Friday 27^th February 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Values and Rise

The focus this week has been on equality and independence.

Promoting equality and independence in secondary schools helps all students feel valued, empowered, and capable of achieving their best. Research shows that when students can work independently, they are more likely to achieve both a stronger academic performance and a greater sense of wellbeing. Independent students develop stronger self‑regulation skills, which further enhances their ability to achieve.

 

We have been using PIN‑pad tills for several years, but we are now working alongside other secondary schools in Newport to upgrade our system to a fingerprint‑based biometric service.

This new approach offers a quicker and more secure way for students to access the canteen. Using fingerprints removes the need for cards or PINs, speeds up queues, and provides a more reliable, compliant method of identification.

We would appreciate your support by giving consent for your child to take part. You can do this by completing the opt‑in form via the Microsoft link below:

Cashless Catering - Biometrics – Fill in form

 

Consent can also be submitted through the Class Charts app. It would be extremely helpful if forms could be completed by Monday 16th March 2026.

We have also included a set of FAQs to help you make an informed decision.

 

 

Improving site security

Thank you for your support with accessing reception through our new double doors. These are designed to improve the health and safety of the school.

Anyone needing to enter through the main reception will first need to use the new gated access before entering the glass atrium. Both the gated area and the atrium will be monitored by security cameras. All visitors will also be required to use the buzzer at the gate so that our reception team can confirm their identity before allowing entry into the school.

These measures are being introduced to help ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

 

 

Crindau Primary School celebrates it’s 125^th birthday

 

Crindau Primary—one of our six cluster primary schools—is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. To honour this remarkable milestone, the school is inviting members of the community to share any memories, stories or photographs that could help mark the occasion. If you have something to contribute, you can email the school directly at Primaryc7@hwbcymru.net or drop by in person.

 

 

Reducing the impact of poverty on attainment

This year, we are strengthening our commitment to removing financial barriers that could prevent students from accessing the opportunities they deserve. To make it easier for families to find the help available, we’ve launched a new Financial Support area on our school website, bringing all guidance and resources together in one clear, accessible place.

A key part of this work is making sure that every student who qualifies for Free School Meals (FSM) is registered. Many families are eligible without realising it, and signing up provides much more than a meal each day. FSM registration can open the door to additional support with school uniform, essential learning equipment, and other important resources that help students succeed.

Free School Meals: Why Your Application Matters

We want to make sure every child is able to access the support they are entitled to. Even if your child usually brings a packed lunch, completing a Free School Meals (FSM) application can still offer valuable benefits for your family. The application is straightforward, and full details are available at:
www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you think you might be eligible but aren’t sure how to begin, please get in touch. Our staff are always happy to provide confidential guidance.

Registering for FSM also brings additional funding into the school. This support enables us to offer targeted academic help, wellbeing programmes, and enrichment opportunities that benefit students throughout our community.

If your household could qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply. Securing this support can make a meaningful difference to your child’s school experience, your family’s finances, and the wider opportunities we can offer as a school.

All of this information, along with further advice, can be found in the Financial Support section of our website’s main menu.

 

Uniform and equipment

Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support with our school uniform expectations. It is wonderful to see students arriving each morning looking prepared, confident, and ready to learn—your efforts truly make a difference.

Our uniform has been designed to remain straightforward, cost‑effective, and easy to obtain. Students are expected to wear:

• Plain black shoes or trainers with black socks
• A white shirt and school tie
• A skirt of appropriate length, or tailored trousers/shorts
  (Please remember that sports shorts, leggings, and similar items are not allowed.)

Cardigans, jumpers, and blazers are optional. Families may choose a plain black V‑neck jumper or cardigan, or select Newport High branded knitwear or sweatshirts. We also offer pre‑loved uniform, which is available to anyone who would find it helpful—just let us know. If you are having any difficulty finding uniform items, please speak with your child’s Form Tutor so we can offer support.

Jewellery should be kept minimal: one pair of stud earrings, a single ring, and one small nose stud (no bars or hoops). Headwear worn for religious reasons should be plain black. Hairstyles should be natural in colour and free from extreme or unconventional styles.

