Whole School Newsletter - 22-03-2024

Friday 22^nd March 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

The theme of this week has been integrity and knowledge.  Integrity is one of our three core values alongside equality and commitment.

We have continued to work with students and staff to embed our RISE culture. The four elements of RISE are being respectful, independent, safe and equipped.

Behaviour for Learning and culture in school

The RISE approach has been the foundation of our new Behaviour for Learning policy, which was ratified by our full Governing Body yesterday. The new policy is much simpler and clearer than our existing policy and will be implemented from Monday 8^th April. All students will be taken through the new policy in extended assemblies on that morning.  

We began working on ways to improve the culture in school last summer. We want to strengthen relationships across the school between students, staff and our families. We know, that when we work effectively with our students and their carers, we can support them to achieve their best.

This new policy is the culmination of a significant consultation and we are extremely grateful to the students and staff who were part of the working parties that shaped this new approach.

In addition to the new Behaviour for Learning policy, we have changed our school uniform guidance. This is in response to feedback from parents, carers and students. The new policy includes the introduction of plain black tailored shorts, a plain black sweatshirt and allows for a single nose stud to be worn. A copy of the new policy will be shared with families today. Please note we will not be allowing students to wear sports shorts (including tight fitting lycra shorts), hoodies or branded sweatshirts. Nose piercings, which are now allowed in the policy, must be a plain stud. Rings, hoops or any other style of jewellery will not be allowed for health and safety reasons.

The Governing Body has also agreed two more important changes. The first of these is to introduce a ban on mobile phone use in school. This is in line with a number of other schools in Newport. We are in the process of finalising the detail of this new approach and will share this with students and families after the Easter break.  We are looking to introduce this ban after the May half-term, from Monday 3^rd June.  There is compelling evidence that mobile phones create a significant distraction to learning.

The final change is an agreement that we are returning to a split break and lunch. This means that we will run two break and lunch sittings – one for Years 7 & 8 and another for Years 9-11. This will not affect our KS5 students. We are hoping to make this change from Monday 22^nd April and will communicate the detail of this to our students after Easter.  

I would like to thank all our parents and carers for their ongoing support and engagement – your views are invaluable in helping us to improve our school.

School lunches

The menus for after Easter are below. Please note for catering, the first week back after Easter is a week 3.

KS4

With just five school weeks before the GCSE examinations start, it is crucial that all our Year 11 students are revising independently and preparing for their exams.

If any students need additional support with any of their subjects, please encourage them to speak to their class teacher who is best placed to support and guide them.

Free School Meals

At Newport High School we want to ensure that every child receives the financial help they need to attend school. The Welsh Government offers support with Free School Meals and School Essentials such as uniform, kit and stationery. Please check your child’s eligibility for Free School Meals. Even if you receive Universal Primary Free Schools Meals, more help could be available! If eligible, you can get up to £200 per child for School Essentials, plus extra funding for our school. Check eligibility:www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs

School dates

We return to school for the Summer Term on Monday 8^th April 2024.

The remaining two INSET days for the rest of this academic year are as follows;

1. Friday 28^th June 2024
2. Monday 1^st July 2024

May half term is Monday 27^th May until Friday 31^st May and we finish this school year on Friday 19^th July 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our families for your continued support and wish everyone a lovely Easter break.

With kind regards

Mrs Lee