Dear Parent/Carer,
As we are now moving on towards the end of the year, I would like to outline a few important events that are happening over the next fortnight. Firstly though, I wanted to say how well our Careers in the NHS went on Friday. Our Year 8 students were entertained, educated and informed by an, 'NHS Theatre in Education visiting performance'. It gave real insight into the myriad of jobs, careers and progression routes that are available to students within the NHS that aren't just medically related. Our Year 8 students were really engaged and it certainly gave them ideas for future aspirations which, of course, it is never too early for!
Parents’ Meetings regarding School Closure
As you will all know, the parents meetings with regards to the school closure are happening this week. Thank you for registering to attend and supplying your questions in advance. You should all have now had an email from the school confirming your choice of evening. I know that many parents have had to choose the alternative evening than their Key Stages dictated, so we will look to cover the full range of issues on both nights.
Just a reminder that the times of the event are:
Tuesday 12th December 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Wednesday 13th December 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Don’t worry if you are late coming from work, we will have people to take you through from reception when you arrive. I am happy to stay behind at the end of the evening to discuss issues with those who have missed the start.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening
Year 11 parent/carer subject teacher evening Thursday 14th December 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm
We look forward to seeing the parents/carers of our Year 11 students in person (or virtually) next week at our Year 11 parent/carer subject teacher evening on Thursday 14th December. If you have not yet made appointments to see your child's teacher, there is still time as the SchoolCloud booking system is still open and does not close until noon on Wednesday 13th December. If you have any queries regarding the booking of appointments please email Caroline Chirnside (cchirnside@jesmondparkacademy.org.uk).
Christmas Performances
Just another reminder that our Christmas Shows coming up in the last week of term:
- Monday 18th December at 5.30 pm: Nightmare Before Christmas (Drama Production)
- Wednesday 20th December at 6.00 pm: Musical Showcase
We will communicate further information on our website regarding these forthcoming performances and we look forward to seeing our parent/carers and their families there.
Christmas Lunch
Our Christmas Lunch has been organised for Tuesday 19th December and we have extended the lunchtime to make sure that we have enough time to enjoy the occasion. As the kitchens will be incredibly busy, we will only be offering sandwiches or a Halal chicken alternative so please bring a packed lunch if these are not suitable.
Christmas Jumper Day
On Thursday 21st December, we will be supporting Save the Children charity by having a Christmas jumper day. Children wishing to join in this are asked to make a donation on their way into school, anything from ten pence to a pound. Although this is officially a Christmas jumper day, there is no need to buy a new jumper as we have merely suspended school uniform jumpers and polo shirts for the day. If you do not have a Christmas jumper, feel free to wear something else, or maybe accessorize or modify an existing piece of clothing with decorations. The government are match funding whatever the school raises so we are hopeful of making a big donation this year. The PRAISE code will be applied on Thursday as usual to all other areas of school uniform, including trousers, skirts shoes, make up, jewellery etc.
PRAISE Certificates and Rewards
During lesson 4a on Thursday 21st December, students will be with their Form Tutor and PRAISE chocolate and certificates will be given out to those with the requisite number of PRAISE stamps in the term. Sixth Form students have the opportunity to join in Sixth Form activities in the Sixth Form Library.
There will not be a school lunch on Thursday 21st December as students will be dismissed at 12.10 pm for years 7-9 and 12.15 pm for years 10 and 11. Free School Meals can still be collected from the restaurant at 12.10 pm.
Christmas Services
Father Jonathan wanted me to point out that the following Christmas services are taking place at St Gabriel’s Church in Heaton:
Saturday 23rd December 6pm - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday 24th December, Christmas Eve 5.30pm - Crib Service and 11.30pm Midnight Mass (incense is used)
Monday, 25th December, Christmas Day 8am - Holy Eucharist and 9.45am All Age Eucharist with carols
Sunday, 31st December, New Year’s Eve 8am - Holy Eucharist and 9.45am Parish Eucharist
If I don’t write next week, then enjoy the time with your family and friends and we look forward to the students returning to their studies in the New Year for a normal school day on Monday 8th January, energised for the hard work ahead!
Warm regards,
STEVE CAMPBELL
PRINCIPAL