Friday 28^th November 2025

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Values and Rise

The focus this week has been on commitment and being equipped. In order to be equipped we want all our students to be present, resourceful and ready to learn. In order to do this, we need students to be prepared for the day with the right equipment, a positive attitude and on time for every lesson.

It is vital that all students have a school bag with them. A school bag is a bag that is large enough to hold school equipment such as books and a pencil case. A small number of our students bring bags that are so small they can barely fit their mobile phone inside and a few students do not bring a bag at all. Having an appropriate school bag, with the relevant equipment and resources for the day ahead is an essential part of being prepared and ready to learn. This is a key part of our RISE work to ensure all students are ready to learn, present and resourceful.

 

Mobile Phones - on site, out of sight.

We do not allow the use of mobile phones anywhere in school, including outside during break and lunchtime.  This means that, from the time that students enter the building until they leave, they are not allowed to use their mobile phones. This includes wearing air pods or headphones which are also not allowed.

If students wish to bring a phone to school, it must be switched off and kept in their bag.

If students are seen with their mobile phone out, whether they are using them or not, it will need to be handed in for them to collect at the end of the day. If this happens frequently then an alternative plan will need to be put in place.

 

 

Not allowing mobile phones in school has had an overwhelmingly positive impact, especially at break and lunchtime. Research has clearly identified the potential harm too much screen time, including phones, can do. If any student needs to make an emergency call, they can go to the Wellbeing Hub where Pastoral Support will be able to help.

 

Cluster Christmas Concert

We are holding our annual Christmas Concert, with our Cluster Primary Schools at school on Wednesday, 10th December at 5:00 pm at school.

Tickets are free but we do have a limit on numbers because of the size of the hall so, if you wish to attend, you need to book tickets. Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow anyone without a ticket to attend.

This promises to be a wonderful event and an opportunity for us to come together as a community to celebrate Christmas. I am extremely grateful to Ms Akhtar-Matthews and our Cluster Primary schools for their hard work and support in making this wonderful event happen.

 

 

Start of the school day is 8.45am

The school doors open every day at 8.40am ready for the start of the school day at 8:45 am. We start every day with either form time or an assembly. This is a vital start to the school day during which important information is shared, such as details of events, changes to school systems and information about exams. Form Tutors should always be a first point of contact for students if they have any queries. I would like all our parents and carers to help support a punctual start to the day by reinforcing the importance of being at school every day, on time and ready to learn.

 

Equipment

Just a reminder that we are running our stationery shop – the Stationery Stop – every day from behind Haven.

 

Reducing the impact of poverty on attainment

Our number one whole school priority this year is to reduce the impact of poverty on student attainment. We have a new section on our website under the main menu called Financial Support.

It is important that anyone entitled to access Free School Meals, benefits from this financial support. This can also include access to uniform and equipment grants.

We are trying to develop the support section on our website to include all the relevant information about poverty in one place. This section can be found on the main menu of the website under Financial Support.

We are in the process of updating this with information about Barnardo’s. Barnardo’s are a charity who support children, young people and families who need help. Their mantra has always been, when you change a childhood, you change a life.

When life gets tough or it feels like there’s nowhere to turn, Barnardo’s want to be there to help. They aim to ensure that children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful, by directly supporting them and their families with specialist services, raising awareness and campaigning to change things for the better. 

Barnardo’s offer a huge amount of support on a range of different things including living in poverty.

If you or someone you care about is struggling to afford the essentials, like heating, food or rent, you're not alone. Whether it is rising food and energy bills or a sudden change in income, financial pressure can affect anyone.

It can be hard to know where to turn, but support is out there.

On the Barnardo’s website you’ll find trusted organisations and tools that can help you:

• Check what benefits or grants you may be entitled to.
• Find local support with food, bills, and essentials.
• Access free advice on managing debt, energy, and more.

 

There is loads of useful advice and support on the Barnardo’s website - www.barnardos.org.uk

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

Accessing your entitlement to Free School Meals also helps us as a school because part of our funding depends upon how many families in our community access this support.

 

 

Uniform and equipment

I would like to thank the vast majority of parents who have supported our school uniform rules and I am delighted that so many of our students attend school every day in the correct uniform, looking smart and ready to learn.

Our uniform is extremely affordable and accessible. 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 or leggings to school.  

Cardigans, jumpers and blazers are optional and you 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.

We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ school uniform at school which is available for anyone who would like to access it. If any family has a specific problem getting hold of school uniform, please contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance. 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 must 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.

Items that are potentially harmful to any member of our school community should not be brought to school. For example, aerosol cans including deodorants, cigarettes (e-cigarettes), matches and lighters, any sharp or blade like objects, glass bottles, chewing gum and fizzy drinks, including energy drinks. This rule includes all items which are illegal to possess or carry, or inappropriate for the age of your child.

 

Working Together for Success

We are fully aware that the support of parents and carers is vital to the success of our students. As we begin this new school year, we want to work closely with you to ensure that your child has the best possible experience at Newport High School.

Throughout the year, we will keep you informed about your child's progress, school events, and any important updates. We also encourage open communication with our staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us - info@newporthigh.co.uk.

Headteacher Parental Forums

A huge thanks to our parents and carers who have supported with our parental forums. Working closely with our families is an essential element of school improvement. It is important that I listen to the views of parents and carers as this enables me to reflect on our work and drive improvement. To support this, we are continuing to run both our on-line Parental Forum and our in-person Parental Forums.

These sessions enable parents and carers to meet with me to share their views about what is working well and what could be improved. These are not parent/student meetings to discuss specific queries about individual students but an opportunity to discuss broader issues related to our school.

We run two versions – an online session later in the afternoon and an in-person session in the school. I hope that, by offering different options, it makes it easier for parents and carers to attend.

On-line Parental Forums

These take place via Teams at 5pm on a Thursday on these dates;

1. 8^th January 2026
2. 19^th March 2026
3. 23^rd April 2026
4. 18^th June 2026

 

In-person Parental Forum

These take place in school at 10am on a Friday on these dates;

1. 16^th January 2026
2. 20^th March 2026
3. 15^th May 2026
4. 19^th June 2026

 

Places at both forums are limited and if a session is full, we will endeavour to allocate you a space at the next meeting.

If you would like to attend the next on-line or in-person forum taking place in January please email info@newporthigh.co.uk with parental forum in the title and please make it clear if you wish to attend the on-line forum on Thursday 8^th January 2026 or the in-person Forum on Friday 16^th January 2026.  

I look forward to getting to know more of our families through these important events.

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 – 2025/2026

The remaining agreed Inset days, when school will be closed for students for staff training this year are:

• Monday 2^nd March 2026
• Friday 26^th June 2026
• Monday 29^th June 2026
• Monday 20^th July 2026

Autumn Term

• Starts Monday 1^st September 2025
• Half-Term - Monday 27^th October 2025 to Friday 31^st October 2025
• Ends Friday 19^th December 2025

Spring Term

• Starts Monday 5^th January 2026
• Half-term – Monday 16^th February 2026 to Friday 20^th February 2026
• Ends Friday 27^th March 2027

Summer Term

• Monday 13^th April 2026 
• Half-term – Monday 25^TH May 2026 to Friday 29^th May 2026
• Ends Monday 20^th July 2026. Please note this is an INSET day so the last day for student in school will be Friday 17^th July 2026.

We break up for the Christmas holidays on Friday 19th December and return for the start of the Spring term on Monday 5th January 2025.

I would like to thank you for continued support.

With kind regards

Mrs Lee