Issue 30 by Highfields School

8th November 2024

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

Have you ever visited friends or relatives at Ashgate Hospice? I grew up in a hotel and when first I visited it was to see the Head Chef from those days: a man whose influence on my character and work ethic (such as it is) was significant. His name was Nick Buckinghamlatterly he had the restaurant of the same name in Chesterfield- and, as usual when I arrived at the hospice he was in good form and holding court with his many visitors. I didn’t really get a word in to be honest. I was, however, struck by the care, kindness and good humour of Ashgate Hospice staff and I’ve been a big supporter ever since. For this reason I was feeling very emotional when our students combined to raise nearly £4,000 for that wonderful institution. Image shows Max, a Highfields ambassador, introducing Ashgate Hospice staff who came to thank students in person for their generosity.

A project on our Big 3 Plan improvement plan for this year is Nurture2: ThisTimeIt’sPersonal. This is a project which builds on a similar project last year and looks at actively fostering links between students in sixth form and those at Starkholmes. The image shows a sixth former listening patiently to a younger reader during a ‘buddy reading session’ at Starkholmes on Monday. I LOVE seeing sixth formers helping younger students and, in return, it builds their leadership skills and CVs.

During my tenure at Highfields I have dealt with cows on the fields, a rat infestation post-lockdown, an owl which took up residence in the art collonade, a cat which I mistook for a Bengal Tiger and a band of larcenous squirrels (still at large). This week’s visitor from the animal world is featured in the image. He began hiberating at Lumsdale site in half term and is now fast asleep despite the hundreds of Highfields students who pass him daily. I (very quietly) tried out a number of names in case he responded to any. The only slight movement he made was in response to my whispering, ‘Bernard?’ (which was at the end of a very long list) so I can only assume that is his name. Anyway, as a bat, Bernard is heavily protected by law and it is an offence to disturb him in any way whilst in hibernation. So far students have accepted him with their usual inclusivity and open-heartedness.

Sorry if you were affected by some congestion caused by an externally organised after-school event on Tuesday at upper site (see image- it was an excellent primary school football tournament). As soon as we realised the situation might occur on Wednesday we leapt into action and had PE, site team and sixth formers out in hi-vis to manage the traffic. Problem sorted- Highfields style.

Have a lovely weekend- I hope you get some Bernard style sleep in. We are (hibernating) Highfields.

A Marsh, Headteacher

Reminders for the week ahead.. Week B

Monday 11th November

 6th Form Cranedale trip 11th – 13th November

 Year 11, 12 and 13 Mock performance exams all week.

Tuesday 12th November

 Y9 Girls Football County Cup

Thursday 14th November

 6th Form Open Evening

Friday 15th November

 Sports Leaders Y12 assessment

School Christmas Dinner

Wednesday 11th December

Students have been sent the information via Satchel One and pupils must complete a form to order. (The form needs completing whether they want one or not)

There will be no break time service on the 11th December.

Pupils will be reminded to complete during assemblies and form times.

Closing date for ordering is Monday 11th November at Midday.

Sports Leaders Academy

Tuesday 5th November

Sports leaders were on duty officiating at the SSP Football finals for small schools.

Well done to our Year 10’s Charles R and Toby A and our Year 8’s Bailey H, Archie L, Isla L, Finlay P, Taisy-Bow S, Ruby W and Logan K.

Brailsford Primary school won the event.

Chris Bethell SGO stated “the leaders were the best yet at decision making.”

Wednesday 6th November

Sports leaders were on duty officiating at the SSP Football finals for Large schools and also the girls only event.

Well done to year 13 Callum C, year 11 Charlotte B, year 10’s Luca Hardwick and Zac W, and to William G from year 9. Chris Bethell SGO again stated how well the leaders had performed. Callum, Charlotte and Luca leading by example.

The event winners for the large schools were Osmaston. Lea won the girls event.

Mrs J Allen

Y9 Girls Netball Tournament

The U14 netball team spent their afternoon competing at Repton School in the county tournament. The standard of netball on display was remarkably high, and the girls once again made Highfields proud with their performance. They achieved victories in two matches, had one draw, and experienced narrow losses in four others, with each game being fiercely contested. Their determination and team spirit shone through, and they should take great pride in their efforts. A special mention goes to Maddie W, who was recognised by several officials as a standout player throughout the tournament. Additionally, Harriet F-B deserves recognition for her unwavering support and contributions to helping every member of the team. Congratulations also to Taisy-Bow S from Year 8, who played alongside the Year 9s for this tournament and proved to be a fantastic addition to the squad. Well done to all the girls for playing some outstanding netball and for their resilience, especially after eight consecutive matches!

Well done Girls!

Miss A Geraghty