Co-education

10 October 2007

The Academy has taken its first steps towards full co-education, and readers will find in the Bulletin mention of the pioneering girls who began their Junior School career a month ago. Warm good wishes to them, and indeed to all who started their Academy career this term; I hope that they find friendship and opportunity at every stage.

They will be followed next August by the 2008 new arrivals, girls and boys at every stage of the Junior and Senior School. We have been enormously encouraged by the interest shown in the past months which has been unprecedented. Enquiries for the Nursery in August 2008 are up 20% by comparison with last year; for the Junior School, up 75%; and for the Senior School up 100%. Registrations already logged are up 35% for the Nursery, 50% for the Junior School and 215% for the Senior School. These are promising signs indeed – and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors over the next months.

New prospectus - 6 February 2007

I hope that all parents duly received a copy of the new prospectus, and that you have had time to look through its contents.  We have tried to keep the number of words to a reasonable level, but to tell the Academy's story via paragraphs, pictures and tone.  We have received a number of very positive comments, but will welcome further thoughts - and above all, we hope that you will spread good messages to friends and family alike. 
Whatever your connection with the school may be, if you would like a copy or further copy of the prospectus, please get in touch with the School Office. The telephone number is 0131 624 4940, and the e-mail .

28 November 2006

Our planning for the impending change to co-education is progressing positively, and the Court meeting on December 5th will include discussion on the timing of the move for P6 and all Senior School classes.  May I remind parents and all readers that we aim to give firm news on that timing as soon as is practically possible after that meeting.

4 October 2006

Parents of current pupils will have received the Chairman's letter in the post on Tuesday or Wednesday, announcing the decision that the Academy will move to full co-education over the next 2-3 years.  Other readers of the News Sheet will want to know details, and they are available on the school website as from Wednesday morning.
The summary position is as follows:
1. Girls will be admitted to all Junior School Classes from the Nursery through to P5 from August 2007.
2. Girls will be admitted into all classes in the Senior School and into all classes in the Junior School no later than August 2009.
3. We need to give further thought to the time needed to make the necessary changes to the Senior School facilities, and investigative work is under way.  It is possible that these changes may be completed in time for the 2008-09 session.
4. If they can be completed, we will advance the date for full acceptance of girls into the Senior School to August 2008.  We will also accept girls into P6 in the Junior School from August 2007.
5. A final decision on the two latter points will be taken by the Court on December 5th and will be communicated as soon as possible thereafter.
Importantly, the Chairman reinforced the school's commitment, regarding the ethos and culture of the school over the next years:
a) Small class sizes will remain a priority. In the Junior School we envisage no more than 20 pupils per class in years 1-3 and no more than 22 in years 4-6.
b) For the Senior School, we repeat our commitment that the current maximum class size will remain at 24 in Geits-5ths Classes.
c) Our expectation, therefore, is that the Academy will remain for the foreseeable future a school of less than 1000 pupils.  We are convinced that this number will continue to permit each pupil to be known and supported as an individual.
We now move forward positively to put in the necessary planning over the next months.  Meanwhile, every parent and every young person can be confident that the Academy will continue to do the very best for each one of its pupils, female and male alike.

27 September 2006

Following a very lively but courteous meeting on Wednesday evening, the consultation period for the co-education issue is now drawing to a close.  The responses received up to and including Monday evening have been collated and will be considered by the Court at their meeting this coming Wednesday.  As soon as possible thereafter, parents will be informed of the next step or steps, but I hope that all will understand that that may take a little time.  Please do not expect an instant response, but be assured; details will be circulated as swiftly as is practically possible.

4 September 2006

The Chairman of the Court, Henry Fairweather, wrote to parents and Academicals in early August, inviting comment on the issue of a possible  move to co-education throughout the Academy.  Some 180 responses have been received to date, but  we hope for many more over the next days and weeks.  Please give us your opinion; it will contribute importantly to the eventual decision.

Some concerns have been voiced directly or indirectly, suggesting that a decision has already been taken.  May I state plainly; every response by letter or by e-mail is being read, analysed and recorded.  A summary of the responses will be examined and discussed by the Directors on September 27th.  Only then will they decide on the next steps.

One important point needs to be emphasised.  The Court of Directors is looking to the next decades for the Academy, with full but objective respect for what the school is now and what it has been.  In that consideration of the future, the question of co-education simply must be faced.  In addressing the question and inviting in all openness the views of interested parents and former pupils, the Directors are ensuring that a wide range of people are involved in the shaping of the school for the next years.

