Highfields School
Issue 36: 26 June 2020
Newsletter Updates for Parents/Carers Mobile Devices Had Covid-19 not closed the school we were intending to extend our ‘no mobile phones’ policy from lower to upper site in term 6, a move which would have brought in line with most schools locally and nationally who have a similar approach. Governors ratified this decision in their February Full Governing Board meeting. As it happens, Covid-19 itself has only strengthened our belief that school does not need to further extend the time that students spend looking at screens. During the school day we want our students to benefit from what school has to offer. We want students to socially interact face to face with their peers and get involved with any activities that the school has to offer whether that be kicking about a football, playing tag (on lower site!), playing board games, joining a club or catching up on work. So from September students will not be allowed to use their mobile phone when on lower OR upper school site unless it is in line with our policy. Students will be briefed on the policy and you can find details in our FAQ document attached. We recognise that many parents and carers wish their children to carry a mobile phone for their personal safety and for that reason we do not plan to ban them from our school sites. During the school day the expectation will be that mobile phones will be switched off and in their bag / locker. As in previous policies, the school accepts no responsibility for any phones brought onto site and students are reminded to look after high value items of property very carefully if they are brought into school. Full details have been emailed to parents/carers today along with a FAQ information sheet. To answer any questions you may have. However, if after reading the FAQs you have further questions please email Mr Hodkin (mhodkin@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) We thank you for your continued support in ensuring that children feel happy and included at Highfields School.
Year 10 Work Experience Cancellation As you know due to the unfortunate circumstances caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic Y10 work experience had to be cancelled. Mrs Giles, the schools work experience coordinator, has been contacting as many employers as possible to ensure that they know that work experience is cancelled. However, we thought it would be a good idea if students could also get in touch with the employers who kindly offered a placement to explain that they will not be attending and to thank them for initially offering the place.
Be the best you can
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