Newsletters

HGSS Newsletter - October 2022

Dear Parent or Carer

Welcome to our end of half-term one newsletter.  Time has been flying by and it is incredible to believe that Year 7 and 12 have completed their first half-term with us.  The school has been a hive of activity, culminating in Open Mornings this week and our Duke of Edinburgh celebration evening.  It is great seeing so many students take up such opportunities to push themselves out of their comfort zones and try new things. 

We have been focusing this half-term on getting students down to work as soon as entering the room and to systematically check engagement from the start of each lesson.  We are hugely impressed how staff and students have committed to maximising every minute of every lesson and as an indication of this determination 14,000 achievement points have been issued across the school this half-term.  I wonder what can be achieved next term?

We wish all those going on the Valencia trip this half-term well and we cannot wait to hear about their experiences.

New staff:

Alex Gillespie – Digital Music and Recording Lead

Joanne Holloway - Senior Science Technician

Sam Milnes - Science Technician

Jo Brooman - Learning Support Assistant

The first day back after half-term for all year groups is Tuesday 1 November 2022. 

Lastly, we are in the midst of a ‘Readathon’ encouraging students to read as much as possible.  In light of this and our desire to maximise the use of here and now in lessons, I offer up a quote from Seneca who asked for each small phrase to be truly considered:

‘Putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future’.

Have a great half-term.

Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Passion.

Ed Hillyard

 

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PLEASE COULD WE REMIND PARENTS OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. We strongly encourage students to bus, cycle or walk to school to reduce traffic and pollution and to support their own physical wellness.  If you need to bring your child to school by car, please do not drive along Parish Piece to drop off OR pick up.  Please drop and pick up away from the school, parking safely, legally and respectfully.  Please do not park in private local car parks; on yellow zig zag lines; or anywhere that could be dangerous.

  2. In order for our students, and your children, to become independent and organised individuals who will be prepared for life after school, we encourage them to plan for their school day the night before, packing their bag with everything they will need (including equipment, PE kit, lunch, homework etc).  If any item is forgotten, we do not have the staffing capacity to allow anything to be brought it to school to be given to the student.  NB.  If a child forgets their lunch, they need to speak to a member of staff in the Dining room.

  3. The school is open for students from 8.00am when they must go straight to the Dining Room.  It is not permitted for students to be on the school site any earlier than that.

  4. If your child has a medical or other appointment which necessitates them leaving school, please let us know with as much notice as possible (at least 48 hours).  When you arrive to collect your child for an appointment, please buzz at the front gate so that we know you are there and we can then send your child out to you.

  5. If your child is unwell or will not be in school for any reasons, please let us know as soon as possible by telephoning our Attendance Office  or emailing office@holmer.org.uk

  6. We endeavour to return phone calls to parents as quickly as possible but teachers do spend most of the day in the classroom teaching.  We have a 48 hour return policy (excluding weekends and holidays).   Thank you for your co-operation.

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FREE PORRIDGE AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS

IN THE DINING HALL EVERY MORNING FROM 8.15AM TO 8.45AM

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13 Oct 2022
Welcome to ex-student as artist in residence
A huge warm welcome to Mr Travell, who will be working in the Visual Arts department one day per week this academic year.  Mr Travell was a student at HGSS and went on to study at Bucks New University.  He recently secured a First Class (Honours) degree in Textile design.
Read more
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Parents' Association

Please visit our Parents' Association page on the link below for information on how you can support the school.  Thank you

Parents' Association