Front Page News

March 2022

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please allow me to introduce myself as Mr Dalowsky, the Headteacher of The St Lawrence Academy who are part of the St Lawrence Academies Trust. I am writing to tell you how pleased and delighted we are that NAME has been offered a place with us, starting in September 2022. We were again over subscribed and have increased our number of admissions to 165 due to the demand from our local community. Placing your trust in us as community school is both humbling and deeply satisfying.

It is a very exciting time when your child starts secondary school. The schools are larger, the buildings are bigger and sometimes this can be quite daunting. Please try not to worry about this as we have wonderful transition events planned and led by our brilliant Achievement Team Leader (ATL) Mr Cretney and supported by my Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion & Achievement, Mrs West.

CHILD will be invited to attend our Year 6 induction days here at the academy on Thursday 30th June and Friday 1st July. On Thursday 30th June there will also be an evening event where you as parents, carers or guardians can also attend and meet the tutor and house team. Further details of this will be provided nearer the time.

Our uniform of which we are very proud is an expectation here at the academy. The uniform policy is attached for you to read and digest. The main items can be purchased at Shah’s on West Street and also online from Price & Buckland.

You will have so many questions I am sure. There are a number of ways in which you can read information about us and see the great work that we do. Please ensure you make yourselves familiar with our new website, our facebook and twitter sites whilst also making a note of the enquiries email and telephone number too. These can be found below.

Good luck to NAME for the rest of their Year 6 journey at their primary school. We will be making visits over the coming weeks and months but if you have any questions, or would like to speak to us about the transition process please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the transition team :

 

Mr Matt Cretney – Year 7 Achievement Team Leader – [email protected]

Mrs Helen West – Deputy Headteacher – [email protected]

Mrs Kate Williams – SENDCo – [email protected]

Mr Phill Dalowsky – Headteacher – [email protected]

 

Yours Sincerely

Phill Dalowsky

Headteacher

Our uniform is how the local community recognises and makes judgements about us as an Academy and so it is important that students always present themselves in a positive disciplined way.  We want all students to be proud to wear the uniform and have a sense of pride that they belong to The St Lawrence Academy.  The uniform policy supports the ethos of the Academy where we expect all students to have respect for each other and for their appearance.  Students are our ambassadors and this applies as much to their appearance going to and from the Academy as when they are studying in the Academy.  A smart appearance will be expected at all times and parents / carers are asked to ensure that this is respected.  Students are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times.  The school uniform includes: Girls Boys Black blazer embroidered with Academy logo on pocket, teal braiding on lapel and matching lining Black blazer embroidered with Academy logo on pocket, teal braiding on lapel and matching lining White shirt with collar – tucked in at all times White shirt with collar – tucked in at all times Clip on Academy tie in teal/black stripe Clip on Academy tie in teal/black stripe Black knee length skirt (not stretch) For Year 7, 8 and 9 students – the skirt must have the academy logo  Or full length school trousers (not denim/ leggings) Black full length school trousers (not denim) Black socks or plain tights (black or neutral) Black socks Flat, black  shoes  NOT fabric or trainers Flat, black shoes NOT fabric or trainers PE Kit for Girls and Boys Black and teal round necked shirt with embroidered Academy logo (new for 2021/22) or Black & teal sports polo-shirt with embroidered Academy logo Black shorts with embroidered Academy logo Black sports socks Appropriate footwear for use on astro turf surfaces- e.g. moulded football boots, astro turf trainers Optional items:– Reversible black and teal rugby shirt with embroidered Academy logo. Academy knitted jumper with teal stripe to be worn under the blazer. Black Hoodie and plainblack tracksuit bottoms for PE. All students should carry a school bag for books and equipment. Prefects will all be issued with a specific tie embroidered with the Academy logo. If a hijab is to be worn for religious reasons, it must be plain black. Personal Appearance No extreme hairstyles or colours (judgement on hair will be made by SLT). No long, painted or acrylic nails No jewellery allowed except for a watch and a maximum of one small stud earring in each ear lobe, nor should there be any other piercings visible elsewhere. Exceptions will not be made for new piercings. Non uniform jumpers/jackets must not be worn under blazers. No hats/scarves or coats are to be worn in the building at any time.  Coats must be placed in the cloakroom at the start of the day or carried in school bag Coats : Students may wear their coat or zipped hooded jackets when arriving to tutor time but must remove it immediately when they get to their seat.  They are not permitted to be worn around the academy. Students may wear their coat when they are on their way outside at break/lunch.   Hoodies: hoodies are not academy uniform and should not be worn under or over blazers inside/outside the building, however students are permitted to wear their TSLA hoodie at break/lunch if a student has a split PE lesson . The Academy reserves the right to send a student home if they are not in the correct uniform. The academy commits itself to creating an environment for everyone that is characterised by our core values of Truth, Justice, Forgiveness, Generosity and Respect.  These values have been used to determine this policy.  This policy is updated annually.

