Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to a major administration error by Flamingo Land (Not JPA's fault) we are no longer able to go to Flamingo Land on Thursday 17 July 2025.

We only found this out last Friday morning - and even then, it was not confirmed by Flamingo Land until Monday after school, that they were definitely not able to accommodate our booking. You will recall we made this booking with them back in January 2025 after we discovered that the Kingswood Activity Centre had gone into administration!

However, thanks to our Finance Officer, Lyndsey Jennings, being absolutely brilliant, we have been able to secure enough buses - even at this late stage - to take us on Tuesday 15 July 2025 instead.

This means that all school-based activities and 'non-booking required’ activities will now take place on Tuesday 15 July 2025.

Due to this beyond our control uncertainty, we have not issued final letters to students regarding this trip. We will now issue letters to students going on this trip on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Obviously, there will be some paperwork to return. In terms of advance planning for parents/carers for Flamingo Land, it will be a normal start time, and it is anticipated that students will return to school approximately 6:00pm - 6:30pm - exact details will follow in the letter.

Note:

• If your child is due to go to the Chocolate trip to York, this will still take place on Thursday 17 July 2025.

• The Sill & Gibside trips will still take place on the Thursday 17 July 2025 too. (Numbers permitting; at the time of writing, there have been insufficient numbers showing interest for this to possibly go ahead.) We do not anticipate this changing the enjoyment of the day for our students, whether they are on a trip or they are enjoying in school activities.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Nigel Holmes

Deputy Principal

Curriculum

Jesmond Park Academy celebrated Refugee Week with a visit to Newcastle Civic Centre on Wednesday. JPA represented the Schools of Sanctuary, in an event titled Stories of Sanctuary - hearing from people who have come to live and be part of life in Newcastle and the journey they have undertaken to be here.

There was Persian guitar from Aslan Mehraban, live painting by Hesam Moshfegh and textiles with Somayeh Oji. The close of the event saw a Tai-Haku Tree of Sanctuary being planted outside the Civic Centre, whilst JPA’s very own Kaijani read a poem titled A Refugee written by Roua Horanieh.

Mr Lovatt, EAL Practitioner, said, “This is our first Refugee Week as a School of Sanctuary. As a school we are a key part of the community, and from the outset we’ve made it clear at JPA that everyone is welcome here. We love being able to share our values at events like this.”

More information about Refugee Week can be found online at www.refugeeweek.org.uk

Dear Parent/Carers,

We have had an unprecedented number of students applying to go on the school ski trip.  I have delayed sending out confirmation letters while I try to secure extra places on the trip with the ski company.  This information has been shared with students in school via the street screens and has been placed on the school website.

On the original letter it stated that if your child receives a place on the ski trip they will be informed in writing.  It is only after this time that you will be able to see an option on Scopay to pay the deposit.  I intend to give confirmation letters out on Friday during registration and to push the deadline back for deposits until Monday 23rd June. Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

Mr Underhay.

Former Heaton Manor School student helps raise awareness and understanding on Social Mobility Day.

Last night marked the final game for our girls' tennis teams and the penultimate game for the boys. They faced RGS in a series of very competitive and closely contested matches. It was exciting to witness some excellent tennis on display.

This season was the first time some of our girls participated in competitive tennis, and it was wonderful to see their growth and ability to compete. The boys narrowly lost in a tense playoff tie-break, with both teams winning three matches each. Next up for both boys' teams is St. Cuthbert's.

Good luck, lads, and well done, girls! Here’s to next season!