Dear all,

This week we have reflected on LGBTQ History Month. In my assembly I spoke about how opportunities like this give us the opportunity to remember people in history who have fought for rights we sometimes now take for granted. It also allows us to take the time to consider differences between us all which is such an important part of building a society that is tolerant, respectful and kind.

From a sporting perspective, we have had very high numbers of participation in training for both netball and football with many fixtures played against other schools. It has been great to have so many pupils representing Holmleigh Park . Many congratulations to one of our Year 7 students, Elasia Humphries-Cuff. Elasia competed in the Under 15s British Championships for 60m sprinting last weekend in Sheffield and obtained a Personal Best. 

As we break up for half-term I want to state some important expectations for all students for when we return. Firstly, there have been significant improvements to the Stagecoach bus services in recent weeks. Because of this we return to our expectation of every student arriving by 8.30am with a same-day detention being set for anyone who is late. Secondly, we will also be focusing on our uniform standards which can be found here on our website.

Our Year 11 and 13 students are now preparing for their upcoming mock exams. Teachers have provided them with assessment manifests and important work to do in the lead up to these exams. It is crucial that all of our exam year group students take responsibility over half-term so that they are prepared for when we return to school.

Finally, please note that the next day of planned industrial action will take place on Thursday 2nd March. As before, we will prioritise the following groups:

• Students with public exams this summer (Year 13 and Year 11, who will sit their mocks as planned)
• Year 10 students
• Looked After Children
• Students with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP)
• Children of critical workers

All other students (i.e. most of Years 7, 8, 9 and 12) should remain at home. Remote learning will be set via Google Classroom. 

Year 10, 11 and 13 students should attend school as normal, and we will contact all parents/carers whose children we believe fall into other eligible categories by the end of Monday 27th February. If you are a critical worker and would be prevented from working if your child was at home, I would be grateful if you could fill in this form by 16:00 on Monday 27th February. If you did this for the previous strike, there is no need to do so again. 

I wish you all a lovely weekend,

Mr Hudson

Head of School