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…
This week With all year groups now back it has been delightful to walk around school and see lessons in progress, learning happening and our new procedures making a difference in minimising risk to students and staff. I have been very impressed to see our students quickly settling into the new routines, following instructions and understanding that whilst many things have necessarily changed in school, that we are here to help them prepare for the future. They look smart in…
This week Friday, 13th March is Sport Relief 2020 and today most students and staff took up the opportunity to wear their sports kit to school. We do not know the final amounts but that is sure to have raised over £1000 for Sport Relief. This will be added to the amounts raised through activities through the week including today’s staff vs. students netball competition at lunchtime. The match was well supported and very competitive. It ended in a draw…
This week This week was Careers Week and in assemblies students were provided with information about the various post-16 and post-18 pathways and asked to consider their future career aspirations. Further information was available at lunchtime on Wednesday and Thursday and lots made the most of this opportunity. The School has an Independent Careers Adviser available for appointments and Mrs Flood (Pathways Coordinator) and Mrs Collier (Work Experience Coordinator) are also available in school (in a room in our Learning…