Issue 994: 27th January 2023 – Sweyne Park School

HEADLINES

Strike Day – 1st February 2023

As you will have seen from my letter emailed yesterday, we are doing all we can to plan for the strike day on Wednesday 1^st February 2023. However, as I have explained, we will not know how many staff we have in the building until that morning, and so there will be significant disruption to the timetable. In line with the guidance from the Department for Education, we will prioritise examinations year groups, and make any necessary provision for vulnerable pupils and children of critical workers. If you child does fall within either of these categories, then please can I ask you to complete this short form in MS Teams, so that we can get an idea of the number of pupils who will be in school. I would be grateful if you could do so by no later than 12.00 pm on Tuesday 31^st January 2023. I will write again on Monday with details of the final arrangements, so please do keep an eye on your emails and on our website.

Toilets

We have seen an increase in the number of pupils choosing to congregate in the toilets and, in turn, making the environment unwelcoming to others. To address this, we have increased the level of supervision by senior staff and will be monitoring the situation closely. Please could you forewarn your child(ren) that sanctions will be imposed where pupils are not using the facilities respectfully and responsibly. Furthermore, there are too many pupils asking to leave lessons to use the toilets, thus missing valuable learning time and causing disruption to others. We will, therefore, be operating a “toilet pass” system moving forwards for urgent use during lesson time. This, of course, is separate from the arrangements in place for pupils with any known medical need. Pupils will be informed of these changes via assemblies over the coming weeks.

District Swimming Championships

On Thursday the 12^th January, Mrs Harris and Mr Miller took 40 pupils to Garons Park for the District Swimming Championships. Although some of our younger pupils were, understandably nervous, they all behaved with great maturity and were fantastic ambassadors for Sweyne Park. The pupils achieved some fantastic results, including 6 District Championship titles.

Year 7

Sandy M won the Butterfly and is the District Champion

Elsie N took 3^rd place in the Backstroke

Brooke H came 2^nd in Breaststroke

Nina Y won the bronze medal in the Backstroke

Year 8

Sophie W won the Front-Crawl and is the District Champion

Bella N won the Backstroke and is the District Champion

Olivia P won the Butterfly and is the District Champion

Year 8 Relay Team are now the District Champions

Year 9

Amy C came 2nd in Breaststroke

Year 10

Louie B won the Breaststroke and is the District Champion

Well done to all the swimmers who took part in the competition, we are very proud of them.

Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge!

On Friday 20^th January, we were proud to welcome a representative from the Speakers’ Trust who delivered an excellent, interactive workshop to some of our Year 10 pupils.

The pupils took part in a range of interactive activities designed to help them overcome nerves and speak publicly. The session also enabled pupils to voice their own viewpoints as they had to deliver a speech on a topic of their own choosing. The day culminated in all pupils successfully delivering their speeches in front of the group.

Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time and learnt some important transferrable life skills as their academic journey continues. Congratulations to all the pupils involved, and a particular well done to the following Year 10s who were crowned the winners, and will progress to the next round:

Samuel L, Harrison J, Ethan H, Sophie C, Adele R, Summer J, Lois S and Emma C. Good luck!

Unless the national picture changes dramatically over the next week or so, then the planned industrial action will, of course, cause significant disruption to the usual running of the school. However, in line with the guidance from the Department for Education, please note that, where possible, we will prioritise the attendance of pupils and students due to take public examinations, as well as vulnerable pupils and students. The situation is constantly changing and so I will write again next week with further details of the arrangements we will put in place.

Drama Trip to Blood Brothers

On Wednesday 18^th January, pupils from Years 9- 13 enjoyed an afternoon at the theatre to see the legendary Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. Pupils were captivated by the moving tale of twin brothers who were separated at birth and grow up in different households, only to meet again. Pupils were left to question, was it fate or circumstance that steered their story? Pupils of all ages came away inspired, with Year 9 pupils commenting that,

“I was already taking Drama GCSE but after that, I definitely am, that was just….wow!”.

“I’d never been to the theatre before…I loved it!”

Year 10, 12 and 13 pupils and students have been discussing their experience in lessons and working towards preparations for their live theatre responses.

Staff also thoroughly enjoyed the show and were delighted to be greeted by members of the public who went out of their way to tell us how impressed they were by our pupils’ and students’ behaviour and manners.

On behalf of the Drama Department, thank you to all involved – I know they are already looking forward to organising their next trip to the theatre soon!

And Finally….

It was lovely to welcome so many parents/carers of Year 11 pupils to Parents’ Evening last night. This was the first full year event for some time and there really was a great and vibrant atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who was able to come.

Have a nice weekend…..