Dear ALS Community,
As we hit the half-way point of this half-term. I know that pupils and staff are very much in need of the rest. From mock examinations through to Swimming Galas, this has been a packed half-term with plenty for the children to get their teeth into. Along with this, we’ve still been wrestling with the impact of Covid-19 and isolation absence but, just as we always do, we’ve cracked on and made the best of it. After half-term, it is very much my hope that we will be in a position (guidance and Covid-19 dependent) to resume school assemblies (many of these happen small scale or remotely at the moment) to have the shared moments as a school community that matter so much. I recognise that you will receive a lot of communication from school before half-term and so I’ll try to be relatively brief for this edition.
When we return from half-term, our first mantra comes from Amicus: Respect Everyone and their contribution. The Head of House, Mr Dobson writes “it is important to reflect upon what has happened thus far and who has helped us over the past two months. Within the next month, Hollywood’s brightest stars will grace the red carpet ready for the Academy Awards. Known for its glitz and glamour, the Oscars is also synonymous with historically long and tearful acceptance speeches. These are not to allow for an extra few minutes on stage in front of the camera but to thank those who have made their success possible. Everyone. From the director to their co-stars. The musicians to technical support. As a society we should learn something from this. To think about our lives and be appreciative and respectful of all those who have had an impact. Not just the central figures but every person who has contributed in some way shape or form.”
At the half way point of the school year, it’s worth sharing the current House Cup standings. In first place sits Dedicas with 5526 points followed by Veritas with 5341 with Amicus sitting in third on 5194 points. With lots of house competitions still to come, this can all change so I am sure Mr Hawkins (Head of Veritas) and Mr Dobson (Head of Amicus) will be eyeing up how to take down Mr Scott and his Dedicas House from 1st place.
This week saw our annual Swimming Galas take place. Swimming is one of our core sports and so it is important to champion that just as we do for Sports Day in the Summer. On Thursday, Dedicas was victorious in the Senior Swimming Gala with Amicus in second and Veritas in third. On Friday, Dedicas finished first for the Junior Swimming Gala with Veritas in second and Amicus in third. Many congratulations to Mr Gear and his P.E team for running such a successful event and to the pupils who swam so wonderfully. Whilst it was wonderful to see outstanding swimmers succeeding in their sport and to celebrate their hard work, it was equally wonderful to hear pupils acting with kindness and cheering on those who find swimming a bit trickier and to encourage those newer swimmers to achieve their personal bests, too.
A few points for note before the new half-term. Firstly, if your child is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination, the SAIS service have provided us with this schedule of clinics in the area over half-term. Secondly, we have had a request from a neighbour at Audley Binswood about being mindful of noise levels during drop off and pick up from our Binswood Avenue exit.
When we return after half-term, Year 11 and 13 have their second round of mock examinations and so I’m sure whilst getting a little down time for the break they’ll all be using the time wisely for some revision in preparation. After seeing some excellent examination performances in the first mock week, I’m looking forward to seeing that at least sustained if not improved! On Monday 28th February our 'Read for Good' sponsored read will get underway. Miss Beck & Mr Smart provide more information in this letter about the Readathon and how you can get involved. This year World Book Day is on Thursday 3rd March and our theme is Roald Dahl. Pupils are welcome to choose their favourite character from one of the many stories to dress up as. More information on this will follow.
The dates for the highly anticipated ALS’ Got Talent Show have been released. For Seniors the competition will be held on Tuesday 5th April and for Juniors the competition will be held on Wednesday 6th April, whether your child is a singer, magician, actor, comedian, juggler (or anything in between) please do encourage them to practice their talents and enter the competition. More information will come from the Heads of Houses in due course.
Over half-term, I’m looking forward to getting to spend more time with Henry at home. If Henry were to enter the ALS’ Got Talent Show, his current party tricks would be ‘feeding himself 2 out of 3 mouthfuls of breakfast and then throwing Weetabix over his shoulder’, ‘looking you in the eye before dropping a toy out the pram and giggling’ and ‘moving remarkably quickly for someone who has just learned to walk’.
Have a wonderful half-term.
