RTS Parents' Newsletter

Although it has been a short week, as always in school, it has been a busy week.

Thursday was the official start of the GCSE period and, for some of our students, their first written paper was Drama. Exams are being sat in the new Sports Building and it feels strange not to have them in the centre of the school in the Assembly Hall - however they are most definitely not out of sight, out of mind. Our thoughts and good luck wishes are with them as their first full cohort exam is on Monday 12 May - English Literature.

Wishing you another warm weekend.

~Ms K Dooley | Head Teacher

Caitlyn, Year 9, secured a new personal best score and the gold medal at her first national tumbling competition of the year last month. Competing in the 15-16 age category for the first time, her incredible performance puts her in pole position to secure a place to be selected to compete for Great Britain at the world championships in November.

She ranked in first place for both her tumbling runs, competing a difficult new skill for the first time to earn a personal best for a single run and then another high score for execution.

Her success at Telford International Arena reflects Caitlyn’s hard work, perseverance and commitment to her sport, training five days a week throughout the year.

She will return to the tumbling track next month (June) for the second national qualifier, ahead of the British Championships for tumbling in October.

Our Year 10 students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Cambridge University for a firsthand experience of university life. The day began with a guided tour of the campus and student accommodation, giving pupils a sense of the environment and facilities available at one of the world’s leading universities.

Students were able to explore the historic colleges, learn about the academic expectations, and gain insight into day-to-day student life. The highlight of the visit was a Q&A session with current Cambridge students, where our pupils asked thoughtful questions about courses, entry requirements, student support, and social life.

We are also very proud to say that the behaviour of our students was exemplary throughout the day. They represented the school with maturity, curiosity, and respect — a real credit to themselves and our school community.

Overall, the trip was an inspiring experience that gave students a valuable glimpse into the world of higher education and encouraged them to start thinking about their own future goals.

A reminder that no citrus fruit or orange juice is permitted in school due to the severe allergy (anaphylaxis) of a member of staff on the site. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Your FoRTS team,

Carmelle (Chair and Acting Secretary) and Jason & Somi (Treasurers)

General: forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Parking: fortsparking@rts.richmond.sch.uk

If you have concerns in relation to a student at RTS or indeed with regards to your own child, you may want to contact Single Point of Access (SPA) which acts as a central information hub for all professional agencies in Kingston and Richmond.

Richmond and Kingston SPA

The SPA phone lines are now open as follows:

• Monday-Thursday 08.00-17.15 and Friday 08.00-17.00 - the phone number during these times is 020 8547 5008

• Out of hours: 020 8770 5000

Hounslow Early Help Assessment

• Telephone number: 020 8583 6600

• Out of hours: 020 8583 2222

• Email: earlyhelp@hounslow.gov.uk

NSPCC:

Speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Telephone number: 0808 800 5000, or text 88858

• Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

• Signvideo using British Sign Language (Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm)

Full-term dates and Inset day information is available on the school's website:

• Summer Term 1: Tuesday 22 April-Friday 23 May (14:00)

• Summer Term 2: Monday 02 June (08:35 registration)-Friday 11 July (noon)

Please find the Parent Calendar Summary for 2024-2025. Please check this regularly as some dates and times may be adjusted throughout the year.

Oscars of London proudly sponsor The Richmond May Fair, returning on Saturday 10 th May

2025 from 10am-5pm on Richmond Green. Everyone is welcome – please come & join in

the fun – check out the flyer below!

Old favourites like the vintage funfair and dog show return, along with over 200 stalls, the craft marquee and a variety of food and drink. Local bands, schools and various performance groups will provide free entertainment throughout the day on the Riverside Radio stage.

With charities, artisans, businesses and schools all represented, the May Fair is a showcase for all that Richmond has to offer and plays an important role in helping local charities promote their work and raise much-needed funds.

If you are interested in volunteering on the day, or wish to enter your dog in the ever-popular dog show – please visit the new May Fair website www.richmondmayfair.co.uk and follow us on Instagram and X @richmondmayfair.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Richmond May Fair Committee

The CLCH school nursing service in Richmond is offering young people aged 5-19 and their parents and carers a new way to contact and get support from school nurse via a text messaging app ChatHealth.

ChatHealth offers confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including emotional health, sexual health, relationships, alcohol and drugs and bullying.

When a message is sent to the ChatHealth number, an automated reply confirms the message has been received. A trained healthcare professional will reply to the message during office hours within 24 working hours of receiving the message.

Winfilda Oyo-Ita, the Clinical Lead for the 0-19 service in Richmond said; “We’re delighted that we’re able to offer ChatHealth to young people, parents and carers in our local community as it provides more flexibility for them to access information and advice directly from our school nursing team that doesn’t rely on an appointment in-person.”

The service is already provided by CLCH in Hertfordshire and has been widely implemented at several NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtSV7g1_fKA for more information.

We are Richmond Furniture Scheme, a small local charity who sell donated furniture, refurbished appliances and new beds at reasonable prices with discounts for people on low incomes. We also work with other local charities and Richmond, Hounslow and Wandsworth councils who provide grants which can be spent with us.

And if anyone would like to donate furniture get in touch here.

Everyone is very welcome to shop with us online and in person – we have a great range of preloved furniture and appliances. We’re saving the planet, one sofa and fridge at a time!

1A Fortescue Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5LS

Mon to Fri 09:30 - 16:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00

Richmond Furniture Scheme is a local charity selling good quality donated furniture and

refurbished appliances at affordable prices.

• Have furniture you no longer need? We'll collect it for free (https://www.rfsonline.co.uk/supporting-us-donating-furniture/)
• Need furniture? Whether you’re on a low budget or love a vintage bargain, visit our online shop (https://www.rfsonline.co.uk/shop/) or come to our Twickenham warehouse (https://www.rfsonline.co.uk/shop-in-person/)
• Want to make a difference in your community? Check out our volunteering opportunities (https://www.rfsonline.co.uk/volunteering/)

We also offer discounts and can give you information on grants to spend with us!

Summer Savings

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