Headteacher's Bulletin

A Wonderful Start to the School Year

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to report that we’ve had a wonderful first full week back at school. It’s been fantastic to see the school buzzing with students, all back into the swing of learning. I am especially proud of how our new Year 7 students have settled in—they’ve quickly adapted to the new routines and expectations and are already fully immersed in their lessons. It's a joy to see so many happy, smiling faces throughout the corridors, classrooms and playgrounds.

It was wonderful to see so many parents come along to our Year 7 information evening last night and I would like to say a huge thank you to Ms Thackeray, Ms Cutting, Ms Gunning & all our amazing Year 7 tutors, our Year 11 helpers and of course our SLT.

Throughout this week, I have made it a priority to visit every classroom and teacher, as well as monitor the school during break and lunch times. I am pleased to say that our new systems are working smoothly, and the entire school community is off to a very auspicious start.

A highlight this week was our Freshers Fair, where students eagerly signed up for an incredible 44 different after-school enrichment clubs. It’s exciting to see such enthusiasm for all the activities on offer this year. Thanks to Mr Hayes and all the staff for organising these incredible additional learning opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep this positive momentum going!

School Rules Focus:

As always, I would like to gently remind all students and parents that our school rules apply not just within the school grounds but also during the journey home. It is important that all students conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on Twickenham School. Bringing the school into disrepute, either in or out of uniform, is a serious breach of our code of conduct and we will apply our school behaviour policy accordingly.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind parents that no chewing gum is allowed in school. Unfortunately, it is often disposed of inappropriately, which is unhygienic and disruptive to the school environment. As such, we have a blanket rule: any student caught chewing gum will receive a sanction, and the gum will be confiscated.

We currently have a vacancy on the governing board for a parent governor. Information about the role can be found on the school website here.

Who can apply? To be able to volunteer, you need to be a parent, carer (or someone who has parental responsibility) for a child at Twickenham School. You do not need any specific qualifications but you do need to have the time and commitment to attend meetings, visit the school regularly and take part in governor training.

The term of office is 4 years and you do not need to step down if your child leaves the school. Every governing board needs a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please send the following information to clerk@twickenhamschool.org.uk

• Nominee name
• Name and year group of child/children at Twickenham School
• Nominee contact details (residential address, email address and phone no.)
• Nominee personal statement (max. 200 words)

Nominations must be received no later than 10:00am on Friday 20 September 2024.

Thank you to the huge turn out of Year 7 parents who attended the information evening yesterday.

The powerpoint presentation can be read here. The FAQ's sheet can be read here. Ms Cutting and the Year 7 tutors were thrilled to meet so many of our new parents.

There is a new edition of the Safeguarding newsletter, please click here to read it.

this edition covers problematic smartphone use, the significance of sleep and Snapchat

Turing House School made us aware of an incident that occurred this week where one of their female students was followed for a sustained period by an unknown male in a car, whilst walking home. It was in the Whitton area. The car pulled over right up onto the pavement on at least three occasions whenever he had overtaken her or when it reached a junction to wait to see which way she went, before continuing to follow her. The girl is ok and made it back safely, and her parents have notified the police. However, we wanted to share it with you in case there are any repeat offences in the local area.

We are hopeful this is a one-off occurrence but please ask your children to keep in mind the following:

• They should dial 999 and ask for the police. We have advised that they report what is happening and mention that it happened to another student on Monday, and if possible, report the licence plate number to police.
• They should stay on a main road if possible and remain in a busier area until the car moves on or help arrives.
• If safe to do so, they should cross the road to make it more difficult for a car to follow.
• They should not speak to the driver of the vehicle and should not enter the car under any circumstances.
• If necessary, they should approach another person for immediate assistance.

If there is space could we mention in the newsletter that over 100 books have been borrowed in the first week back to school.

All KS3 students will be visiting the library this half term as part of their literacy lessons and will be encouraged to borrow a book.

All students should have a reading book in their school bag everyday so do encourage your child to come and borrow reading material

This week Key stage 3 welcomed Open2Music into school. They saw a short musical performance and had an explanation on the versatility and different style of music different instruments have. There was a demo on the guitar, drums, keyboards and vocals.

Students are invited to sign up for a free trail lesson with further paid for lesson tuition available.

Lessons take place in the Music Department during the school day on a rotating basis.

Please use the link to sign up for a free trial or see Mrs Aitken in the music department for more information Home (music-in-education.co.uk)

All students have access to delicious meals while on site from Cucina. Cucina is open for breakfast, break time and lunch time and serves a selection of hot and cold dishes each day. All the information about pricing and meal options are listed on our website Canteen information - Twickenham School

If you think you may be eligible to receive free school meals but have not yet registered please see all information on our website Free School Meals - Twickenham School

• U15 Boys Football vs Greycourt @Twickenham School. KO 3:30. English Schools Competition
• Year 9 and 10 Girls Netball vs Hampton High @ Twickenham School – Richmond Borough League

Students must have the following items for their PE lessons:

• Twickenham School sky polo
• Twickenham School navy shorts or skirt
• Twickenham School sky house socks or white socks
• Trainers

We strongly encourage students to also have the following items:

• Twickenham School ¾ zip navy fleece
• Twickenham School navy tracksuit pants
• Twickenham School navy leggings or navy/dark blue leggings
• Navy/dark black thermal base layer

Students are not permitted to wear any other sports kit. If you child is missing an item of clothing this should be purchased for them as soon as possible.

It was fantastic to see so many students sign up for the extra-curricular clubs fair. The clubs your child has signed up should appear on their arbor over the next week or two. If your child missed the sign up, they can still attend the club, they just need to go along on the day and sign up with the member of staff. Please find the extra-curricular timetable below:

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