Teddington School Newsletter

Dear Families

Welcome back to a new term and the start of a new year. I trust that you had a relaxing break and are ready for the term ahead. I want to extend my thanks to all families for their support of the slightly earlier return on 2nd January. As we navigate this term, please take a moment to check our website for term dates, next year we will return after the Christmas break on 6th January which I am sure you will agree is much more forgiving.

A huge well done to the students and staff who recently embarked on our annual ski trip to the Italian Alps. The pictures and stories on our social media channels from Cermis, Pampeago, and Gardone were nothing short of spectacular. Not forgetting a big congratulations to our students for the awards received from the Ski instructors. I have heard nothing but positive feedback about the trip with students and teachers alike having had a fantastic time.

Looking ahead, we have some events to note for this half term. Please make note of the following key dates if they apply to you or your child:

• 8 January: PTA Meeting and preloved uniform sale
• 11 January: Year 11 Parents Evening
• 16 January: Visit from Homerton College, Oxford University
• 18 January: Frozen Drama Trip
• WC 22 January: Year 8 Reports are sent home
• 25 January: Networking Evening
• 1 February: Year 11 Drama Performance and TED Talk
• WC 5 February: Year 9 Reports are sent home
• 7 February: STEAM Day
• 8 February: Year 9 Pathways and Parents Evening

Finally, two polite reminders. Firstly, starting with attendance. We are delighted to share that our attendance remains above local and national averages. Let's continue this positive trend by ensuring students attend every day during the winter months and beyond. Secondly, regarding communication with staff. Within our staff body we exercise a 07:00 - 19:00 email rule in which emails are not sent outside of these hours. Can I kindly ask that emails are sent within the 07:00 - 19:00 timeframe, this is an attempt to protect staff wellbeing and ensure we remain fresh for each day, delivering high quality lessons.

Thank you once again for your support. Here's to a term filled with achievements, learning, and memorable moments.

Kind regards

Mr P Grills

Headteacher

A message from Miss Metcalfe, Ski Trip lead:

"Reflecting on our recent school trip to Val di Fiemme in Italy brings immense pride and joy. Witnessing over 80 students, aged 12 to 18, engage with such enthusiasm and brilliance was truly gratifying. A heartfelt appreciation goes to the dedicated staff who gave up their time to make this experience possible, ensuring the students' safety and fostering a positive environment.

The slopes in Val di Fiemme provided an exceptional setting for our skiing endeavors, and I am delighted to note the remarkable progress our students made throughout the week. The foundation for their success was established during preparatory trips to Sandown dry ski slope, underscoring the dedication of both students and instructors.

During various activities, such as visits to the swimming pool and an authentic Italian ice cream parlour, it was evident that the students not only enjoyed these delightful moments but also demonstrated excellent behavior and camaraderie. A special mention goes to the instructors for their guidance during exhilarating races and the awards evening, creating unforgettable memories for our students.

As we dined at the local pizzeria, I observed the positive impact this trip had on our students' personal and social development. The overall experience was truly remarkable, underscored by the exceptional weather that accompanied our time in Val di Fiemme. This trip stands as a testament to the incredible growth and achievements of our students, making it a highlight in our school year."

And finally, please see the below video montage of a snippet of their fantastic week. This includes some smooth skiing, clips from the Pampeago Slalom race and a final slope run without ski's!

Freddie (Year 13) and Arty (Year 10) are performing with their band 'Blood Like Wine' in the Youth Battle of the Band Competition run by 'The Basement Door', a youth charity based in Twickenham.

There are 5 heats. The band are in Heat 1, performing at The Exchange Theatre in Twickenham on Saturday 20 January.

If you would like to support our students and pop by, please click on the poster below for ticket information. It's a youth competition, so all aged spectators are welcome!

If you would like to preview their content, you can check out their Instagram account here!

Teddington School wishes you, 'Blood Like Wine', the very best of luck!

We are broadening our staff capacity and have an exciting opportunity available! Please see our Examinations Manager post and click on the link to read more and apply!

Thank you to our incredible PTA for their continued support. Please view their bulletin for their latest updates including a call for new committee members.

PTA upcoming dates:

8 Jan at 19:00: Formal Meeting - in Sixth Form & preloved Uniform Sale

23 Jan at 09:30: Event Planning Meeting - in school

28 Feb: Family Year 7 Quiz

8 January - PTA meeting and preloved uniform sale

11 January - Year 11 Parents Evening

16 January - Visit from Homerton Collage, Oxford University

18 January - Frozen Theatre trip

25 January - Years 10 - 13 Networking Evening

1 February - Year 11 Drama Performance

7 February - STEAM Day

8 February - Year 9 Pathways and Parents Evening