Letter to Parents 17/09/2021

17 September 2021

 

  

Dear Parent/Carer,

 

What a wonderful start to the new academy year we have had. Our fabulous new Year 7 students have been amazing, looking smart and being organised, we have been really impressed with them.

 

All years have shown real maturity and an eagerness to learn.  One of our immediate focuses for school improvement has been the presentation and pride in our students’ books and we have been thrilled to see how students have immediately responded. 

 

Year 11 have returned with positive attitudes for their final year showing absolute focus in lessons. My assembly in the first week focused on setting goals for Y11, being inspirational, as well as the importance of student well-being and self-care.

 

All students have received a new planner and pencil case to support them being organised and ready to learn. We are encouraging students not to keep their equipment in their blazers but to use their pencil cases.  This is a step up from last academic year and we have been really impressed with their commitment to this so far. 

 

All students have continued to use their separate entry and departure points as this results in a calm and orderly entrance to the academy and allows senior leaders and Learning Managers the time to have positive conversation with students and support them in making good choices.

 

During our first week I delivered the ACE PROGRAMME assembly to all year groups to ensure they are fully informed of our Academy conduct, expectations and behaviour. Year 7 and Y8 are currently working through our Academy Conduct, Expectations (ACE) programme in form time. Focusing on areas such as the choices we make, how to get support and aspirations for the future. This is an expectation of all students. 

 

At Outwood Academy Shafton, excellent attendance and punctuality is our aim for every child. Evidence shows that those children who attend school regularly make better progress academically and socially. To help a child achieve full attendance, you play a critical role in helping us promote good attitudes towards attendance.  Together, it is important we ensure that children are present at every opportunity, arriving on time. All students must arrive at school by 8.25am. 

 

COVID testing has taken place for those students with consent who wished to do this in the academy - please note that all second tests are also now complete. Students have taken this process very seriously and I am pleased to hear that so many are continuing with testing at home too. Remember that we have LFD self-test kit boxes in the academy at student entrances for them to collect and take home.

 

We are thrilled to offer once again a wide range of enrichment activities to all year groups throughout the week.  These are so important for personal development and enjoyment.  We have loved seeing the engagement and excitement in these activities.

 

We have already held our Ace September Y7 and Y8 awards, celebrated Roald Dahl Day and planned our first open evening.  What an exciting start we have had!

 

Thank you for your support in advance for this academic year.  We look forward to being able to invite you into the academy and to celebrate our young people's achievements together.

 

Yours faithfully, 

 

Principal

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Letter to parents 17.09.21.pdf 458 KB