Meanwhile, a number of parents have welcomed the offer of a meeting with members of the Court.  This has therefore been arranged for Wednesday 20th September at 8.00 p.m. in the Main Hall, 42 Henderson Row.  It will follow immediately after the AGM of the Parents and Friends Association, scheduled for 7.30 p.m.

I hope that as many parents as possible will attend, and ask that those wishing to be present indicate their name and the number attending;
(e-mail:

Telephone: School Office - 0131 624 4940

Chairman's Letter 8 August 2006

The Chairman of the Court has written as above to parents this week. A similar letter has gone to Academicals.

Communications

RSS updates - 24 May 2006

A reminder to parents of a recent change aimed at improving our service to you.
Our RSS feed can now give you instant news of urgent messages such as games cancellations. Learn how to subscribe by visiting
www.edinburghacademy.org.uk/whatisrss.htm

Reporting - 26 April 2006

We would welcome comment on the new format of reporting. If you have views, please get in touch via e-mail or by post. Similarly, if you have thoughts about the emailed version of News Sheet, we would appreciate those also. As you know, we are trying to cut down on wastage of paper - and on the uncertainty of the schoolbag as a reliable delivery vehicle.

Personal details - 14 September

Thank you, all Henderson Row parents who have returned detail forms with addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses: almost all have now come in. Could I remind you to help us in keeping these up to date: simply send changes to .

Road Safety & Driving to School

22 april 2008

Thank you to those parents who are following our plea about pick-up in Inverleith Place, rather than outside the Junior School.  If all can spread that word and establish a standard practice, it will be a contribution by all the Academy community which is hugely appreciated.

15 April 2008

On an important safety point, may we make a joint plea to all parents who drop off and pick up outside or near the Junior School.

During the holidays, we received an official reply from the Council, stating that they would no longer be painting a single yellow line down the East side of Arboretum Road.  It was considered to be against the Safer Routes to School policy, which is actively encouraging alternative means of transport to school.  The Council also pointed out that it has created a pedestrian crossing at the Inverleith Place/Arboretum Road junction, which should enable parents to park a couple of minutes away from the school and walk the short distance to the entrance.

Respectfully, but firmly, may we ask this:

Junior School parents: please adopt this practice – i.e. park away from the school and walk to the entrance. 

Senior School parents: after games, please pick up pupils on Inverleith Place, not outside the Junior School gates or on Kinnear Road.  Double parking and congestion are a worrying hazard, and we do ask for your cooperation.

26 february 2008

Vehicle Congestion outside the Junior School is beginning to cause major worry.  We fully understand that parents of Junior and Senior School pupils lead a busy life, but some are now putting their own convenience ahead of basic safety, by leaving their car on zigzag lines or by double parking.  With regret, I have had to ask the Police to patrol the area, in order that we may emphasise the danger which these practices represent.

We are investigating ways to encourage Senior School pupils to arrange their pick up south of New Field, on Inverleith Place, in order to reduce pressure at peak times in Kinnear Road and Arboretum Road.  Meanwhile, please would parents think carefully; a moment’s lack of consideration increases hugely the chance of a serious incident.

29 January 2008

May I remind senior pupils and their parents of the school rule regarding the use of a car for school activities.  No pupil may drive to school or to a school-related activity unless parents have requested permission from the Rector.  We do emphasise this point firmly but respectfully, in order to limit the chance of accident and distress in the future.  Thank you to parents and pupils for observing this basic safety precaution.

15 January 2008

May I remind all Senior School pupils moving up to New Field: you MUST use the pedestrian crossing to the west (nearer to Fettes College) of the Inverleith Place roundabout.  Traffic using the roundabout is at times heavy; please respect drivers as you cross the road.

11 december 2007

I do not wish to appear alarmist, but I hope that parents will understand another word, following a near-miss traffic incident in Glenogle Road a fortnight ago.  A parent has pointed out that some vehicles stop near the back gate to Henderson Row, but do not pull in to the kerb.  Hence, they obscure the view of other cars – and the view of pedestrians who may be trying to cross. 

It appears that the road has become a convenient short cut for drivers wishing to avoid Canonmills, and thus there is more morning traffic.  Please would parents be very vigilant, and park or stop close to the kerb.  Many thanks for your forethought; it is important.

27 November 2007

May I reinforce our message to the school last week.  Two young pupils had a very near miss on Thursday morning when they were hit by a car as they crossed the road behind the school.  They were shaken but not damaged – but the incident was a clear reminder to us all.  Please would parents back up our signal; it takes just a moment of wayward attention to bring a change for a lifetime.

