Welcome back
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected] 22 February 2017 Dear Parents/Carers, Welcome back, I hope you had a lovely half term break with your children. As the days get lighter and brighter with the onset of Spring, we are ready to embrace another exciting and eventful term. I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support and to keep you up to date with what is happening in school this half term. Parents’ Forum Our next parents’ forum will take place on Tuesday 7th March 2017 at 6.00pm. Many parents have asked to find out more about the new GCSEs and with that in mind, we will be explaining the changes in examinations and assessments which will affect all the students at this forum. We will also be updating parents on the plans for improving our school building. Whilst writing, may I remind parents that each forum has a specific agenda and that if you have other concerns, these can be discussed by making a separate appointment to meet with me, so that we can focus on the specific agenda items at the forums.
Enrichment As a result of our survey on Enrichment just before half term which was carried out by all students and staff, it became apparent that the current structure was not providing students with the experiences that we had hoped. The new changes will mean that students will be given a set of both compulsory and free choice options. Any students who have signed up for karate, horse riding and archery will continue with these activities. All students will all have 1 hour of Drop Everything and Read. This is so that we can further develop students' literacy skills as well as their confidence in analysing books that they are reading. In addition, all students will be expected to pursue a Sikh studies option such as learning how play a traditional Sikh instrument, or learning how to read the sacred scriptures. They have been given a wealth of choice to choose from. The last enrichment option is one which involves their tutor group and their tutee. This is so that the class and their teacher can get to know each further through a joint, agreed enrichment activity.
We will trial this model and we will continue to gauge staff and student feedback this half term. Uniform We will continue to expect perfect appearance and uniform. May I remind parents that students must come to school in correct school uniform, including a navy patka for boys and a navy chunni for girls. Students must have proper school shoes(no trainers) and come to school with no make-up or jewellery (other than small religious jeweller and a small stud in each earlobe). Hair must be natural – no razor cuts, patterns, dye or extensions. No hats or hooded tops of any kind to be worn onsite
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected] Uniform expectations: Blazer: Navy blue academy blazer with gold braid and academy badge. Shirt: A white long-sleeved shirt suitable for a tie. (No fashion blouses). Short sleeved shirts may be worn in the summer Trousers: Plain navy tailored trousers (ankle length) (No denim, cords, combats, jeggings or tracksuits) Jumper: Navy V – neck jumper with gold strip around the V. Tie: Key Stage 3 Tie – Years 7-9 (Thin blue and gold stripes) Outdoor coat: A plain Black showerproof jacket may be worn to and from school Socks: Black socks Footwear: Must be plain black and suitable for school; no logos, stripes or patterns on footwear. This also includes no velcro. Students failing to wear the correct uniform will be provided with a replacement uniform for that day. Parents will be informed and it is expected that students will return to school the next day in correct uniform. Request for student leave of absence from school
The Department for Education advise that Head teachers should only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances (DfE 2014). Please note: Term time absence is disruptive and effects the continuity of learning Holidays in term time are not a right and will not automatically be granted Each request for holiday absence will be considered individually in accordance with our policy. The school will consider the following:
The exceptional nature of the request The student's previous attendance history Previous applications The age of the student The student's stage of education and progress The time of year (Do not apply for September, when your child is progressing to a new class or school, or in Exam and SATS years) The length of the absence
Holidays should not be booked prior to discussion with and agreement of the school Leave may only be granted where proper procedures have been followed and the permission given. Only a person authorised by the Governing Body of the school, usually the Principal may grant leave of absence Parents are warned that if they take their child out of school without authorisation the Local Education Authority has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £50, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days (Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2004). If you do not comply with the schools procedures you risk losing your place at the school. Where the school and the parents fail to reach an agreement and the child is then absent from school, the absence will be marked as unauthorised. Unauthorised absences is an offence for parents and those due to term time holiday can also be liable for a fixed penalty.