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School has an even more important role to play during crises such as the one unfolding in Ukraine.

Our children are intuitive. They always ask questions, but the numbers increase when an event like this sparks their interest.

Our role is to help them understand what is happening and navigate the issues.

The Russian invasion is distressing and concerning to our students. They look to us as adults and their teachers for reassurance.

That’s not easy because we are feeling similar emotions. We have all experienced international crises, but this one seems different.

The situation brings into play what the Academy does well:

• Establish the facts and point students to trusted and reputable sources that can help with the what, when, why, how and who questions;
• Explore a range of diverse perspectives, respecting the different voices in a classroom;
• Be comfortable we don’t have an answer for everything;
• Debate ideas and facilitate discussions without it becoming personal.

We have spoken before about the level of misinformation that is around. Teachers help our students identify what that misinformation looks like. They demonstrate the difference between fact and opinion.

We understand unconscious bias and respond effectively to hate speech.

When we consider all this in relation to the Ukrainian crisis, we do understand why some children are upset by what they see playing out.

Some are fearful. Staff have been asked whether there will be a Third World War.

When we respond, we understand why our children are curious and right to ask the question.

They have studied both World Wars as part of the national curriculum. They know about the horrors of warfare and the consequences on innocent individuals and the wider planet.

We have a duty, as a school and as teachers, not to shy away from answering their questions. We will endeavour to give them the best information we can, without taking sides.

At this point, I want to mention my proud Ukrainian heritage.

My paternal grandfather was Ukrainian and settled in the UK after the Second World War.

So I’m third generation Ukrainian, something of which I’m very proud. I have family in Ukraine and understand people’s fears, anxieties and apprehension around what might happen.

I’ve been asked by students about my situation: had I heard from my family; how was I feeling?

It is great they ask but it is important to take my feelings out of it.

We need to continue to provide a balanced, fact-filled education, that is well informed and free from bias.

We need to trust the processes and organisations that exist and believe positive outcomes will come from negotiation.

Sometimes, out of the worst possible situation, positivity can arise.

Look at how the world is uniting. Individuals, communities and nations are doing what they can to help.

There is significant togetherness with common goals and objectives. My hope is an enormous amount of good will come out of this tragedy.

The academy and its staff will perform its important role in the crisis to the best of our ability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2022

 

Dear Parent/Carer 

 

Year 7 Consultation Evening

Wednesday 16th March 2022 – 4.00pm – 6:30pm

 

On Wednesday 16th March 2022 you and your child are invited to our Year 7 Consultation Evening where all subject teachers will be available to meet with you from 4.00pm to 6.30pm. You will be able to find out how your child is progressing with regards to their current levels of attainment and what will need to be done in order to maximise their potential for achieving success in the future. We would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening as it will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have with regards to your child’s progress. Please confirm your attendance using this link.  

 

On arrival you will need to sign in at reception and you should then proceed directly to the classrooms of the subjects studied to meet with your child’s teachers.  There is no individual subject appointment system and you can arrive at a time to suit you between 4.00 pm to 6.30pm.  Prefects will be outside classrooms to organise a reservation list and help to ensure focussed timings of appointments, so that the evening will finish at approximately 7.00pm.

 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Yours sincerely 

 

Mr M Cretney

Achievement Team Leader

 

Mr D Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Progress

 

PDY 

I hope everybody enjoyed a good break over half term and have returned with batteries recharged, ready for a busy half term ahead.

For our Year 11s, it is a crucial period ahead of their exams.

I would like to point students and parents to this article.

It stresses advance information on exam topics should only be accessed from official exam board websites.

There is misinformation online and that link provides access to reliable, trustworthy sources.

We are absolutely committed to ensuring your child receives the most accurate and relevant information to give them the right levels of detail over the next six weeks.

Some are near the end of subjects and entering the phase where they will revisit and recall exam information.

A clarity of exam content will be delivered in lessons. The link above will be used by teachers to ensure we get it right and our students are properly prepared and supported.

Please be in no doubt about this.