30 October 2007

The clocks go back and the nights are darker; please would parents of younger pupils at Henderson Row make the usual reminders about road safety at this time. We do want to avoid any nasty incidents.

Similarly, we made an important point today about respect for other folk on public transport and in the street. Academy pupils are generally excellent ambassadors for their family and for the school, but manners can be forgotten when they are in a group. A reminder: please can all who wear our blazer be aware that they are very visible – and that high standards are for every day, not just for the special occasions.

Finally, still on the safety issue: Kinnear Road and Arboretum Road are very busy at the peak times, just before school and particularly between 3.00 and 4.30 in the afternoon. Parents who double park are a double danger to pupils and to other road users; please respect good sense, even if that means a slightly longer morning or evening walk.

5 June 2007

May I give a quiet, but a timely nudge on safety matters as the end of the school year approaches. Please would parents take the opportunity to remind sons and daughters:
a) Please be alert at all times when on pavements and particularly when crossing roads. A moment's lapse can have serious consequences.
b) We specifically ask parents of those senior pupils who wish to drive a vehicle to or from school premises or a school activity to write to the Rector for formal permission. In this way we seek to limit any proliferation of car usage - and thus to reduce the chance of an accident involving driver or passenger.
Thank you for your vigilance on these important safety issues.

15 May 2007

Following last week's reminder to parents who drive cars into the Yards at Henderson Row, may I draw all parents' attention to another hot spot, namely Kinnear Road.
One of our neighbours is understandably concerned that double parking, sometimes on both sides of the road at peak times, is both inconsiderate and dangerous. He mentioned particularly a recent incident as he was driving along the road, when an Academy pupil ran out from behind a .double parked vehicle, forcing a sharp emergency stop.
Please be very aware of safety and of our neighbours' needs when you are picking up or dropping off in Kinnear Road or Arboretum Road.  We do want to avoid the risk of accident or of frustration

8 May 2007

May I ask drivers to be extremely careful when they are dropping off or picking up in the Yards.  In the morning particularly, young pupils play their lively ball games, which we don't want to discourage.  If you drive a vehicle in to the school, please be ultra-cautious; many thanks for your forethought.

Driving to school - 3 May 2006

May I make another timely reminder to senior pupils; those who wish to drive a car to or from school must have the Rector's permission. In addition, no car may be driven on school premises at any time - and cars must be parked well away from residential areas, avoiding notably the Colonies off Glenogle Road.

Driving to school - 5 October 2005

May I repeat my recent Assembly words to the senior pupils, concerning the use of cars. We want to give a message of caution as they pass their driving test, and to emphasise safety at all times. I remind parents respectfully that no pupil may drive to or from school, or to school events, unless parents have requested and received written permission from the Rector. Similarly, we discourage pupils from travelling with other pupil drivers unless permission has been sought. Please support this steady rule; we seek to avoid problems by foreseeing the potential causes.

Early leave

3 June 2008

As the weeks fly past and the end of the year approaches, may I make a plea that we continue to do our jobs right to the last day of the term. Letters inviting parents to the end of term Exhibition have been posted.  May I remind parents that attendance is compulsory for all pupils.  Please can we avoid this year the annual stream of requests for early departure, for those requests diminish the occasion for the 7ths and other pupils who are leaving. Thank you for your support.

4 December 2007

As the end of the term draws near, we are keen to make full use of time even if school exams have been completed.  Please would parents encourage good attendance and work right to the final day; support from home is as always much appreciated.

12 June 2007

As the Summer Term races towards its end, a plea from this side.  We are receiving a steady but significant trickle of requests for early leave at the end of term which degrades our final Exhibition in major fashion.  I do ask parents to respect the term dates; we do try to be understanding when there are urgent priorities for families, but are keen to avoid a general slide

14 June 2006

I hope that parents of all Senior School pupils have received Exhibition details and that we will be able to celebrate the end of the year in good style. May I plead once again for understanding; the end of term brings ever more late requests for absence, for all sorts of reasons - yet there is ample holiday time for pupils at every stage. Please help us to give the good message; term time is job time.

Good Standards

26 february 2008

Numbers of pupils are now coming to school in trainers, having misplaced their shoes at New Field or elsewhere.  This is frankly unacceptable; please would parents ensure that their son or daughter leaves home wearing the correct uniform, including footwear, each morning.  Thank you.

