Pastoral Matters - Issue 2

PASTORAL MATTERS MAY 2020. ISSUE 2

Welcome to the second edition of Pastoral Matters, happily subtitled ‘Life in Lockdown; Mental Health Awareness week; Hello and Goodbye’.

Since the last edition of our 'Pastoral Matters' newsletter we have sadly said Goodbye to Year 11 and 13 but also Hello to Year 11 going into 12 with lots of Transition lessons and lectures and also we have begun to welcome our new Year 7s from afar. We were busy in PSHE for Mental Health Awareness week, combining that with Life in Lockdown and how we have learnt to cope and adapt with our new way of life.

School has begun to open up a little since I last wrote to you all and we now have little bubbles of you on campus, including some Year 10 and Year 12 pupils joining us this week. I know from my chats with parents that for most of you, just seeing your friends, ‘hanging out’ and having a sense of normality is the thing that you miss most. Hopefully we can address that for some of you.

For others of you, the wait may be longer but I’d like for a moment for you to consider the positives of lockdown. Isolation is not generally a good thing but most of us haven’t been isolated, we’ve been with family and we have also ‘met friends’ remotely.

Let’s consider the things which may be beneficial: You’ve probably talked to your parents - if not extensively, then at least something beyond the normal, slightly Neanderthal exchange. You’ve probably participated in a quiz or a murder mystery online, played a family game, gone for a walk and discovered parts of your neighbourhood you didn’t know existed; possibly you have cooked or baked; maybe you’ve grown something or designed something or even reared something.

Almost certainly you’ve had to organise your own space and your own life instead of largely it being done for you. You’ve learnt to problem solve with your work and not rely on a teacher; you’ve probably learnt something about running a home; about finances; about life without shopping. (I’ve learnt the name of my Amazon delivery driver…); about your family; about charity.

Perhaps you’ve learnt to slow down or to speed up. Perhaps you’ve learnt to be comfortable with yourself without any of the above?

If you have done any of these things, you will be part of a new generation. A generation that have learned to live uncluttered lives, with fewer demands on their time and on consumerism. A generation not unlike those of yesteryearone that values simplicity, creativity and love. If so, lockdown will not have been wasted and, in years to come, you may be the generation that was saved.

“No good sittin’ worryin’ abou’ it. What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.”

— Rubeus Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 37

Tracy Knowles Assistant Head Pastoral PASTORAL SUPPORT ONLINE If you have concerns or feel unsafe, you may wish to speak to someone. You may like to talk to your tutor in the first instance. If you would prefer, you can speak to a member of the Pastoral Support Team online via Microsoft Teams .

The Pastoral Support Helpline is open as follows:

Mondays - 1.30pm to 2pm – for Year 7 Tuesdays - 1.30pm to 2pm – for Years 8 and 9 Wednesdays - 1.30pm to 2pm – for Years 10 to 13 However, your tutors, your heads of Key Stage and Tracy Knowles are always available by email during school hours so just shout!

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN RELAXING AND SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS THROUGH MUSIC ...

Some for our Year 13 pupils had fun coming together virtually to record their version of the title track from the musical 'Six'. This was a collaboration that spanned from Glasgow to Northamptonshire, with Brailes, Sibford and Pershore inbetween!

You can watch the performance in our recent virtual music meeting here.

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN HELPING OTHERS ...

7ZS recently raised funds for their chosen tutor group charity, Helen and Douglas House by taking part in the 2.6 challenge. Each member of the tutor group did something related to 2.6 or 26 to fundraise, from making a 26 ingredient pizza to growing 26 sunflowers. Making 26 individual origami pieces to running or riding 2.6K per day and even 2.6 hours of rugby passes without dropping the ball.

An excellent effort was made by Zoe Simms and all 16 pupils. You can still donate via this link should you wish.

SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND INVENTING ...

Some of our pupils have invented their own instruments and here is Jacob demonstrating his spanner-xylophone with his family wishing his mum a happy birthday.

Coco and family performing 'Seven nation army'

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2020 ...

Throughout Mental Health Awareness week, many conversations were had with our pupils about how they are coping with lockdown and what helps their mental health. Our pupils talked about how pets can help with mental wellbeing. Other popular strategies included getting out in the fresh air, taking exercise and eating chocolate cake.

A few pets even joined in ...

CREATING ...

Jill Spence, Head of Key Stage 4 collated what our Year 10 and 11 pupils have done alongside their virtual learning. It has been a time to learn, explore, read and help others.

Margot's collage.

Catherine in Year 10 created a 'ten tips to ensure good mental health during lockdown' leaflet. The leaflet can be found here on our website.

HELLO AND GOODBYE HELLO TO YEAR 7 2020/21 ...

Pupils due to start Year 7 in September received a little gift of sunflower seeds in the post from Victoria Macaulay, Head of Key Stage 3. Sunflower seeds signify the transformation of a seed to a flower which is what happens when pupils join our Year 7. It's lovely to see photos of these being planted.

HELLO TO SOME 'YOUNG' OLD FACES...

We welcomed back Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 and it has been wonderful to have them back.

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY ...

Preparations are underway to welcome Years 10 and 12 back to school for academic and pastoral reviews. We look forward to seeing you!

GOODBYE ...

We recently said goodbye to our Year 13 students and a temporary goodbye to most of Year 11. The usual Leavers' Meetings could not take place, instead the pastoral team created virtual meetings for everyone.

KIND WORDS FROM A SIXTH FORM LEAVER ...

"I thought that the meeting was lovely and it was so nice to see everyone again. It still feels a little strange to be finishing my Sibford journey from home but I can honestly say I have loved every minute. I have grown so much as a person these last two years and I know that this would not have been possible if I had been placed in a different environment, so I would like to thank you for all of your support over the last two years. I can honestly say I have changed for the better and this would not have been possible without all of the love and care that is Sibford."

TRANSITION INTO SIXTH FORM ...

Year 11 have started a three week transition programme that provides an excellent grounding in their KS5 studies and will ensure that they make a flying start in September.

"A very big thank you to the Sixth Form team for all that you are doing. We are so grateful and appreciative of the support and guidance that you have given/are giving to our son and his fellow students."

Current parent