Headteacher’s Newsletter to Parents

15 July 2019

Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College

Middlewich Road, Sandbach Cheshire CW11 3NT

www.sandbachhigh.co.uk

www.sandbachsixthform.co.uk

office@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk 01270 765031

Dear Parent/Carer

Having recently returned from having spinal surgery I find it rather incongruous to be writing about the end of term and with it the onset of the summer break. But here we are with just a few days left before the school breaks at 1pm on Tuesday, 23 July 2019. As is usual at this time of year we say a very sincere ‘thank you’ to colleagues leaving for a variety of reasons but before that I should like to extend a very personal thanks to Mrs Cooke, Miss Darlington, Mrs Street and Mr Troth for leading the school in my absence.

What is unusual and increasingly rare is for some one whether it is in the teaching profession or other occupation to remain at the one place of work for more than 30 years but that is precisely what Mrs Cooke has done until now!

Mrs C A Cooke

After 34 years of distinguished service to the Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College community, Mrs Cooke is to retire. Having started her career here in 1985 as a newly qualified teacher, Mrs Cooke became Deputy Headteacher in September 2014. An English graduate, Mrs Cooke’s record as a teacher of English through to A level is impressive with students being challenged and inspired to succeed. Her own love of English being ‘infectious’. On her way to becoming Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Cooke was a hugely successful Head of English, nurturing and supporting less experienced and occasionally longer serving members of her department to develop their classroom practices. It was no surprise then as she took on the mantel of Deputy Head that teaching and learning was to be the focus of her new role. Her informed and considered approach to pedagogy has ensured that the quality of teaching and learning here in school is and has remained of the highest standard. Her reputation as a ‘coach’ cultivating the next generation of ‘outstanding’ teachers has been recognised further afield not least through national associations such as ‘Leading Edge’ and more recently the SSAT.

Mrs Cooke’s contribution to school life has been extensive including contributing to the delivery of Drama and leading the introduction of Critical Thinking within the Sixth Form curriculum. Her creative talents were most evident on our themed days linked to literacy, for example, when she would dress up in full character costume putting most of us, not least me, to shame!

A loyal Deputy and a devoted servant of the school Mrs Cooke will be missed but she will retire with the knowledge that her legacy can be evidenced in the generations of young people who have succeeded in their English studies, gone on to read English at University and/or simply enjoy ‘reading for pleasure’ and the number of teachers who, inspired by her example, have grown into highly effective teachers.

Thank you!

I would on behalf of the school like to extend our appreciation and thanks to two of our school governors who have recently left our Governing Body. Mrs Ella Brett and Mrs Cathryn Houghton have both been a great support to our school community over a number of years. Their contributions have always been welcome both in support and challenge of the school and we wish them both well.

Mrs E Painter

Joining us in 1995 as a newly qualified teacher, Mrs Painter has been a pivotal and influential member of the Science department. Such an enthusiastic, informed and engaging teacher Mrs Painter has established for herself a reputation locally and further afield as an outstanding advocate for all things scientific. As a driving force behind the school’s approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities, Mrs Painter has helped ensure that all our students have had an opportunity to explore and apply scientific principles, sharing her ideas and experiences at a number of national events. Disappointing in some ways, we and the teaching profession are losing a first class practitioner but excitingly Mrs Painter’s vast experience is to be put to valuable use as a Careers Adviser—a long held ambition for Mrs Painter. We wish her every success.

Mrs K Harford

Mrs Harford is another colleague who joined us as a newly qualified teacher going on to establish herself as a respected teacher of mathematics. An innovative teacher, her approach to mathematics ensured a keen sense of engagement in her students such that their mathematical progress was considerable, within an enjoyable learning environment. Mrs Harford was an avid supporter and leader of our Duke of Edinburgh provision, giving generously of her own time to enable students to complete their Bronze and/or Gold programmes. We wish her continued success as she takes up a new position at Cransley School.

Ms R Aldridge

Miss Aldridge has helped turn our Drama Department into one of the foremost Performing Arts Faculties.

With productions such as ‘A Midsummer's night Dream’, ‘Bugsy’ and ‘Hairspray’ she helped to showcase some of our most creative students, nurturing talented students such that they have gone on to study appropriate subject related courses at University and beyond. Relocating due to family commitments, we wish Ms Aldridge happiness and success at her new school in Norfolk.

