End of Term Letter - December 2021

13th December 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian

We are fast approaching the end of what has been another challenging year and I imagine that like me; you are very much looking forward to the Christmas break and festivities.

Firstly, students and staff are looking forward to our Newman Christmas Charity Day on the final day of term, Friday 17th December. This year the student leaders have chosen to support Care4calais and the Mayor’s charities. On this day, students will be allowed to come into college in either Christmas jumpers or clothes of their choice. Please note however that in order to be admitted to college, students must wear their blazer and lanyard over their clothes for safeguarding reasons. Students and staff are requested to make a donation to our chosen charities of whatever is affordable. Donations of socks/gloves/hats for refugees are also most welcome.

Arrangements for the final day of term are as follows:

· 08.30 to 08.45am: Arrival to College via designated year group entrance.

· 08.50 to 10:15am: Extended Form Time/Period 0 (Year 11) & Christmas Liturgy

· 10.15 to 11.35am: Lesson 2 and morning break (at year group specific time).

· 11.35 to 12noon: Registration & Form time.

· 12 noon: Dismissal from College.

Please can you make the necessary arrangements to ensure that your child makes it home safely on Friday afternoon. We have received confirmation that the 821 and the 835 are providing an earlier service that day.

As per the letter sent to parents on 3rd December, the return to college in the Spring term will be staggered. This will enable us to follow Department for Education instructions and offer asymptomatic Covid-19 testing on site to those students for whom we have received consent.

· Year 7 & 11 students: return Thursday 6thJanuary (between 08.30 and 8.45am)

· Year 8, 9 & 10 students: return Friday 7th January (between 08.30 and 8.45am)

The school day will operate as usual on these days and your child should return on the day indicated above, regardless of whether you wish them to receive a Covid test or not.

Please I can remind you that students must return to college wearing all compulsory items of school uniform including school shoes, tie, jumper and blazer. Items such as trainers, hoodies, jewellery, make-up, earphones, acrylic nails, false eyelashes are banned and should not be seen in college. In addition, I must also ask that your child arrives to college wearing a suitable face covering (unless exempt) as the risks posed by the new omicron variant of Covid-19, is a growing concern within the community. Face coverings should be worn in communal and social areas except when eating or drinking.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that for the safety of our students, staff and local residents, parents, carers and guardians collecting students should wait at the car park behind San Rocco (formerly the Ancora) and NOT in the residential streets surrounding the College or on the College site.

On behalf of the governors, staff and students of the college, I wish all our students, parents and their families a happy and Holy Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Mr G R Potts DL

Headteacher