Dear Parent/Carer,

What a way to end year! It is very rare to have both snow and freezing temperatures in December and then on top of that train strikes!  The school car park and grounds are like an ice rink and staff who use public transport have really struggled to get into work.  However both staff and students have responded brilliantly to those challenges and in particular I would like to thank the students for behaving sensibly despite the temptations that snow can bring! I would like also to thank you all for your understanding about having to change the timing of the school day to enable staff and students to get safely to and from school.

I am very aware this winter could be a financially challenging one for many families given the increases in food prices and heating bills.  We will be giving every student a £10.00 Tesco voucher and eligible families will also be sent an additional voucher.  As well as this we have managed to source some basic food. Food parcels will be available from school at between 12-12:00 pm on Wednesday of next week.

If you wish to receive any of the available food or clothing can you please either phone or text me on 0734883858 before Tuesday 4:00 pm. This will enahle us to prepare the parcels for Wednesday.  I would like to thank Kiran and Lillian one of our governors in particular for sourcing and arranging much of this.

Also, Faizan-E-Islam Mosque on Lea Bridge Road have also got a food bank running and also hot food is available too in the afternoon and early evening and also Ghousia Grove Road Hall, E17 9BU have a pop up food bank on Saturday 17^th December 2022 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Several of the major supermarkets are providing support, for example children can eat at Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons, Aldi, Tesco, cafes for just £1.00 with an adult spend required in addition.

We will continue to try and provide this extra support into the New Year.  If you struggling please do not hesitate to contact Kiran or Karim in the office and we will see what we can do to help.

In terms of the school, Year 11s will be sitting mock exams from Wednesday 11^th January for two weeks. Our Year 10 students will also be completing exam questions during their lessons at the same time.  The school council met last week and will meet again in the New Year to provide feedback on any changes or improvement they would like to see at school. We will also be holding an assembly when we return to celebrate all the positive things that many of our students have been involved.

I am not sure if you are aware but Xuan our Maths teacher was involved in an unfortunate accident at the end of the Summer term when he took a group of students ice skating Xuan seriously damaged his spine and he had to have an emergency operation.  Xuan is still recovering from this and is still receiving support from the hospital as he continues his recovery.  Our thoughts and best wishes are extended to him and his family at this time of year in particular.  We wish him all the very best and look forward to his return next year. 

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very peaceful and Happy Christmas, stay safe and look after each other.  School re-opens for students on Thursday 5^th January 2022 at 8:45 am.

Best wishes

Bruce Roberts

Headteacher