End of Term 3 – Start of Term 4 Letter
Dear Parents / Carers,
It’s been another busy term at Hanham Woods with lots to celebrate. Students across all Year groups have had mid-term assessments at various points across Term 3 and it has been great to see students working hard in the lead up, in order to give themselves the best chance of success.
I’m also delighted to share with you our first Academy newsletter that has been put together by our wonderful Librarian Ms Leslie. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide a better insight into what’s going on in the Academy and a chance to showcase some of the remarkable achievements of students across the Academy.
Hanham Woods Academy Newsletter edition 1 is available here: HWA Newsletter February 2023
Academy updates:
New Assistant Principal // Mrs Barnes
Earlier this week we appointed Mrs Barnes to the vacant Assistant Principal role. She performed extremely well against a strong field of candidates. Some may remember that Mrs Barnes completed a secondment at the Academy from Bristol Metropolitan Academy for two Terms last Academic year. She brings lots of experience, enthusiasm and willingness to help students succeed. Mrs Barnes is due to start at the Academy in Term 5.
INSET day reminder at the start of Term 4
Monday 20th February is an INSET day at the Academy. All students are expected back on Tuesday 21st February.
Industrial Action Dates
As it stands there are three more days of Industrial Action planned which will result in some teachers up and down the country striking. The remaining days are:
- Thursday 2nd March
- Wednesday 15th March
- Thursday 16th March
We are expecting further disruption on these days and I will be in contact nearer the time with our plan.
Eat out for less (message from South Glos Council):
We look forward to welcoming students back to the Academy on Tuesday 21st February to give them the best chance of success. Let me take this opportunity to say thank you for your continued support, feedback and challenge which helps us to continually improve.
Please continue reading to learn more about our start of Term 4 arrangements and a reminder of Academy expectations…
Start of Term 4 // Tuesday 21st February
The first day back for students will be Tuesday 21st February. Students should arrive on site no earlier than 08:00 and be ready to start tutor time by 08:30.
Below is a reminder of our key expectations ahead of Term 3 starting.
Academy Expectations relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Equipment, Academy Rules, Electric Scooters:
Manners:
We believe politeness gets you where you want to go in life. We want to continue the great work you have done instilling manners and mutual respect in your children within the Academy. We expect students to always be polite, courteous, and show mutual respect so that positive relationships between staff and students can be achieved. This makes for a supportive and engaging learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Uniform:
The Academy uniform is an important part of our community and building a sense of belonging. It is one piece in the building blocks of creating a culture of high expectations and high achievement through an inclusive, supportive environment. All students are expected to be in full Academy uniform every day. If a student arrives at the Academy in the incorrect uniform, we will support students in the following ways to meet our expectations:
- offer uniform items to borrow (if available)
- ask to go home and change (in agreement with parents/carers)
- ask to work in the Inclusion Area until the correct uniform is delivered to the Academy by parents/carers
Please note the following items which are not allowed:
- Jeans (defined as having back pockets and jean-like material) or leggings
- Trousers with zip pockets
- Tube skirts/tight stretchy material for skirts-skirts must be to the knee
- Hoodies
- Trainers
Some of these items may be marketed as school items so please check they meet the uniform requirements before you buy.
All uniform guidelines apply to all students in Years 7-11-there are no exceptions made for Year 11 students. Please ignore the sentence in the planners that says that uniform guidance does not apply to Year 11, this was printed in error. We apologise if this has caused any misunderstanding. All communication with students and parents has said that uniform guidance does apply to Year 11.
We are asking that all parents/carers check the following items before next Term to ensure that students are meeting expectations:
Skirts:
Jewellery:
Students are not permitted to wear jewellery due to our health and safety guidelines. The only jewellery that is allowed is a single nose stud and 1 pair of small stud earrings. Please note that all jewellery should be removed for PE. Plastic retainers for piercings are not permitted. Necklaces, bracelets and multiple sets of earrings must also not be worn to school as we need to ensure students are not wasting time in PE lessons removing excessive jewellery. Please ensure that you have checked and spoken to students about jewellery expectations so that all jewellery is removed for school as far as possible. Please do not allow students to have additional piercings which cannot be removed.
Top buttons:
Students are expected to have their top buttons done up when wearing a tie.
If you are unsure if the item you are purchasing meets the policy please check before you buy. We also have preloved uniform for purchase through the Friends of Hanham Woods.
We will be checking that students are meeting these expectations in Term 4. Please do ensure that you have checked that students know and understand the policy. If you know of any reason why students cannot meet the uniform guidance you must get in contact with the pastoral leader or Academic leader to agree support. Notes on the day are not permitted and it will mean that students may be asked to borrow an item or stay in our inclusion area until the matter is resolved.
We have very high standards in everything we do, and we want your child to look as smart as possible at all times. Wearing smart uniform helps to create the right conditions for learning and enables students to take pride in belonging to our community. We are very proud of our students and the high standards of their uniform, and we know that you are too! If you require further clarity or support to ensure your child is in the correct uniform, please get in contact.
A reminder about our uniform expectations can be found here: http://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/our-academy/uniform-equipment/
Academy Rules
No mobile phones: Mobile phones should be off and in bags when students arrive at the Academy gates in the morning and only be taken out of bags once they have left the main school gates. If they are seen or heard during the Academy day, the phone will be confiscated and placed securely in reception. The student will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention and the phone can be collected at 15:45.
No swearing
If a student is heard casually swearing around the Academy, they will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention. We expect students to be polite and respectful.
No ‘hands on’ (pushing and shoving / playfighting)
If a student is seen pushing and shoving other students or playfighting, they will be issued with a 45 minute after Academy detention. We expect students to respect the personal space of others and conduct themselves in a safe manner around the Academy site.
Equipment:
It is important that students are properly equipped every day so that they are ready to learn. All students are required to bring a bag to school. An equipment check will be carried out daily in tutor time to ensure students are ready to learn. Academy equipment requirements can be found here: http://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/our-academy/uniform-equipment/ Students can purchase a pencil case (containing the correct equipment) from reception for £1. If you need support with equipment, please do get in contact so that we can help.
Electric Scooters:
Electric scooters are currently illegal to ride on public highways unless a driving license and insurance is held by the rider. It is not appropriate for students to be riding e-scooters to and from the Academy and they are, therefore, banned from the Academy site. This measure is in place to protect and uphold the safety of all students as they commute to and from the Academy. If a student arrives at the Academy on an e-scooter, it will be confiscated, and you will be called and asked to come and collect it.
Term Dates for 2022/2023: http://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/our-academy/term-dates/
Key Academy Dates / Events: http://hanhamwoodsacademy.clf.uk/events/
If you have any concerns or queries, please do get in touch either via email: [email protected] or phone: 0117 440 8900.
Thank you for your continued support of the Academy as work together to give people the best chance of success.
Dream Big // Work Hard // Be Kind
Mr O’Callaghan
Principal
