Principal’s Welcome Message First I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This term has once again been extremely busy with a whole range of lessons and activities taking place for our children and young people. In the Primary Phase, it has been wonderful to see the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) re-established, with a number of very positive events already taken place. The car boot sale and the Christmas fair were particularly successful and my thanks got to all those involved, I believe this community involvement goes a long way to building a successful school and I look forward to see this developing throughout the year. It has also been a pleasure to watch so many of the children in their recent performances. I have been delighted to see their motivation and confidence at such a young age, and then their enjoyment and enthusiasm in their end of year parties and disco. Most importantly though, the children are now starting to adhere much more closely to our 9 Golden Rules, and it is evident from lessons that these high standards are already supporting even higher progress from our children. In the Secondary Phase, students have also taken part in a range of activities and performances, the most recent of which was a very successful ‘Live Lounge’, held at lunch time, this was an opportunity for young people to showcase their own musical talents. Our Year 11 students have been undertaking their mock GCSE exams over the last couple of weeks, and it has been pleasing to see how the vast majority of them have prepared, revised and completed their exams. These results and information, which will be shared with parents and students after Christmas. Also after Christmas, the Year 10 mock GCSE exams will start. I also wanted to update you with the latest information surrounding the Ridings Federation Trust. As you know from my previous correspondence, in October the current Trust board took a decision to re-broker the sponsorship of both Winterbourne and Yate. Currently, Yate works in partnership with Winterbourne. However, this arrangement is currently being reviewed. Last week, another Trust called the Greenshaw Learning Trust, made a proposal to the Department for Education, to work with Yate International and to continue the good work currently taking place in the school. I believe by working in partnership with a larger Trust who have a greater number of schools, there will be a number of advantages to both our community, parents and students. Larger Multi Academy Trusts will in turn have a greater level of expertise, a greater amount of resources and often experience in working with similar schools. It is likely that a decision will be made in the early part of January, so we will of course keep you informed. Finally, I would like to thank all the staff who have worked tirelessly over the last term. Whilst there are no staffing changes in the Secondary Phase to report, there are a couple in the Primary Phase. Mel Badgery, who is a TA, has successfully gained another job and will be leaving at Christmas and Ms Boyes who is an experienced teacher will be joining us to work with Year 5 and 6 children. We wish Mel every success. As always, if you have any further questions or you would like to contact me, please feel free. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you all Paul Skipp Principal
January 3rd - INSET Day – Academy closed to all students 4th - Start of Term 3 3rd – 20th - Cotswold Edge Mock Exams 9th – Reports sent home 10th – Year 9 Options assembly to students 12th – Year 9 Options Evening 19th – Year 9 Parents Evening February 1st – PSHE Drop down day 8th – Festival of Youth dance 9th – Year 8 and Year 9 HPV Immunisations 10th – Last day of Term 3 _____________________ SLT Surgeries Please come along to our DropIn sessions and speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This is an informal chance to have a cup of tea and to ask any questions that you may have. These surgeries run on the first day back following each holiday. Dates: 4th January 2017 20th February 2017 24th April 2017 5th June 2017