Headteacher's Bulletin

Dear Parents and Carers

I would like to take a moment to recognise the incredible energy and effort being put in by everyone at the school. There is a palpable sense of purpose, pride in students' achievements, and a true buzz around the corridors and classrooms. The enthusiasm for enrichment activities is overwhelming – all clubs are thriving! A special thanks to our parent volunteers for their work with the new cooking club, which kicked off this week. It seems we’ve baked more fairy cakes than we can count, and that’s just the start!

We were delighted to host a visit from GlenEagles School in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this week. Several of our students have been exchanging letters with their Australian pen pals, and it was heartwarming to see these relationships come to life when they finally met in person. Together, they shared experiences, swapped snacks from both countries, painted a vibrant mural in the music room, and enjoyed sessions in PE, Drama, and Art. It was a truly memorable international event, and our students represented both the school and the UK with pride.

We were also honoured to welcome Munira Wilson MP on Monday. During her visit, she was given a tour of the school and had the opportunity to engage with students, who shared their thoughts on how to hold the government to account and improve education. Well done to all involved for such thoughtful contributions!

Finally, we would like to wish Ms. Thackeray all the best as she begins her maternity leave today. Ms. Thackeray is an inspirational Dance and Drama teacher and a dedicated senior leader who has expertly overseen the transition process for our new Year 7 students. Even today, she’s hosting a taster session for Year 5 students from Heathfield School. We will miss her presence but look forward to meeting baby Henry soon!

If you need to report a student's absence or lateness, please do so before 8:30 am to ts-studentabsence@twickenhamschool.org.uk

Please include proof of appointments/medical evidence or as much detail as possible about the reason for absence. Medical evidence can be a note from the doctor, and it can also be a prescription, a photocopy of any prescription medication, prescription medication bottles or packaging, or a doctor's phone or consultation reference number.

PC Smith, our Safer Schools Police Officer, has requested that we remind parents not to park on the double yellow lines outside of school. This is illegal and may result in fines.

Please do not park in the Whitton Pharmacy and Health Centre or on Ross Road when picking up or dropping off students.

We loved hosting Gleneagles Secondary College today as part of their European tour. During their trip to Europe from Melbourne, they were keen to experience a UK school for themselves and loved meeting their buddies after months of email and video calls ahead of the visit. Exchanging Australian and British food, tours, snapshots of lessons and participating in subject sessions themselves, it wasn't just the culture they shared but lots of contacts too as friendships were fully formed. Thank you Gleneagles for joining us. We hope to see you again!

This year's school photos are available to view and purchase. Your child was given a card with all the information on how to access them. If you are missing this card please contact info@twickenhamschool.org.uk and we will re-issue the information.

We have had an excellent start to PE this term with fantastic participation across all year groups. Here's a summary of what each year group has been focusing on:

• Year 7: Athletic Development
• Year 8: Basketball, Dance, and Football
• Year 9: Badminton and Handball

A special congratulations to all students who have attended PE clubs. We’ve had record numbers at our Cricket, Football, and Netball clubs this term!

A huge well done to the Year 9 Girls Netball Team for their victory, and to the U15 Boys Football Team for their valiant effort in the National School Cup, narrowly missing out on advancing to the next round.

Please note that students who wish to play football for the school teams must have a pair of football boots and shin pads for health and safety. If you are entitled to funding please click here to complete the form

• Tuesday, 22nd September:
• U14 Girls Football vs Notre Dame School (Home) – National School Cup
• Thursday, 24th September:
• U14 Boys Football vs Hampton School (Home) – National School Cup

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a highly regarded, internationally recognised youth development program that encourages young people to challenge themselves and grow through activities in four key areas:

1. Volunteering – Giving back to the community.
2. Physical – Improving physical fitness.
3. Skills – Developing practical and social skills.
4. Expedition – Undertaking an adventurous journey as part of a team.

We invite interested parents of Year 9 and 10 students to the information evening on 17 October to learn how they can participate

Click here for more information.

Weekly meetings for students will be held on a Thursday after school and start after mid term break.

If you would like to join the Judo or Badminton club, please use the links below -

Judo Sign Up

Badminton Sign Up

Also, don’t forget that our Dance and LAMDA classes are still running!

Keep up the great work, everyone! We’re excited to see what the rest of the term brings!

The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. We are so proud to announce that Twickenham School has bee awarded the highest level of the Gold!

There is a really useful free local event at Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith on Tuesday 8 October 5.15pm -7.45pm. This has been organised by the West London Teacher Training Alliance, an alliance of over 50 local schools. As a partner member of this alliance, Twickenham School works closely with WLTTA to train teachers so we are delighted to support this event. A number of other local course providers - including other school groups, Roehampton University and St Mary’s University, Twickenham, - will also be there with stalls. The event includes a presentation explaining the different types of course and qualifications, what loans and funding are available, how to get school experience and how to make a successful application.

Click here for more information or to sign up

Dates for the Diary

Thursday 17 October - D of E Parents Info Evening - 6 - 7pm

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Jonathon Lisseman

Headteacher

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503