I am becoming increasingly concerned at the amount of time being taken up in school dealing with issues relating to the misuse of ‘social media’ such as Twitter, Facebook etc. outside of school. Students are spending an increasing amount of time on these platforms outside of school and whilst, when used properly, they can be excellent tools for keeping in touch with people, when misused they can cause serious issues. Our behaviour policy is very clear that any misuse of social media that relates directly to another student or member of staff, regardless of this being posted ‘outside of school’, will result in very serious action being taken against the student involved who creates the post. We will be hosting an information evening for parents in the summer term about the increasing use of social media and the potential problems it can cause. In the meantime, I would ask that parents speak to students about the safe and proper use of social media and the potential serious consequences should they misuse it. Congratulations to our Year 8 Football Team who are through to the final of The West Essex District Cup after a 6-4 victory over Davenant earlier this week. Congratulations also to Matthew Tinker and (9R) and Doncho Atanassov (9R) who were elected as Roding Valley High School students to the Epping Forest Youth Council this week. I am sure both boys will do a superb job! Congratulations also go to Lucy Huckstep (7Q) who won a ‘Kindle’ following ‘World Book Day’ as she borrowed the library book that had the ‘Super Golden Ticket’ hidden inside it. The interviews for the new Headteacher take place next Wednesday and Thursday and Governors were delighted with the amount of applications received and the high quality of the candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. There will be very limited parking on site on both these days so I would ask parents who are visiting the school on these days to be aware of this and make arrangements to park on Brook Road or in the Sainsbury’s Car Park. Next Friday (4th April) is the last day of the Spring Term and is a normal school day (there is no half day closure next Friday). Students should bring all equipment needed and school will end, as usual, at 3.05pm. School restarts after the Easter Holiday on Tuesday 22nd April (Monday 21st April is a Bank Holiday). I wish you all a good weekend. Paul Banks Headteacher
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