To help keep our school safe, a number of items must not be brought onto the premises. These include aerosols, cigarettes or vapes, matches or lighters, sharp objects, glass bottles, chewing gum, fizzy or energy drinks, and any illegal or age‑restricted items.

Thank you once again for helping us uphold high standards and ensuring that our school remains a safe, calm place where every student can focus on learning.

Mobile Phone Policy Reminder - on site but out of sight

Limiting mobile phone use during the school day continues to make a significant difference to students’ concentration and overall wellbeing. When devices are turned off and kept out of sight, pupils are far more engaged in lessons, less prone to distraction, and better equipped to learn confidently. This also contributes to a calmer school environment, with fewer social issues and reduced instances of online conflict and cyberbullying.

Our expectations remain clear and simple: from arrival to departure, all mobile phones and electronic devices—including AirPods and headphones—must be switched off and stored away. If a device is seen at any point during the day, it will be collected and returned after school. Persistent issues may result in further action.

Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home. By working together, we can create a focused, positive atmosphere that gives every student the best chance to succeed.

 

Punctuality and the start of the school day

Punctuality is essential – both in school and in the workplace which is why we place such a high level of importance on being punctual. Our school day begins at 8:45am, with doors opening from 8:40am, giving students a crucial few minutes to reach their classroom, and settle in, before learning begins. These moments set the tone for the entire day. Form time and assemblies offer important guidance, key updates, and routines that help students feel organised and ready to achieve their best.

When students arrive punctually, they give themselves a strong start that carries through every lesson. Research shows that consistent punctuality and attendance are closely linked to higher achievement, stronger wellbeing, and greater self‑belief. Even small delays—just a few minutes—can mean missed explanations, disrupted concentration, and a more stressful start. Over time, these late arrivals can grow into gaps in understanding and reduced progress.

By supporting a calm, consistent morning routine at home, you are helping your child develop habits that last a lifetime. These daily choices build resilience, responsibility, and independence—qualities that will support them not only in school but throughout their future.

Thank you for working with us to ensure every child begins each day focused, confident, and ready to thrive.

 

Working Together for Success

We know that strong partnerships between home and school make a real difference to students’ success. As we begin the new school year, we’re committed to working closely with parents and carers so every child enjoys the best possible experience at Newport High School.

Throughout the year, we will keep you updated on your child’s progress, upcoming events, and any important information you need to know. We also welcome open communication, and our staff are always happy to help. If you ever have a question or concern, please contact us directly at info@newporthigh.co.uk so we can support you quickly.

Social Media

If something worries you or you’d like to discuss an issue, please reach out to us rather than posting on social media. Speaking with us directly gives us the chance to understand the situation fully and work with you to find a solution.

We look forward to continuing a strong and supportive partnership throughout the year.

Headteacher Parental Forums

A huge thank you to all parents and carers who have already taken part in our Parental Forums—your voices genuinely make a difference. Working in partnership with families is one of the most powerful ways we can improve our school, and your insight helps shape the decisions we make every day. Hearing directly from parents and carers enables me to reflect on our work, celebrate what is going well, and identify where we can do better.

To strengthen this partnership, we are continuing to offer both our online and in‑person Parental Forums. These sessions are a chance to meet with me, share your thoughts, and discuss wider school priorities—not individual student matters, but the bigger issues that influence the experience of all our young people.

We hope that by offering two formats—an online meeting later in the afternoon and an in‑person session at school—we can make it as easy as possible for more families to attend. The more voices we hear, the stronger our school community becomes. Your perspective matters, and we would love you to join the conversation.

On-line Parental Forums

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

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

In-person Parental Forum

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

1. 20^th March 2026
2. 15^th May 2026
3. 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-person in March please email info@newporthigh.co.uk with parental forum in the title and the date of the forum, making it clear if you wish to attend the on-line or in -person session.

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

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

Spring Term

• 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 students in school will be Friday 17^th July 2026.

 

As Monday 2^nd March is an INSET day and the school is closed to pupils we look forward to seeing all our students back in school on Tuesday 3^rd March.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support.  

With kind regards

Mrs Lee