Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Price regarding the End of Term Arrangements for students in Years 7 to 10.

Those of you with students in Year 11 will receive a further letter by e-mail with additional information specific to Year 11 students.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Ebenhoeh regarding the 2023 Ski Trip, which will be run from 31^st March 2023 to 7^th April 2023.  The trip is open to students currently in years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Please note that there is an information evening on Thursday 31^st March at 5.30, should you wish to attend.

There is a reply form available on the letter, or you may complete the electronic version which is available either by clicking this link or visiting our website, clicking “Parents + Students” and selecting “2023 Ski Trip – Reply Form”.

Should you have any queries regarding the trip please do contact Mrs Ebenhoeh directly by e-mail to ebenhoehl@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #stuforename# #stusurname#

Please find attached a letter from Mr Reeves regarding the Year 8 Cultural Capital visit to Worcester Cathedral taking place on Wednesday 30^th March.

Should you prefer to complete an electronic reply slip you may do so by either  clicking this link or by visiting our website, clicking “Parents + Students”, and then “Year 8 Cultural Capital Visit Reply Slip” (bottom middle of the menu).

Should you have any queries regarding the visit please do contact Mr Reeves directly by e-mail to reeves@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Anita Iddon, our Chair of Governors, regarding two vacancies for the role of Parent Governor.

Thank you

Dear Parent/carer,

The Year 8 Option window is now open.  Over the coming days we ask that you discuss the possibilities with your child, before they submit their final choices by Friday 25^th March.

These choice will help decide the curriculum for Year 9.  Towards the end of Year 9, we will repeat this process to decide on the qualifications to carry through to Year 11.

Your child will be bringing home the first draft of their choices on Tuesday 8^th March.  We ask that you discuss these choices with them, before they are asked to make their final submission on 22^nd March.  It will be possible to tweak these choices up to the final deadline of Friday 25^th March.

Five choices have to be made in order of preference: three preferred and two reserves – we ask that reserve choices be made, as we can’t guarantee that every course will run.

You will find a list of the options below, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Reeves reeves@bishopperowne.co.uk.

Thank you

Options List

• Art and Design (GCSE)
• Business Studies (GCSE)
• Child Development (Camb Nats)
• Computer Science (GCSE)
• Dance (Btech/GCSE)
• Design and Technology (GCSE)
• Drama (GCSE)
• Hospitality and Catering (Vocational Award)
• Music (GCSE)
• Physical Education (GCSE)/ Sports Science (Camb Nats)
• Psychology (GCSE)
• RE (GCSE)

Dear parents and carers

Thank you for your support over this half term. It has been lovely to see some of the school's activities and trips starting up once more, meaning things are beginning to feel more normal again.

Trips and Enrichment

This half term, Year 7 students have visited the Birmingham Symphony Hall for a CBSO concert, Year 8 Endeavour students have taken part in a 'Uni life' day at Birmingham university. Students have participated in the Big Physics Quiz, also at Birmingham University. Students visited Worcester Royal porcelain for an Art Trip and Year 11 have received a live performance of Macbeth. Some students have participated in professional piano coaching or been lucky enough to attend a talk by a Worcester Warriors analyst. It has been a joy to see this aspect of school having life breathed into it once more.

Rewards

Mrs Tunstall and myself very much enjoyed conducting the reward assemblies last week. In total we have given out:

• 650 ice-creams for 25 achievement points
• 250 rewards for 50 achievement points
• 35 rewards for 75 achievement points
• 1 reward for 100 achievement points - (Well done Tate!)

It was lovely to feel the atmosphere and see how happy the whole year group were to congratulate the others in their 'team' who had received awards. We look forward to the next round. It won't be too long, as we have now given over twice as many achievement points by the mid-point of this year as we did in the last full academic year in total.

We are very proud of our fabulous students.

Diversity

Developing student understanding and respect for diversity of all types is a current focus of tutors. We feel this work is vital to our school continuing to grow into the place we want it to be. We have been truly astonished at the levels of maturity and respect the majority of our students have shown for this work, it has certainly felt like the future might be in safe hands!

As Martin Luther King said ' the moral arc is a long journey, but it bends towards justice.'

We have a long way to go to create the community we really want, but our aim is for every day to do better at understanding and respecting one another than the day before.

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance.

Years 7 and 8 have recently taken part in Careers Week. During this time they participate in one lesson from each of their subjects where the focus is on careers relevant to that subject area. Some of the pathways discussed are fascinating! Year 11 students have been busy with Careers interviews and interviews for their Post 16 courses.

Staffing changes

We are sad to say that Mrs Dorsett has decided to step down from her role as Head of Year Eight from this half term. We are really sorry to see Mrs Dorsett leave the pastoral team where she has been a fantastic support to both students and staff alike. I know many families will miss her measured and calm approach to the support of her Year group. We are very pleased however, that Mrs Dorsett will be continuing in her capacity as English teacher with us.

I am sure you will wish to join us in thanking Mrs Dorsett for her tireless hard work over the past two years.

Mr Brown will be leading Year 8 in addition to Year 7 until the end of the Year. Mr Brown's other commitments have been adjusted to enable him to complete this role. Mr Brown's contact details can be found on the website should you wish to speak to him in the future.

Ruth West, our KS4 safeguarding officer moved on at the beginning of February to start a new venture with her family, running an outdoor education centre in Mid Wales. We have been pleased to appoint Peter Godwin to the role, who brings a wealth of safeguarding experience with him.

Courtney Richardson has joined the attendance team, helping to support families in the community and work with students to improve their attendance at school.

COVID measures

It looks likely that COVID measures will be reduced at the end of February. Therefore, we will be returning to school without the need to wear masks. We will be continuing with regular hand sanitisation on entry and exit to classrooms.

We will keep this situation under review and will return to mask wearing in the future if case numbers indicate the need.

Uniform

As the weather is slowly warming up, students will no longer be able to wear outdoor clothing in classrooms or corridors. Students should continue to wear their jumper and blazer.

This term has seen us raise the profile of uniform once again and students have risen to the challenge. The uniform gate conducted this week showed exemplary levels of correct unform across all year groups.

We would remind students and families that trainers must not be worn unless medical evidence is available and now mask wearing is not required, nose studs will be very visible, so please ask students to refrain from wearing them – they will be asked to remove them!

Year 11

This year group continue to impress us with their behaviour, attitude and resilience under pressure. They are a credit to themselves. The work continues after the break with the next round of PPEs beginning on the 7th March. Revision tips and resources can be found on the school website and students have been issued with a list of key tasks for the half term.

We hope they enjoyed their well-being afternoon and followed our simple instruction - 'Do no work!'

Food vouchers

Parents will be sent a FSM voucher from noreply@edenred.com for £15 per student, and families eligible for Pupil Premium and/or FSMs will receive a food voucher from hello@huggg.me for £40 per student for half term. This is for students currently attending Bishop Perowne.

Paracetamol and other medication

Student services or other staff will no longer be able to provide Paracetamol for minor ailments. If your child requires any medication to be issued during school hours, please contact school to arrange for the relevant paperwork to be completed.

Staying Safe

Please find attached a list of websites and organisations that can be accessed through the school holiday should anyone be in need of support.

We hope all our students and their families enjoy a restful and relaxing break. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Your sincerely,

Jane Price

Dear parent/carer

As well as our usual Top Achievers for the week (attached), we have also compiled the list of Top Achievers for this Half Term (also attached), and included more updates from around the school below.

The Big Physics Quiz

On Friday 11^th February, 11 Year 9 students went to the University of Birmingham to compete against other schools in the Big Physics Quiz. The quiz took place in the beautiful Great Hall of the Aston Webb Building, right at the heart of the university campus. We had 3 teams taking part in the quiz and all of them showed great knowledge, and resilience, getting some brilliant scores. A special mention goes to Bishop Perowne Team A - Alexander D (9REL), Joseph W (9DBA), Charlotte F (9HBR), and Edgar K (9DBA) - who were only one mark away from taking 3rd place!

