7th February 2025
Dear Parent Carers,
Weekly Update: 07/02/25
We hope this update finds you well. This week’s update has a special focus on Internet Safety Day, as well as the launch of a new online reporting system for students.
This week we launched the Arbor Parent App and Portal, and over 33% of you have logged in to take a look. Thank you for engaging in this new platform so quickly. We look forward to introducing new features to the App soon; including logging absences and payments. Please get in touch with us if you have any comments or concerns about the App.
Internet Safety Day 2025: Important Update for Parents and Carers
As part of our commitment to promoting a safe and secure online environment for all our students, we are excited to join in the celebration of Internet Safety Day 2025, which will take place on February 11th. This global event serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the role we all play in helping children navigate the digital world responsibly.
The theme this year is “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.”
Key Focus Areas for Internet Safety Day 2025:
1. Online Privacy: We’ll be discussing the significance of protecting personal information and how students can manage privacy settings across different platforms.
2. Digital Footprint: Helping young people understand that everything they share online can last forever and that their online actions can affect their future.
3. Cyberbullying: Raising awareness about the impact of online bullying, and how students can seek support if they or their friends are affected.
4. Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to question information they encounter online and be mindful of sources, helping them avoid misinformation.
How You Can Support:
• Have a conversation: Take time to talk to your child about their online experiences. Ask questions about what apps or websites they use, and ensure they feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns.
• Set guidelines: Establishing clear rules for online behaviour, screen time, and the sites they can visit will go a long way in maintaining a healthy balance.
• Use tools and settings: Many devices and apps offer parental controls. Familiarise yourself with these features to help safeguard your child’s online experience.
Sabrina Hobbs Executive Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
In school, we will have a focus on Online Safety with themed lessons, pastoral time and an assembly.
Let’s work together to make the digital world a safer place for our young people!
My Voice
Alongside Internet Safety day, on the 11th February we will also be launching our online reporting system called 'My Voice'. This system will be for students to report any concerns or worries they may have to the staff team with links on computers and iPads in school. A link to My Voice will also be available on our Website.
Derbyshire Police Online Safety Sessions
The Cyber Protect Team at Derbyshire Police are running free online webinars on 11th February at 6:30pm and 13th February at 1:30pm to cover topics such as:
Device safety/protection
Password guidance and account security
Protecting your email account and preventing mobile phone hijacking (SIM swap fraud)
Protecting your personal information
Social engineering and phishing emails/texts
Online shopping & online banking safely
Protecting your WhatsApp and social media accounts
Safer Internet Day – This year’s theme is ‘Too good to be true?’
Current threats and trends/scams and how to spot them
Signposting to further sources of support and resources
Where to report incidents of cybercrime and fraud
The session is available on two dates – Thursday will be a repeat of Tuesday. Please register your interest by emailing samantha.hancock@derbyshire.police.uk and stating which date you are interested in joining.
School Environment
At St Martins we are fortunate and privileged to have well maintained and modern facilities, which many other schools do not have. Most of the time, our spaces are well respected by the students, but sometimes students cause deliberate damage to things such as chairs, walls, doors and windows. We understand that some damage is as a result of dysregulation and is communication from students to let us know that they are not ok. However, when the damage is caused deliberately, we are working with families to help repay the cost of repairs where appropriate. If you would like to know more about our policy on this, please take a look at our Wilful Damage policy on the website in the Health and Safety section –https://www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk/our-school/policies
Sabrina Hobbs Executive Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
Mental Health Coffee Morning
On Monday 10th February, our Family Support Team are hosting a Coffee Morning with colleagues from Compass, where we will discuss Mental Health. This will run from 9:30am-11:00am at St Martins. A member of the Admin Team will also be available at the start and end of the session to assist with Arbor queries. We hope to see you there.
Reminder about INSET Day
Please remember that students break up for half term on Thursday 13th February, and will not be in school on Friday 14th February. Students then return to school on Monday 24th February.
With best wishes,
Sabrina Hobbs
Toni Beardmore Executive Headteacher Head of School
Sabrina Hobbs Executive Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
Term Dates for Academic Year 2024/2025
Spring Term 2025
School Starts Back – Monday 6th January 2025
School Breaks up for Half Term – Thursday 13th February
INSET Day – Friday 14th February
School Starts Back – Monday 24th February
School Breaks up for Easter – Friday 4th April
Summer Term 2025
Bank Holiday – Monday 21st April
INSET Day – Tuesday 22nd April
School Starts Back – Wednesday 23rd April
Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 23rd May
School Starts Back – Monday 2nd June
School Breaks up for Summer – Wednesday 23rd July
INSET Day – Thursday 24th July
St Martins follows Derby City Council’s term dates. Dates for next year can be found on their website – please follow the link for these - https://derby.gov.uk/educationand-learning/schools-and-colleges/term-holiday-dates/#
Sabrina Hobbs Executive Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT
Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk