Welcome to this week's newsletter
In the final newsletter of the academic year, I wanted the celebrate the award of a Head of School Commendation.
This week Tiffany M was given this awarded for her contribution to Year 9 Curriculum Day. She was nominated by Mr Andrews for her presentation on diversity in which she spoke eloquently to the whole of the year group about her personal experiences.
Well done, Tiffany we are very proud of you.
On a different note, I wanted to take the opportunity to mention the weather next week. It looks likely to be unprecedented in terms of temperatures. I wanted to remind parents/carers of measures we are taking to prepare. Please can we ask you to reinforce these messages with your child/children:
- Change to uniform - PE kit or uniform with no blazer or tie
- Students need to bring plenty to drink
- Sixth form open as an additional water bottle refill station (access through door in the quad)
- Wear a sun hat at break and lunch
- Regularly apply sunscreen
- Indoor areas available at break and lunch times
- Students can bring an umbrella for additional shade but there are shaded areas, particularly on the quad
We are trying to make full use of rooms with air conditioning units by re-rooming lessons, although these rooms are limited in number. We are also reviewing the plans for Sports Days but will be in touch about plans for this early next week.
Here are some additional sources of advice for keeping safe in the high temperatures:
Finally, I wanted to thank you all for your support of the school over the year. Have a peaceful and safe summer break!
Lee Towers, Head of School
A year at Manor School
A lot can happen in one year, so here's a look back at just some of the trips, visits and events that have taken place over the 2021-22 academic year. We can't wait to see what next year brings, and are looking forward to sharing it all with you.
Arbor parent portal
Today, we have turned on the 'Arbor parent portal' for parents/carers to use in order to view your child's information. Initially, this portal will display:
- The student's timetable
- The current attendance figures
- The current REACH points awarded
Please note that the REACH point total included in Arbor will currently only show REACH points awarded from 19 April until now. We have included REACH points collected from before this date in the calculations for REACHFest and other end of year awards. The total for the entire year will be shown on the final data reports for this year which are being issued in the coming days. In the short term we are not able to bulk email individualised letters so the final data report of the year will be printed and issued to students next week. We will email to inform you when this takes place.
Over time, we will look to include further information on the Arbor portal, which will eventually be used as a source for most communication.
The simplest way to register is to sign into the parent portal, please visit https://login.arbor.sc/ and select 'Forgotten password'. You will then be sent an email containing further instructions. Once you have registered, you can download the app from Google Play or the App Store and log in with your details.
In the first instance, please contact enquiries@manor.school should you have any queries about the portal.
Grafham Water trip
Year 9 students had a fantastic time at Grafham Water on 28 June, trying out various water sports including canoeing, raft building, wind surfing and paddle boarding. It was a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves and show resilience, as well as developing teamwork and communication.
Safeguarding and mental health support
If you are concerned about a child during the school holidays you can contact a member of the safeguarding team via concerns@manor.school.
If you are worried that someone might be in danger, please call the police or contact the MASH on 0300 126 7000.
The NHS are offering free online sessions for anyone over 17.5 years old to support lack of motivation, low mood and anxiety. Click here for more information.
Summer holiday activities
It can be challenging to find holiday activities for digitally savvy young ones. National Online Safety have compiled a guide full of EdTech (educational technology) ideas to keep them busy - download the guide via the button below.
Summer of Fun at Chester House
Throughout the summer holidays, Chester House will have various family learning activities for all the family to enjoy within their learning department. The estate is free to enter with free parking, and most family learning activities will cost no more than £2 so it is a great opportunity for families to have a great day out for little cost.
For more information on the Summer of Fun programme plus other upcoming events, please click the link below.
REACHFest
Students who achieved Gold, Platinum or School Colours REACH Awards this academic year were invited to REACHFest on Monday 11 July. Attendees were able to play carnival games and enjoy inflatable amusements out on the field, as well as pick up free food and drink. Last year's winners also attended as their previous event had to be cancelled. We hope everyone invited had a great time.
PE notices
Our sports leaders did a fantastic job of leading Raunds Park Infants' Sports Day on Tuesday 12 July. The event ran smoothly, with the school receiving some great feedback from those in attendance. If any student is interested in being part of the sports leadership group, please ask them to speak to Miss Hustwait.
Manor will be hosting our own sports days next week for students to take part in. Our current plans are as follows:
- Year 12 students will have theirs period 3 and 4 on Tuesday 19 July. Hannah as captain of Acer, Thomas as captain of Quercus, and Lewis as captain of Betula have pulled their teams together to compete in a Danish longball game and some athletics events.
- Years 7-10 have sports day on Wednesday 20 July. Year 7 and 10 will be participating in their sports events during periods 1 and 2, whilst Year 8 and 9 will be participating in their sports events during periods 3 and 4. All students are to come to school in their Manor PE kit, and should ensure they have appropriate sun protection and water bottles.
Finally, we have a number of items in our lost property collection. If your child has lost any of their PE kit during the academic year and been unable to find it, please ask them to check the collection before the end of term.