Birmingham University Visit

Recently, 50 of our Year 8 Endeavour students took part in an Aspirational Campus Day at Birmingham University. A great day was had by all and students came back feeling inspired to strive towards a place at University in the future. Similar days are taking place for our Year 9 and 10 Endeavour students over the coming months.

“Orchestral Wonder” Cultural Capital Visit

Our Year 7 students had the chance to hear a symphony orchestra in full flight at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s schools’ concert, held in the world class Birmingham Symphony Hall. Students heard a range of well-known pieces of music, with a full commentary explaining the instruments of the orchestra and the music they played.  The performance obviously hit the right note with our students and staff, who were buzzing when they got back to school.

Our thanks to all our staff who helped organise and run the trips, the venues we have visited, and to our students for their enthusiastic participation.

Kind regards

Mrs N Tunstall

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mr Reeves regarding the Year 8 Spring Assessments.

Should you have any queries regarding the letter or assessments please address these directly to Mr Reeves by e-mail to reeves@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mr Reeves regarding the Year 8 Parents’ Evening which will take place by video appointments between 4.30pm and 7.00pm on Wednesday 2^nd March 2022.

You will be able to book appointments from noon on Friday 18^th February.  Please be aware that, due to limited staffing during the half term, we will be unable to provide support from 4pm on Friday 18^th February until the morning of Monday 28^th February. We therefore recommend that you try to sign in and book your appointments as soon as possible after noon on Friday 18^th.

To book appointments you will need to sign into the website at  https://bishopperownececollege.schoolcloud.co.uk/ . A guide to help you, should you be unfamiliar with the system, is also attached. A link to the appointments system is also available on our website under the “Parents + Students” menu item.

Please be aware that the system does use the “preferred name” rather than the legal name for students. In addition you may experience problems if, for example, you consider yourself a “Ms” but our system has you recorded as a “Miss”. Should you have difficulty accessing the system to make appointments then please do contact our reception on 01905 746 800.

Finally, details on how to attend the video appointments on the evening are available from SchoolCloud by clicking this link.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

As well as our usual Top Achievers (attached), this week we have some sports updates from our PE Department.

Badminton

Our Year 9 boys and Year 10/11 Girls made it to the County Badminton Finals, with other of our students being asked to help officiate.

Both the boys and the girls managed very creditable 4^th places, and should be very proud of reaching the County Finals.

Football

Our Year 11 students played a friendly match against the Regency School – thank you to all of our students whose efforts made sure it was a special occasion for their opponents.

Year 10 took on RGS Worcester at football on Thursday evening. The first team lost a close game 1-0, while our development squad lost 5-2 – a highlight being Mason S (10DPE) scoring a goal that Mr Preece says “would have put a smile on even Alan Shearers face”. A special mention too for Lottie W (10DPE) for representing the school in the fixtures.

Our Year 9 football teams, again playing RGS Worcester, put in very creditable performances. The first team losing 2-1, but with a great headed goal from Kevin dS (9REL) and the second team losing 3-0 despite Tate W (9AKA) “playing like a young Peter Shilton in goal”

Special thanks to Mr Preece and all of our staff (in the PE department, and otherwise) without whose work and dedication these fixtures wouldn’t go ahead.

Trampolining

Finally in PE, most of the girls in school have been trampolining over the last 6 weeks. This has been fantastic in developing their confidence and social skills, and thank you to all from the PE department for making lessons enjoyable for staff as well as students.

Kind regards

Mrs N Tunstall

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached the names of the students in each year group who were awarded the highest number of achievement points this week.

Studies have found that achievement point attainment is linked to academic improvement, better behaviour and happier students!

Congratulations to all our top achievers this week - keep up the great work. Everyone else - can you make the top 10 next week?

Kind regards

Mrs N Tunstall

NOTE: Parents of students who will receive an award in the assembly will have received a slightly different e-mail and attachment which invites them to attend the Award Assembly remotely (over Zoom).

Dear parent/carer of #stuforename# #stusurname#

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Tunstall regarding the student achievement and reward scheme.

Also attached is the update on the awards, and the number of students receiving them, that was recently shared with students.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached the names of the students in each year group who were awarded the highest number of achievement points this week.

Studies have found that achievement point attainment is linked to academic improvement, better behaviour and happier students!

Congratulations to all our top achievers this week - keep up the great work. Everyone else - can you make the top 10 next week?

Kind regards

Mrs N Tunstall

Dear parent/carer of #stuforename# #stusurname#

Please find below an e-mail we have sent today to #stuforename# giving them details of how to select the subjects they wish to try during the option taster sessions on Thursday February 10^th.

We encourage you to read the e-mail we have sent #stuforename# and to engage with them about which option subjects they may want to try, as well as the whole options process.

For taster days we do recommend students select subjects they are unsure of (for example, if they are unsure which of Child Development or Hospitality and Catering to study), rather than select ones they are certain they wish to study.

Please note that, while you are able to visit the options form page, #stuforename# will need to sign in to their school office account to be able to see and complete the form.

Thank you

Dear #stuforename#

We will be running taster sessions for option subjects on Thursday February 10^th.  These will be short sessions allowing you to try out 2 option subjects.

We need to know which two option subjects you would like to try. We recommend that you try ones that you are unsure about rather than ones you know you want to do. This will help you make up your mind when choosing your final options. You should also select a reserve option as, although it’s unlikely, it might be that we can’t offer you a taster for one of your first 2 options.

To let us know which option subjects you would like to try on the taster days please would you fill out this form: https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/year-8-options-taster-selection-2022/

You will need to sign in to your school Office account to complete it (This is so that we know it is definitely you who has filled the form out).

Should you change your mind after completing the form – that’s okay, please just fill the form out again with your new choices. We will take your final answer.

You need to do this before Thursday February 3^rd.

If you want to see any information about option subjects there are presentations from the subject leaders available on our website at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/department/year-8-options/ - or you can visit our website, go to the “Our Curriculum” menu and click on “Options Information”

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Further to our previous e-mail, a copy of which follows below, we wish to remind you that the Year 8 Options Evening is being held tonight, over Zoom, with a 6pm start.

While the details are contained in the letter sent previously (also attached to this e-mail) the meeting can be accessed either:

by clicking on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5148943686?pwd=OCtrOTNUSmpaRkpVMHlHR0tjWFQyQT09

or

by opening zoom (if you have it installed) and using the meeting ID of 514 894 3686 and the password 4DXGyR

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you later.

Dear parent/carer of Oliver Callahan

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Price regarding the Year 8 Options process.

Contained in the letter are full details of the Year 8 Options Evening, which is being held over Zoom on January 27^th.

Also contained in the letter is the full timeline of the Year 8 options process.

Thank you.

Dear parent/carer

Vaccination UK will be visiting us to offer both second and first doses of Covid Vaccinations to our students on Wednesday 2^nd February.

They have asked us to send you the attached letter which gives some information on the vaccination as well as including links to information resources for parents/carers and students.

Vaccinations will only be offered to those students who are aged 12 or over (not age 12 to 15 as stated in the letter) on the 2^nd February, and for who Vaccination UK hold completed a consent form in respect of this visit. While many of you will have given consent for a student to receive the Covid-19 vaccination before please be aware that any previously given consent cannot be used for this vaccination.

For each student who you wish to receive either their second or first dose of the Covid-19 Vaccination you will need to complete the consent form, which is available at https://midlands.schoolvaccination.uk/coviddose2/2021/worcestershire

This form will need to be completed by the end of Sunday 30^th January.  Because this is being handled by Vaccination UK we are unfortunately unable to offer paper vaccination forms, monitor which parents/carers have consented to provide reminders, or check any information provided on the forms.

If your child/children have already received a second dose they will not be able to receive a further third vaccination on 2^nd February.

Finally, we are aware that Covid-19 vaccinations are a subject which can bring about strong debate. As before we ask that our parents, carers, and students are respectful of each other’s choices and where possible minimise debate between themselves both in school and on social media.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

You may have seen a government update today regarding their guidance on face coverings in classrooms.

After careful consideration we have decided that the use of masks, in all areas, will continue for the immediate future. We will review this situation again at the end of January.

Students with prior exemption continue to be able to go without a face covering although, as we have stated before, they will need a lanyard or 'mask pass' from their Head Of Year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.

Dear parent/carer of #studentname#

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Price regarding the Year 8 Options process.

Contained in the letter are full details of the Year 8 Options Evening, which is being held over Zoom on January 27^th.

Also contained in the letter is the full timeline of the Year 8 options process.

Thank you.

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Please find attached the 2021 Autumn term report for #Studentname#.

If any data is blank, this is likely due to absence; however, there may be a gap in a KS3 subject, due to Covid related staff absence.  If this is the case, and you are affected, we are working to ensure this data is completed.

If you have any questions regarding the above (missing data), please would you contact Mr M Ford by e-mail to fordm@bishopperowne.co.uk

Should you have other questions regarding #Studentname#’s progress or performance in particular subjects would you please contact Mr Reeves, Head of Key Stage 3, by e-mail to reeves@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #studentname#

Further to our previous e-mail, the text of which follows below, we have not yet received a response to you either giving or refusing consent for #studentname# to receive the HPV Vaccination on Wednesday 12^th January.

We will need to receive your response by 1pm on Sunday 9^th January should you either wish for #studentname# to receive the vaccination or should you wish to confirm refusal.

For preference we ask that you complete the consent form electronically at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/hpv-vaccination-consent/ - this page can also be accessed under the “Parents + Students” menu option on our website.

Thank you

The School Immunisation Team will be visiting Bishop Perowne on Wednesday 12^th January to offer HPV Vaccinations to Year 8 students.  Further information on the HPV vaccination is available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine/

For #studentname# to receive a vaccination we will require your consent. For preference we would ask you to complete that consent using the online form available at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/hpv-vaccination-consent/

This can also be accessed under the “Parents + Students” menu on our Website

Should you wish to refuse consent the online form can be used to record this and will mean you do not receive reminders from us.

We have attached a letter from the School Immunisation Team regarding the HPV Vaccinations, which contains the answers to some frequently asked questions, along with a PDF copy of their consent form should you prefer to print and complete a hard copy.

Thank you

Dear parents/carers,

Happy New Year to you all, I hope you have had a restful, healthy, and enjoyable break. As always, we are excited to have our students back with us for a new term.

Following the recently updated guidance issued to schools I write to update you on the measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, particularly in light of the newer Omicron variant.

The new guidance that we received at the weekend can be found in full by following this link: Schools COVID-19 operational guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

However, in summary;

Wearing of face coverings.

This is now advised in all areas of school, until the 26th January. As you will know from my letter at the end of last term this was a decision we had already made, so we are confident that this is the right move at this point. We will have face coverings to issue to students in the first few days if they do not have their own, but our stocks are not limitless so we would be most grateful if students can bring their own where they are able to. Students with prior exemption continue to be able to go without a face covering although, as before, they will need a lanyard or 'mask pass' from their Head Of Year.

Lateral Flow Testing

Students are expected to have an assisted Lateral Flow test before returning to school.

Tests for students in years 9 to 11 take place today (Tuesday 4^th) and they return to school tomorrow Wednesday (5th).

Years 7 and 8 are to be tested on Wednesday 5th and return to school on Thursday 6th. Please note that Year 7 students will have a morning meeting on the 6^th and the 7^th so should arrive in the theatre rather than their tutor room for an 8.30am start

Thank you for your patience with this matter. I know it isn't easy to juggle testing times when families are back at work.

Testing times were sent out by email at the end of last term. Please call our reception should you happen to have deleted the e-mail with the appointment time.

Going forward, students should continue to test twice weekly at home unless they have been identified as a close contact. Students identified as a close contact should test daily for seven days.

Close contacts and self-isolation periods

The 10 day self-isolation period for those recording a positive COVID test has now reduced to 7 days providing two Lateral Flow Tests taken on days 6 and 7, at least 24 hours apart, return negative results. Those who receive a positive test result on days 6 or 7 will need to continue their isolation until the end of day 10, or until they receive two consecutive negative Lateral Flow test results (taken at least 24 hours apart), whichever comes earliest.

Close contacts will continue to be identified by track and trace. Students who are identified as a close contact should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend school as normal, unless they develop symptoms or receive a positive test result.

As throughout this period, students will be expected to sanitise their hands on entry and exit to all classrooms and school spaces will be kept well ventilated. Carbon dioxide monitors have been placed in areas where ventilation is less easy, enabling us to ensure these spaces remain safe.

With our thanks for your ongoing support and understanding,

Yours sincerely,

Jane Price

Dear parent/carer

A reminder that tomorrow, Friday 17th December, the school day will end at 12.15pm.

Due to numerous requests we will be holding a Christmas Jumper Day. Students who have and wish to wear a Christmas Jumper can do so in place of the school jumper and, if desired, the blazer. All our other usual uniform rules will apply. We do ask in return that, where possible, staff and students wearing a Christmas Jumper make a final donation to the foodbank.

Students who are eligible for Free School Meals will be able to spend their allowance during an extended break time which will offer a wider range of food, including baguettes, than is usually available at break.

Full details of the final day of the term are available in the letter from Mrs Price sent out on 4th December, a copy of which is attached to this e-mail.

Thank you

Dear parents and carers

I write to say thank you for the support of our families over this term and provide some information about our return in January.

Covid 19

From Tuesday 14 December, a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 was introduced. All adults who are fully vaccinated and children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Once notified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, all eligible staff and students should take an LFD each day for 7 days and report the results through the Online Reporting System and to school. If they test negative, they can continue to attend school. This will continue over the Christmas holiday and on return in January.

If students test positive, they should self-isolate and take a PCR test to confirm the result. If the PCR is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days. If the PCR test is negative, they no longer need to self- isolate but should continue to carry out the remainder of the daily tests, and only need to isolate if it is positive.

If your child has tested positive and they have a sibling in school, then it is advised that the sibling gets a PCR test and stays at home whilst waiting for the test results. If the test is negative and they do not have any symptoms, they can return to school. We ask that for the duration of their positive sibling’s isolation, they take daily LFTs.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:

• wash your hands with soap and water – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Lateral Flow Testing on our return to school.

Current guidance means that all students should have carried out an LFD test before they return to school. To enable this to happen all students should attend school to carry out a supervised test.

Years 9,10 and 11 will be tested on Tuesday 4th Jan and return to school on Wednesday 5th January

Years 7 and 8 will be tested on Wednesday 5th Jan and return to school on Thursday 6th January.

Appointment slots will be sent out by the end of this week.

Face coverings

You will be aware that we recently reintroduced face coverings to all areas of school following a rise in cases. Since we have done this, cases have decreased dramatically in school.

Although there are many variables that may be affecting this drop, we feel it’s the right course to continue with a relatively minor inconvenience that may well be positively contributing to the health of our school community.

Therefore masks will remain in place, in all areas, on our return. We will review this regularly.

Students that are currently exempt will continue to be so.

Rewards

It has been a privilege to be involved in the presentation of rewards to students who have gained the largest number of achievement points this term (list attached) and those who met our 7-day challenge of receiving an achievement point each day for seven days (there are too many of these to list but they all have had their mini prize!). On Friday we will conduct the prize draws for 100 % attendance and the overall winner of the 7 - day challenge to find the lucky winners of new iPad for Christmas.

What a delight our students are!

Festive thank you notes

Our students have spent time over the last two weeks writing thank you messages to staff they feel have helped them this term. It has been wonderful to see students wanting to write these messages and enjoying the process of deciding who they particularly want to thank. It has certainly put a smile on the faces of staff!

Supporting our community

The whole school has pulled together over the past couple of weeks to ensure that we do as much as possible to support people from our local area to have a great Christmas. The annual 'Can Drive' has been highly successful in receiving well over 2000 donations from students to go to our nearby food bank. Congratulations to 10JRO, they were our winning tutor group!

In addition, we have been so excited to receive £15,000 of funding to provide a 'Christmas bonus' food package to many of our families. As I write this letter, the theatre is full to the rafters of food, kindly sent to us by Sainsburys in Kidderminster, being packed and parcelled by our Student Leadership team, ready for distribution. You can read a little more about it on our website at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/news-item/grant-received-to-provide-food-parcels-to-370-students-during-the-festive-period/

Cultural capital events.

Whether it be poetry workshops or visits to the Hive, Think tank, or the pantomime, it has been lovely to see students out enjoying each other’s company, visiting new places and building relationships with staff. We have been very proud of the conduct and manners our students have displayed.

Uniform

Students should return to school in full winter uniform. This includes a jumper, blazer and correct shoes. (https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/uniform/). Students wearing incorrect uniform will be asked to change into items we provide. These items are clean and sanitary and often brand new. Students unwilling to change will be expected to spend their day in behaviour recovery.

I would also take this opportunity to remind students that nose piercings are not allowed. Students will be asked to remove them or remain in behaviour recovery.

As always, we are very grateful for families support that enables us to uphold high uniform expectations.

Year 11

I can’t write to parents and carers without commending the superb efforts Year 11 have made this term. We have been constantly amazed at their resilience and maturity. The younger year groups are lucky to have such good role models at the top of the school. We will work hard to support them as the exams move closer. While they have all been issued with key tasks for Christmas it is important that they strike the balance between preparation and rest. For students who are always working hard, the tasks they have been issued are the only pieces of work they should do, no more is needed at this stage. For those perhaps less likely to over work, by completing these tasks they will know they have made a good effort to remain prepared.

Free School Meal vouchers

Families entitled to Free School Meals will receive a voucher at a value of £30 per student to cover the Christmas period. The vouchers will be sent by email via a link from Edenred and should have been received by 17th December 2021 at the latest.  Please check your spam if you do not believe you have received your voucher.

For those Parents that have opted to have their vouchers posted these will be posted out on Wednesday 15th December. Please email finance@bishopperowne.co.uk with any queries about the vouchers, but please bear in mind that we are closed over the Christmas period.

This voucher is in addition to the 'Christmas Bonus' food package that has been offered to many families.

Breakfast Club

We have been successfully in securing some additional funding for this year to allow us to provide breakfast to all our students in receipt of Free School Meals. This will be provided during morning break and each student eligible for Free School Meals will receive an allowance of 80p. The menu with the prices of items we provide at breakfast is available on our website at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/department/our-canteen/. We will provide a meal deal for Toast and a Drink or a Teacake and a Drink for 80p. Any costs greater than 80p will need to be paid for by parents/carers using ParentPay.

Keeping safe

Please find attached a helpsheet containing a variety of organisations and contacts that can be used to stay safe and seek help should it be needed.

There is also a page for immediate help and support available on our website, accessible either through https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/help-support/ or under the “Parents + Students” menu as “Help + Support outside School”.

We would also like to make you aware of Worcestershire Children First’s Family Hub, offering help and support to Children, Young People, and their families/carers. A link is available from our website under “Pastoral” as “Early Help Provision” (or https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/early-help-provision/) or by visiting directly at https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/familyhub

Christmas Around the World

Finally, we spoke to some of our students who are part of our English as an Additional Language Department to find out about Christmas Traditions elsewhere in the world. If you’d like to learn a little more there is an article on our website at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/news-item/christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/ Hopefully not many of us will be receiving coal on a stick!

As always, thank you for the support of our families and students, it makes such a difference. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and restful Christmas break,

Yours sincerely,

Jane Price

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

When we return from the Christmas break students in Year 8 will “rotate” to new teaching groups in the Performing Arts/Design + Technology “block”.

#Studentname# will have a new timetable waiting for them on their return to school on 6th January, but we are e-mailing these to you now so you are aware of the change.

A copy will also be sent by e-mail to #Studentname# at their school e-mail address.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

The School Immunisation Team will be visiting Bishop Perowne on Wednesday 12th January to offer HPV Vaccinations to Year 8 students. Further information on the HPV vaccination is available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine/

For #Studentname# to receive a vaccination we will require your consent. For preference we would ask you to complete that consent using the online form available at https://www.bishopperowne.co.uk/hpv-vaccination-consent/
This can also be accessed under the “Parents + Students” menu on our Website

We ask that for #Studentname# you use the Student Reference Code of #StudentReferenceCode#

Should you wish to refuse consent the online form can be used to record this and will mean you do not receive reminders from us.

We have attached a letter from the School Immunisation Team regarding the HPV Vaccinations, which contains the answers to some frequently asked questions, along with a PDF copy of their consent form should you prefer to print and complete a hard copy.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #studentname#

Please find attached an important letter from Miss Alexander regarding the Year 8 Cultural Capital visit to The Swan Theatre on Wednesday 15^th December.

Please note the end time of the theatre visit (3.45pm) and that, unless requested, students will be dismissed from the theatre.

As mentioned in the letter, should you wish our staff to escort #studentnam# back to Bishop Perowne after the performance has ended you should complete the form available online at: https://forms.office.com/r/LPUvD89inZ

Should you have any queries regarding the Theatre visit please do contact Miss Alexander by e-mail to alexanderc@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Price containing important information regarding the arrangements for the end of this term.

Thank you

Dear parents/carers,

Firstly, thank you for the support of families and students on the reintroduction of masks last week. The transition back to masks in all indoor areas of the school, including classrooms, was seamless as students were so prepared and understanding.

We will be keeping this measure in place up to the end of term, especially in light of the government's recent announcement that masks are to be made compulsory once more in shops and on public transport. We feel this is one thing we can do to help protect family’s Christmas break.

Testing and Sanitisation

We are very grateful to the NHS who provided us with a ‘pop up’ team of testers on Friday. They had the capacity to test 3 year groups so they were able to test all appropriate students in years 11, 9 and 7. The great news is that all tests were negative.

If I can remind Year 11 students that they should be conducting an LFD test each day until Monday 6th December. A positive LFD results should lead to an immediate PCR test as confirmation.

All other students should be continuing to test twice weekly, on a Sunday and a Wednesday.

As always, students should sanitise their hands regularly, at the start and end of every lesson, and socially distance as often as possible.

Alterations and Cancellations

We have made alterations to our lunch arrangements so that different year groups do not mix indoors. This also means we are unable to offer breakfast at the current time as this involves the mixing of multiple year groups, indoors. We will review this situation as we track case numbers over the next few days.

Unfortunately, as we have to had to cancel all cross-year group extracurricular activities, it has resulted once again in us having to cancel the Christmas Carol concert and pause Matilda rehearsals . Staff are really disappointed to have to take these actions, but we hope you can understand the reasons why.

We remain hopeful that the cultural capital trips for this term will be able to continue as they are single year group activities. We will make final decisions nearer the time of each trip based on case numbers in each relevant year group.

Government Update

Yesterday, Sunday 28th November, we received the following updates to current guidance:

Information for all education and childcare settings on new measures in response to the identification of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK

On Saturday 27 November, the Prime Minister announced new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK. The new measures will be introduced as a precaution to slow down the spread of the variant while we gather more information. We will continue to keep this under review as the situation develops.

