DEAR PARENTS
The second half of term is well under way with staff and pupils working hard.  I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner!

VISITS
The Primary department have had two enjoyable visits to London; both the Infants and Juniors attended childrens classical concerts at the Barbican, and they also took the opportunity to do some sightseeing both by boat and on foot.

REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY
We held a very moving Remembrance Day assembly last Friday, led by Mr. Bath.  It was both informative and poignant and offered the pupils some time for quiet reflection in gratitude for all those who gave their lives for us.  (We raised a very generous amount of money from the sale of poppies with all proceeds going to The Royal British Legion).

ENTRY TESTS
A number of prospective pupils sat our S7 entry tests last Saturday.  Results will be published today.

PARENTS’ CONSULTATIONS
Thank you to all the parents of pupils in S9 and S10 who came to discuss your child’s progress on Wednesday – I hope you found the discussions useful and informative.

SCOUTS
Today in assembly we welcomed Dave Christy from The Scouts Association who came to speak to the pupils about the Scout organisation.  I do hope this motivated some of our pupils to think about becoming involved in a youth organisation and therefore developing ways of using their spare time constructively.

QUIZ EVENING
We are holding a Quiz Evening, today 16th November.  Any last minute entries welcome!  7.30pm, £5 per adult with all proceeds going to school funds.

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS
School examinations will begin on Monday 26th November for all pupils in S9, S10 and S11.  S9 will be taking mock SAT papers, and S11 will be sitting mock GCSE papers.  Please help to ensure that your child is well prepared for these exams by encouraging focused revision and a quiet week socially!

Pupils in J4 and S7 will be taking the NFER CAT tests during exam week.  These tests give staff an indication of inherent intelligence ability, as well as providing Key Stage indicators.

Results of all examinations and tests will be published during the first week of next term.

BOOK FAIR
Mr. Lowey has organised a Book Fair to be held in school on Friday 30th November.

PUNCTUALITY
I have noticed that there are a large number of pupils who are regularly late for registration.  Although I of course understand occasional lateness is unavoidable, a regular lack of punctuality is unacceptable.  Please note that the registration bell is rung at 8.40am, and all pupils are expected to be at school by that time.

EQUIPMENT
Please could you ensure that your child is properly equipped for school.  Staff have been reporting that many pupils, both Junior and Senior are arriving to their lessons with no pens or pencils etc.  Learning good personal organisation is an important part of education and I would welcome your support – thank you.
UNIFORM
Standards of uniform are, on the whole, excellent.  However, there are still some pupils with incorrect PE uniform – please ensure that your child has the requisite items.  There are still many pieces of uniform found around the school which are un-named – please ensure that all uniform is clearly marked so that lost property can be returned.
May I again remind you that ALL school coats in the Seniors are to be PLAIN BLACK – no other top coat may be worn with school uniform.

DIARY
Friday 16th November – Quiz Evening at 7.30pm
Monday 26th November – Examinations begin for S9, S10 and S11
Friday 30th November – Book Fair in school

AND FINALLY……….
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend.