Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this finds you well and you were able to enjoy the half-term break.

The Helstonian

I'm sharing the link again to the latest edition of The Helstonian, our school magazine, just in case you missed it before we broke up. It contains some great articles and celebrates lots of student achievements - I hope you enjoy it, and please congratulate your son or daughter if they feature somewhere within it. The Helstonian - Edition 13

Remembrance

There will a group of students and staff representing the College at the Remembrance Parade on Sunday. In addition, we know of many students who will be taking part as cadets. For Remembrance Day on Monday, any cadets wishing to wear their cadet uniform are encouraged to do so.

Anti-Bullying Week

In support of National Anti-Bullying Week, we are doing a range of things to raise awareness and promote kindness. Students will be issued with kindness postcards to send to others in school and staff will be issued with kindness 'golden tickets' to pass to students for doing random acts of kindness. On Tuesday, it is Odd Sock Day to celebrate what makes us all unique, and throughout the week we will be running a poster competition too.

Winter Weather

As the weather turns colder and wetter, please may I encourage students to wear a coat to school. We do have a small selection of pre-loved coats should you need support - please just contact Reception to be put in touch with a member of our PTFA who will be able to help. Please also remember that hoodies must not be worn and will be confiscated if seen.

Equipment and iPads

I cannot stress the importance of students bringing a full set of equipment into school each day. Please can you support by ensuring your son/daughter have what they need. With the roll-out of the iPads, students also need to ensure they regularly charge them at home ready for school.

Assessments and Mock Exams

Year 10, 12 and 13 assessments are well under way, Year 11 have their mock exams in just over a week, and Year 9 assessments start from 25 November. Thank you to parents for your support in ensuring students are taking them seriously. Revision resources for Year 10 and 11 can be found on our website: Year 10 and 11 Revision Resources. Revision resources for Year 9 were emailed out earlier this week. As mentioned at the Year 11 Parent Information Evening in September, the school hours will be extended for Year 11 at some point in the Spring term to support them with their revision. More details of this will follow later this term.

School Photos

Students in years 7, 9 and 11 will be having their photos taken on Friday 15 November. A separate letter will be sent out in relation to this giving more details.

Christmas Fayre - save the date!

Our wonderful PTFA are organising a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 30 November, 11am to 3pm, on-site here at the college. Please put the date in your diary and come along for some festive fun and to help us raise funds.

End of Term - early finish

I know it is still 6 weeks away, however, please be aware that we break up at 12.30pm on Friday 20 December.

Alex Lingard

Head Teacher