Face Coverings

Face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff, visitors and pupils or students in year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.

Pupils or students (in year 7 or above) should continue to wear face coverings on public and dedicated school transport, unless they are exempt.

Testing

All educational and childcare settings should continue to encourage staff and students to test twice weekly using lateral flow device (LFD) tests.

Contact tracing and isolation

The current guidance on contact tracing and isolation remains in place. In addition to these, any suspected or confirmed close contacts of the Omicron variant will be asked to isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status or age. You will be contacted directly and told to isolate.

Vaccination

All eligible staff and students aged 12 and over are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine, including boosters.

Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. They help protect young people and adults, and benefit those around them. Vaccination makes people less likely to catch the virus and less likely to pass it on.

To book a vaccination, please visit: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

Please do not hesitate to contact me on pricej@bishopperowne.co.uk if you have any questions or concerns.

Once again, we remain thankful for the huge support of so many of our families. It is greatly appreciated as we make these challenging decisions.

Dear parent/carer

Due to rising cases of COVID over the past few days we have today taken advice from the Public Health Local Outbreak Response Team. Our own cases have largely been within our Year 11 cohort.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the changes to our operating procedures in light of the rise in cases.

The setting remains open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend as normal.

Below are the alterations we are making to ensure the safety of all. This e-mail ends with some important reminders, and contact details should you need isolation support.

Masks

Masks are to be reinstated in all classrooms and communal areas from tomorrow (Friday 26^th November). We will keep this in place until the Christmas holidays. Mask will be available in school for those unable to source them. Students who have previously been exempt from mask wearing will continue to be exempt.

Testing

A team is arriving in school tomorrow (Friday 26^th November) to conduct LFD testing across Year 11. Consent for testing will carry over from previous testing sessions. Parents/carers do not need to reissue consent. Students for whom we do not have consent or have had a positive PCR test in the last 90 days will not be tested.

If the testing team has capacity they will also test Year 7 and Year 9 students, as they are the year groups with the next highest numbers of cases.

Should a student test positive on a LFD test they should now self-isolate immediately, taking a confirmatory PCR test within 2 days. If this confirmatory PCR test is negative a student can end their self-isolation and return to school.

All Year 11 students and all staff are asked to LFD daily for the next ten days. Today all Year 11 students were issued with additional testing kits.

Any student or family member who has been in close contact with a confirmed case (that they know of - we cannot release names) should get a PCR test, whether or not they are symptomatic.

Sanitisation

We will continue to sanitise at start and end of every lesson.

Ventilation

We will continue to keep doors and windows open. Students may now keep coats on in lessons. Where possible CO2 monitors will be used to check levels in classrooms.

CEV students

Should you need to, we ask that parents/carers of clinically extremely vulnerable students consult with their specialists and contact school following that consultation.

Remote learning

We will continue to provide work through Microsoft Teams for any self-isolating students.

Social Times:

We will review this, but it is likely we will separate year group canteens and dining areas.

Students can continue to use outdoor spaces as normal.

Assemblies

Cross year group assemblies will not happen in the immediate future.

Single year group assemblies can continue as long as students are masked and as long as that year group has a low number of Covid cases. For the immediate future there will be no Year 11 assemblies.

Behaviour Recovery

Students will remain boothed, but asked to wear masks. Equipment will be sanitised after each student’s use.

The room is ventilated with open door and windows onto corridor. A CO2 monitor will be present in the room.

Trips and visits

We are unable to offer any external visits or visitors for Year 11 students for the immediate future.

Year 7 to 10 external visits and visitors will be kept under review, but can continue as long as the number of Covid cases in a year group remain low and the destination/visitor is happy to continue.

Extra-curricular activities

Single year group clubs will continue. Cross year group club will stop for the immediate future.

Assessments

Tomorrow's sports hall assessments will continue, with a sanitary 'fogging' of the room after each assessment.

Sharing of items

Equipment that is handled across year groups (PE, science etc) will be sanitised between use.

Attendance

Attendance at school remains mandatory unless your son/daughter is unwell, awaiting the results of a PCR test or self isolating due to positive PCR test.

 Reminders

• Please do wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds, before drying your hands thoroughly.
• Use hand sanitiser gel where soap and water are not available.
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home.
• If you are coughing or sneezing do cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, sleeve, or crook of your elbow when doing so.
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately, washing your hands afterwards.

Isolation Support – Here2Help

There continues to be additional support for those self-isolating or vulnerable as a result of Covid-19. This can be accessed through Here2Help

Here2Help is available at https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or by phone to 01905 768 053 – Option 3.

The Here2Help opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9am until 5pm and on Friday from 9am to 4.30pm

Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail to pricej@bishopperowne.co.uk should you have questions or concerns,

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mr Reeves regarding the Year 08 Cultural Capital Visits.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

One of the most effective ways to fulfil academic potential, is to set, and work towards, an aspirational target.  Recently #Studentname# has attended an assembly to help understand how best to set such a target; however, this process is most beneficial when it can be discussed at home.

We are going to ask that for each subject you help in deciding what #Studentname# should be working towards.  This grade will be referred to often in class and over time, through discussion with their class teacher, #Studentname# will begin to understand exactly what they needs to do in order to achieve it.

Below is a table of #Studentname# subjects showing their PPN, MinTarget and space for you to start thinking together about a NewTarget.

#Studentname# has been emailed a copy of this email, which also includes a link where they will be able to submit their NewTarget where it exceeds the MinTarget.

PPN

Present Predicted Number.  Using all of the assessment information available to us, the PPN represents the centre of the range of grades historically achieved at the end of Year 11, by those with similar current assessment scores.  This gives you a perspective, in a national context, of where #Studentname# is in the subject - it should be noted that many students would go on to exceed (although equally many would not achieve) this grade.

MinTarget

Minimum Target Grade.  This is the default target grade, and will be used unless changed by you and #Studentname#.  There are two factors used in generating the Minimum Target: first, we believe no student (regardless of prior assessment scores) should ever have a target of less than grade 4; second, we do not believe Bishop Perowne is an average school and in particular that none of our students are.  The MinTarget represents above average progress from #Studentname#'s starting point.

NewTarget

You and #Studentname#'s own judgement on what you think the target should be.  While the MinTarget can be considered aspirational in that it aims at above the typical progress made from the same starting point, it is blindly generated.  This means it does not take into account a true passion for the subject, or that a certain grade is needed to take the next step in college or beyond.  Exceptional progress is possible when a student is truly motivated and has the support from home.  A target set here will be used to hold #Studentname# to account and ensure at every step between now and the final Year 11 exams #Studentname# understands what they need to do to succeed.

If you have any questions, or the information is unclear, please email me directly on: fordm@bishopperowne.co.uk

Dear parent/carer

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Peters, Director of Music, about the range of individual music lessons available to students.

Should you be interested in a student or students receiving instrumental lessons please would you complete the reply form, which is available at  https://forms.office.com/r/PVkUumv8Pf

If you have any queries regarding instrumental lessons then these should be directed to Mrs Peters by e-mail to petersd@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer,

As you may be aware from the local and national news, there is current widespread trend amongst secondary school students to post videos and images related to their schools on tik tok.

Unfortunately our school has become caught up in this trend. Many of these videos are harmless, but there are also a significant number that name teachers and are insulting and offensive in nature. In addition, the comments made on the posts range from homophobic to just plain nasty.

As I am sure our families would agree, no teacher should be subjected to this type of abuse. Our teachers, in particular, go above and beyond to support the students of our school.

Where possible we will try to find out who has posted the offensive comments and videos, and we will then sanction firmly.

