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In assemblies this week we considered the theme of how instant is not always best. We reflected on how social media seems to be dominating lives currently and that the instant nature of this can prove to cause problems. We considered how over 800 years ago the Magna Carta, a very important document in our country’s history, did not at first improve the lives of most people and progress was slow. However, many years later and after much perseverance, it has become the document upon which much of human rights law has been based. Success and progress does not always come instantly. It takes time and effort, much like learning.

Following interviews before half term, we are pleased to announce that we have successfully recruited a new SENCo, Mrs V Hodgson, who will be starting at the beginning of the summer term.  In the interim, please continue to address any queries to senco@darrickwood.bromley.sch.uk.

We are grateful to the large number of parents who attended Year 8 parents’ evening on Thursday. If anyone did not get an appointment with a specific teacher or missed the evening for whatever reason please contact your child’s tutor or teacher for an update.

On Friday, 15th February Miss Tibbs took a group of Year 8 and Year 9 pupils to Bromley Library to attend a workshop with the contemporary poet Dizraeli. The pupils watched a performance and then worked in groups to produce and workshop their own poetry connected to themes such as mental health and self-care. The pupils were exceptionally well behaved and frequently contributed thoughtful and intelligent suggestions to the group and workshop.

All of our half-term trips were highly successful including the ski trip, drama trip to Paris and the A level Geography fieldtrip to Dorset. It is now only five weeks until the group of pupils and staff depart for our first ever trip to China to see, not only some amazing sights like the Great Wall, but also to visit our partner school Nanya, in Hunan Province. We are really looking forward to hearing all about their experience on their return after Easter.

Online safety

Parents/carers may be aware of a news story related to a character named “Momo” which has been reported to be appearing online. As a result of this, the Police have suggested that rather than focusing on the specific momo meme, parents could use the opportunity to educate children about internet safety, as well as having an open conversation about what children are accessing.

National Online Safety have also produced a one page guide which can be accessed using the link below:

https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents/

The main narrative of the advice is for parents, carers, guardians and professionals to use news stories such as this to start a conversation with children and young people:

• Ask them if they have heard of the challenge and allow them to talk openly about it.
• What they would do if ‘Momo’ got in touch with them?
• Who would they go to for help?
• Do they know how to block users on popular platforms?

Coming up

Next week is Careers Week – check out the resources on our website

Year 9 Options Evening on Thursday, 7th March, 7pm – see separate email

Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Thursday, 14th March, 5-8pm

The Spring Concert on Thursday, 21st March

Year 10 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 27th March, 5-8pm

Gym Production on Wednesday, 3rd April

Looking further ahead

Sports Day will be at Norman Park on Tuesday, 16th July. This is a compulsory day for Years 7-9 and all pupils will be required to meet at Norman Park as there will be no transport provided. Further information will be sent nearer the time.

Reminder

From September 2019 all pupils will need to have the new PE kit for lessons.