Head’s Newsletter – 24th February 2023
Dear parents and carers
A number of notices to share with you this week but before I do, I would like to congratulate our Diversity Leadership group who did assemblies for this week marking LGBTQ+ History Month and provided a thoughtful and informative assembly to all students in Years 7-11. It does take a great deal of bravery to stand before an audience of over 200 and speak publicly so they can be very proud of what they have accomplished this week- they were certainly a well-oiled machine by their fifth assembly delivered this morning!
On that note- we have provisionally booked March the 23rd for our second student leadership conference of the year so we will look forward to seeing our students actively working on their school improvement projects and the great developments that they will accomplish!
Projekt Planck- German Exchange Visit to Bremen
Phoebe Kershaw Year 11 and Iona Ellwood Year 9 write “On the 5th of February, a group of students embarked a coach for the 17-hour drive to Bremen in North Germany. Despite our lack of sleep, we were looking forward to seeing our German exchange partners after three months. It was great to see so may students from Year 9 to Year 12 speaking German to the best of their ability.
The trip started with a walking tour of Bremen city centre which featured a stone we were invited to spit on to and a drain that when you dropped money down it, would reply with an animal noise. Following this, we spent the morning in the Max Planck Gymnasium (German school) where we attended a variety of lessons from politics to Latin. This was a highlight for many of us but the school’s early start at 7.50am was not so popular. After, we went on to enjoy the German aerospace centre where we put our science knowledge to the test, making the best landing craft for a raw egg.
The final day was emotional for many. The Klimahaus was a great experience feeling like we had travelled the world without having to leave Germany. We spent plenty of time shopping and socialising with our German friends and we didn’t want to say goodbye. But the time had come. We sang a Projekt Planck rendition of ‘We are the Champions’, exchanged gifts and many hugs before making our way on the long ride back home. Overall Projekt Planck has been loved by us all and will always be a trip to remember.”
NEU Strike Action March 1st 2023
A letter was sent to all parents this afternoon regarding our plans for the NEU’s planned strike day on March 1st. Strike action by the NEU on 1st March 2023
In brief we will be open to Years 10, 11 and 13 and will set remote work for Years 7-9 and Year 12. There will be no live lessons delivered on this day. Please do take some time to read the letter for the full details particularly if you require your child to access key worker provision or if your child is entitled to free school meals and is in Years 7-9 or Year 12 and you would like them to receive a packed lunch to bring home on Tuesday.
Proposal for Send Unit at Wollaston School
We are pleased to announce that we have been working with North Northamptonshire Council to propose a specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Unit at Wollaston School. Full details regarding the proposal can be found in consultation letter with the opportunity for you to submit any thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns regarding the proposal.
Breakfast in the Canteen
A reminder to all families that our canteen is open between 8am and 8.30am should students wish to buy breakfast or beat the queues at break time and prebuy a snack or drink!
World book day
Please see below the poster regarding World Book Day. We are encouraging Years 7 and 8 and sixth form to dress up on Thursday 2nd March in the image of their favourite book or character.
Message from Irchester Parish Council
I have been asked to relay a message by Irchester Parish council to families in Irchester about litter which accumulates around by the War Memorial in Wollaston Road where the school buses collect the children. They appreciate the litter may not be caused by students waiting for buses but asked that student be reminded that bins are available in that location for use should they need use of them.
Wollaston PE
Mr Bennett writes “The PE department and sports teams have been very busy and active this week.
The Year 11 Football team were in action against Campion School in the County Cup. There were moments of brilliant play and the team showed glimpses of real quality. The half time score was 1-1 and Wollaston were looking the stronger team. During the second half, a couple of slips and missed opportunities meant that Wollaston were under more pressure than they should have been, and Campion scored a very good goal to win the game 2-1.
The Year 7 girls were in a highly competitive netball Northamptonshire County tournament at KBA School. According to Mrs Elmes, the girls involved were a super bunch of players and excellent representatives of Wollaston School during their games. Wollaston won a game, drew a game and were also beaten eventually finishing in fourth place. This is a very good result considering the high standard of competition. We are very proud of the girls in the team and those that attend training also. Training and matches continue for the Year 7s this half term and we hope more girls can join us for this.
The Year 7 boys were involved in the district football tournament and were very capable and positive performers. Mr Crook and Mr Roberts were really pleased with the boys play and hard work in the matches. The boys were beaten a couple of times which meant that they were unable to finish in the top places. However, they did win 2 games and showed a real strength in their play.
The Year 8 boys football had a highly anticipated fixture against Northampton School for Boys in the latter round of the County Cup competition. The Wollaston boys had previously played some excellent football to reach this round and were in high spirits. The game was a competitive with chances and opportunities for both teams. The full time Score was 1-1 and the match then went into extra time. Some swift play from NSB saw them score early in the extra time and regardless of what the Wollaston team tried, they were unable to get a goal. The Year 8 boys have developed well as a team and may feel disappointed not to have won.
During the past few weeks, some of our Wollaston students have participated in sports and activities that are aimed at those students who may find it difficult to access certain mainstream sports. Just recently we were lucky enough to host the District Schools Boccia tournament that was run by our Wollaston Student Sports leaders. It was wonderful to see the Sports Leaders working extremely well to help pupils from other schools be able to participate. The Wollaston boccia players were successful during this event and move onto the School Games County finals.
Mr Roberts runs our invitation sports club that enables students with physical difficulties the chance to access sport and physical activity. It was wonderful therefore to see these students represent the school in a seated volleyball competition. This was a competition held at Huxlow School against other Schools Key Stage 3 pupils. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt many new skills during their games and we look forwards to next opportunity to perform.
It has been a wonderful and active week Wollaston and we have many more fixtures and sports events in the following weeks.”
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Simon Anderson