Principal's Update
I hope you all had a good half-term. It was great to see the students back on Monday looking smart in their uniform.
We started the week with a whole school assembly focused on mental health and the theme of 'Growing together'. You can read more about this in the values section of the newsletter. We discuss mental health daily at CRA and have a Mental Health Action plan. I would encourage you to read the mental health intent and the policy which can be found on the website.
As part of this action plan, we will aim to share thoughts and guidance through our newsletter in the Teen Support, the Values section or through my introduction. Today we are sharing some advice for parents given by Dr Jane Gilmour, a consultant clinical psychologist. She recommends the following:
- Stay connected Your relationship with your child is a precious tool. Do activities together. Strengthening your relationship is the catalyst for getting your child back to school and back into life.
- Talk about the tough stuff Address the tough subjects and emotions – fear, anger and sadness – head on. This will help your child learn how to label feelings and improve their wellbeing and sends a clear message that your family share life’s highs and lows.
- Be truly curious Why did school become too much? Leave aside assumptions and keep an open mind. Remember, listening is not the same as agreeing. Acknowledge how they feel by reflecting back what your child says.
- Give your teenager autonomy Teen brains are wired for independence. Giving them autonomy about how reaching a goal will increase the chance of success.
- Make gradual changes and expect setbacks Too much too quickly will be overwhelming and your child may retreat. Set small, achievable goals – getting out of bed or spending five minutes outside. Accept that getting back to school will be challenging.
Many of you may be planning holidays now the COVID regulations have relaxed. As a school we are entitled to take an additional bank holiday this year for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. We have decided to take it on the last day of the summer term, and finish a day earlier on Thursday 21st July.
I do hope you all have a good weekend and that the weather continues to improve so we can enjoy being outside again.
Mrs Jones - Principal
Canteen Update
Please click on the link below to see the new menu that is now in place in the school canteen; themed menus are in rotated every third Friday.
Please see the latest bulletin update from Caterlink in the link below.
Canteen Charges
In recent weeks we have seen an increase in students attempting to obtain food without having the required amount of money on their Parent Pay account or cash to cover the cost.
This has lead to some students running up deficits.
With effect from Monday 17th January, if a student doesn't have the required amount of money on their account they will need to reduce their purchase.
Those students in receipt of Free School Meals should use their allowance for their main meal at lunch. If they use the allowance for snacks at break then they will have to pay for any food taken at lunch.
The Caterlink Team
Homework
Unfortunately there were some issues with dates in the last newsletter regarding homework. Please see here for most up to date corrections:
KS3 and Yr10 Prep homework will finish on Sunday 13th February and recommence Monday 21st February. This means that Tutors will expect to see Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th homework during Roll Call on Monday 21st February. Yr10 Additional homework will also finish on Sunday 13th February and recommence on Monday 21st February. Subject staff will give more instructions regarding the Yr10 Additional homework to students in lessons.
Yr11 students will currently be revising for their mock exams beginning on Monday 28th February. Whilst students are revising they are not expected to complete any prep homework. However, subject staff may still set additional homework so students should check their school emails, Student Portal and talk to their subject teachers.
Yr11 Prep homework will begin again on Friday 11th March. This means students will show their form tutors 3 pieces of prep homework on Monday 14th March.
Yr11 is a really crucial year in a child’s education and we wish to maximise learning time. To this end if a Yr11 student fails to complete 3 pieces of Prep homework in one week they will be escorted to homework club each lunchtime for a whole week, instead of attending IE for one day. Homework club is for 20mins and so students will still have time for a break and lunch before afternoon lessons.
Mrs Cooper - School Teaching & Learning Lead
Pop Vocals at CRA
On Wednesday this week 45 students from years 7-11 joined together for a one-hour vocal workshop. Students learned a gospel inspired number called Stomp! Lucy Johnstone-McCarthy, the vocal coach was very impressed with the sound the students made and invited them to join the Grantham Pop Choir run by Lincolnshire Music.
At very short notice we managed to arrange transport for 16 students to the rehearsal on Thursday evening and students enjoyed learning new songs and meeting new people. Thank you to all parents and carers who gave lifts and picked their children up after the rehearsal.
CRA Values
In whole school assembly this week, we focused on Mental Health Week 2022. The theme is 'growing together' and we encouraged our students (and staff) to consider how they have grown and how they can help others to grow, whilst thinking about what advice they would give to their 10-year-old self.
We reflected on our CRA values of Aspiration as many staff talked about taking every opportunity and experience as each one will enrich your life. We also reflected on our CRA value of Respect as we discussed how respect starts with yourself; being the best version of yourself in what you do, say and how you present yourself.
Parent Governor Vacancies
Charles Read Academy are now looking for two parent governors.
The role of parent governor is an important one. School governors play an important role in supporting the school. They can influence the strategic vision and direction and hold the senior leadership team to account.
Why become a school governor?
Benefits include:
- Developing your professional skills and experience such as strategic planning, and team working, both of which are valued by employers and can assist your own career development
- Building relationships and networks in your locality
- Supporting children and young people in your community.
There is one meeting every half term. The meetings usually last approximately an hour and a half and can be accessed via Teams if coming into school is too difficult due to transport or child care issues.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in this role by completing your declaration of interest in the Governor election procedure below:
Thinking Ahead – My Future, My Choice
Attention Year 8 & Year 9!
- What are your future plans & career possibilities?
- What plans to do you have after you have completed your GCSEs?
- Do you plan to go on to further/higher education? If so what courses might you study?
- What career ideas do you have for the future at the moment?