Any concerns from parents / carers can be addressed at our Year 11 final push evening on 10^th March.

It is an exciting day at the Academy today, the first Raising Aspirations Day (RAD) we have held for more than two years.

The normal curriculum is suspended to enable students to think about what is ahead after secondary school.

This is what’s in store:

Year 7: North Lindsey College university visit – taster sessions for future careers and courses, bio sciences, engineering, animal management, business, sport

Year 8: John Leggott College – A day in the life of public sector workers (Health & Social Care/ Sport/ Uniformed Services/ Basketball or aspiring Police), a business owner (Economics/ Business/ Law/ Journalism & Social Media), a performer, (Dance/ Music/ Musical Theatre/ Debate), an artist (Fashion/ Media/ Photography/ Fashion Share), STEM (Maths/ Physics/ Electronics) and Society (Sociology/ Politics/ Psychology/ Feminist Society).

Year 9: Options focussed, HETA, British Steel, Employability Skills, GCSE Pod, Think Apprenticeship, Airline masterclass

Year 10: Lincoln University

Year 11: Higher Education and student finance, revision strategies and applications, revision timetables.

Three year groups then, are out of school.

I am incredibly proud each of the days are finely tuned and matched against our Futures programme and aligned with the Gatsby benchmarks of good career guidance.

It’s the reason we educate children at secondary school, to prepare them for life when they leave here. We will give them a balanced view of what’s ahead.

On Friday, there is another fantastic opportunity for our Year 11s.

The National Citizen Service team for North Lincolnshire will give a presentation.

It is a brilliant addition to a CV, to show you’ve volunteered. It is also great timing, falling between exams and results and can help bridge the gap between school and college.

Our Year 7 parents’ consultation evening takes place on 16^th March while Year 9 exams start week commencing 28^th March.

Finally, please look out in your email box for log in details to our new communications app Arbor. They are being sent out from today.

As you can see, there is a lot going on. That recharge of batteries was needed.

 

Dear Parent/Carer

As part of our Raising Aspirations Day on Wednesday 23rd February 2022, your child will be attending North Lindsey College University Centre. They will spend the morning at the University Centre engaged in workshops designed to enable them to find out more about studying at university and to help them think about their future after the academy.

Students are expected to arrive at the academy as normal and register at 8:30am in tutor rooms. Between 8:30am and 9am, all students will be in tutor groups and tutors will deliver a session that will focus on raising aspirations and student expectations for the visit.

At 9am students will walk, supervised, to the University Centre, and we are expected to arrive back at the academy for lunch by 1:15pm. Students will be expected to be in normal school uniform. Throughout the day, the Year 7 tutor team, in addition to Student Ambassadors from the North Lindsey University Centre, will support our students.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students and one which I am sure will not only be very enjoyable, but further raise their aspirations and help them realise their full potential. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.  If we do not already have your consent for your child to walk on local visits we will contact you. 

 Yours sincerely,

Matt Cretney

Year 7 Achievement Team Leader

Dear Parent/Carer,

The St Lawrence Academy will be providing your child with our Raising Aspiration Day (RAD) on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 at John Leggott College. These days help students develop their aspirations, knowledge and support informed choices in relation to their Careers Education. These specialised days complement our extensive ‘Futures’ and ‘Character’ sessions to prepare students for life after the academy. Students will have the opportunity to decide which sessions they will follow from the following list:

‘A day in the life of’ 

Option 1- A Public Service worker (Health & Social Care, Sport, Uniformed Services, Aspiring Police.

Option 2- A Business owner (Economics, Business, Law, Journalism/Social Media)

Option 3- A Performer (Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Debate)

Option 4- An Artist (Fashion, Media, Photography, Fashion Share)

Option 5- STEM (Maths, Physics, Electronics)

Option 6- Society (Sociology, Politics, Psychology, Feminist Society)

Students are expected to arrive at the academy as normal and register at 8.30am in tutor rooms. All students need to be in full school uniform. Students will leave the academy at 8:45 via coach transport. Students will finish at 2:45pm and be dismissed from John Leggott College, a number of staff will be walking back to The St Lawrence Academy should students wish to be accompanied back. Please arrange lifts from the college if you do not want your child to walk home or back to the academy.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, a packed lunch will be provided. Students will not be able to purchase food from the college, therefore they must bring packed lunch if they do not qualify for free school meals. 

Should you have any queries around RAD, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Stainton:

[email protected]

Yours sincerely

James Stainton

Year 8 Achievement Team Leader