31st January 2025
Dear Parent Carers,
Weekly Update: 31/01/25
We hope this update finds you well. As we approach the half term break, and our energy levels start to drop, we encourage families to maintain their health by being prepared; eating well and having enough vitamins, getting a decent amount of sleep, and having vaccinations where possible will hopefully make the difference, as nobody enjoys being poorly for their well-deserved break!
Update from Sabrina
Since late 2023, I have been supporting Portland School in Stoke on Trent, as Executive Headteacher, spending most of the week supporting the school through a challenging journey. The situation at Portland has moved forwards, so I am delighted to let you know that following the February half term, I will be returning to St Martins full time I cannot wait to be back with the students and staff at St Martins! I know that you will agree that during my time as Executive Headteacher, Toni and the wider team have done an amazing job in providing stability to enable our amazing school to continue to grow and develop. I am grateful and proud of them all!
I look forward to catching up and seeing as many of you as possible at our afternoon tea event on Thursday 13th February to celebrate our achievements recognised in our recent Ofsted Inspection.
Martin’s Visit to the University of Derby
Our school dog, Martin, paid a visit to the University of Derby earlier this week to deliver a session to BA SEND students and some students from a university in Holland. Jess and Victoria accompanied Martin and spoke about the positive difference that having a dog in school makes to the students (and staff!). Martin also visited a couple of our supported internship students who are now based at the University and was served a pup cup at Starbucks by Lily, one of our interns!
Parents Virtual Training on Understanding Online Trends workshop
Nottingham City Council are running online workshops to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their children in the digital age.
The sessions aim to provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of the online trends their children may encounter, the popular apps they use, the associated risks, and effective strategies to safeguard them. The workshop will cover several key topics to help parents address the challenges of online safety, including:
How Algorithms Work and Create Echo Chambers
This workshop will explore how algorithms on social media platforms and search engines influence content and foster echo chambers that can make young people more susceptible to harmful beliefs, manipulation, and radicalisation.
How Groomers and Radicalisers Exploit the Internet
Participants will learn about the tactics used by online groomers and radicalisers to target children and young people. We will also cover how to identify warning signs and protect children from harmful influences.
Case Studies of Grooming and Radicalisation Online
Real-world case studies will illustrate how online radicalisation occurs, helping participants understand the progression of these threats and their impact on young people.
Using Parental Settings to Reduce Risks
Parents will receive practical guidance on how to use parental controls and safety settings on devices and apps to create safer digital environments. Demonstrations will highlight tools for monitoring, restricting inappropriate content, and ensuring safe online behaviour.
Encouraging Responsible Online Discourse
This session will focus on promoting respectful, informed communication online. We will teach participants how to help children develop critical thinking skills, encourage empathy, and resist the spread of harmful or false information.”
Here are the workshops for parents online:
Tuesday 4th February 2025https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1118807616699?aff=oddtdtcreator 6.30-8pm
Friday 7th February 2025https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1118821046869?aff=oddtdtcreator 1-2:30pm
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
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.
Gallery 5 Valentine’s Day Offers
A group of our Key Stage 4 students take part in an Options visit to Gallery 5 every Friday, learning about design, marketing and production of print merchandise. The talented group have a Valentine’s Day promotion for you to buy teddy bears, coasters etc…. Take a look at their flyer at the end of the update.
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