Mrs R Egli

Developing her classroom practice within the MFL department, Mrs Egli has combined her business experience with her linguistics skills to ensure her students see the relevance of and importance of studying a modern foreign language to the highest level possible. We wish her well at Sandbach School.

Mrs C Adderley

First as a Learning Support Assistant and then through her work in the Learning Resource Manager, Mrs Adderley has provided an excellent service to the whole school community. Always smiling, nothing was ever too much trouble for her with the LRC remaining a colourful, informative and vibrant place for learning and a ‘safe haven’ for some of our most vulnerable students. Retiring to spend more time with her family, we both thank Mrs Adderley and wish her well.

Our best wishes and thanks are extended to Mrs V Carrington who leaves to further her plans to emigrate to Australia, Mrs R Feltham who is returning to Oldham FE College and to Mr Shufflebotham who joins a school in Stoke.

It is with mixed emotions that I write to say thanks to Miss S Cummins and Miss A Allcock who leave our team of Learning Support Assistants to take up places at University. As former students and now as former colleagues I am so very pleased to say that they can take pride in the excellence of the support they have provided to some of our most vulnerable students. I wish both Miss Cummins and Miss Allcock continued success and every future happiness.

As this newsletter is published my colleagues and our students are enjoying a range of activities; in school, locally, nationally and beyond as part of our Alternative Learning Week. These activities and our extensive programme of extra-curricular activities is only possible as a result of the commitment and dedication of all my colleagues. It is right that they: teachers and support staff alike are thanked for their generous contribution to school life—a contribution that extends way beyond the classroom. Thank you.

Parental Carer Support for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

We would like to extend an invitation to a coffee morning on Tuesday 16th July 2019, 9.30am - 11.30am ; an opportunity for parent/carers to come together to chat to others over a coffee and meet Kelly Martin specialist CEAT teacher, Janet Threader Family liaison officer with the team and Diane Grub-ber from CEAIS. The discussion will include what autism is and will provide some strategies that can be used to support a person with ASC in the home. For more information please contact hlester@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk

School Uniform

Our school blazer has been designed without pockets. The blue trim is for decoration purposes only. We have noticed that some students have 'adapted' their blazer by trying to cut pockets into it. Not only does this damage the blazer but it will also result in a uniform detention and they will be expected to repair their blazer. We would appreciate your support with this—Thank you in advance.

Could you also please check the length of your daughter’s skirt bearing in mind that if it is shorter than 2cm above the top of the knee a replacement will be required. If you have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Kesteven gkesteven@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk.

And, finally

Do you know where your son or daughter is, with whom and what he/she is doing? If, for example, your

daughter is off to the cinema, what film is she watching? Have you read any reviews that might suggest

the material is inappropriate?

As we approach the holiday period especially please can I remind parents to reinforce to all their children

the importance of being vigilant over personal safety both in terms of their physical security as well as

their virtual safety when accessing the internet/social media sites, whether it is via a laptop, iPad, mobile

phone or any other electronic device? There are some very unpleasant characters in the world and as

many parents already do we need to ensure that the safety of our children remains a priority both when in

sight as well as out of sight. Useful links for further information on helping to sustain safety in the virtual

world and more generally include:

https://kooth.com/

http://www.theparentzone.co.uk/parent/information/digital_parenting

http://www.knowandsee.co.uk/#team

http://www.paceuk.info/support-for-parents/advice-centre/

Samaritans—www.samaritans.org Tel: 116123

Youngminds—Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544

Stonewall—www.stonewall.org.uk Tel: 0207 593 185

Childline—www.childline.org.uk/info-advice Tel: 08001111

Be Share Aware and keep your child safe online #SHAREAWARE

Social media sites have certain benefits but upsetting or “offensive” posts/tweets should be notified to the Police using the 101 number.

Monday, 22 July Year 9 Presentation

Tuesday, 23 July 1 pm School Closes for Summer Break

Monday, 2 September 2019 AUTUMN TERM COMMENCES STAFF ONLY

Tuesday, 3 September STAFF & STUDENTS

Forthcoming Events

Please note that from September The Learning Centre will be open to students:

Monday - Thursday 7.45 am - 4.45 pm and Friday 7.45 am - 3.45 pm.

All that remains is for me to wish you and your family a relaxing, enjoyable and safe summer.

Yours sincerely

Mr J M Leigh

Headteacher