Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

Happy New Year!

Despite the undoubted joy of school holidays, especially at this time of year, it has been lovely to get back to school this week. From the staff training days to the start of term for the pupils, we’ve been back in a routine – and it’s good for us!

Naturally, exhaustion takes over at the end of term, but there is something wonderful about the rhythm of the annual academic calendar as well as the daily timetables within it, which give us moments of recharge to start all over again. We all know the benefits of good routines for our children, at home as well as at school, but it’s much reported that adults also benefit from this.

Firstly, we can all value structure, it enables us to prioritise, it makes many decisions easier and it establishes a momentum to our days that makes it more likely that we can build success.  But, crucially, it is also reported to build self-confidence and reduce stress in our lives, so that we can place greater value on our wellbeing in the quieter moments, and be more effective, focused and successful in the pursuit of our goals and ambitions around that.

So the next time we come to the end of a holiday, if your son or daughter is not excited at the prospect of getting back to school, of getting up early, of the learning to come and the sense of belonging that underpins it, you might want to pass on the big secret – the school timetable is actually good for all of us, however old we are!

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

Whole school notices

2kit – nearly new uniform shop

Saturday 11 January 10:00 to 12:00 in the theatre foyer

The PFA will be holding a sale of nearly new uniform for all sections of school, with good reductions on the cost of buying new. All proceeds to support PFA projects for the school.

Islamic Society charity event

Saturday 11 January from 15:00 to 18:00 in the theatre foyer

All GSAL families are invited to this fundraising event in aid of the Kashmir Appeal. Please visit the GSAL website for further details.

Play sport at GSAL

From Monday 13 January

We run a sports club for parents and alumni on Mondays from 19:00 to 21:00 during term time from September to May. The club does not run on bank holidays or during the public exams in the summer term.

Subject to availability, parents and alumni may use the swimming pool and/or play squash and badminton free of charge. The gym and basketball/tennis courts are not available for use.

The club is strictly adults only. As part of the club’s agreed health and safety regulations, children cannot attend even as spectators. You may invite non parent/alumni as guests to play squash or badminton.

To book email Mrs H Ramsay on hazel.ramsay@gsal.org.uk or telephone 0113 2291552 ext 4372 before 15:00 on the day of the club or up to six days in advance. Please leave a contact telephone number in case the club is cancelled for any reason. Swimmers, please notify Mrs Ramsay if you are unable to attend. Parents/alumni should park in the staff car park (use the after-hours green button to raise the barrier).

On arrival please sign in at the desk by the PE office/sports hall entrance and sign out before departure.

Schools Will Rock You

Tuesday 3 March to Thursday 5 March at 19:00 in the assembly hall

A cast and crew of over 100 senior school students will transport you into a dystopian, globalised world of the future. Through a story based on Queen’s greatest hits, you’ll join the rock rebels as they fight for freedom against the Killer Queen and embark on a search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and ROCK!

Tickets are available on sQuid, adults £8, children/concessions £5.

Year 7 notices

Y7 subject teacher consultation evening

Girls: Wednesday 22 January, 17:00-20:00
Boys: Tuesday 28 January, 17:00-20:00

We invite parents to meet their child’s subject teachers to discuss progress to date. Please see the attached letter from Mr S Gibbin, head of Y7, for further details of the evening and how to book appointments via the online booking system. Booking opens today at 19:00 and will close on Monday 20 January at 16:00 for girls and Sunday 26 January at 16:00 for boys.

Y7 classics trip

Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June, Hadrian’s Wall

The classics department is arranging a weekend visit to Hadrian’s Wall in the summer term. Please read the attached letter from Mr M Gibson, head of classics, for further details.

If you would like to reserve a place for your son/daughter please provide your permission and deposit payment via the sQuid listing no later than Friday 31 January. Please be aware that as spaces are limited, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Year 9 notices

GCSE subject options

All Y9 students attended an assembly this week with Dr D Danks, senior deputy head (academic), about making their GCSE subject choices. Students also received digitally the GCSE options booklet Choosing Your GCSE Courses explaining the forthcoming subject options process.

The next stage is for students to complete their online choices form in school during the week commencing Monday 20 January. We will then email parents a summary of their child’s choices to review and request any changes if necessary.

As Business Studies is a subject that is new to students, the department is offering students the opportunity to attend a short taster session and find out more about the subject. Please encourage your child to attend one of the 30-minute sessions, on Tuesday 14 January or Wednesday 15 January at 1pm in EC1.

Y9 subject teacher consultation evening

Girls: Tuesday 14 January 17:30-20:00

We invite parents to meet with their child’s subject teachers to discuss progress to date. Please visit the Y9 pages on GSAL World for a letter from Mr M Ahern, acting head of Y9, giving further details and how to book appointments with subject teachers.

The online booking system will close for girls on Sunday 12 January at 16:00.

Important information regarding your child’s health

DTP/ Men ACWY immunisations

The Leeds Community Healthcare school immunisation team will visit school on Thursday 27 February to administer the diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP) and meningitis ACWY vaccines to male and female students in Y9.

Parents must give their consent for their child to receive the vaccine. Please read the information letter and follow the instructions to complete the online consent form by Friday 31 January.

You will need the code for GSAL – EE108113. Even if you do not wish your child to receive the vaccination(s) it is vital that you complete the refusal section of the consent form so we are aware of your wishes.

Any questions can be directed to Hazel Ramsay in student support services by emailing hazel.ramsay@gsal.org.uk.

Year 11 notices

A-level subject options

All Y11 students attended an assembly this week with Mr J Veitch, head of Y11, about making their A-level subject choices. Students also received digitally the Sixth Form Prospectus 2020 summarising the courses which they can choose to study in Y12.

The next stage is for students to complete their online choices form in school during the week commencing Monday 20 January. We will then email parents a summary of their child’s subjects choices to review and request any changes if necessary.

During the coming week Y11 students have the opportunity to attend presentations outlining the nature and content of the A-level courses. Please visit the Y11 pages on GSAL World to view the schedule of presentations.