This week and this term so far Well done to all our students, their parents and all our staff for reaching the half-term break during this latest lockdown period. Last week I singled out our staff for their efforts, in particular with getting to grips with completely new ways of teaching and learning in such a short period of time. This week though I want to congratulate our students and thank you, their parents and carers. Our records indicate that…
This week This week’s main assembly Ms Wilson-Hooper raised awareness of Children’s Mental Health Week. We hope your children watched this and are excited about our follow-up – Wellbeing Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, next week, activities are being arranged in place of normal lessons. Whilst we have not completely gone screen-free with this, there are lots of activities we have suggested which will give students time away from their computers and phones should they wish for this. Please talk to…
This week We have continued to enhance our online provision. We are keen to go beyond the curriculum however and are now also arranging Form Time and Assemblies across our year groups. This week’s whole school assembly was arranged by Mr Smith, Assistant Head Teacher, who is coordinating nominations for the Jack Petchey Award. Please encourage your child to watch the assemblies and to engage in the Jack Petchey Award nominations process. One of the best parts of my week…
This week It was a week where we tried to inject a bit of festive spirit by encouraging engagement in Christmas Jumper Day, so we were very disappointed that on the day itself, Years 7 and 8 had to join Years 9 and 10 and remain at home due to staffing issues on site. Those that remained did wear their jumpers, ties etc very well and I am sure we will still have raised a good amount of money for…
This week As you are aware, on Thursday I informed parents/carers of the decision to ask two year groups to stay at home today and into next week as a result of staff numbers having become too low to have all year groups on site safely. This was a difficult decision and definitely not one we would make if we could avoid it. It is far from our ideal situation. Ideally, we want all students in school, but I would…
This week In a week where a small number of our students have unfortunately received positive COVID-19 results, we have done our best in the circumstances to keep parents/carers informed. We have worked closely with public health and followed the guidelines set out for secondary schools in this situation and made decisions about who needs to isolate as a result of being considered a close contact. Even as a I write this I am conscious that none of us would…
This week Having welcomed our students back from the half-term break, we continue to do all we can to provide the best education in these challenging circumstances and adapt our arrangements as necessary. I draw your attention to various emails through this week, one of which mentions a change to the end of the school day from Monday, 9th November. The following times will apply: Years 7&8 – leave 3pm Years 9&10 – leave 3.05pm Years 11, 12&13 – leave…
Half-term We come to the end of the first half term and whilst it has been hard work and not without issues, I think we can say it has largely been very successful here at Darrick Wood with the aim of re-opening the School to all students for the first time since the lockdown being achieved and sustained. I draw your attention to the Head Teacher update email today which outline some changes we will put in place for after…
Assembly this week Introducing Black History Month, our assemblies this week focussed on equality and diversity and the positive contribution to society by black and ethnic minority British people including former international athlete from Croydon, Donna Fraser. Form time activities have also been shared by members of staff and discussed by Forms throughout the week. ID cards Student ID cards and lanyards that are lost or damaged will need to be paid for. The cost is £5. Please pay online…
Virtual assembly I had a fabulous opportunity to break a school record on Monday – something I have not had the chance to do since my own school days when things were very different indeed! Whilst the technology let me down for a short while (I became muted), I was able to speak to all students and staff across the School in a short assembly on Microsoft Teams via staff laptops. Now we have tested the system and had the…