Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

As the dusk falls on festive jumper day, it’s been a day and a week of festive fun, despite the Omicron storm clouds gathering. We’ve been entertained by the Nursery singalong on Tuesday and the outdoor concert in the cold this lunchtime – and the twinkle of glitter can be seen everywhere!

We end this term with enormous thanks to pupils and staff for the 1,000s of hours of lessons and co-curricular activities, for the performances and the fun, especially given how difficult and complicated some of the context has been. We also thank our support staff for keeping us safe, organising so many fantastic activities and events in new ways and for ensuring we were well-fed throughout!

Final thanks to you as parents, for your steadfast support of the school as well as your children. At the point of breaking up, we do not know what the next few weeks and months will bring, but we know that we will face them together, as we have done over the past 20 months, with our children’s wellbeing and best interests at the centre.

So season’s greetings to all of our families and, whatever your beliefs, I wish you and those you love the peace, joy and fellowship central to the message of Christmas.

Keep safe.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

Message from the Chair of the PFA

Earlier this week I was appointed the Chair of the relaunched PFA – Parents and Friends Association of GSAL, along with four other parents – Keke Mokete (Vice Chair), Lauren Evans (Treasurer), Alex Keech (Secretary) and Helen Forshaw (Liaison Officer). Together we are incredibly honoured and excited to be involved in creating opportunities for more connections amongst the parents and friends of our school.

As the group of initial trustees, we intend to meet in January to begin making plans including filling the other roles that are needed within the PFA – please do reach out if you are interested gsalpfa@gsal.org.uk

There will be many other ways to get involved too – all of us have a role to play (and lots to give and gain) in helping create a strong, vibrant, caring community of parents and friends of GSAL.

In the meantime, we wish you the very best that this festive season has to offer, and are excited to get to know you, enjoy your company and create a community with you in the new year.

Anna Dyson

Today’s end of day arrangements

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.

Festive jumper day

Thank you to all of our pupils and staff who came to school in their festive attire in aid of Zarach a wonderful local charity who provide support for children living in poverty. Donations towards their ‘Every Head a Bed’ campaign can be made online

COVID

School testing programme

Testing kits have been distributed to pupils who are part of the school’s testing programme via their form groups.

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

Vaccination programme

12-15 year olds who have not been vaccinated can book an appointment out of school on the National Booking System, and from 20 December those eligible for second doses will also be able to book.

Sport update

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

Year 7 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached message from Mr Gibbin, Head of Y7.

Year 8 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached message from Mr Rushworth, Head of Y8.

Year 9 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached letter from Mrs Purcell, Head of Y9.

Parents’ evening

Thu 13 January & Mon 17 January 2022
Please see the attached letter from Mrs Purcell, Head of Y9.

Year 10 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached letter from Mrs Collins, Head of Y10.

Sports Tour 2023

Please see the attached message from Mr MacKenzie.

Year 11 notices

Head of Year message

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

Sports Tour 2023

Please see the attached message from Mr MacKenzie.

Year 12 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached message from Miss Stead, Head of Y12.

Sports Tour 2023

Please see the attached message from Mr MacKenzie.

Year 13 notices

Head of Year message

Please see the attached message from Mrs Pratt, Head of Y13 .