End of Term Letter

6th December 2023

Dear Parent/Guardian

We are fast approaching the end of a busy and productive term and I expect that like me, you are very much looking forward to the Christmas festivities and some quality time to rest and recharge. I wish to again put on record my thanks to all parents for their support during our recent forced closure. The building remains a significant challenge and we continue to push for a lasting resolution to the fragilities.

Firstly, please be aware that the college closes to all students for the Christmas holiday on Wednesday 20th December at 3.15pm. For those of you with older children, you will recognise that this is a break from the tradition of a midday finish that will afford a whole day of learning and the comfort of a full bus service at the end of the day. Attendance on this day, like all college days, is mandatory and will be recorded. Secondly, please note that all students return to college on Monday 08th January at the usual time of 8.30am for a prompt start at 8.45am.

Given the extensive break from learning in college, we have been very careful in our end of term planning to ensure that we achieve a balance that allows students to enjoy the festive time of year without compromising our core purpose of learning and the climate of the college. We have also ensured that we afford all students the opportunity to reflect, pray and give thanks during the Advent period.

From Monday 11th December, all year groups will have their Reward Assembly, including opportunities for students who have shown commitment to our values to attend a ‘movie event’ in the Performance Hall. Year 8 have the Pantomime in Oldham as part of their broader experience event.

On Wednesday 13th December, students will experience their full timetable of scheduled lessons. However, the canteen will be selling a full Christmas lunch for those that wish to have one.

On Monday 18th December, our year group Christmas Masses will commence with Year 11 taking place period 1, followed by Year 8 during period 2, period 3 will be Year 10. After this, Year 9 will take place period 4 and finally Year 7 with period 5. At all other times during the day, students will experience their full timetable of scheduled lessons.

On the final day of term, Wednesday 20th December, students will be encouraged to wear a Christmas Jumper in exchange for an item of tinned or dried food, or a donation of £1 that will be donated to the Oldham Food Bank. I am sure you will agree that this is a very worthy cause that our local community will benefit from during such difficult times. The 20th December will also be the Winter Ball for Year 7 Students

Please can I ask for your continued support in maintaining our high expectations and standards as the term draws to a close. We expect all students to arrive punctually to college every day, wearing their full uniform with pride and ask that items such as jewellery and acrylic nails are not seen in college either before the Christmas holiday or upon our return in the new year.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their continued support and engagement. It has been a hugely productive term, and we are seeing the benefits of this both in terms of academic work and student engagement. None of this would be possible without your support.

On behalf of the governors, staff, and students at the college, I wish everyone a happy and Holy Christmas. God Bless.

Yours sincerely,

Mr G R Potts MBE DL

Headteacher.