We would also remind students that no mobile phones should be brought into school. If they are needed for travel into and out of school they should be handed in to student services for safekeeping. Any phone used or seen in school will be confiscated. If we believe it may have been used to participate in the type of behaviour we have outlined above then the phone will not be returned to the student until a responsible adult can collect it in person.

We would ask that our students help in this matter by telling us if they know who is behind these anonymous accounts. They can do this quietly and discreetly by speaking to any member of staff privately. Even more importantly we ask students to refuse to engage with these posts or make offensive comments in relation to them.

As a community we aim to look after one another as best we all can. The overwhelmingly majority of our students are appalled by some of the abuse that has been posted by a small minority, and I know our staff are appreciative of their support. We are so proud of the manners and care displayed by so many of our students that it makes this type of negative behaviour from a few even harder to accept.

I would be very grateful if parents and carers would feel able to have conversations at home about the impact of this type of behaviour on the staff of their school.

I am very aware that by writing to you I risk simply drawing more attention to a handful of student’s poor behaviour, but unfortunately the distress caused to some of our staff this week means it feels the right thing to ask for your help in stopping this.

As always, thank you for your support

Dear parent/carer

Following the Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic held on our site yesterday the South Worcestershire Healthcare team have asked us to send you the attached letter.

The letter is relevant only to parents and carers of those students who have not yet received a vaccination, whether through absence yesterday or due to another reason.  Unfortunately we are unable to target this specific group of parents and carers, so apologise for taking your time if it is not relevant to you.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

Tomorrow we are hosting the Covid-19 vaccinations team.

The vaccinations team have asked that, for students receiving the vaccination, where already they have a short sleeved school shirt they wear it to school. This however is not an essential requirement, we do not wish parents to have to buy a new shirt for a vaccination!

The vaccinations team have also asked that students wear facemasks while they are in the vaccination area. These will be supplied by the vaccinations team.

Should students be exempt from wearing a mask then they will just need to let the vaccinations team know when they arrive at the vaccination area.

Students will be told by their lesson teachers when they should leave to get their Covid vaccinations, but as a rough guide:

Year 7 students will have vaccinations during Session 3

Year 8 students will have vaccinations during Session 4

Year 9 students will have vaccinations during Session 1

Year 10 students will have vaccinations during Session 2

Year 11 students will have vaccinations during Session 3

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Further to our e-mail below, this is a general reminder to all parents asking you to complete the online form at https://midlands.schoolvaccination.uk/covid/2021/Worcestershire which will allow you to either give or refuse your consent to #Studentname# receiving the Covid-19 vaccination in school on Wednesday 10^th November.

Unfortunately we are unable to target this reminder, and so if you have already completed this form there is no need for you to do so again and we apologise for troubling you.

Forms should be completed by Monday 8^th November.

Should you have any queries regarding specific circumstances that relate to #Studentname# please direct these to the vaccination team at worcestershire@v-uk.co.uk

As before – we ask that our parents, carers, and students are respectful of each other’s choices and where possible minimise debate between themselves both in school and on social media.

Thank you

We have now received details from Vaccination UK as to the Covid-19 vaccination offer to students.

Their letter to parents and carers is attached, but you will note that no date is given in the letter.  Covid-19 vaccinations will be available to students in school on Wednesday 10^th November, and only to students who are aged 12 or above on that day. Please note that these vaccinations, and the consent for them, are separate to the influenza vaccinations on Monday 15^th November.

The letter also gives links to two lots of information – one for parents/carers and the second for students. Again, we suggest that parents/carers read through the information in these links. We do not have trained medical professionals in school who are able to answer questions on the vaccination and so we ask that any feedback or questions are directed to the vaccination team at Worcestershire@v-uk.co.uk

Should you consent to #Studentname# receiving the Covid-19 vaccination you will need to complete an online form before Monday 8^th November. This form is available at https://midlands.schoolvaccination.uk/covid/2021/Worcestershire

The form also gives the option to actively refuse consent (rather than not complete the consent form) and so suggest that parents/carers who do not wish to consent still complete the form, as for the flu vaccination.

Please note that as these electronic forms are handled solely by Vaccinations UK we are unable to monitor which parents/carers have consented or not.  We will therefore have to send a reminder to all parents/carers on our return from the half term break.

Finally, we are aware that Covid-19 vaccinations for students is a subject which can bring about questions and strong debate. We ask that our parents, carers, and students are respectful of each other’s choices and where possible minimise debate between themselves both in school and on social media.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Please find attached a letter from Mr Reeves regarding the upcoming Year 8 assessments.

Should you have any queries please would you direct these to Mr Reeves at reeves@bishopperowne.co.uk

Thank you

Dear parent/carer

As mentioned in the e-mail from Mrs Price at the end of the half term, it would be appreciated if students were to take a Lateral Flow Test today (Sunday 31st October) before returning to school on Monday.

You (and students) may also wish to be reminded that the week commencing 1st November will be a Week B on our timetable.

Thank you.

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Please find attached proof copies of the photograph(s) taken of #Studentname#. As well as having had a watermark placed over them, the copies attached are greatly reduced in quality and resolution from the original images (which are 6000 by 4000 pixels, and around 7MB to 8MB each in size).

Each student was given the opportunity to have at least 3 photographs taken if they wished, although in some cases (at the student’s request) there may be fewer and in other cases more (where the student was keen/willing and the time permitted)

If you wish to purchase digital copies of the original image(s) you may do so for £3 by making a payment through Parentpay and selecting the “College Photographs” payment item. In the notes field please enter the e-mail address you would like us to send the photographs to. We will then arrange to send the digital copies to you by e-mail so that you may have them printed at your own cost, if you wish, or otherwise use/share them as you see fit.

Please be aware that the delivery of the photographs is not automated and so will not be immediate. We will endeavour to send them out in batches at least once per week.  In addition, each photograph will be sent in a separate e-mail so as to minimise the risk of them being rejected by your e-mail account.

Our feedback from students and staff has been that the process of taking the photographs this year was both more pleasant and enjoyable than in previous years when using an external provider, with many students enjoying the opportunity to have several photographs taken and also take an extra photo with a pose (and in some cases, a self-supplied prop!) of their choice. If you, or your student, would like to give any feedback please do feel free to do so in response to this e-mail.

Thank you, and we hope you enjoy seeing the photographs of #Studentname#

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

After the half-term break students in Year 8 are rotating between classes in DT/Performing Arts.

A printed copy of the timetable will be waiting in morning tutor for #Studentname# on their return but, should it be of help, a PDF copy is attached for your reference.

A copy will also be sent to #Studentname# at their school e-mail address.

Thank you

Dear parents and carers,

I write to round off the first half term of this school year, and share a number of matters and upcoming events you should be aware of.

COVID

As a school we have been extremely lucky to have had very low numbers of confirmed cases in our immediate community throughout this half term. For the health and wellbeing of all, and the education of our students, long may it continue.  We do however send our best wishes to everyone who has been unwell this half term.

We ask that where possible you do ensure students keep testing regularly. Students are being provided with more test kits today and they should test three times over the holidays: the coming Sunday, Wednesday, and the Sunday before returning to school.

We continue to watch government guidance carefully for any changes, to ensure we are following advice in terms of managing our site as safely as possible for all.

As we have already communicated to parents of eligible students, Vaccinations UK are visiting us on Wednesday 10^th November to offer Covid-19 vaccinations.  To be eligible students must be aged 12 or older on the day.  The whole process is being managed by Vaccinations UK with consents being given, or withheld, electronically through their own website. We ask that where possible you complete their online form to indicate either your consent, or lack of, for each eligible student you have at the school. We will send a final reminder to all parents/carers on our return from the half term break. Unfortunately we will be unable to target this at just those parents/carers who have not yet responded.

