Have a wonderful summer!

Dear Parents and Students

I want to thank you all for your hard work, effort and support over the course of Year 7. School life isn't always easy. We have our ups and our downs and moments where it feels like too much of a challenge.

You have all shown resilience and determination to make it through the year. We've also had lots of fun along the way and have created some incredible memories that unite and bond us as a team. I can already see that you are maturing into well-mannered, kind and caring young people and it is a privilege to be sharing this journey with you.

I also want to thank Mr Doherty, Mr Williams, all 8 form tutors and the entire Year 7 team who work tirelessly to make sure your life at school is as enjoyable as possible.

Have a great summer, look after yourself and get plenty of rest (and have lots of fun!).

I am incredibly proud of you all.

Best wishes

Mr O'Dowd

News/Current Affairs websites for young students

Dear Parents and Students

It is really important to keep reading over the summer! Students who read succeed!

Last term I set Year 7 students a challenge to hit a target of 5000 book loans from the library. We fell somewhat short of that at 3600, but well done to everyone who has been reading on top of all the other demands of studying, sports, ECAs and other out of school activities.

I have come across these two websites that I think are fantastic for my Year 7s:

https://newsela.com/ is a website for young students. When you click on an article you change the difficulty of the language used in the article by using the blue menu button on the right hand side. I think this is a great feature.

http://www.timeforkids.com/ is a superpb website resource that takes the content of the world reknowned Time magazine and translates it into suitable language for children.

Hope these are useful. Keep reading guys!

Mr O'Dowd

Enrichment today: Monday 12, June

Morning Students

Today in Enrichment you will be preparing for Academic Review Day that takes place on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, you will arrange a ten minute interview with your tutor. Parents are invited to this meeting and they have already been sent a letter advising them of the arrangements.

The purpose of the meeting is to review your progress, achievements and success in your first year at the Senior School. You will also set three targets that you will record in your homework diary next year and will form part of Enrichment sessions where we will review what you have done to acheive your targets.

In preparation for your Academic Review Day meeting, please complete this Google Form that is designed to get you thinking about what you have achieved both inside and outside of the classroom.

You are asked to set two targets on this form that you can take along to your meeting next Tuesday. One other target will be set with your tutor and that might be about behaviour, attitude, homework or another aspect of your school performance. Click here to access the form.

If you complete the form before the end of the lesson, please spend time reviewing and updating your Buddy Blog.

Have a good day

Mr O'Dowd

Depression in young people

Dear Parents

I had the great pleasure of meeting with psychiatrist Dr Layla Thamer today to discuss depression in young students during a teacher training session at school.

Globally, mental health in our children is becoming a more and more prevalent issue and it is always useful to be reminded of some of the symptoms of this condition.

As you may be aware, we do have a counsellor in school and you and your children are always welcome to discuss any concerns with the counsellor, myself or the form tutor.

Kind regards

Mr O'Dowd

Calling all young actors and actresses!

Hi Year 7

I know we have some excellent actors and actresses in our year group. Perhaps this might be of interest to you.

If you decide to audition, please let me know!

Good luck!

Mr O'Dowd

Celebration of Achievement Awards: Sunday 11th June

Dear  Parents and Students

Please can I ask all prize winners to return the reply slip which was on the bottom of the letter notifying you of your award.

We require these to ensure there is adequate seating for all parents attending.

Kind regards

Mr O'Dowd

Early finish: Monday 7th June

Dear Parents and Students

Please be reminded that tomorrow is an early finish for students. The day will consist of Periods 1 -4 and students should be collected at 1055.

Any questions or queries please let me know.

Mr O'Dowd