wish you all a good weekend. Paul Banks Headteacher
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