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected]
Also note that Pupils can be removed from roll if: They do not return within 10 days of the given return date and the Acting Principal does not receive what the school considers a satisfactory explanation in that period of time, or If a pupil leaves without notice or permission and there is no contact despite reasonable efforts to contact the family. Leave of absence will not be granted retrospectively. Application for exceptional circumstance leave of absence As a Parent/ Carer with whom the child lives you should complete the school’s form if you are requesting leave of absence during term time. There is no entitlement to leave in term time and Parents/Carers should not expect leave of absence to be granted as of right. Approval is discretionary and only in exceptional circumstances. It is possible in certain circumstances that your child could be removed from the school roll and you would need to reapply for a place on your return. Please return the completed form to the Acting Principal no less than 4 (four) weeks before the date when you want the period of absence to start, stating your reasons for needing to take your child out of school during term time. Normally a student would not be granted more than 10 days of absence in any academic year. Leave will not be granted if requested in exam years or at the start of any school year i.e. September. Building works Work is finally about to begin on our school building in the Spring Term. The building works will begin with phase 1 due to be completed in the autumn term of 2017. Key features will include: Large, well designed classrooms Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) State of the Art Science labs, including a super lab and lecture theatre Full disabled access More toilets Excellent informal spaces for social interaction A learning resource centre Significantly improved facilities for the sixth form High quality dance, drama, arts and technology facilities Improved opportunities for community A more secure learning environment Specifically on sport and play there will be: A fitness suite An all-weather sports pitch Tennis/basketball/netball courts Improved landscaping across the site Informal covered play/teaching areas in addition to informal, social and habitat areas
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected]
Our school has a tremendous amount of strengths and I consider it a privilege to work with the whole school community and be part of a team who will take the school forward, building on the current successes. In particular, I see the relationship between parents and school as a very important partnership. Parents and carers are crucial to the success story of any school, and I believe that by all of us working together, we can ensure that Khalsa Secondary Academy will continue its journey to be the school of choice in the community. Therefore I am keen to start meeting parents, to begin to share my vision and to hear what you want your children’s school to do. I want to discuss some of the key educational issues of the day with you because in today’s ever-changing world of education, many people have been left in the dark about exactly what is going on. To this end, members of the Senior Leadership team and I, will host a termly evening reception for parents where there will be a short presentation about an aspect of education and an opportunity to ask questions from the floor. Do look out for dates for these evening sessions, but meanwhile please find below calendar updates for this half term. Calendar updates for this half term 27.02.17 02.03.17 07.03.17 09.03.17 23.03.17 29.03.17 31.03.17
Year 11 PPE Mock examinations start Year 10 Parents’ Evening Parent forum 6.00 pm Year 8 Subject Choices Evening and Parents’ Evening (note that this has been brought forward) Year 7 parents evening (subjects) Year 11 Parents’ Evening (invite only) School Closed to students at 1.00pm
I look forward to welcoming you at the various events this term and getting to know you.
With best wishes, Yours sincerely,
Mrs Piesse Acting Principal
Enrichment As a result of our survey on Enrichment just before half term which was carried out by all students and staff, it became apparent that the current structure was not providing students with the experiences that we had hoped. The new changes will mean that students will be given a set of both compulsory and free choice options. Any students who have signed up for karate, horse riding and archery will continue with these activities. All students will all have 1 hour of Drop Everything and Read. This is so that we can further develop students' literacy skills as well as their confidence in analysing books that they are reading. In addition, all students will be expected to pursue a Sikh studies option such as learning how play a traditional Sikh instrument, or learning how to read the sacred scriptures. They have been given a wealth of choice to choose from. The last enrichment option is one which involves their tutor group and their tutee. This is so that the class and their teacher can get to know each further through a joint, agreed enrichment activity.
