As we approach the end of the academic year many of you have been in touch to thank staff for their work. We would be extremely pleased for you to reflect these feelings on ParentView (parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/login?destination=/give-your-views/survey/5000851) as this gives us important evidence to support our development. On the other hand, if there is a problem which you have been unable to resolve with school staff, please remember that our complaints policy is on the website.
We had hustings for elections this week and it was FASCINATING. Some of our student leaders (ambassadors) volunteered to speak on behalf of the parties available to voters in Matlock. The person who volunteered to outline the policies of Reform is one of our Ukrainian refugees. He was totally dispassionate and represented policies, which some see as controversial, with professionalism and objectivity despite the fact that those policies may have a direct impact on him as a recent immigrant. I would not be surprised if his charismatic delivery leads to an upswell for Reform in next week’s Highfields election day…
I’ve got into the habit of writing about members of the staff team over the last few weeks and it’s such a pleasure for me to do so I think I’ll continue for a bit longer. Diane Peet and Glen Nicholls are the gaffers when it comes to all things site and health and safety (H&S) at Highfields. We had a full H&S audit the other day and they completely aced it coming out with a pretty much faultless report. The audit checked on everything from the management of our water pipes (Legionellas etc) and asbestos management plan and the state of our COSHH risk assessments and arrangements around training for working at height and the status of our tree management and the quality of our fire evac procedures and emergency lighting and…the list goes on and on. The point of these plans and procedures is to ensure that our students and staff remain safe and happy while on site. I am thrilled to work with Di and Glen and their teams: the fact that I EVER manage to get any sleep at night is indicative of the levels of trust I have in them.
The new Y12s were in this week on induction. Students just look SO different when they stop wearing school uniform- it’s quite disorientating at first. This little study with buttons was created as part of an art A level orientation lesson about families…
Finally, Diane Peet (see above) is also in charge of accident management in school. After reading last week’s newsletter in which I outlined my humiliating experience with a tennis net she approached me and wanted to know why she could not find any record of the accident being reported in line with procedures. I apologised but secretly wished I was Pat Cash who I know FOR A FACT fell over tennis nets for years without ever completing the correct forms.
Have a pleasant weekend. We are Highfields.
A Marsh, Headteacher
Coming up next week…
Remindersfortheweekahead WeekA
Monday 1st July
Tuesday 2nd July
Wednesday 3rd July
Thursday 4th July
Friday 5th July
Year 12 Geology trip- Pembrokeshire Year 10 Work Experience week
Dance Festival- Sports Leader
Primary Matinee of the Musical
Sports Day- all pupils at Lumsdale
Sports Leaders- Dodgeball/Benchball
INSET DAy
Lincoln University Open Day
SPORTS DAY- 4th JULY
All students will need to be at upper site for the full day (buses are aware). Students should a end in PE kit.
There will be no break me food service. Students may bring snacks from home.
Lunch will be a limited grab bag menu or students can bring a packed lunch. There will also be a tuck shop on the field. Students should bring cash if they wish to purchase drinks and snacks from the tuck shop.
It may be hot and students will be taking part in physical ac vi es outdoors so please ensure that they bring plenty of (none fizzy) drinks, sun cream and a hat.
Did you know you can hire out our school facilities?
3G Pitch
Hardstanding Courts
Large Sports Hall
Small Sports Hall
Please visit www.schoolhire.co.uk for more information, to view availability and to book.
All sales are cash or cheque (Cheque can be made to East Midlands Education Trust) only please.
Sports Leaders
Tuesday 25th June
Primary Outdoor Adventure Activity morning with Acclimbatize group
South Darley and the Highfields sports leaders enjoyed the chance to take part in the Archery team building activities, rock climbing on the mobile wall and bush craft activities. The Highfields sports leaders were brilliant again.
Thursday 27th June
Key Stage 2 Mini Tennis tournament took place at Lumsdale
The Year 8 tennis leaders were amazing.
1st Lea. 13 matches won 2nd Darley Dale 9 matches won
3rd Winster 2 matches won
Friday 28th June
Today was the final meeting of the Voice of Sport group 2023/24
Well done to all our representatives- you have again been outstanding all year!!
Dear Parents/Carers,
Did you know that as well as free school meals during term time, you are also entitled to access FREE holiday clubs this summer?
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme, known throughout Derbyshire as ‘It’s About Me’ is funded by the Department for Education and gives eligible young people access to FREE places at holiday clubs across the county.
If your child is aged between 4-16 and is eligible for benefits-related free school meals, then they are entitled to access It’s About Me holiday clubs for free! There are a huge range of activities available including sports and games, arts and crafts, cookery, dance and music. All clubs include a nutritious meal too! Programmes vary depending on the type and location of each club.
If your child is not eligible for the It’s About Me programme, many clubs also offer paid places where you can book with them directly.
To book your It’s About Me holiday club you will need your unique IAM code which will be distributed via your child’s school. If you have not received your code, but believe your child is eligible for the programme, please contact your school office.
To book your activities and to find out more information go to www.itsaboutmederbyshire.co.uk or speak to your school office. To receive programme information and updates directly to your inbox, Sign-Up for It’s About Me updates.
The Summer 2024 holiday clubs will take place from Wednesday 24th July-Tuesday 3rd September. Excluding bank holidays and weekends. Bookings open on Monday 1st July.
Kind regards, Highfields.
Key dates & Calendar
Term 6: 3 June 2024 to 23 July 2024
Fieldwork Pembrokeshire
Term 1: 4 September 2024 to 24 October 2024 (Holiday 28 October – 1 November)
Term 2: 4 November 2024 to 20 December 2024 (Holiday 23 December – 3 January 2024)
Term 3: 6 January 2025 – 14 February 2025 (Holiday 17 February – 21 February)
Term 4: 24 February 2025 to 4 April 2025 (Holiday 7 April – 21 April)
Term 5: 22 April 2025 to 23 May 2025 (Holiday 26 May – 30 May)