6 November 2007

A number of Senior School pupils now arrive early in the morning, well before their 8.40 registration time, and then visit one of the local shops. A couple of reminders to them are relevant:

a) Please remember manners and good standards in shops. We do want to maintain our good reputation for courtesy and honesty.

b) Please note that the school day begins at 8.40, and that pupils are expected to remain on the school premises after that time, unless permission has been sought from the Class Teacher.

We do not seek to police the comings and goings of Senior School pupils before the school day begins. However, we do encourage them to stay on our premises and to use our own breakfast bar.

haircuts - 8 February 2006

We are becoming worried once again by shaggy haircuts which are proliferating.  I do ask parents to ensure that action is taken at home this week or this weekend; we do not seek confrontation, but will not shrink from it if it is necessary.

Good standards - 30 November 2005

On the subject of punctuality, I had a word today with all Senior School pupils about timings, dress, proper equipment and safeguarding of kit. Sloppy habits are creeping in, and we want to ensure that all Academy pupils recognise that they as individuals contribute to the whole. As always, the support of parents on this topic is much appreciated; meanwhile, we are doing what we can to establish a community where people and the best standards are respected equally.

Maxwell Centre

Maxwell Lectures - 13 February 2007

I hope that all parents and pupils were and are well aware of the series of Science Lectures, which opened on Friday last with a breathtaking address by Professor Malcolm Longair of the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.  His enthusiasm and his ability to convey what was a complex message indeed were outstanding - and I do hope that pupils particularly will seize their opportunity to hear outstanding speakers who broaden the mind and open up new avenues for their audience.

7 November 2006 - Official opening of the Maxwell Centre

It was a pleasure to welcome Lord Falconer of Thoroton MA, QC on Friday, as he conducted the formal opening of the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre.  He spoke very warmly of the Academy where he spent his younger years as a pupil, and it was particularly heartening to see his clear wish to speak not to just a few but to a good number of pupils, staff and guests during his flying visit.  His schedule for the day was hair-raising, and we were very grateful to him for his time and his support, and equally grateful to all who worked so hard to make the occasion match the quality of the building.
We would dearly have liked to have included all in the ceremonial of the day, but that was sadly not possible.  Congratulations nevertheless to the Pipe Band and to the Chamber Choir for their very stylish contribution - and to a fine trumpeter whose fanfare and whose bearing were of the highest order.

24 October - keeping it smart

Today, Monday, marked the first full lessons in the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, and pupils will have been impressed and encouraged by their new facilities.  We reminded them today: keep to the left when entering the building and when moving around stairs and corridors - but keep bags well clear of walls and doors.  In that way, the building will still look clean and smart when future generations of scientists come to do their learning in it.  Many thanks to all who take care of their surroundings

Mobile Phones

Use of Camera Phones - 1 February 2006

Parents will be aware that we are keen to ensure that mobile telephones are used only for the proper purpose. We have recently become aware that short film clips are being viewed, and perhaps filmed in school time, which causes us concern. Images may not have been authorised by the person filmed or photographed. They may be sent anywhere in the world to other viewers. They may be downloaded from highly inappropriate sites.
Please would parents and pupils be aware:
a) Pupils' mobile phones may be used in school time only for emergency contact.
b) Any pupil who uses a phone for photographing or for viewing images without authorisation in school time risks forfeiting his or her phone for an indefinite period.
c) We reserve the right to view the images on any phone which has been used inappropriately during the school day or on school trips and visits.
Please would parents reinforce our position on this tricky matter. We do want to promote good sense.

Comment (0)

Prep

25 September 2007

With the term well under way, it is perhaps time for the annual request to parents to let us know about prep.  We have had a push to ensure that solid assignments are set for prep, but are always conscious that a piece of work may be simple to one pupil but arduous to another.  If your daughter or your son has too much, or too little, prep on a regular basis, please contact Class Teacher, Year Head or me.  We want to establish good independent working habits, without creating pressure and worry in the home. (*see comment)

23 January 2007

On the academic front, we are getting one or two reports about the amount of prep being set.  Once again, may I plead with parents: if too much or, more probably, too little prep is being asked of your daughter or son at home, please contact Classteacher, Year Head or myself.  We do want to establish solid study routines from an early stage - and regular, appropriate assignments are important in that regard.  Many thanks for vigilance at home; it does help considerably.

28 September 2005

If any parent, particularly of a new pupil, feels that the amount of prep is not correct (either too little or too much), please get in touch with Class Teacher, Year Head or me. We want to set solid, achievable tasks, so that these important Autumn term weeks are used to the full.

