Teddington School Newsletter
Friday 17 May 2024
Dear Families
I hope this message finds you well after yet another busy week at Teddington.
Firstly, you will have seen a letter sent out earlier this week announcing that our school has been awarded the silver status in Mental Health support from Leeds Beckett University. This recognition is one which we are all very proud of. It's a testament to everyone's dedication and hard work to support and prioritise mental well-being within our school community and beyond. I am sure you all join me in acknowledging this fantastic achievement.
I want to also take a moment to recognise all our students who are currently sitting exams. We have seen so many students show hard work, dedication, and resilience which is fantastic; keep going, you are doing amazing! Furthermore, good luck to all students who have headed off on their Duke of Edinburgh expedition today. I will be visiting the campsite this evening and I am looking forward to hearing how our students found the circular walk through the Surrey hills, please try not to get to lost!
Today, we have had the pleasure of welcoming leaders and teachers from Epsom College into school as we continue to form a collaborative partnership. The focus of the visit was to look at best practice centred on our inclusive approach. We are excited about this partnership as it opens new opportunities for our students, enriching their educational experience.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone about our summer uniform policy. After the half term break, students can wear tailored grey shorts instead of trousers, and blazers are not compulsory in June and July. This uniform change should ensure comfort during the expected warmer weather. In support of this can I ask you ensure your child does not attend school in items of clothing that are not school uniform. This week we have seen examples of minority which included trainers, leggings, sports shorts, tracksuit bottoms and hoodies; these items are not part of the dress code.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday for the final week of the half term.
Kind regards
Mr P Grills
Headteacher
Harry in Year 9 competed at the Middlesex County track and field championships on Sunday 12 May at Lee Valley. Harry ran in the U15 800m and came first in a time of 2 minutes 9 seconds.
What an absolutely amazing achievement Harry. A huge congratulations goes out to you from us all at Teddington! đ
Did you know that we sell second-hand uniform? This is a great way to save some money, help the environment and all proceeds go back into the school. Stay tuned for our next PTA event đˇ
âMental health is just as important as physical healthâ
The pressures children and young people face is ever increasing. Joining secondary school, forming and maintaining friendships, academic pressures, coping with varying family dynamics, juggling school, part-time jobs and extra-curricular commitments and the new added social pressures around social media exposureâŚ. to name just a few!
One in six children aged 5-16 and one in four teenagers aged 17-19 are likely to suffer with some form of mental health disorder. These statistics alone highlight the need for schools to engage in mental health support. It is imperative that schools provide their pupils with strategies and support to overcome or manage their ongoing mental health challenges.
Teddington offers varying levels of support to all students and staff to ensure that all are considered and mental health is seen as a priority. This support ranges from participating in national campaigns, like Mental Health Awareness Week, where students had a âwalk and talkâ during their PE lessons and staff had a mental health art therapy session. We also encourage discussions during tutor time through the PSHE programme down to one-to-one counselling and pastoral involvement who support the most vulnerable or in need. We are fortunate enough to work with East-2-West and the Mental Health Support Team in partnership with the NHS to offer personalised individual or group sessions with students with qualified experts. All students have access to The Space, where our pastoral team work tirelessly to offer advice, support and daily check-ins with students and staff.
Staff mental health is just as important as student mental health to us at Teddington. Our staff work exceptionally hard to provide the best education to all students and this can take its toll. Small gestures like tea and biscuits during parents evenings for all staff as well as a drive to instil a culture of openness, where staff are encouraged to have open conversations with their colleagues about how they are feeling and having regular check ins. One way in which we do this is through our regular line management and professional growth (performance management) meetings, where well-being is a standing item for discussion.
We are currently striving to attain Gold Status in the Nationally accredited Schools Mental Health Award. By achieving this award it will demonstrate the schoolâs consistent commitment to creating a culture of awareness of mental health, tolerance and acceptance by helping to reduce behavioural problems and promote positive mental health strategies. The commitment to mental health permeates from school governance and the leadership team through to all students and staff â we adopt the mindset of âhow will this impact the well-being of students and staffâ in all decisions that are made. Mental health support and awareness can only be a constant in order for it to be continually addressed.
Written by Ms Asdell - Assistant Headteacher
đ Monday 5 August 2024
Ⲡ11:00 - 17:00
đ Old Deer Park, Richmond
đ˘ Everyone is invited!
The Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Team are holding an event called 'MET in the Park' on 5 August. There will be Firearms officers, Territorial Support Group, Police Horses and Dogs, RNLI, London Fire Brigade, St Johns Ambulance, Harlequins RFU and face painting!
Please take some time to support and visit and spread the word!