In year 7, 8 and 9 you will be learning new skills and knowledge that will give you the confidence to help you plan your next steps. This process starts with your careers education in school which will encourage you to think about your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. You will also start to make some important decisions that could influence your future career path as you will be choosing your subjects to study for GCSE. This process will begin for all Year 9 students early next year.
Each week we will show you examples of the various careers linked to the subject you are studying. This week’s career idea is ‘Jobs related to Modern Languages'
Mr Rees - Career's Support
Attendance
This week we have been celebrating some excellent attendance within our tutor groups, Terra achieving a fantastic 96.5%!
Terra are also leading the attendance percentage overall this week with a fantastic 96.5%, well done Terra. Year 7 & Year 8 Terra jointly have topped the year groups with an outstanding 100% attendance overall.
Covid and Student Attendance
Please see the link below for up to date NHS guidance for COVID related illness and subsequent isolation procedures.
It has just been announced on the news that the self-isolation period for people with Covid has been reduced to a minimum of 5 full days from Monday.
This means that a negative LFT test would now be required on day 5 and day 6, with a return to school on day 6 instead of days 6 and 7.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 01476 550333 ext 502 or kcoleman@charlesreadacademy.co.uk to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
CRA - Lets work together to make every day count!
Mrs Coleman - Attendance Manager
House News
Terra Extend Lead
At the half way mark of the academic year Terra have opened up a 300 point lead at the top of the House Championship leaderboard. Following a successful points haul from competitions during Term 3 Terra are well on their way to re-claiming the House Championship from the current holders, Aqua. Despite their healthy lead, we are only half way through the race for the title and there is more than 5,000 house points to play for in the final 3 terms – including the big events such as Sports Day and Lip Synch Battle.
Caeli are currently in 2nd place with Aqua trailing in 3rd place. Caeli and Aqua should remain confident in closing the gap following a late surge at this point last year, which could be enough to surpass Terra’s total. Check out what is coming up this term in the next article below.
Term 4 House Competitions
Another 1,750 house points are up for grabs this term as we have another action packed Term of competitions lined up.
Competitions this term include Netball, Rocket League, Photography, BullsEye and Gardening all worth 250 house. Additional house points will be awarded for Attitude to Learning, Enrichment Projects and bonus points through the Houseopoly Boards in each tutor group.
Please keep an eye on our social media platforms (Twitter and Instagram) - for updates @CRA_HouseChamp
Mr Webb - Games Master
Table Talk
"Don't be ashamed to share your story it will inspire others to speak up."
This is the slogan for Mental Health Week 2022. We would love you to discuss round the dinner table how talking about your problems and feelings can help others and maybe think of an example where this has applied to you or someone you know.
Year 11 Focus
Next week is an important week for year 11 students as they will begin their final mocks in preparation for the summer exam series. All students have received information about the exam process again from Mrs Thorpe the schools examination officer and have received exam timetables. During tutor times students have been developing revision timetables which should help them in preparing for their upcoming exams.
Please can I ask all parent to support students at this time by talking to them about their revision, creating a space at home which is quiet for them to complete revision and if possible, help them through quizzing them on key subject knowledge. This can be done through using the knowledge organisers they use as part of their homework or revision guides.
Mr Lovatt - Assistant Principal
Year 10 Work Experience Day
A reminder that all reply slips needed to be returned before half term so if you haven't returned the slip you must bring it in this coming week as the work experience day is less than a month away!
This is a great opportunity to taste the world of work, as well as give you an insight into a job/career you may be interested in following. When thinking about who to approach for work experience not only should you focus on your interests but aim to be practical, for instance what personal/family connections you can utilize to help find a suitable placement.
Work experience is also a time to impress potential employers with your enthusiasm, abilities and your responsible approach to work. Who knows where it may lead? Some students have previously found their work experience has translated into part-time work while at school, and even a future career.
Please do come and talk to the careers team for further information, or for instance you are finding difficulty in finding a placement.
Mr Rees - Careers' Support
Word of the Week
Ann, enn: year, yearly (Latin word root)
- Annual occurring once every year.
- Millennium a period of a thousand years, especially when calculated from the traditional date of the birth of Christ.
- Perennial lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
Times Tables
At the end of all lessons students stand behind their chairs in silence to prepare for themselves for the next lesson. From September, on a weekly rota, Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their timetables to help embed them in their long term memory.
Week commencing 28th February - 11 times table
Accelerated Reader
Week commencing 28th February during period 1
The Sporting Post
Afterschool Clubs
Our club timetable has changed. On Monday and Tuesday our students will be taking part in rugby, hockey and dance. On Wednesday and Thursday we have made some changes to the sports clubs we are offering.
On Wednesdays it is table tennis and rowing club. On Thursday it is football and netball. If students attend afterschool football or netball it will increase their chances of being selected to attend the DRET Winter Cup. If they wish to stay on a Wednesday or Thursday students must report to the PE department at 3.15pm and get changed into their kit. They must then be collected by parents/carers at 4.15pm.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in sport at lunchtimes.
Mr Addlesee - Sports Enrichment Officer
Credits:
Created with images by mozlase__ - "school work write still life" • Victoria_Borodinova - "café visualization interior design" • sandid - "school book exercise" • 19dulce91 - "microphone karaoke music" • Engin_Akyurt - "casserole dish vegetables mushrooms" • Tumisu - "ethics right wrong" • ringsfoto - "stationery clip cooperation" • geralt - "bulletin board stickies post-it" • geralt - "stopwatch gears keyboard" • geralt - "apple fruit selection" • Pexels - "book college education" • geralt - "businesswoman business puzzle" • jarmoluk - "hands friendship friends" • Wokandapix - "learn word scrabble" • anncapictures - "tartan track athletics track and field" • webandi - "calendar wall calendar days"