Sport

accident - 26 february 2008

We have received positive news from St Aloysius, regarding the young man who suffered a spinal injury at New Field.  His family are much encouraged for he is making progress, although there is a long way to go and he is likely to remain in hospital for several months yet.  Yet again, we all wish him the very best and hope that the progress will be maintained.

accident - 5 February 2008

We have been maintaining close contact with St Aloysius College regarding the progress of the young man who sustained a spinal injury at New Field.  The latest information is that he underwent a lengthy operation at the end of last week and that he is progressing.  It is too early for firm indications as to the longer term, but the probability is that he will spend a number of months in hospital.  We will continue to monitor developments – and to keep him, his family and his friends very much in our thoughts.

accident - 29 January

I am sure that many readers will have been thinking about the St Aloysius pupil who suffered a spinal injury a week ago at New  Field.  He remains in hospital in Glasgow, and we are in almost daily touch with his school.  I heard today that his condition continues to cause concern, but that it will be some time, perhaps weeks or months, before firm news emerges.  As ever, our thoughts, prayers, sympathies and hopes go to him and to his family.

accident - 22 January

By the time this reaches parents and other readers, many will know of the sports accident which occurred at New Field on Saturday. As I informed all the pupils in Assembly this Monday morning, a player from St Aloysius College in Glasgow sustained a spinal injury in the 1st XV match and is currently in hospital. We understand, although these are early days, that the injury is serious, and the Headmaster of St Aloysius has written to parents to express the school’s deep concern for the young man involved. All our thoughts go to him, to his family, his friends and his school.

Meanwhile, thanks are due to the referee, the first aid official and to the paramedics who acted as swiftly as possible. We will do our utmost to keep parents informed on progress, but should add that we anticipate that there may be considerable press interest over the next days.

damage to pitches - 23 January 2007

It was disappointing to see sports practices and matches disrupted by the wild weather of last week, but I hope that parents and pupils will understand that pitches in their current soaked condition would be seriously mangled if they were used as normal.  We hope for an extended spell of drier conditions to allow the experts to get to work on the fields and the ground itself to recover.

attending matches - 14 November 2006

Thank you to parents who tread touchlines each week and support Academy teams.  From time to time, Britain's fans can forget that it's just a game on a Saturday, and that it only takes place because a referee/umpire is willing to give up his or her time.  I know that all those who coach sides are truly grateful to Academy parents who want to see their team succeed, but who keep matters in proportion and observe the courtesies and the good humour besides.

ball games & neighbours - 16 November 2005

A request to all those who use the Arboretum tennis courts, following a strong letter of complaint from a neighbour. Please do not enter the garden of local residents to retrieve a stray ball. In addition, I do ask hockey players particularly to take care during their games to keep the ball down. A hockey ball landing in a garden can cause damage to people and to fixtures.

attending matches - 21 September 2005

May I make two requests to both parents and pupils attending matches:
a) Please leave dogs at home or in the car; that will be much appreciated.
b) Please never bring bicycles on to or near the pitches. A bike left lying close to the field of play becomes a menace and a peril if one of the players is bundled into touch.
Thank you for your thought on these two points.

Study Leave

3 June 2008

As the weeks fly past and the end of the year approaches, may I make a plea that we continue to do our jobs right to the last day of the term. 6ths study leave is now over, but there is much learning to be done over the next weeks in preparation for the 7ths year.  All 6ths pupils are expected to attend classes as normal; please would parents give wholehearted support from home.

6 May 2008

With exam time approaching fast, may I make another plea to all candidates to use their study time wisely.  Study leave can be extremely fruitful – but is often frittered away because of a lack of structure and a “tomorrow will do” mentality.  Please follow two guidelines: (a) Set yourself a programme and stick to it; that will bring all sorts of benefits in the future.  (b)Seek advice from teachers.  All too often, their offers of help are neglected; their experience is vital in the final weeks of your courses.

5 February 2008

We are now almost through the prelim and module weeks of this term – and we aim to return as swiftly as possible to normal teaching following the exams and related study leave.  Time between now and the public examinations is short, and every lesson is an opportunity to consolidate.  We do ask all pupils in Fifths to Sevenths to use teacher time to maximum effect; time spent on assessment is important of course – but it is not as fruitful as time spent on learning.

15 January 2008

At Henderson Row, we are back into the routines of the school term and pupils in exam years are limbering up for their various challenges, be they prelim exams or full modules.  I hope that they will use study time to full effect – and that parents will get in touch with Class Teacher, Year Head or with me if they have concerns.  We are happy to advise, if asked – but want otherwise to encourage independent study habits which are the best allies as Academy pupils move forward.

