Message from the Governors You will be aware of the serious illness affecting Mr Luck’s son. Sadly this is ongoing and his treatment continues. We wish him a speedy recovery. To assist Mr Luck and his family, the Governing Body has agreed to a period of compassionate leave for him and we will review matters at Half Term. In the meantime Mrs Jenner will continue as Acting Headteacher. We have every confidence in her ability to lead the school forward with the support of Essex County Council, the Senior Leadership Team and the entire staff. Our students have been made aware of the situation and we are grateful for their support. We also thank you for your support for the Headteacher and his family at this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if needs be. Paul Wershof Chair of Governors Let me start by wishing everyone in the Roding Valley Community a very Happy New Year. There has been a very purposeful start to the new term, with clear and high expectations; business as usual following the Christmas festivities. This first week back was exam week for our Year 13 students. 96% of our Year 13 students have applied for University, they are now in the process of receiving their offers. Many are receiving offers to study at Russell Group Universities and other high ranking Universities. Due to their hard work and commitment, many have gained offers of higher level apprenticeships and employment. I have just heard the excellent news that our Head Girl, Olivia Tinker, has been made an offer to read History at Cambridge. Other students are waiting to hear, we wish them all the best of luck with their exams and future success. Please note that the Pre Public Examinations (PPEs) for Year 11 students start on Monday 23rd January. Students should be preparing and revising for these exams at home. Please support the school by asking them about the revision skills they were taught on their Study Skills Day just before the holiday. Our Careers Fest is taking place on Thursday 26th January at Epping Forest College. This is part of our careers programme to ensure students are given a full range of post 16 information that includes Apprenticeships, Further Education Colleges and Universities. We have a huge variety of employers and exhibitors attending the event. For Year 9 it is an opportunity to look at future career pathways to help with option choices. For Years 10 - 13 they can investigate their next steps, there will even be apprenticeship providers there offering support to apply for jobs. Students can network and get contacts for future work experience. Please encourage all students to attend, this is always a really successful and well attended event organised by our careers advisor, Mrs Mason, in conjunction with other schools. It is Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 19th January. If you have a child in Year 9 then please ensure that they have made appointments to meet with their teachers to discuss their progress and potential for study at GCSE. This will be followed up with the Options Evening on the 9th February. This will provide you with an opportunity to hear from staff about the options process, pathways and rationale. We hope to address all of the possible questions you may have and will be available on the night, should you require additional information. Given this current cold and icy weather the school has reissued our Severe Weather Procedures to all parents this week. A further copy can be found later on in the bulletin. We will always endeavour to keep the school operational but in extreme circumstances will invoke this procedure which includes a late start and early finish. You would be notified early in the morning if this were to happen. Please can I ask parents who drop off and/ or collect their children from Brook Road to be mindful of the residents’ access and ensuring that the area around the school gates is kept clear at all times for the safety of the students. With kind regards Sharon Jenner Acting Headteacher
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