Whole School Newsletter - 28-03-2025
BackFriday 28th March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
School Values and RISE
The themes of this week have been equality and being safe with an explicit focus on how we can go out of our way to make others feel welcome by being considerate. To be considerate we need to be polite and assemblies this week have focused on how important manners are and that manners really do matter.
Good manners are important in every aspect of life and are especially important in a school as they foster respect, discipline and cooperation.
As a society we have seen a move away from the importance placed on manners and I hope, by reinforcing these important messages in school, we can ensure that our students develop the best manners in Newport. We will continue to work on this in school.
Exams
There are approximately four teaching weeks left before the public examination series starts, so it is vital that all students in Years 10-13 are using their revision timetables effectively and revising hard.
We have two more weeks before the Easter holiday which is a really important time for students to focus on their revision. Students need to consider what their revision plans will be over the holiday and liaise with their teachers in advance, if they need additional revision materials.
The evidence is really clear that the more revision students do and the better prepared they are for their exams, the better their results will be in the summer. GCSE and A Level result are very important as they will determine what options your child will have as they move to the next stage of their education or seek employment.
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.
Student trip to Auschwitz
We were extremely lucky to be able to secure two places on the Lessons from Auschwitz project this year. Two of our A level History students Maddison and Mariama have been involved with the project and had the opportunity to travel to Poland for the day. The following account is written by Maddison about her experience.
On the 18th of February, we travelled to Krakow Poland to visit the concentration camp Auschwitz. While we were there, we were told many different stories of the Jewish prisoners who were kept there. The camp had many different buildings filled with the prisoner’s possessions such as their luggage with their names signed on there, and even the prisoner’s shoes that were taken and replaced with “clogs.” We also visited the second concentration camp “Auschwitz- Birkenau” which was also known as the death camp, there we saw rooms where the prisoners slept, and even a re-made version of how the gas chambers supposedly looked. The trip was extremely insightful but definitely very emotional throughout. The trip was also an amazing opportunity from my school as I am studying A-level history and my course is based on Nazi Germany, so seeing first-hand what the prisoners experienced is extremely useful for my further education.
Mobile Phone - on-site but out of sight
As you will know, since last year, we became a mobile phone free school. This means mobile phones may be brought on site, but they must be out of sight, i.e., turned off and stored away in a student’s bag from the time that students enter the building until they leave. It is really important that all students have a school bag with them so that, if they wish to bring a phone to school, it is switched off and kept in their bag. The vast majority of students work with us and keep their mobile phones off and away. We still have a small number of students who do not bring a bag to school and, whilst they are not using their phones, still move around the building holding them. This is not allowed under the policy, and we will continue to confiscate mobile phones that are seen. We will work with these students and ask for support from their families to ensure all mobile phones can be on site but out of sight.
School Uniform
All students must be in correct school uniform and have a coat and school bag. We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ school uniform at school which is available for anyone who would like to access it. Please let us know if we can help with school uniform in anyway.
Our uniform is extremely affordable and easy to get hold of. It consists of plain black shoes/trainers, black socks, white shirt and the school tie. Skirts must be of appropriate length and trousers or shorts should be tailored fit. Students are not allowed to wear sports shorts, tracksuit bottoms or leggings to school.
Cardigans, jumpers and blazers are optional but students may choose to wear a plain black knitted V neck jumper or cardigan without the logo, or purchase the Newport High branded jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan.
Jewellery is limited to one pair of small stud earrings and one ring. Students are allowed to wear a nose stud but please note that this has to be a stud and not a sleeper or any other style. Any headwear, worn for religious reasons, should be of a plain black material. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable and hair should be of a natural colour.
If you have any problems getting hold of school unform please let your child’s Form Tutor know in the first instance or email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Uniform” in the title as we are happy to support with this.
Free School Meals
We are aware that many of our families may be entitled to Free School Meals but are not claiming this additional financial support. You can check if you are entitled to Free School Meals at www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals
If you are not in receipt of Free School Meals but think you are eligible and would like any help in accessing, please let us know so we can support.
Families who are eligible for Free School Meals can also apply for additional help with other school costs including school uniform. You can find out more at https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals
Social Media
Please can I urge all parents who have an issue or concern about school to contact us directly to discuss. This will give us the opportunity to try to resolve the issue.
If you have any concerns, please email us on: info@newporthigh.co.uk
Inset days and Term dates – 2024/2025
There are three INSET days left this year;
- Friday 27th June 2025
- Monday 30th June 2025
- Monday 21st July 2025
We break up for the Easter holidays on Friday 11th April 2025 and return to school for the start of the summer term on Monday 28th April. The last day of school this year is Friday 18th July 2025.
With many thanks for your continued support.
Kind Regards
Mrs Lee