The Flagpole

As we inch towards the Easter Holidays, it is uplifting to see a number of events return to the calendar after a lengthy absence, such as the First Team Dinner last Saturday, the Spring Concert this evening and our Prefect Inauguration on Tuesday.

House Cup

The end of the Lent Term also signals the end of the House Year and we await the final assembly to find out the overall House Cup winner with excitement. Huge thanks to Mrs Newborough and all the House Teams – not least the House Co-ordinators and the outgoing House Captains who have done such a great job over the past twelve months. The House challenges and competitions are such a key part of life in the College and we are really pleased to be introducing Junior House Leaders as an extra addition to the leadership teams within each house.

Public Exams this Summer and Study Leave

We particularly send our best wishes to the Year 11 and Upper Sixth who will be using the Easter break to help prepare for their summer exams. Getting the right balance between work, rest and play is crucial at this time. There is still ample time left to work to maximise their grades and plenty of support available from their teachers.

A reminder that the last formal day of teaching for Year 11 is Wednesday 11 May and for the Upper Sixth, Friday 13 May. They then move onto study leave and their examinations. When not in exams students have the option of working under supervision in school, or if they prefer, from home. Teachers’ support will continue during their study leave and throughout the exam period, with teachers being available to students via Teams at their normal lesson times through to Half Term and by arrangement after Half Term.  Maintaining good contact with teachers during this period is key.

Very best wishes to all students and we look forward to the post-exam celebrations in July.

Sleep

Just a reminder that we are continuing to keep good sleep habits and sleep hygiene on the agenda across the community and there will be more work done with pupils on this after Easter. The Parent Toolkit presentation I did with Paula Greig, our Senior Matron, can still be accessed on the Parent Toolkit section of My School Portal here and there was recently a very good programme on television by Dr Michael Mosely, How to Sleep Well, which is available on BBC iPlayer here.

Vaping

Following my notes about vaping in the last edition of the Flagpole, we held a whole school assembly on Vaping. Parents can watch this by clicking on the link here.  Princethorpe pupils are not immune from being attracted to this habit and I would ask all parents to be vigilant and talk to their children about this. Whilst some may see this as not as bad as smoking, there are serious health risks associated with vaping and it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase a vape pen or equipment. Bringing a vape pen or vaping is absolutely forbidden in school with the sanction for breaking this rule being at least a suspension. If you have any concerns or would like support or guidance please do contact us directly at school.

COVID

Sadly, as is reflected in the national picture, we are seeing another increase in cases of COVID across the school for both pupils and staff. I have been affected myself and have spent a very frustrating week working from home. Somewhat ironically the governments new “living with COVID” phase starts today. We await guidance from the DfE regards any specific changes which will affect us and will communicate these with you before the start of the Trinity Term – we are not expecting any significant changes and the advice to stay at home if unwell will be retained.

Finally, to update you on the recruitment process for my successor, I hope to be able to announce full news on this on Monday.

With continued and heartfelt thanks for your support and very best wishes to you all for the Easter break,

Ed Hester