On the subject of vaccinations, we are also being visited by the local vaccinations team who are administering the Flu Vaccinations on Monday 15^th November. For these vaccinations we have been handling and processing the consent forms for students and after half term we will send a final prompt to parents/carers of students we have not yet received a response from. For those who have enquired, we have received assurance from the vaccinations teams that the timing of the Flu Vaccination in relation to the Covid-19 vaccination raises no concern

Finally, please find attached to this letter a 'winter resilience' information sheet giving pointers as to how to stay well.

Year 7

We have been so impressed with the start our new Year 7 students have made with us. They have taken to the routines and systems with ease, risen to the challenge of showing good manners consistently, are showing lots of exciting potential for the future, and are loving their Golden Tickets!

We welcome Mr Brown who has now started in his role as Head of Year 7 and thank Mr Watts for the work he did to support Year 7 over this first half term.

When we return from the half term break Year 7 students will be involved in CAT4 testing.  A letter regarding these tests is attached, and as expressed in the letter please rest assured it is neither something students need to worry about or revise for.

We will also be holding our “settling in” evening for parents of students in Year 7 on Wednesday 3^rd November . You should have already received the letter inviting you to book an appointment for this, but we have also attached this again for your reference. Our thanks to those parents who completed the short survey helping us decide how to hold the evening and letting us know some of the extra staff you hoped to meet.

Year 11

At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 11 students have started their final year with a commendable work ethic and attitude. They have already sat 'Walking, Talking Mock exams' for English and Maths, and in each their behaviour and effort was exemplary. Again, we are excited for what they will achieve this year.

A gentle reminder that PPE week starts on Monday 15th November so students should be striking that careful balance between rest and revision over the break. Again, you should have received notice about this already but please do contact us if it has gone missing.

We hope that those of you who attended our revision evening earlier this week found the event useful.

Routines and Systems

We continue to have a strong focus on good manners and “STAR” behaviour. This is giving us calm corridors and settled classrooms. We are grateful to all of our students and staff for working so hard on these simple things that make such a difference.

We are aware that, while we prefer students to sit detentions on the day that they have been issued, the notification time can cause some issues for parents. As such, from the next half term we will bring forward the detentions process so you should receive messages before 1pm if a student is due to sit detention on that day.

Improving the experience of our students

We are conducting a series of school wide surveys this term, gathering information on sensitive topics.

Students have already participated in a survey on their experience of racism, and we will be carrying out similar investigations around student's experiences of sexual harassment ( Years 8 - 11) and LGBTQ+ equality across the next half term.

At times we will also be asking parents for their views, and we would be grateful for your input.

We will use this information to plan the next steps in our processes to tackle these important areas.

Worcestershire county council SEND inspection.

Ofsted are soon to be conducting an inspection of Worcestershire local authorities SEND provision. If you would like to give your views on the service provided to SEND students by Worcestershire LA ( as opposed to the school), please find attached a letter detailing how this can be done.

A thorny issue

Unfortunately, since our reopening following the lockdowns and school closures, there has been a noticeable escalation in the volume of aggressive interactions staff are having to manage with parents. While we understand that the last 2 years have been challenging for all, and that concern about their child will lead to parents being in a heightened state, I'm sure you would join me in saying that I can never condone rude, aggressive, or threatening behaviour towards my staff.

We are extremely fortunate at Bishop Perowne to have staff that go above and beyond every day (and often into the evenings) to support our young people but is inevitable that, at times, issues will occur. We also work hard to operate an open-door policy meaning you should be able to discuss your concerns easily with us. If I am at all concerned about a parent's manner towards staff, I will ask them to direct their communication towards myself or Mr Lewis, the deputy headteacher, so we can manage it accordingly.

As always, a huge thank you to the overwhelming majority of families who work so productively and positively with us. It is greatly appreciated.

Staying safe

Please find attached to this letter a fact sheet detailing a variety of organisations that can be contacted over the holiday should you need help in any area.

Finally, a big thank you to all of our fabulous students for such a successful half term. Enjoy your break and have a well deserved rest!

We look forward to seeing everyone again on the 1st of November.

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Please find attached a letter from Mrs Horovitz, Head of PSRE, regarding the school PSRE course.

Also attached is an overview of the topics, and when they will be taught, for each year group.

Should you have any queries regarding the PSRE course please, in the first instance, contact Mrs Horovitz directly by e-mail to horovitzh@bishopperowne.co.uk

Our Sex and Relationships Policy can be found on our website.

Should you, having read the attached letter, overview of topics, our policy and, where relevant, the statutory guidance we work under, wish to withdraw #Studentname# from the sex education elements of the PSRE curriculum would you please do so either via the online form available at https://forms.office.com/r/QnVheir59T or by completing the attached form and returned either to our reception or student services. Please be reminded that “student mail” is not always the most reliable!

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

We have now received details from Vaccination UK as to the Covid-19 vaccination offer to students.

Their letter to parents and carers is attached, but you will note that no date is given in the letter.  Covid-19 vaccinations will be available to students in school on Wednesday 10^th November, and only to students who are aged 12 or above on that day. Please note that these vaccinations, and the consent for them, are separate to the influenza vaccinations on Monday 15^th November.

The letter also gives links to two lots of information – one for parents/carers and the second for students. Again, we suggest that parents/carers read through the information in these links. We do not have trained medical professionals in school who are able to answer questions on the vaccination and so we ask that any feedback or questions are directed to the vaccination team at Worcestershire@v-uk.co.uk

Should you consent to #Studentname# receiving the Covid-19 vaccination you will need to complete an online form before Monday 8^th November. This form is available at https://midlands.schoolvaccination.uk/covid/2021/Worcestershire

The form also gives the option to actively refuse consent (rather than not complete the consent form) and so suggest that parents/carers who do not wish to consent still complete the form, as for the flu vaccination.

Please note that as these electronic forms are handled solely by Vaccinations UK we are unable to monitor which parents/carers have consented or not.  We will therefore have to send a reminder to all parents/carers on our return from the half term break.

Finally, we are aware that Covid-19 vaccinations for students is a subject which can bring about questions and strong debate. We ask that our parents, carers, and students are respectful of each other’s choices and where possible minimise debate between themselves both in school and on social media.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

On Monday 15^th November NHS England will be in school offering the Influenza (Nasal Flu) immunisation to students. By Monday 8^th November we will need to know whether or not you consent for #Studentname# to receive that immunisation.

You can indicate your consent or refusal for #Studentname# by either:

• Completing this online form https://forms.office.com/r/V7xfX6pcUC (where possible please use the Student Reference Code of: #StudentCode#)
• Printing, completing and returning to us the attached PDF.
• Collecting a printed copy from our reception before completing and returning it to us.

Should you have several students at the school you will need to complete a form for each one. For online forms each student will have their own unique code you should use.

Due to the number of students involved it will NOT be possible for nurses to contact parents/carers on the day for verbal consent.

Finally, please note that this is NOT a combined Influenza immunisation / Covid-19 vaccination. As and when we receive information regarding an offer of Covid-19 vaccinations to students we will contact you again.

Should you have any questions about the immunisation please direct these to Ms Ritchie (ritchiek@bishopperowne.co.uk) in the first instance.

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

To ensure that we have up to date information on all of our students with regard to any allergies, medical conditions, and their GP practice we have attached a form we would like you to complete for #Studentname#.

The easiest and quickest way to complete the form is online, at https://forms.office.com/r/bePhf0QupW

While not required, we do ask that where possible you use the Student Reference Code for #Studentname# which is #StudentCode#.

Should you have several students at the school they will all have their own unique reference code.

If #Studentname# does not have any allergies or medical conditions we ask that you still complete the form. It will, however, ask far fewer questions of you and should only take one minute of your time.

Alternatively, you may either print and complete the attached pdf document, collect a printed copy from our reception, or ask #Studentname# to collect a form from student services. Printed forms should be returned to either our main reception or student services.

