Dear Parents/Carers
I hope this letter finds you and your families well, as we settle into another busy and productive term. Lots to share with you, as always, this week:
I am delighted to announce that our new team of Year 10 Peer Mentors will officially begin their roles next week. A huge thank you to everyone who applied, and special congratulations to the twenty-two successful students who have taken on this important role. Our Peer Mentors are key to fostering positive relationships between our younger and older year groups, helping to make our school community a welcoming and friendly place to learn. Initially, they will be working with some Year 7 students during morning registration, leading games, quizzes, and group activities to build connections and support. This enthusiastic group brings plenty of creative ideas to the table. In past years, Peer Mentors have gone on to establish and help run co-curricular clubs and events, and we’re excited to see how their contributions will shape our school community throughout the year. A full list of the Year 10 peer mentors can be viewed here. Watch this space to see how their contributions develop throughout the rest of the year.
A group of Year 8 and 9 students have been enjoying an exciting residential trip to Bath, filled with educational and memorable experiences. Their itinerary promised a rich experience, including a guided walking tour of Bath and an exploration of the Roman Baths. Students will also participate in engaging workshops such as “Understanding Aquae Sulis.” The group will stay at YHA Bath, enjoying full-board accommodation. Students and staff are expected to return today, Friday 24th January 2025, at approximately 6pm. I am very much looking forward to hearing all the details on their return.
This afternoon, a group of Year 10 students visited Barncroft Primary School to assist with a creative writing workshop - preparing newspaper articles as part of a school project. Working alongside small groups of five or six Year 4 students, our Year 10s supported them as they delivered their presentations. The students listened attentively and provided valuable feedback on their work, answering lots of questions and helping to nurture creativity and boost confidence for all involved. It was a great opportunity for both year groups to collaborate and share their skills. The staff at Barncroft were really impressed with how polite and respectful the students were, commenting that they are a ‘credit to the school’.
On Thursday, our Year 11 students took part in an engaging and insightful exam success workshop, as part of their ongoing preparation for this summer’s GCSE exams. During the session, students explored strategies to manage stress and build resilience, actively participating in discussions and exercises to sharpen their approach to revision and exams. The atmosphere was incredibly positive, and it was inspiring to see students leave the workshop feeling more motivated and confident about their upcoming challenges.
I am pleased to share that the facilitators will return over the next two Thursdays, ensuring the entire cohort has the opportunity to benefit from this valuable experience. It was fantastic to witness the focus and determination of our Year 11 students as they continue working towards their goals.
This week saw a whole Year 9 sustainability and climate trip to the Hive in Epping Forest, for an engaging day of learning about the forest’s vital role in combating climate change and boosting biodiversity in the UK. The day began with students applying their map skills and exploring sustainable management strategies at the Hive Education Centre. A highlight of the trip was a hands-on session calculating the amount of carbon stored in trees, providing insight into how forests help mitigate climate change. Despite the wet and muddy conditions, students made the most of the experience, jumping in and out of streams, exploring the forest, and connecting with nature in a meaningful and fun way. It is heartening to see so many of our students actively engage in such an important topic, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference in the world, and fantastic to see their enthusiasm for learning in the great outdoors.
Sports now and the Year 9 girls wrapped up their basketball season with their best game yet. In a thrilling and energetic match against George Mitchell, the team showcased impressive movement on the court and solid defence, leading to a 14-12 victory for Kelmscott. Key contributions came from Myah Farrugia, Melany Kocheva and Alexandra Gutoiu, who each added points to the scoreboard. The team played fantastically, embodying strong STORM characteristics throughout the season.
Hopefully you have received and read the EduLink update message sent out earlier today, if you have not yet downloaded and logged into the new app, please review the message here.
An exciting opportunity for singers, instrumentalists, or composers eager to explore the art of acoustic songwriting and join a team of renowned musicians for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to writing for voice and piano. This inclusive, multi-skills workshop is open to all young people aged 12 to 19. Saturday 8th February from 1.30-4.30pm at Willowfield School. For more information please see here.
This two-day project takes place during the February half-term, on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th February, from 10.00am to 3.00pm. SoundShapers is a dynamic music ensemble designed for musicians and vocalists to create fresh, innovative sounds through jamming, exploration, and composition. Open to musicians aged 11 to 16 who are at Grade 1 to 5 standard, the sessions will be led by expert music teachers from the Waltham Forest Music Service and held at Walthamstow School for Girls (E17 9RZ). Please note there is a charge for participation in this event. For more information please see here.
Well done to last week’s reward points winners. A special mention goes to Thyron Sydney from 10M, who amassed an impressive 51 rewards points – keep up the good work.
Year 7, Ronan Kelly in 7K with 38 points
Year 8, Marlene McNamara in 8E with 39 points
Year 9, Hannah Arthur in 9O with 19 points
Year 10, Thyron Sydney in 10M with 51 points
Year 11, Zahra Turkmani in 11O with 47 points
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Sam Jones
Headteacher
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