We will trial this model and we will continue to gauge staff and student feedback this half term. Uniform We will continue to expect perfect appearance and uniform. May I remind parents that students must come to school in correct school uniform, including a navy patka for boys and a navy chunni for girls. Students must have proper school shoes(no trainers) and come to school with no make-up or jewellery (other than small religious jeweller and a small stud in each earlobe). Hair must be natural – no razor cuts, patterns, dye or extensions. No hats or hooded tops of any kind to be worn onsite
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected] Uniform expectations: Blazer: Navy blue academy blazer with gold braid and academy badge. Shirt: A white long-sleeved shirt suitable for a tie. (No fashion blouses). Short sleeved shirts may be worn in the summer Trousers: Plain navy tailored trousers (ankle length) (No denim, cords, combats, jeggings or tracksuits) Jumper: Navy V – neck jumper with gold strip around the V. Tie: Key Stage 3 Tie – Years 7-9 (Thin blue and gold stripes) Outdoor coat: A plain Black showerproof jacket may be worn to and from school Socks: Black socks Footwear: Must be plain black and suitable for school; no logos, stripes or patterns on footwear. This also includes no velcro. Students failing to wear the correct uniform will be provided with a replacement uniform for that day. Parents will be informed and it is expected that students will return to school the next day in correct uniform. Request for student leave of absence from school
The Department for Education advise that Head teachers should only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances (DfE 2014). Please note: Term time absence is disruptive and effects the continuity of learning Holidays in term time are not a right and will not automatically be granted Each request for holiday absence will be considered individually in accordance with our policy. The school will consider the following:
The exceptional nature of the request The student's previous attendance history Previous applications The age of the student The student's stage of education and progress The time of year (Do not apply for September, when your child is progressing to a new class or school, or in Exam and SATS years) The length of the absence
Holidays should not be booked prior to discussion with and agreement of the school Leave may only be granted where proper procedures have been followed and the permission given. Only a person authorised by the Governing Body of the school, usually the Principal may grant leave of absence Parents are warned that if they take their child out of school without authorisation the Local Education Authority has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £50, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days (Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2004). If you do not comply with the schools procedures you risk losing your place at the school. Where the school and the parents fail to reach an agreement and the child is then absent from school, the absence will be marked as unauthorised. Unauthorised absences is an offence for parents and those due to term time holiday can also be liable for a fixed penalty.
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected]
Also note that Pupils can be removed from roll if: They do not return within 10 days of the given return date and the Acting Principal does not receive what the school considers a satisfactory explanation in that period of time, or If a pupil leaves without notice or permission and there is no contact despite reasonable efforts to contact the family. Leave of absence will not be granted retrospectively. Application for exceptional circumstance leave of absence As a Parent/ Carer with whom the child lives you should complete the school’s form if you are requesting leave of absence during term time. There is no entitlement to leave in term time and Parents/Carers should not expect leave of absence to be granted as of right. Approval is discretionary and only in exceptional circumstances. It is possible in certain circumstances that your child could be removed from the school roll and you would need to reapply for a place on your return. Please return the completed form to the Acting Principal no less than 4 (four) weeks before the date when you want the period of absence to start, stating your reasons for needing to take your child out of school during term time. Normally a student would not be granted more than 10 days of absence in any academic year. Leave will not be granted if requested in exam years or at the start of any school year i.e. September. Building works Work is finally about to begin on our school building in the Spring Term. The building works will begin with phase 1 due to be completed in the autumn term of 2017. Key features will include: Large, well designed classrooms Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) State of the Art Science labs, including a super lab and lecture theatre Full disabled access More toilets Excellent informal spaces for social interaction A learning resource centre Significantly improved facilities for the sixth form High quality dance, drama, arts and technology facilities Improved opportunities for community A more secure learning environment Specifically on sport and play there will be: A fitness suite An all-weather sports pitch Tennis/basketball/netball courts Improved landscaping across the site Informal covered play/teaching areas in addition to informal, social and habitat areas
Khalsa Secondary Academy Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP Tel. 01753 662 009 www.khalsasecondaryacademy.com [email protected]
Our school has a tremendous amount of strengths and I consider it a privilege to work with the whole school community and be part of a team who will take the school forward, building on the current successes. In particular, I see the relationship between parents and school as a very important partnership. Parents and carers are crucial to the success story of any school, and I believe that by all of us working together, we can ensure that Khalsa Secondary Academy will continue its journey to be the school of choice in the community. Therefore I am keen to start meeting parents, to begin to share my vision and to hear what you want your children’s school to do. I want to discuss some of the key educational issues of the day with you because in today’s ever-changing world of education, many people have been left in the dark about exactly what is going on. To this end, members of the Senior Leadership team and I, will host a termly evening reception for parents where there will be a short presentation about an aspect of education and an opportunity to ask questions from the floor. Do look out for dates for these evening sessions, but meanwhile please find below calendar updates for this half term. Calendar updates for this half term 27.02.17 02.03.17 07.03.17 09.03.17 23.03.17 29.03.17 31.03.17
Year 11 PPE Mock examinations start Year 10 Parents’ Evening Parent forum 6.00 pm Year 8 Subject Choices Evening and Parents’ Evening (note that this has been brought forward) Year 7 parents evening (subjects) Year 11 Parents’ Evening (invite only) School Closed to students at 1.00pm
I look forward to welcoming you at the various events this term and getting to know you.
With best wishes, Yours sincerely,
Mrs Piesse Acting Principal
