3rd November 2023
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
“IT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU, BUT HOW YOU REACT TO IT THAT MATTERS.” Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn term; the longest of the year! Whilst lots of us may have appreciated an extra hour in bed after the clock had ticked back from 1.59am to 1am on Sunday morning, the sudden jolt of the clocks having switched away from British Summer Time affects our circadian rhythm, which in turn can affect our mood, energy levels and ability to concentrate. Losing an hour of daylight in the evening always feels like a shock to the system, and somehow the extra hour of morning daylight never feels like adequate compensation. Lots perhaps to feel quite negative about, if we choose; the pathetic fallacy of gloomy weather matching our gloomy moods. But perhaps it is all about perception, with the key here being ‘if we choose to’. Change is endless, constant and inescapable. Change challenges us, and we can choose to view it as an opportunity. This time of year can serve as a time for personal reflection and renewal as it encourages a sense of change and transition. Perception, of course, is highly subjective and influenced by people’s individual experiences, but choice also plays a part. We can choose to set ourselves clear goals and to work towards them, giving us a sense of purpose and achievement. We can choose to be proactive and maintain our social connections. As a school community, we have collectively shown incredible resilience in the face of fast paced challenge and change. We have coped with the unexpected and unforeseen on a daily basis and so this year more than ever feels as though we are well placed to choose positivity. There is much to look forward to this term
ahead; this evening our C7s will be enjoying their Halloween themed disco with tunes provided by our own resident Headteacher DJ, on 8th November learners from C10 and C11 have the opportunity to attend a performance of Metamorphosis at the Mercury, the Remembrance Day Football Match will again take place this year on 10th November, there are dry slope visits for those learners taking part in the ski trip next year, and we look forward to our Winter concert in school. Our C11s will begin their mock exams on 27th November. Whilst approaching these may not naturally generate feelings of positivity, they do provide an important part of the learning journey. Their resultant feedback allows for a change of approach if needed, prompts action where required and necessitates positivity to secure the outcomes learners would wish for themselves. So with shorter days and longer evenings heralding Autumn in full swing, advent and (perhaps worryingly) Christmas will be with us before we know it! Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, and please stay safe if you are attending local firework displays. POPPY APPEAL 2023 Poppies have been circulating for purchase throughout the week and will continue to be in the build up to Remembrance Day next Friday. Please encourage your LG to purchase their Poppy and wear it with pride. The work and support that the Royal British Legion does for ex-service personnel and their families is a truly worthy cause, and the sight of the nation wearing their poppies with pride has a profound impact on current and ex service personnel’s sense of worth.
We received a message form a local resident this week: “I just wanted to express how lovely it was to meet so many kind, polite and considerate young people last night during trick or treating. They were a huge credit to the school.” Mrs J Hickford Junior Deputy Headteacher WELL DONE To Jennifer Thomson for completing the challenge of 100 skips a day for Cancer Research UK during the month of October.
Dates for the Diary Wed 8 Nov
C10 & C11 Mercury Theatre trip
Thurs 9 Nov
C9 Parents Evening
Tues 21 Nov
C12 GCSE Returners Evening
27 Nov - 15 Dec
C11 GCSE Mock Exams
Fri 8 Dec
Non Learner Day
FIREWORK SAFETY It is against the law to buy fireworks under the age of 18. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place. Attend a public organised event to enjoy a safe and exciting display. These displays are certified and licensed and operated by trained personnel. If having a display in your private garden, ensure a responsible adult lights the fireworks using a taper from a distance. Stand well back or watch from a window. NEVER return to a lit firework. It can still explode.
NEVER throw fireworks. They are explosives and can cause serious injury and damage. Put a sparkler in a carrot. This makes it easier to handle and encourages your child to hold it further away from their body. The carrot will not conduct heat. Keep your pets indoors. A TV or radio will mask loud bangs and closing curtains will help mask bright flashes which scare pets.
BE SAFE NOT SORRY