Update for parents and carers: Wednesday 20st July – Monday 5th September 2022

As this academic year comes to its conclusion, it provides a natural time for reflection. Although in need of a break and a rest, I feel it important to share some of my initial reflections with you now. Without wishing to state the obvious, but this academic year has been another that has been severely disrupted. The continued challenges of the pandemic, coupled with disruption created by our building work, has caused inconsistency in our routines and practices. The recent bereavement of a long serving and much respected colleague, Nadia Ross, has shocked and saddened us all. Holy Trinity has been accustomed to experiencing sadness in recent years, having previously lost three much loved pupils. Despite the difficulties listed, we end our academic year with much to celebrate.

Our young people have continued to develop their character and have grown in their resilience to respond to challenges. With the support of an extensive ‘extra tuition’ programme, we are confident that gaps in academic performance are being alleviated. We are once again predicting strong outcomes in summer Year 11, GCSE performance. We look forward with great optimism, to fully utilising all of our additional spaces and new buildings at the outset of next academic year. I remain incredibly proud of the strong partnership that exists between parents and school. Two active Parent Governors, alongside our newly formed ‘Parent Association’ are a strong representation of the whole parent body, which continues to be very supportive of what we are trying to achieve here, which is the best possible education for our children.

As I approach my 7th year as Headteacher in September, I very much look forward to welcoming our new intake into Year 7 and to building upon the many successes that we have enjoyed together. We look forward to the successful implementation of our new two week timetable, which will ensure that all pupils continue to receive a high quality and extensive curriculum. Following feedback from our ‘Pupil Voice’ team, we have adjusted our social times

to allow for a longer break time (11.00 – 11.20) and a shorter lunch time (1.20 – 2.00). This 5 minute switch, is seen by youngsters as creating a better ‘balance’ to their day. To conclude, I feel it important to note that we are now overdue an Ofsted Inspection and can expect to go through this as a community at some point during the new academic year. In this process, we will do what we always ask of our children, which is to give ‘our very best’. I will conclude what has become a lengthier reflection than what was intended by simply saying ‘Thank You’.

A reminder of our High Standards and Expectations as we prepare September:

· Pupils must have a blazer, tie and shirts to be tucked in at all times.

· Pupils must wear plain black footwear without any coloured logos/laces.

· Pupils will no longer be permitted to arrive to school in their PE Kits, they will have access to our new Sports Hall facilities for changing.

· Pupils must have a planner/day planner and at least a clear pencil case containing essential items such as:

o black/blue pen

o green pen

o pencil

o ruler

o rubber

· Punctuality to form time and lessons must be excellent.

· PE kit must be in line with our Uniform policy, there should be no branding on kits as they must be plain.

· Hoodies are not permitted to be worn, all coats/jackets must be worn on top of blazers.

· Jackets/coats must be plain with no large branding, denim jackets and gilets are not permitted to be worn in School.

· There must be no piercings or jewellery worn – pupils will be asked to remove them – clear plastic studs can be worn.

· Students must be highly organised ensuring Homework and other tasks are completed on time when set by their teachers.

A regular reminder regarding car parking:

In a regular reminder, it is important to remember, that driving and parking near our Oakley Road Entrance Point, continues to be highly problematic at ‘drop off’ and ‘collection’ times. This is something that we continue to work on with local residents to improve. Ensuring that all pupils enter and exit the School Building safely, is a number on priority. I ask that parents continue to be patient and understanding of this situation as we all endeavour to support one another as best as possible. Thank you.

Some key dates and information for up and coming events:

Thursday 25th August Year 11 GCSE Results Day. Pupils to arrive and collect results from 9.00am. Members of Staff and our Careers team, will be on hand to provide any necessary support.

Monday 5th September INSET Day (Staff Only)

Tuesday 6th

September INSET Day (Staff Only)

Wednesday 7th

September All pupils to return to school from 8.35 onwards.

The continued strong partnership between school and home, is at the foundation of the successes that we continue to celebrate.

‘At Holy Trinity, we want all pupil to be able to leave with a world of opportunities at their feet; for them to reach their fullest of potentials; to believe in themselves, and to achieve their wildest dreams’.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing all of our community a restful, peaceful and happy summer break.

Mr Crehan

Headteacher: Holy Trinity Catholic School

Wednesday 20th July 2022