Thank you

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

We wanted to make you aware that on #Date# #Studentname# will be having their college photograph taken. Should you also have students in other year groups details regarding their photographs will follow in due course.

Previously we have used external photographers, which has caused some disruption on the day itself and meant that if a student is unable to attend on that day their parents/carers will not be able to purchase a photograph. We are also aware that the cost to parents of these photographs can be high.

This year we have elected to have the photographs taken in house, still using a professional backdrop and equipment. Should #Studentname# not be in school on the day we will look to arrange a catch-up session where they can have their photograph taken later in the month.

Each student will have several images taken which will be available as a set to parents/carers, in digital form, for a nominal fee of £3. You will then be free to distribute and print the images as you wish.  As professional prints can be ordered online, or on the high street, for less than 50 pence we hope this will be a welcome and significant cost saving.  We will provide proofs of the images and details on how to obtain the photographs at a later date, by e-mail.

Thank you as always for your support.

Dear parents/carers

In light of the forecast hot weather over the coming days, and the chance of other periods of warm weather over the next few weeks, students do not have to wear a school jumper until they return from the October half term.

Students must have a blazer with them at all times.

Natural colour tights may also be worn until the return from October half term.

Dear parent/carer of #Studentname#

Please find attached the timetable for #Studentname# for the start of this academic year. Printed copies and planners will be available to students in school on Monday.

We have also sent copies of timetables to students at their school e-mail address.

As a reminder, on Monday #Studentname# should arrive in school by #ArrivalTime#.

#Studentname#'s tutor group is #TutorGroup# and will be based in #TutorRoom#.

Please do check #Studentname# knows which lessons they will have on Monday so that they can have the appropriate kit and equipment with them.

Should #Studentname# have any queries about their timetable please ask them to save these for Monday and, in the first instance, ask their tutor and/or head of year.

We look forward to seeing all students return on Monday.

Dear parents/carers,

I hope everyone has had a lovely summer. We are looking forward to welcoming our students, old and new, into school next week.

I thought it would be prudent to remind you of a number of items from my e-mail of July 21^st, as well as give some updates

Covid testing

Current guidance requests that students have two LFD tests at the start of the new term, spaced 3-5 days apart. We are asking students to attend school for their first test on one of the TEDs.

You should have already received your appointment times, but please see a reminder below:

Year 7 – Thursday 2^nd September at Noon

Year 8 – Friday 3^rd September at 1pm

Year 9 – Friday 3^rd September at 11am

Year 10 – Friday 3^rd September at 9am

Year 11 – Thursday 2^nd September at 10am

Students should arrive at the Sports Hall around 10 minutes before the test time, using the East Gate, and do not have to wear uniform for these tests.

Students will take their second tests during the school day in the first week of term.

Reopening guidance

Although this is subject to change (should we receive any updated advice in the next few days), the following is how we intend to start in September 2021:

• Bubbles are no longer needed.
• Face coverings will not be advised for classrooms, communal areas, school or public transport. However, in an outbreak situation Public Health may advise face coverings as a temporary measure.
• Students will no longer need to self-isolate if identified as a close contact but they will be advised to undertake a PCR test.
• Students will be tested twice on-site using LFD tests (3-5 days apart) on return to school.
• Students should continue twice weekly LFD testing at least until the end of September.

Please click this link to view the latest guidance we have been given.

Attendance at school

All students are expected to return to school, on time, to continue their education from Monday 6 September 2021. The Government has made it clear that school attendance is compulsory. Therefore, all our students should be aiming for 100% attendance over this academic year.

Start times

On Monday 6^th September

• Year 7 students should arrive for 8.30am on Monday 6th September, entering through the East car park gate or East pedestrian gate. There will be plenty of staff available to guide and help them. They will be shown to the playground where they will meet their tutors.
• Year 8 to 11 students should arrive from 10.40am for an 11.00am start. Students in Year 8 -11 go straight to their tutor room at 11.00am.

From Tuesday 7th September, all students start at the usual time of 8.30am.

Upcoming Communications

• Reminders of tutor rooms, and copies of timetables for the start of term, will be sent out at the end of this week to parents/carers and students.
• By the end of this week we will send details of how to log in to ParentPay to parents/carers of our new starters, as well as those who have not registered with the service.
• Next week we will send registration details for the “SIMS Parent” app, which allows you to monitor your student’s attendance and behaviour as well as view their timetable and confirm/update student records, to those parents who are not currently registered.

Entry to school

Our building work is now well underway, meaning the West gate is longer an access point for students.

All students should enter school through the East carpark gate or East pedestrian gate. We ask that parents remember that the East side of the school will be exceedingly busy for the next 12 months, so please only drive your son/daughter to school is there is no alternative.  If driving then, where possible, we ask you drop students off slightly further way from the school gates. This will help keep the front car park a safe place for the larger than usual number of students using this entrance each morning.

Building works

The work completed over the summer means that we now have access to three new classrooms and an updated, more secure, reception area. A new intervention suite is due to be completed during the first half term. Work on the new dining area, music dept and remaining teaching spaces has now begun in earnest. We are all keen to see the finished product in approximately 12 months time.

Adjustment to term dates for 2021/2022

In order to recognise the additional bank holiday granted next year, as a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we will now close to students one day earlier than originally scheduled, on Wednesday 20^th July. A full copy of the term dates for next year has been attached to this e-mail for your reference.

Uniform

Students will return to changing for their PE lessons from the start of this term. This means they must come to school each day wearing their school uniform and bring their kit with them in a separate bag.

We attach to this email, as a reminder, our school uniform rules. We would ask that you pay particular attention to the expectations around shoes and body piercings, as we find that these are areas that can cause problems following a break.

I would also ask parents to read the attached letter around an amendment to skirt choices.

A reminder that our PE kit is changing, however our previous kit is still acceptable. There is no need to purchase new, until the old kit no longer fits!

We will be checking uniform very carefully at the start of term, please let us know if you have experienced any issues purchasing the correct items before the start of term.

Change to our Mobile Phone policy

Please see the attached letter regarding a change to our mobile phone policy from September. In brief, students will no longer be allowed to have or use their mobile phones anywhere on the school site, but I do urge you to read the letter in full. Current students have already been well briefed on this expectation, and the new policy can be found in full on the school website should you wish to review it in full.  We thank parents/carers in advance for their understanding and support in this matter, which we believe will have a significant impact on students’ well-being whilst in school.

Detentions on Mondays

Detentions will no longer be held on a Monday, to allow all staff to attend our professional development sessions. This means that a sanction accrued on a Monday would ‘roll over’ and be sat on a Tuesday evening.  All other days continue with the ‘same day’ policy in terms of serving detentions.

Dear parent/carer

As part of the return to school process, we are asking students to take two Covid-19 Lateral Flow tests.  While the second of these will be taken during the school day, we are asking students to come in to take the first test in-school before the term starts.

Testing will take place in the Sports Hall under supervision, although students will test themselves and we will have a team on hand to record the results. They should enter the school through the East Gate (the “Car Park” side) and proceed directly to the sports hall around ten minutes prior to the test time.

We are asking students to attend with others from their year group and the times of the testing for each year group follow at the end of this e-mail.

At present we do have consent to test your child, and so no further action is required other than to ask your son/daughter to attend on the appropriate day and time. Should you wish to withdraw this consent you will need to complete the form which is available on our website.

Finally, should you have any queries regarding the testing please would you contact ramsdenr@bishopperowne.co.uk – the mailbox for this e-mail address is usually unmonitored.

Thank you

Testing Schedule

Year 7 – Thursday 2^nd September at Noon

Year 8 – Friday 3^rd September at 1pm

Year 9 – Friday 3^rd September at 11am

Year 10 – Friday 3^rd September at 9am

Year 11 – Thursday 2^nd September at 10am