Dear Parents/Carers
I hope this letter finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you as always.
On Monday, Armistice Day, we observed a two-minute silence as a school affording us a chance to reinforce shared values within the school community and encourage unity, empathy, and remembrance across all faiths and backgrounds. I have to say, the silence was observed very well indeed by the whole community.
I was pleased to welcome another LA Headteacher to Kelmscott today. He was mightily impressed with what he saw, commenting on the calm and purposeful atmosphere around the school when we walked the three buildings. Good behaviour in and around school is of the highest priority to me as Headteacher. Ensuring that students feel safe and happy and that teachers can teach their well-planned lessons is imperative. By sending your child to Kelmscott you are, of course, agreeing to support our policies and practice, including behaviour. I would urge you periodically to talk through the behaviour ladders, to ensure that your child is fully aware of our expectations and, critically, that you support us. As ever, I am very grateful for your ongoing support.
This week is anti-bullying week. Ms Thorp and Ms Mehmet are planning assemblies and other activities over the coming week. I look forward to sharing more details in due course. Wednesday was World Kindness Day. The importance of being kind to one another is hugely important to me as Headteacher, and is an integral part of the school culture here at Kelmscott. I hope, like a stick of rock, it is the message that permeates through all that we do.
On Tuesday we welcomed the Astrodome to the school hall and Year 7 came down one group at a time to take advantage of this. On this the Astrodome's return voyage to Kelmscott, Year 7s learnt about space and the stars in the mobile planetarium. Students were taken on an imaginary space-flight from Earth to the outer edges of our solar system, teaching the all-important movements that affect our everyday life. Careers in space science were discussed and students were keen to explore the possibility of pursuing careers as Astronauts, Physists and Geologists. Year 7 behaviour in and out of the dome was excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable and most informative experience.
It was a busy week in the Art department with a trip to the Tate Modern for Year 10 digital art students on Monday after marching across the Millennium Bridge to the gallery to view, sketch and analyse the artwork for the Juxtaposition themed coursework brief. As usual students did themselves and us proud with their exemplary behaviour on the tube and in the gallery. On Tuesday and Wednesday we held the Year 11 mock exams, 2 days of making and creating to finish the units of work that will form 60% of their GCSE final portfolios. The work was as usual, thoughtful, authentic and skilfully made. Inktober Club will resume next Monday in room K207.
On Wednesday, a group of year 8 students travelled to Gladesmore Community School in order to participate in a workshop hosted by the University of Oxford. The Catalyst Programme, organised by St Catherine's College, delivered a range of activities designed to get students thinking about their future and different career paths. As well as discussing what university entails, students were also invited to design their own university. Students were fully engaged, asked insightful questions and represented the school incredibly well.
A group of Year 11 students were involved in a ‘talk about the future’ workshop on Thursday. Students were able to talk about their life experiences, their plans for moving on – and how confident they felt about this. Students also learned about preparing for an interview and talked about appropriate communication during an interview. Feedback was very positive indeed from Year 11 participants.
Turning to our athletes now, and a busy week with lots of great sporting fixtures going on. Well done to the Year 9 boy basketballers who won in an extremely close battle with Leytonstone on Tuesday evening. The boys secured the win 12-11 with a last second winner from Lorence Capilli, well done boys. Our Year 8 girl footballers played three fixtures this week resulting in one win, one draw and one loss. Well done girls - we go again next week against Lammas. Finally we had Year 7 and Year 8 boys and girls taking part in the Waltham Forest indoor athletics today. Some fantastic performances from all taking part with multiple 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. They all represented Kelmscott values exceptionally well and should be proud of themselves.
Some events to signpost; Firstly an exciting opportunity for Year 10 Students pursuing a career in law with Bird & Bird Early Birds Pathway Programme Work Experience. This unique, 7-year programme offers an exceptional insight into the legal profession and includes mentoring, work experience, skills workshops and potential financial assistance. For more information and to register your interest please see here.
Waltham Forest Community Hub will be hosting a free Housing Advice Service information and networking event on Wednesday 20th November that will be open to the public from 1:15-3pm. For more information please see here.
Waltham Forest CAMHS is looking for young people to participate in shaping the CAMHS mental health service. For more information please see here.
A reminder to families please that students are not permitted to cover their faces with either a face mask, snood or similar. This rule is in place for safeguarding reasons. I am grateful for your ongoing support here.
I am pleased to report that our school production School of Rock is nearing its first performance. Students and staff have been working very hard this past twelve months to prepare, and despite a few inevitable setbacks are ready to perform on the 9th and 10th of December. More information as to how to obtain tickets will be shared in due course.
Finally, well done to the following students who topped the rewards points charts for their year group, with a particular mention for Elsie Tulloch in 8K, who topped the rewards points charts for the entire school, with thirty-nine, keep up the good work.
Year 7, Leandra Canaj in 7M with 20 points
Year 8, Elsie Tulloch in 8K with 39 points
Year 9, Misbah Aryubi in 9M with 20 points
Year 10, Yan Lin Weng in 10O with 15 points
Year 11, Alexander Wild in 11L with 16 points
With every good wish,
Mr Sam Jones
Headteacher
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