Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

As we mark the end of another busy, happy and successful term, the forthcoming holiday will be also packed with activities (including much revision) for many of our students. This week I’ve seen some powerful workshops, with our sixth form English A-level students leading lessons with Rose Court pupils and Y6s, looking at the development and use of language for different purposes – and it was so heart-warming to see the different age groups learning and laughing together. Of course, the charity sports fixtures this week have also been a highlight, raising almost £1,000 as we have enjoyed the boys vs girls Y11 hockey challenge and the ever-popular staff vs students football match, albeit with some questionable refereeing to protect the older team!

This week, the detailed routes for the Tour de Yorkshire have been released and, as last year, we will need to close the school early on Friday 3 May to accommodate the road closures. More details will follow early next term but I wanted to alert parents as soon as possible.

And finally, amidst the frenetic pace of our daily lives and the excitement of the holiday to come, we should remember that next Friday also marks the date, one year ago, when we lost Mr Derek Fry. As his tree grows, overlooking the senior cricket pitch, it is a constant reminder to us of a very special teacher: his was a life full of learning, hallmarked with courtesy and respect shown to everyone, every day, underpinned by a great sense of fun. Some of us will spend a few moments by the tree next week, grateful to have called Mr Fry a friend and appreciative of all that he represented – may he continue to inspire us long into the future.

For now, whatever you are planning over this holiday period, I wish you much joy with your families and friends and safe travels wherever you may go. See you next term!

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

Please note that to access the downloads in this bulletin you will need to be logged into the school intranet GSAL World. Should you have any difficulty logging in please visit the GSAL World home page and follow the instructions under Password Reset Request.

Whole school notices

Monkhouse school uniform sale

Thursday 11 April from 11:00-17:00, Y7 common room

Monkhouse will be selling GSAL uniform and sports kit, with stock available for students to try for size. Visit our website to see the dates of Monkhouse sales in the summer holidays.

Charity update

Last Friday the charity collection raised over £630 for the Cyclone Idai Appeal. Today’s collection was in aid of St Gemma’s Hospice.

The next charity collection on Friday 26 April will be on behalf of Winston’s Wish (for bereaved children). Thank you to everyone for your continued support for the weekly charity collections.

Locker padlocks

A reminder that students should ensure their belongings are stored in their locker and secured with a GSAL padlock. Over the holidays we will be conducting an audit of any lockers without padlocks. If your child has lost theirs, a replacement should be purchased via sQuid. Thank you for your cooperation.

Year 7 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mr S Gibbin, head of Y7.

Y7 outdoor learning residential

April and May 2019 at Carlton Lodge near Thirsk

We would like to remind parents that the outdoor discovery course for Y7 takes place in the first half of next term, with three form groups at a time attending the two night residential. Please would parents familiarise themselves with the arrangements by visiting the Y7 outdoor learning pages on GSAL World.

Eid 2019 and school exams

We recognise that Eid takes place during next term’s internal exams. We leave the decision as to whether to attend school on the day to the discretion of individual families and have scheduled a catch up day for missed internal exams during the following week.

If you know that your child is going to be absent for Eid, please can you let us know in advance, via the school absence email address seniorabsence@gsal.org.uk

Year 8 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mrs R Purcell, head of Y8.

Y8 subject teacher consultation evening

Girls: Monday 29 April 17:00-20:00
Boys: Wednesday 8 May 17:00-20:00

Please see the attached letter from Mrs R Purcell, head of Y8, for further details. Please use the online booking system to make appointments with teachers. The booking system opens this evening at 19:00, and will close at 16:00 on Thursday 24 April for girls and Monday 6 May for boys.

Eid 2019 and school exams

We recognise that Eid takes place during next term’s internal exams. We leave the decision as to whether to attend school on the day to the discretion of individual families and have scheduled a catch up day for missed internal exams during the following week.

If you know that your child is going to be absent for Eid, please can you let us know in advance, via the school absence email address seniorabsence@gsal.org.uk

Year 9 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mrs C Heatley, head of Y9.

Eid 2019 and school exams

We recognise that Eid takes place during next term’s internal exams. We leave the decision as to whether to attend school on the day to the discretion of individual families and have scheduled a catch up day for missed internal exams during the following week.

If you know that your child is going to be absent for Eid, please can you let us know in advance, via the school absence email address seniorabsence@gsal.org.uk

Senior School ski trip

Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 February 2020

The Senior School ski trip for pupils currently in Y9 to Y12 will take place next February half term to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites. Please see attached letter from Mrs A Walker, ski trip leader, for more information and all necessary links to book a place for your child.

Year 10 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mr J Veitch, head of Y10.

Science exam practice workbooks offer

The attached letter from the heads of science gives details of exam practice books for the science IGCSEs available at a discount through the school. The offer is live on sQuid until 09:00 on Monday 29 April.

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

Eid 2019 and school exams

We recognise that Eid takes place during next term’s internal exams. We leave the decision as to whether to attend school on the day to the discretion of individual families and have scheduled a catch up day for missed internal exams during the following week.

If you know that your child is going to be absent for Eid, please can you let us know in advance, via the school absence email address seniorabsence@gsal.org.uk

Senior School ski trip

Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 February 2020

The Senior School ski trip for pupils currently in Y9 to Y12 will take place next February half term to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites. Please see attached letter from Mrs A Walker, ski trip leader, for more information and all necessary links to book a place for your child.

Year 11 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mrs M Collins, head of Y11.

Silver DofE practice expedition

Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 April

Full details including team lists can be found on the DofE silver award pages on GSAL World. Please note the earlier finish time on 10 April of 13:00 back at GSAL.

Science exam practice workbooks offer

The attached letter from the heads of science gives details of exam practice books for the science IGCSEs available at a discount through the school. The offer is live on sQuid until 09:00 on Monday 29 April.

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

Eid 2019 and GCSEs

With Eid taking place during the public examination period next term, please be aware that external examination boards do not make any allowances for Eid so GCSE exams cannot be rescheduled at all.

Senior School ski trip

Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 February 2020

The Senior School ski trip for pupils currently in Y9 to Y12 will take place next February half term to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites. Please see attached letter from Mrs A Walker, ski trip leader, for more information and all necessary links to book a place for your child.

Year 12 notices

Head of year message

Please see the attached letter from Mr S Corcoran, head of Y12.

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

Senior School ski trip

Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 February 2020

The Senior School ski trip for pupils currently in Y9 to Y12 will take place next February half term to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites. Please see attached letter from Mrs A Walker, ski trip leader, for more information and all necessary links to book a place for your child.

Year 13 notices

Preparation for A-level examinations

Please see the attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form.

Y13 leavers’ celebrations

Please see the attached letter for details of the celebration activities and mementos on offer to Y13. Parents are invited to the Y13 graduation and prize-giving ceremony on the evening of Saturday 29 June, please save the date and look out for booking information next term.

Eid 2019 and A-levels

With Eid taking place during the public examination period next term, please be aware that external examination boards do not make any allowances for Eid so A-level exams cannot be rescheduled at all.