Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

I’ve just spent the most heart-warming lunchtime with a small group of students in the Sixth Form, reflecting on their recent achievements and positive contributions to the life of the school. Amidst an edifying and thought-provoking discussion, their pride in the school was infectious, as was their belief in its power to transform lives – through the bursary programme in particular – and to instil the very best values. Those who had joined the school at the beginning of Year 12 from other schools described the warmest of welcomes from a kind and principled group of peers.

Of course, this kind of testimony is what we always hope is the lived experience for our pupils, and it is just what bursary donors want to hear, as well as parents. So when you hear first-hand how this school and its pupils are making a positive difference to one another’s lives, near and far, it is not just encouraging, it is uplifting.

And this week, I must also thank parents for the wonderful generosity shown in the collection for children in Gipton. Our annual appeal for St George’s Crypt and its work with the homeless in Leeds starts this week; thank you in advance for the thoughtfulness and generosity you always show, especially when the nightly temperatures are so low and we value the warmth of our own homes more than ever.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

Acceptable use policy (AUP)

Our acceptable use policy (AUP) has been shared during form time today which covers the use of laptops and the systems at GSAL. Next week during form time, we will be asking students to routinely shut down their laptops, allow for any updates to be installed and ask them to accept the terms outlined in the senior school acceptable use policy, appendix 3 of the online safety policy.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Tue 7 – Thu 9 December, 7pm

This year’s senior school production is the children’s classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This ambitious production involves over 130 of pupils who bring to life C.S. Lewis’s story of the magical world of Narnia and the struggle between good and evil. Please note that the Thursday night performance has sold out and there are a limited number of tickets left for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tickets available on sQuid and also via the school website here

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 12 December, 6.30pm

Tickets are available to book here for this popular traditional service that many see as the start to the Christmas festivities.

September 2022 entry

We are experiencing very high demand for places in September 2022 so if you are considering applying, please ensure you complete our online application form as soon as possible, but no later than 31 December 2021.

Applications received after December will not be considered for the entrance exam in January and will have to wait until later in the year to be assessed, subject to places being available.

St George’s Crypt collection

We are collecting dried and canned food for St Georges Crypt to support the homeless and also gifts suitable for children to support Leeds Annual Gift Appeal. Donations will be collected in form groups and need to be received by Friday 10 Dec. If students want to get involved in fundraising for these excellent causes or you would like further information please email ay@gsal.org.uk

Sport update

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

End of term

There will be no co-curricular clubs on the last day of term (Friday 17 December).

Year 11 notices

A-level subject choices

Please see the attached letter from Mr J Veitch, Head of Y11.