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Our newsletter aims to keep parents and carers up to date with school news, activities and key information throughout the year.

If you have any feedback on or suggestions for the newsletter, please send your comments via email to newsletter@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Don’t forget to visit our website (www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) for more news and information.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news and for your support.

A Marsh Headteacher

Disclaimer: Highfields School is not responsible for the quality of products or organisations publicised through articles or advertisements in the school newsletter.

Message from the Headteacher

A short newsletter ‘bit’ this week because, somehow, I managed to spend two days this week in hospital with what turned out to be pericarditis (a relatively minor ailment) but presented symptoms which prompted a raft of tests and scans. I hate missing work and would like to offer my apologies and thanks to any staff who covered for me, especially my deputies Messrs Cole and Hodkin.

On Monday morning the head of Y8 was leading a trip to the University of Sheffield and his line manager had lost his voice. In desperation they asked me to do assembly and I danced a little jig because I NEVER get to do assemblies and I love them. When I reached the hall, I was dismayed to find that the tree was up but not lit or decorated. Without hesitation I grabbed a load of students and we launched ourselves into decorating it. It was not pretty. But it was better than nothing.

In the assembly itself we discussed the importance of kindness. We also explored the potential cost of being someone who enjoys winding others up. Recently at upper site a student hurt another one after being mercilessly provoked by a third party. They were all slightly taken aback to find that the third party who pretty much caused the incident received a harsher consequence than the two boys involved in it. I absolutely hate violence of any kind and have told all year groups at one time or another that inciting it is as serious for me as being involved in it. My robust stance on this means that it is very rare in recent years to see any students hurting each other.

A selection of students went to Rolls Royce Derby recently on a trip which was entitled InspiringtheNextGeneration. During the day students took part in a range of workshops to understand more about choosing Rolls Royce as a future employer. Students were carefully targeted as those who would benefit from a bit of inspiration and they enjoyed it even more than they thought they would. We always ensure that the students selected for these events include children from a range of backgrounds.

And, as usual at Christmas, our musicians have been out spreading musical cheer in the local area including on Thursday at The Crooked Spire and County Hall in Matlock. Being trapped in the Northern General I was unable to attend myself but received a range of updates including this video of the County Hall from Assistant Headteacher Mrs Rifkin (huge thanks to our music staff led in this performance by Emily Morris).

Have a restful weekend.

A Marsh, Headteacher

Reminders for the weeks ahead..

Week A

Tuesday 17th December

 Christmas Concert 7pm

Wednesday 18th December

 Sports Leaders Christmas Festival at the Arc

Thursday 19th December

 A Level Certificate Evening

Friday 20th December

 School Closes at 2pm, School will reopen on 6th January.

A reminder to all parents to please park considerately in areas surrounding school sites, including Bentley Bridge Road.

Secondary Sing Aloud Concert

Last night I attended the Secondary Sing Aloud Concert organised by the Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership at County Hall

Both of our Highfields Choirs were excellent, I particularly loved the Senior choir's performance of Amazing Grace. All of the soloists were outstanding, they showed a range of musical skills! From a violin solo, duets from well-known musicals and for me, a particularly moving version of "How Great Thou Art" performed in a style I had never heard before. Any musical evening by Highfields isn't complete without a performance by The Thursdays who just go from strength to strength.

Highfields were joined by a number of other schools, who were just as enthusiastic and talented in their performances. The music teacher from David Niepier Academy was completely engaging as he played guitar as well as conducting. "Santa Tell Me" by Buxton Community School really put everyone in the Christmas mood.

The highlight of these concerts is always the mass school choir pieces and this year was no different. All schools impressively sang in Latin and their performance of "O Holy Night" was absolutely breath-taking. Our Music Teacher, Emily Morris, was the talent behind the whole event and she demonstrated everything that is great about teaching. Passion, enthusiasm and skill in conducting a mass choir who clearly were enjoying every second. Well done to everyone involved.

Claire Rifkin

We welcomed PCSO Thompson to join Mrs Rifkin on break duty today to do a Meet Greet with students at our Lumsdale Site. We have scheduled Meet Greets with PCSO's Hillman and Thompson at both school sites so students can speak to the police that they will see in the local community and get to know them as a friendly face. The PCSO's will join us again at Starkholmes on the 19th December and at Lumsdale on the 9th January.