Whole School Newsletter - 19-06-2026

Friday 19^th June 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

Values and Rise

The themes this week have been integrity and being safe. Integrity and safety are the foundation of a successful school community. When students act with honesty, take responsibility for their actions, and make good choices, they build trust and respect with others. At the same time, creating a safe environment—both in person and online—helps everyone feel confident, supported, and ready to learn. The habits we develop in secondary school, such as doing the right thing even when no one is watching and looking out for one another’s wellbeing, are the same qualities that employers, universities, and communities value later in life. By demonstrating integrity and prioritising safety, students are preparing themselves for future success and becoming responsible citizens of tomorrow.

Attendance matters

Every day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow and build the habits that lead to future success. Students who attend regularly, arrive on time and are ready to learn make stronger academic progress, develop greater confidence and form positive relationships with others. While challenges are a normal part of life, learning to overcome them rather than avoid them helps young people develop resilience, independence and determination—qualities that employers, colleges and universities highly value.

Parents and carers play a vital role by promoting good routines, including healthy sleep habits and preparation for the school day. As a school, we remain committed to supporting attendance and wellbeing through a range of exciting new initiatives planned for next year. By working together, we can ensure every student is present, engaged and equipped to reach their full potential.

Could your family be missing out on additional financial support?

Many families are facing increasing financial pressures, so we want to ensure that no child misses out on the support available to them. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, registering can unlock valuable assistance with school uniform, equipment and other essential resources. Even if your child chooses not to take a school meal, registering still provides important benefits and enables the school to access additional funding that directly supports students' learning, wellbeing and opportunities. Many families qualify without realising it, so we encourage everyone to check. Applications are quick, confidential and processed through Newport City Council, with full details available in the Financial Support section of our website – or scan the QR code.

As we look ahead to the new academic year, we also thank families for their continued support in helping students arrive at school ready to learn. A child who walks through the gates in the correct uniform, with the right equipment and a positive mindset, starts the day with confidence and purpose. Simple habits such as preparing bags the night before and maintaining strong routines can have a lasting impact on attendance, organisation and success. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging and pride, and support—including access to pre-loved uniform—is always available for families who may need it. Together, we can remove barriers, raise aspirations and give every young person the best possible chance to thrive.

On Site, Out of Sight

We are grateful for the continued partnership of parents and carers in helping us create a positive, respectful and productive atmosphere across the school. One of the key ways we achieve this is by maintaining a learning environment free from the distractions of mobile phones and personal listening devices during the school day. The vast majority of our students embrace this expectation and recognise the benefits it brings to both their academic progress and personal wellbeing.

When students are fully present in the moment, they are better able to participate in lessons, build meaningful relationships and develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are so important for future success. Reducing reliance on technology throughout the day also encourages students to engage more actively with the world around them, supporting their confidence, resilience and sense of belonging within the school community.

To reinforce these expectations, any phone or AirPods seen during the school day will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day, with repeated breaches addressed through our behaviour procedures. By working together and maintaining high standards, we can ensure that every classroom remains a focused, distraction-free space where all students have the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed

Working in Partnership for Success

A strong partnership between home and school is one of the most powerful factors in a young person's success. By working together, sharing information and maintaining open communication, we can provide the support, encouragement and guidance students need to thrive both academically and personally.

Should you have any questions, concerns or information you would like to share, please contact us at info@newporthigh.co.uk. Early communication helps us respond effectively and ensures that the right support is in place when it is needed most.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust. Together, we can help every student feel valued, overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Inset Days and Term Dates – 2025/2026

The remaining staff training (INSET) days, when school will be closed to students, are:

• Friday 26 June 2026
• Monday 29 June 2026
• Monday 20 July 2026

Summer Term Key Dates:

• Term ends: Monday 20 July 2026 (INSET Day)
• Last day for students: Friday 17 July 2026

Key dates for next academic year - 2026/2027

The new academic year begins on Tuesday 1^st September 2026 which will be the first designated INSET date of the new calendar.

Students in Year 7 will join us on Wednesday 2^nd  September and students in Years 8-11 will return to school on Thursday 3^rd September. There will be on-line learning set for students in Years 8-11 to complete on Wednesday 2^nd to help get them ready for their first day back in school with us on the 3^rd. Arrangements for KS5 will be shared shortly.

We are still waiting for Welsh Government to confirm the exact number of INSET days schools have next year. We are assuming it will be six days but until we have received the official approval, we are unable to confirm this.

This could impact on the INSET day we are hoping to have in March. We are also waiting for WJEC to confirm the dates of the final set of teacher training for the new qualifications. Again, this means that the INSET date in March remains to be confirmed. I am not anticipating confirmation of the sixth date until the new academic year and will confirm this with you as soon as we get this.

As it stands, our planned INSET dates, when school is closed for students for staff training, for next year are as follows;

2026/2027 term dates are as follows;

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

With kind regards

Mrs Lee