I write to request your cooperation with a number of issues:-

Governors’ Report to Parents (Copies can be requested from Reception)
The Governors’ Report to Parents Evening will take place on Thursday 13 November at 7.00pm in the School Theatre and a copy of the Governors’ Report is enclosed.  Please return the reply slip to your child’s Personal Tutor by Friday 7 November.  

Key Stage 3 Assessment (document)
As you may be aware, the Government has decided to abandon the SATs which our students take towards the end of Year 8 instead of Year 9.  I entirely agree with this decision.  However, it is important that parents receive accurate feedback about how the students are progressing and I attach information outlining our intentions which I hope will clarify the situation.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns. 
 
Fair Processing Notice (document)
We are obliged to inform parents that the information we hold on individual students may be, from time to time, passed on to other bodies, eg. Department for Schools and Families (DCFS), other schools, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Connexions Service (formerly the Careers Service).  In holding data about students, we must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 which means that the data held about students must only be used for specific purposes allowed by law.  We must also ensure that students and parents are aware of the type of data held about them, why that data is held and to whom it is passed on.  This is done by way of a ‘Fair Processing Notice’ and I would ask that you read the document enclosed.  If, having read the information, you do not wish us to pass on information about your child to Connexions, please contact Mrs Giles in the General Office by Monday 5 November. 

West Mercia Police (document)
West Mercia Police have asked me to forward to you the attached letter concerning traffic outside the School Gate.  Please read it very carefully as your child’s safety is of the utmost concern to us all.

Misuse of Mobile Telephones
Students are allowed to bring Mobile Telephones to School on the understanding that they are turned off and kept in their pocket or locker. They should not be used during the normal School day.  Telephones that are used during the School day will be confiscated and parents will have to collect them from School.

BCG Immunisation Programme
The Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust has asked me to pass on a letter regarding changes to the BCG Immunisation Programme to parents of all Year 9 students.

Key Stage 4 Examinations
All students in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be taking at least one external examination this academic year.  Exam sittings are in November, January, March and May/June and individual statement of entries will be issued to students before each sitting detailing their commitments.
There will also be internal mock examinations as follows:

Year 11 : 4 November – 2 December 2008
Year 9 :   20 April – 24 April 2009
Year 10 : 27 April – 1 May 2009

Session 3 Activities (document)
I am delighted that we have been able to introduce cookery sessions for Year 8 students and these start after half-term.

Term Dates (Link)
The term dates for 2009/2010 are enclosed to help you to plan for the next academic year.  Please do not organise holidays during term time. 

Auction of Promises and Quiz Night (document)
The Social Development Committee is holding an Auction of Promises and Quiz Night on Friday 21 November. Full details are attached.  This was a highly enjoyable and profitable event last year and, as you will see, we have already received some excellent lots.  However, if you would like to make a donation, there is still time to do so on the attached form.

School Uniform
We are currently investigating online ordering with Buxton and Bonnett and hope to be able to offer this service shortly.  Due to supply issues, the boys trousers style will change next September to Trutex single pleat, mid-grey at a price between £12.99 and £14.99. There will be a twelve month changeover period to allow the current style to be phased out.

Hair Dryers and Straighteners
May I remind you that, for health and safety reasons,  hair dryers and straighteners must not be brought into School.  Hair dryers will be provided.

Extreme Hairstyles
May I also remind you that brightly coloured hair dyes, totally shaved or decorated scalps, eyebrow shavings etc are unacceptable for School. Hair accessories must be sensible and either black or burgundy.

Chewing Gum
May I request that you counsel your child not to bring chewing gum on to the School premises.  The School has undergone further refurbishment and we do not want furniture and carpets damaged due to a minority of youngsters failing to comply.  Should your child be caught with chewing gum on the premises, you will be asked to come to School to collect them.

Valuable Items
May I remind you that students should not bring valuable items to School with them.  The School cannot be held responsible for such items and parents are advised to make their own insurance arrangements as the School does not have insurance cover for theft or loss of students’ personal items, ie. jewellery, mobile phones, ipods, mp3 players etc.

End of School Day
Now that the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, could I ask for your cooperation.  In the event of you being delayed, students should go to the Main Reception and parents should come in to the Reception to pick them up.  It would be appreciated if you would advise your child not to wait on their own outside the School Gates in the dark and, some times, very cold weather.  If you observe one of our students outside the School Gates on their own, could you please ask them to go to the Main Reception.