I mentioned in last week's column that Alice Redknap from Year 10 was due to represent the school in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. I am delighted to be able to announce that she was victorious in the competition and is the newly crowned champion of public speaking in the district. The event was held at King Harold Academy and Alice was up against strong performers from a number of local schools. The competition is always fierce with every school eager to win the prestigious award. Having the confidence to stand up in front of a hall full of people is an impressive feat in itself but Alice had put a huge amount of preparation into the writing and delivery of the speech. She was very well supported by her friends and by staff from the school and I would like to thank Ms Hanlon from the English Department for all of her hard work in supporting Alice. The topic that Alice chose to discuss was the term "on fleek" and I think most of the staff have learned a lot from her entertaining performance. Despite the best efforts of the others speakers there was no doubt that Alice was the clear winner. This continues Roding Valley's fine history of speaking and debating and it is something of which we should all be very proud. Since the weather finally seems to be improving I would like to mention that the expectations for students' uniform remains as high as ever. If the temperature does soar in the next few weeks I will announce that students will not need to wear their blazers as I want students to be able to work in comfort. However, I would ask that you as parents continue to support the school by ensuring that your sons and daughters are wearing the uniform with pride. I often have members of the public commenting on how smart our students look in the local community and I certainly want this to continue to be the case even if the summer turns out to be a hot one. Girls skirts still need to be below the knee and boys shirts should be tucked in and ties should be done up to the top button. Finally, I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was concerned about some issues at the Underground Station with some of the individuals that hang around at the end of the school day who are not members of Roding Valley High School. Several parents have thanked me for letting them know and have instructed their children to avoid these individuals and go straight home. I would like to make it clear that we have been liaising with the British Transport Police, Essex Police and the Anti-Social Behaviour Team from Epping Forest District Council in order to try to move the group on. Please make every effort to encourage your sons and daughters to ignore this group of youths as I would not want any of our students to become involved in any problems that may transpire. James Luck Headteacher
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