Start of Term 4 Letter
Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope you have enjoyed a restful half-term break. With Term 4 upon us I wanted to write to you with a few key Academy updates and reminders so that we can work together to give people the best chance of success. To achieve success, we have high expectations of everything they do (and high levels of support) to ensure everyone can flourish.
In light of recent events in Ukraine, I wanted to reassure you that everyone at the Academy is committed to supporting young people with the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing world. If your child is saddened by recent events or find the situation challenging, please encourage them to speak to us so that we can provide support.
The purpose of this letter is to update / remind you of:
- Change to the Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Covid update
- Academy expectations relating to Manners, Uniform (link to updated guidance below), Mobile phones, Electric scooters, Equipment, Attendance/punctuality, and times of day.
- Term 4 Events / Key dates
Change to the Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead
You will be aware that Mrs Tushingham was our interim Designated Safeguarding Lead [DSL] whilst we recruited a permanent replacement. I am pleased to tell you our DSL is Mr Schlichtkrull (pronounced ‘slitch-krull’). Mr Schlichtkrull was successfully appointed following a challenging interview process and we are delighted that he has joined the team at Hanham. If you have any safeguarding concerns / queries you can contact the safeguarding team via email: [email protected]
Covid Update:
Thank you for your continued support regarding Covid mitigations in the Academy to support all students to continue onsite, face-to-face learning. Following further guidance from the government our current mitigations are as follows:
- Face coverings are not required (however if a colleague/student would like to wear one in communal areas, that is ok)
- Twice weekly testing is no longer required
- If a student has Covid-19 symptoms we would encourage them to get a test
- If a student tests positive for Covid-19 we would advise them to self-isolate following existing guidance. We need to continue to look after each other and in-line with our existing procedures for infectious diseases, we are encouraging students to isolate if testing positive with Covid whilst there is a likelihood of infection, typically around 5 days from first symptoms. The legal requirement to isolate has been removed, but it is now advised by the government. We would like to thank parents/carers for their careful consideration of when it is right for students to attend the Academy so that we can reduce transmission of Covid.
In the Academy we will continue to:
- Keep classrooms ventilated – windows open
- Keep cleaning desks / equipment at the end of each lesson (to be reviewed during term 4)
- Keep encouraging to sanitise regularly + catch it, bin it, kill it
We are regularly reviewing our Covid mitigations and will keep you updated with any further changes.
Academy Expectations Relating to Manners, Uniform, Mobile phones, Electric scooters, Equipment, Attendance / Punctuality, Times of Day
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.
Responding to a Reasonable Request from a Member of Staff, “First time, every time”:
It is our expectation that students follow staff instructions, first time every time. This creates a safe, calm environment within the Academy which enables everyone to be successful. If a student refuses to respond to a reasonable request from a member of staff, they will be given a 15-minute detention (either at lunchtime or after the Academy day, depending on the time of issuing the sanction) and parents/carers will be informed via a text message. The student will then be given another opportunity to follow the member of staff’s request, should the student continue to be defiant they will be placed into a 45-minute SLT detention and parents/carers will be called.
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.
Following a consultation on uniform we wrote to you at the end of last term outlining changes to our uniform policy that are coming into force from Monday 21st March. More information can be found here
Mobile phones / headphones:
Mobile phones / headphones are not permitted to be out during the academy day. If they are seen or heard, they will be confiscated, and students can collect their device from reception at the end of the Academy day. This rule is in place to support student mental health and well-being by reducing screen time. It also reduces distraction in lessons so that teachers and students can focus on learning. If you need to contact your child, please call reception and a message will be passed on. If a student needs to contact home, they can speak to a pastoral leader who will facilitate a call home.
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 to the Academy on an e-scooter, it will be confiscated, and you will be called and asked to come and collect it.
Equipment:
It is important that students are properly equipped every day so that they are ready to learn. 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. 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. Incorrect equipment will result in a 15-minute lunch time detention.
Attendance & Punctuality:
Our ambition is for students to attend every day on time and be on time for every lesson. This is to ensure students get the maximum learning time and the most enriching experiences from the Academy. Students need to be in their tutor room at 08:30 ready to start their tutor program, every day. To ensure a prompt start to the tutor time program, students need to be on site by 08:25 so that they can comfortably get to their tutor room by 08:30, ready to learn. Arriving to the Academy after the 08:30am bell is considered late and will result in a 15-minute lunch-time detention.
Throughout the Academy day, students are expected to arrive at their next lesson within 3 minutes of the previous lesson finishing. This ensures a prompt start to lessons and provides all students with the maximum learning time.
If for any reason your child is not well enough to attend the Academy, please:
- call the attendance line on 0117 440 8900 / Option 1 before 8:30am to advise; providing details of the illness.
- If your child is unwell for more than one day you will need to call on each morning of the absence.
Key information regarding attendance can be found here
Term 4: Key Dates / Events
Key dates and events for Term 4 can be found here
Thank you for taking the time to read this start of term update. If you have any concerns or queries, please do get in touch either via email: [email protected] or phone: 0117 440 8900. Everyone at the Academy is extremely excited to welcome students back to the Academy. I look forward to continuing our work together to give people the best chance of success.
Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Kind.
Kind Regards
Mr O’Callaghan | Academy Principal
