The next half-term, before
we break for Easter on the 24th March is even shorter, but it will
be just as hectic and jam packed with good news stories! Once again, our Year
11 leavers have purchased a specially designed leavers’ hoodie. The hoodie is
allowed to be worn in place of their blazer. An additional feature of the 2016
hoodie is that each student has their initials embroidered on the front.
Hot on the heels of our
students’ recent success at the North Yorkshire Schools’ Student Conference, I
am delighted to announce that the school is one of only 41 nationally that has
been awarded a Discovering Democracy Award. The school will be presented with
the award, by John Penrose MP, at a special ceremony in London immediately
after half-term.
Congratulations to all
the participants in this year’s Talent Show. Once again the standard was
incredibly high, which made it an extremely hard decision for the judges. The
Lower School winner was Kate Hinken with Talia Firth as the Upper School, and
overall winner.
The targets we have set
our Year 9 & 11 students in respect of this summer’s GCSE results, whilst
challenging, are achievable given the level of support that is available here
at school and at home from yourselves. Please encourage your child (ren) to
undertake some revision/on-line learning and any required catch-up work during
the half-term break. It is essential that students realise the level of
commitment that is now required from them at this stage of their school career.
Those students in their last year at Selby High School, that is Year 11
students, should be undertaking a minimum of twelve hours’ home study per week
and beginning to make the social sacrifices which are necessary for success and
which in turn will provide choices and chances!
This commitment should
also be extended to ensure that they turn up for scheduled booster and
intervention sessions that are taking place both after school and during the
supported study programme from now until the end of June, some of which takes
place at weekends and in the school holidays.
Remember,
there is no substitute for hard work and, without doubt, it is the key to
success!
As we proceed through the
amalgamation consultation, it is obviously necessary to plan for either of the
two possible outcomes. Mrs Carter-Mills has, therefore, assumed the role of
Acting Headteacher, for the foreseeable future, in order to allow me to
undertake work for the joint Governors’ Steering Group. I know that you will
give her the same level of support that you have afforded me. In addition, Mr D
Block will be assuming some additional responsibilities as Acting Associate Assistant
Headteacher, supporting the work of the behaviour and safeguarding team.
Given that we have
experienced some sub-zero temperatures of late, may I remind you that either in
the event of adverse weather conditions or indeed any other emergency a
decision as to whether or not to open the school will be made, at the latest,
by 6.40am. If closure is necessary, an announcement will then be made on BBC
Radio York & Minster FM. The school’s website will be updated about any
school closure, together with utilising Twitter and SMS messaging services.
Important Future Dates
Monday
22nd February School
re-opensTuesday 23rd – Thursday 25th
February Years 9 & 10 school meningitis injections
Friday
26th February More
Able visit to Cambridge University
Monday
29th February Young Voices
at Manchester Arena
Wednesday
2nd March Years
9 & 10 meningitis injections
Tuesday
8th March Year
8 Enterprise Day
Thursday 10th
March Year 9
Parents/Carers/Guardians Consultation Evening
Monday 14th March Year 7 Camp
Information Evening
Wednesday 16th
March ‘The 39 Steps’
Theatre visit
Tuesday 22nd
March Year 10
Parents/Carers/Guardians Consultation Evening
Thursday 24th
March Year 11
mock results assembly
Thursday 24th
March School
closes for holidays