Headteachers Letter – 4th March 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
Despite a little too much rain, the start to the second half of the Spring term is progressing well and we are continuing to enjoy students and staff working effectively together throughout the curriculum.
Owing to covid and isolation guidance remaining in place at the current time, we do continue to experience higher levels of staff absence than is usually the case. However, I want to recognise the commitment of our staff team, who are routinely sacrificing free periods in order to cover for colleagues and ensure that student learning is prioritised. I would also like to thank our students for working so effectively with our own internal cover team and external supply staff. One temporary member of staff said “I enjoy being at Wollaston each and every day and thank you for the opportunity to work here.” It can be easy to forget that not every school generates such warmth and positivity and it is testament to how we function as a community that we continue to face challenges with resolution and solutions.
World Book Day
We have celebrated World Book Day with a variety of activities and have distributed a number of books to students in Years 7, 8 and 9. Members of staff and students in Year 7 also had the opportunity to dress up as a favourite character from a book – and a fairly inspiring variety of costumes were on display. A picture of some of the best costumes can be found on the Wollaston School website. Thanks to all who have made this such an inspiring day and I hope that students and families find some time to lose themselves in a book over the weekend.
Year 9 Parents Evening and Options Process
Thanks to parents, students and staff for a positive and productive subject consultation evening. This formally marks the start of the options process for GCSE courses and I know that discussions were valued in identifying student strengths as well as targets for further improvement. We continue to receive positive feedback regarding our virtual parents evenings, for both the convenience of families joining from home and that the system ensures that appointment times are strictly adhered to. Whilst I know that some staff and parents do prefer face to face meetings, we are planning on maintaining the current format for at least the rest of this academic year.
There are of course opportunities for in person events and it has been a pleasure to see so many parents and visitors for these occasions. In terms of the Year 9 options process, we are pleased that we will return to a full in person Options Evening on the 17th March 2022. This will see most of the site open, for parents and students to learn more about specific courses on offer from subject leaders based in their faculty areas. There will also be a talk in the main hall to explain the process – and the evening promises to be an exciting one. Full details will be received by all Year 9 parents and carers and we look forward to working with you and our Year 9 students to plan for GCSE success in the summer of 2024!
Student Success
World Scout Jamboree
Many congratulations to Ben Lidgley and Leyli Khatiri who have been selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year. This promises to be an opportunity of a lifetime and Ben and Leyli are currently busy fundraising to prepare for the trip. Well done to them both and we look forward to hearing news of their trip in 2023!
Swimming
Aaron Mountford recently took part in the NASA (Northamptonshire Amateur Swimming Association) County Championships. Taking Silver medals in the Individual 400m Individual Medley, 200m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke and the bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke. He was also successful in a number of relay races, with a silver medal placing in the 4 x 100m Mixed Medley Relay, 4 x 50m Medley Relay, and bronze in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay.
An amazing achievement Aaron!!
If you know of any student achievements to celebrate please contact FitzhughJ@wollaston-school.net and we are always happy to share the successes of our amazing students.
Wollaston School Theatre Company
A reminder of the Wollaston School Theatre Company Performance on Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th March at 6.30pm, with a final performance on Thursday 10th March at 8pm. Tickets are available from Vic Paltridge PalridgeV@wollaston-school.net Our amazing cast are made up of students in Years 10-13 and please note the content of the play is only suitable for those in Year 10 and above.
Thank you as always for your exceptional support of Wollaston School. if you do have anything which you would like to discuss, please get in touch FitzhughJ@wollaston-school.net and I would be happy to hear from you.
James Birkett
Headteacher