Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

It has certainly been a magical week, from Narnia to the nativity plays, I have been thoroughly spoilt! As several sports’ teams kept marching on through their national competitions, pupils at both ends of the age spectrum were treading the boards with gusto. Aside from the fact that A Little Nativity has a couple of catchy songs that I now can’t get out of my head, it was just gorgeous to see some of our youngest children in costume and performing so beautifully – and I was full of admiration for the way that, due to COVID restrictions, they coped without the usual parental hugs at the end!

Last night, I was then transported to Narnia, with a cast of over 100 actors from the Senior School who put together a performance that was both enchanting and enthralling – I was absolutely moved by the end. What is more, the technical elements of the show were equally impressive, testament to a quality team effort. There is more joy to come over the next week, from Nine Lessons and Carols to the Year 5/6 concert, from the Santa Dash to the seniors’ Christmas jumper day.

However, I have been most proud this week of the primary pupils who have written over 1,000 cards to the school’s eldest alumni to spread cheer from their old school. As this, and the Zarach project we are supporting with the Christmas jumper day, highlights there are many people to remember in our thoughts and actions, not just at this time of year but always, and we should always seek to help others and not just ourselves – we’ll keep doing that until the end of term and beyond!

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

Accessing links in the bulletin
Please be aware that in order to access links you will need to login with your GSAL email address which is parentusername@gsal.org.uk. If you have forgotten your username or password please email your year group administrator.

Whole school notices

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 12 December, 6.30pm

Some tickets are still available for this for this popular traditional service taking place on Sunday.

Festive/Christmas jumper day

Friday 17 December

On the last day of term students can wear school uniform with a festive/Christmas jumper to raise funds for Zarach. The recommended charitable donation is £1.

Zarach is a local charity committed to tackling child poverty by providing beds and other basics to help families rise up from thriving to surviving.

End of term arrangements

Friday 17 December 

Senior School finishing times:

• Years 7 & 8: 3.45pm
• Years 9-13: 3.55pm

After school – there will be no co-curricular activities or late buses. The library will be closed.

Primary finishing times:

• Nursery and Reception- EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage): 2.45pm
• Years 1-6 : 3.00pm

We will look after your child until 3.25pm if you are unable to collect them earlier.

After school – there will be no co-curricular activities or late buses. Owls will be open as usual.

COVID

Visitors to school

From Monday 13 December all site visitors are encouraged to do a LFD test before coming into school.

School testing programme

Testing kits will be distributed to pupils who are part of the school’s testing programme via their form groups next week.

Testing in school – Wed 5 January, 8.30am – 12 noon

We will be providing voluntary COVID testing to senior school pupils before the start of next term. Bookings will close on Tue 4 Jan at 9am.

• Booking form for pupils under 16s – parent to complete
• Booking form for pupils over 16s – student to complete

Bad weather arrangements

Please see here a letter to parents regarding the bad weather arrangements for the current academic year.

Message from Mr O’Brien, Director of Sport

Please see the attached letter from Mr O’Brien, Director of Sport.

Year 10 notices

‘Blockchain’ lecture

Wednesday 15 December

Global affairs ‘Blockchain’ lecture for students in Y10-13. Information sent to students from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form, can be found here.

Science revision books

Please see attached letter.

Year 11 notices

‘Blockchain’ lecture

Wednesday 15 December

Global affairs ‘Blockchain’ lecture for students in Y10-13. Information sent to students from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form, can be found here.

Arkwright Scholarship

This scholarship scheme is a fantastic initiative for students interested in a career in engineering as it provides financial support and the opportunity to work with industry. Aspiring engineering students can apply even if they have not taken GCSE D&T but they should first speak to Mr Bagshaw, Head of D&T djb@gsal.org.uk.

Science revision books

Please see attached letter.

Year 12 notices

‘Blockchain’ lecture

Wednesday 15 December

Global affairs ‘Blockchain’ lecture for students in Y10-13. Information sent to students from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form, can be found here.

Exam practice books

Information on exam practice books for physics, biology and chemistry A-level students can be found here.

Year 13 notices

‘Blockchain’ lecture

Wednesday 15 December

Global affairs ‘Blockchain’ lecture for students in Y10-13. Information sent to students from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form, can be found here.

Exam timetable

The Y13 January exam timetable has been shared with pupils this week and can be viewed here.

Exam practice books

Information on exam practice books for physics, biology and chemistry A-level students can be found here.