RTS Parents' Newsletter

Welcome back to this second half of the Autumn Term. I hope you and your families had a restful break. The students have certainly returned with lots of energy and enthusiasm.

On Monday we had the privilege of joining, and standing with, our co-located schools Clarendon School and Capella House in the playground areas for two minutes silence at 11am for Remembrance Day. This is the first time that we have come together as three schools and the students were exceptional in their instant silence when Mr Sinanan, Head of Centre at Clarendon rang a hand bell at 11am.

Elsewhere in school Year 10 have been sitting their AP3 assessments as well as enjoying a performance of An Inspector Calls by The Globe Players. Year 9 experienced an inspirational talk by Dr Agnes Kaposi, MBE, Holocaust survivor (now aged 92). Dr Agnes talked about resilience and her memoir 'Yellow Star-Red Star' (photo below). Last night a group of Year 11 students headed into the West End to see a thrilling performance of 'Hamilton'.

Thank you to those Year 10 families who were able to attend Wednesday evening's Subject Teacher consultations and I hope that you found the conversations useful and engaging. As always it was great to see so many of.

Next week topic checks and reflections will be running for Years 7-9 and we also look forward to fixtures starting back up.

The fantastic news we also have to share is that the RTS Sports Building was signed off and we now have the keys! The dismantling of the temporary sports hall has been taking place this week and the speed at which it has come down has been incredible. We very much look forward to lessons beginning in the incredible space that we now have.

~Ms K Dooley | Head Teacher

Over the half-term break a group of Year 9, 10 and 11 students had the incredible experience of heading over to New York City for a whirlwind, jam-packed, three day peforming arts trip. The trip was led by Ms Charles and supported by Ms Richards, Ms Carrick-Steele and Mr Verity. They were fortunate enough to experience great weather whilst sightseeing at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park during their stay. During the mornings students attended an improvisation workshop and also the Museum of Broadway. Broadway was their destination in the evenings - taking in both The Great Gatsby and also The Little Shop of Horrors.

"This trip was an experience I will never forget. The memories made and sights seen were no short of spectacular." - Isabelle Y11

"The Broadway workshops really helped to improve my overall acting skills as a whole and I would definitely take away key information and skills I have learnt from watching the two productions 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Little Shop of Horrors'. I really am grateful to have come on this trip, I believe this is an opportunity of a lifetime." - Shaina Y11

"I'll never forget the Broadway Productions as seeing them is something I've always wanted to do and for me they live up to and exceeded my expectations." Jemima Y9

"The New York trip was jam packed with so many great activities like Broadway workshops, iconic places to eat, seeing so many cool landmarks and getting to watch great Broadway shows. I have learnt so much from this trip, academically but also personally. I would 100% go back to New York again and I hope that other future years get to experience the NYC trip." - Harry Y11

"A highlight for me was when we found my Great Grandpa's name on Ellis Island, it meant so much to me. From this trip I will take away the memories that have been formed and the various things I learnt from the two workshops and the museums. Thank you to the staff that came who ensured that we all remained safe." - Sophia Y10

Volunteer Opportunity: Car Parking Marshalling

Rugby is definitely back on in Twickenham!

The last two matches have raised an impressive £5,733.46!

Well done to all the parent and student volunteers who are key to making this a successful fundraiser for our children’s school.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with marshalling. If you are able to donate two hours of your time, please click the link below to join the FoRTS car parking team. You can sign up for available slots at times that suit your schedule.

Join the FoRTS Car Parking Team

Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

FoRTS update

We are seeking a Treasurer to shadow our current Treasurer this year, with a full-time start next academic year. If you are interested in learning more about this role, please contact Carmelle.

All processes are already in place, so there is no additional work involved. The responsibilities include totaling any money raised, sending it to the bank, and providing termly updates on funds raised and spent.

Easyfundraising

Great news, we’ve registered Friends of Richmond upon Thames School with #easyfundraising, which means over 7,500 brands will now donate to us for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long. Sign up here: Easyfundraising

FoRTS Volunteering

We do have a lovely small team of volunteers and do have fun especially with the rugby parking marshalling. Join FoRTS by clicking here. It’s as simple as that!

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:

• Autumn Term 2: Monday 11 November (08:35 start as usual)-Friday 20 December (12 noon)

• Spring Term 1: Monday 06 January (09:45 start for all year groups)-Friday 14 February

• Spring Term 2: Monday 24 February*-Friday 04 April (12 noon)

*Monday 24 February- INSET Day for staff, school closed to students

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

Mental Elf is coming to town! Richmond Borough Mind are excited to host our first 'Mental Elf' Festive Fun Run on Sunday 1st December 2024 at the beautiful Marble Hill Park in Twickenham.

Participants can choose to walk, run or jog up to 5k – the event is open to all abilities and ages; our doggie friends are welcome too! Mental Elf is a unique family-friendly event that focuses on bringing people together, not only to fundraise but to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing locally. It promotes the benefits of physical activity, connecting with people and doing something positive to help others while having fun. Festive fancy dress is strongly encouraged and there will be a prize for the best dressed participant and a medal will be given to everyone completing the run. There will be loads going on including a DJ, glitter face painting and goodie bags.

To find out more information and sign up to the event visit: Mental Elf Fun Run 2024 - Richmond Borough Mind (rbmind.org)

Musical Theatre Workshop for 6-12 year olds

On Sat 30th November, Dramacube will be running a fun filled two hour festive Musical Theatre workshop at A Taste of Twickenham's “Twickmas” Market.

6-12 year olds will play drama games plus learn a song and routine from much loved Christmas musical.

Places are limited and pre-booking is essential. £7 per child.

https://www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk/christmas-workshops/

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