1 May 2007

We are moving swiftly towards public exams, and as usual, the prospect of study leave must seem very appealing to the candidates.  Their teachers are not so delighted, for year after year they offer past paper practice and make themselves available for advice or extra help, but find that that guidance is used least by those who need it most. We cannot be prescriptive when pupils are organising their revision - but can offer a lot of experience if parents or pupils want to ask.  Please get in touch with subject teacher, Year Head or myself, as necessary.

UCAS

31 October 2006

We now move into the main season for university applications, and I do ask senior pupils to respect the UCAS deadlines which we have clearly marked.  Your help will ensure that there are no last minute panics - and that Class Teachers and others can give the due time and attention to detail which will in turn help you to the full

Uniform

11 december 2007

Thank you to four committee members of the Association of Parents and Friends who came to discuss games uniform issues this morning.  The meeting was very constructive, and centred upon quality of the clothing, on delivery and on amending the opening hours of the shop to suit parents’ needs.

We will be bringing in changes to the service from the start of next term, including lunchtime opening.  We are also taking up with suppliers the delivery and quality issues.  Meanwhile, lessons have been learned this term and adjustments will be made; we are determined to ensure that the inconveniences which some parents have encountered are not repeated.

18 September 2007

Games Uniform

Thank you once again to parents for their patience.  Frustrations still exist, but we are moving forward steadily.

A word about dress for Senior School pupils coming away from practices or matches.  We do want to maintain good standards, whether pupils are travelling with parents, by public transport or on foot.  Hence, we expect all pupils to wear either full school uniform or the full, clean tracksuit.  Mix and match is not acceptable; please help us, whether you are parent, pupil or teacher, to maintain this standard.

Valuables

26 february 2008

Parents will note the plea from Mr Trotter who has accumulated a huge amount of Lost Property, much of it unnamed.  PLEASE would parents ensure that all items of clothing bear the owner’s name; otherwise, we cannot teach young people the importance of respecting property.

2 October 2007

A message today for parents and for pupils. May I make a plea over valuables, once again.  Items such as mobile phones and iPods seem to have become must-have accessories – but parents know well that they are easy to lose and expensive to replace.  To all pupils; please think carefully.  (1) Are they necessary?  (2) If you must bring them, do not leave them unattended in a changing room or in a jacket pocket.  Use the locker in the Sports Hall or hand them to the teacher in charge, to be kept in the valuables bag.  Simple precautions; please follow them.

valuables at school - 13 September 2006

On a beautiful late summer day, following a similarly lovely weekend, I am sorry to raise a gloomy note regarding theft.  Parents should be aware that a teacher's laptop computer was stolen during a school day last week, and that we have no indication that an outsider was involved.  Hence we must tackle the probability that a member of the school community was responsible.
We cannot go forward without evidence but will continue to investigate.  Meanwhile, each of us can minimise the risk to property by adopting simple habits:
1. Please would parents remind their daughter or son that valuables, e.g. MP3 or iPod players, should NOT be brought to school.
2. Cash, watches or other valuables should never be left in changing rooms.
3. The Sports Centre has lockers which should be used for valuables. A returnable deposit of 50p is required - and change is available, if necessary, from the front desk.
4. Pupils should always remove cash, telephones and any other valuables from jackets and bags, if these are to be left unattended during the school day.
I wish that it was not necessary to stress these points - but must be truthful in advice to pupils and to parents.

valuables at school - 9 November 2005

May I plead yet again with pupils and with their parents on the subject of valuables. Once more we have had an outbreak of theft from a changing room, and current indications are that the thief came from outwith the school. He or she would have had scant success if good sense had been observed by the pupils - but they had left wallets, phones and other valuables unattended in jackets. I repeat once again my double reminder:
(a) Bring as few valuables as possible to school;
(b) ALWAYS deposit valuables with the teacher in charge during games or PE.
Theft, as mentioned cryptically in Wednesday's Assembly, is a four-letter word.

Vandalism

vandalism - 2 November 2005

We suffered some deliberate damage to the Pavilion over half-term and have been in close contact with the Police. Please be aware that they will be keeping a close eye on the area in the next months - and may also take the opportunity of bringing police dogs to New Field in the evening for training, and for deterring potential vandals. The handlers will be scrupulous to prevent soiling of the pitches by their dogs; we and they do want to keep our facilities safe - and clean.