Letters went out to the parents / carers of September’s Year 7 intake this week – a massive welcome to those new to The St Lawrence Academy community.
Some families will have been disappointed not to have the offer of a place.
I am humbled – and delighted – we were oversubscribed again, with our maximum 165 places filled.
Those families will receive a welcome letter from me in the next few days.
It will explain key communication channels and contacts for any questions or concerns they may have and where to get additional advice on our curriculum and life as a student at this Academy.
We understand it can be a daunting time, but we are here to take a lot of the stress out of it, for parents / carers and their children.
The transition days will help further allay any concerns. They are planned for after Easter and we look forward to welcoming those current Year 6s to our Academy. They will be well looked after by the transition team.
Our main wish is the next five years are ones of success and aspiration.
Yesterday, International Women’s Day was promoted and celebrated in the Academy.
All Key Stage 3 lessons, for example, promoted inspirational women in that subject area.
A series of visual resources were created to mark the day, including students and staff taking selfies of inspirational women in their lives. For some, it was their mum, for others their grandma or a friend.
It was all about showing how important these women are in our lives.
Our five assemblies last week, each taken by a different house, promoted International Women’s Day. I saw a number and they were great.
I would like to quote the International Women’s Day website:
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.”
When I read that I thought this is our Academy.
We strive for a place free of bias, where girls feel they can achieve the same things as boys. We celebrate diversity and condemn any form of discrimination.
We are inclusive, each student is valued and their efforts celebrated.
Outside the Academy, it is how we break the bias around women.
Inside, we have had a really important 10 days, inspiring our young females and showing them what they can make of their lives.
It has been very powerful.
Linked to that is an activity around National Careers Week, which is underway.
Our Year 8 ATL Mr Stainton deserves much credit and thanks for a terrific idea. Posters have gone up in the windows of each classroom, with the title “What does your career path look like?”
Members of staff have filled in the details. I’ve been reading them and the contents are really inspiring. Former shop assistants and pot washers have gone on to become skilled professionals.
We all start somewhere but then the ceiling is as high as we want to make it.
When you are older, skills can be refined but it is when you are young there are the opportunities to shape lives. Students have to make the most of these chances.
They don’t need to go to fancy websites or leave the Academy to get encouragement.
There are 85 people here happy to give students balanced advice and guidance. Those posters demonstrate that.
Most need someone to turn on the light blub. Inspiring stuff, Mr Stainton.
Comic Relief returns a week on Friday, a time when we raise money for those less fortunate.
Students can wear something red under their blazer, but they also need to be in their normal trousers, shirts and shoes.
Voluntary donations can be made via Parent Pay.
Finally, a thank you to those parents who have downloaded the new Arbor communications app.
Emails with log on details will be sent to the last two year groups this week.
If anybody has not received them by the end of the week, please contact the school as it’s important to get everyone on board.
