End of Term Letter - July 2024

 Dear Parent/Guardian,

As another academic year draws to a close, we can once again look back with great pride on what has been achieved but know we have more to do. Our students have been a credit to you and all the staff at Newman College. They have demonstrated commitment to their learning, each other, and their own development this year and should be proud. It has been an honour to watch them continue to flourish and we look forward to this continuing next year.

Since the start of the year, the college has focussed on those areas highlighted in our recent inspection report and has ensured that external validation of our progress has supported our understanding. Our new Personal Development curriculum launches in September and encapsulates opportunities for students to delve deeper into issues we face as a society, alongside more interactions with employers and the world of work. Food Technology is now embedded across all year groups enabling all students to benefit from healthy choices and the skill of cooking. Parents will notice an increased expectation on homework completion and academic rigor. This is part of our strategy to ensure students maximise their learning, alongside broader extra-curricular opportunities. 

Attendance remains above national and local averages thanks to the hard work of students and the support of parents in understanding the role of education and its importance. Our new anti-bullying ambassadors, together with senior students and the college council, lead on events to support inclusion and our faith journey. Results this year predict a continuation of improvement on previous sets. All this can only be achieved through hard work and the support of parents and students.

We know now that we have a new government as well. Whilst it is still very early days, the situation that we and indeed many schools are in is very similar. I must share with parents the bleak financial situation that the college faces. Since 2010, Newman has faced over £400,000 of cuts, the equivalent of £268 per student, according to the IFS calculations. We have used reserves to manage this impact but will be unable to do so in the coming year. Efficiency measures have already been applied and we are likely to need to do yet more.  

Finally, we remain committed to the Bishop’s vision for Catholic education in that Newman will join the Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust in the near future. Our ascension has been delayed due to the challenges of our contract and the issue relating to the roof. We hope to resolve this soon and to join other Catholic schools in the locality, within this trust.

Arrangements for the end of term

The college closes for the summer holidays on 19th July at 3:15pm. Newman will never return to early finishing at the end of term and therefore we will operate for the full day. I would ask for your support in ensuring that all students attend college until this point.

Students return to college in September.

Staff will return to college on 02nd September for an INSET day before all students return on 03rd September. There will be no staggered return to college, all students from years 7-11 are to return on 03rd September please.

College day times

The college opens to students daily at 8:30am. This allows them to access breakfast and prepare for the day. At 8:45am, a bell sounds giving all students a chance to move to Form Time for an 8:50am start. Students should be present in college for 8:45am and be in Form Rooms no later than 8:50am. Arrivals to college after 8:50am are classified as being late and are recorded as such. The college finishes at 3:15pm each day.

Uniform

As a college, we continue to insist on the highest standards of uniform. Parents have been very supportive of our drive to maintain the highest of standards in this area. The college continues to monitor uniform standards to ensure that our students are smart and dressed in a manner appropriate for a formal learning environment. As such, in addition to wearing compulsory items of uniform we would like to make explicit the following expectations from September 2024:

· Trainer type shoes, canvas pumps, or boots of any kind are NOT permitted.

· Trousers must be ‘tailored’, NOT skinny fit.

· College issued skirts with the Newman logo MUST be worn. To ensure dignity whilst moving around the college, skirts must not be turned over at the waistband and the logo must always be clearly visible. The Newman skirt is available from our uniform suppliers in a variety of lengths. Please choose the appropriate length for your child. Girls may choose to wear black tailored trousers as an alternative.

· Plain black ankle socks only for girls and boys. Knee high, over the knee socks and socks with a frill/lace are NOT permitted, nor are socks of any other colour.

· Plain black tights are the only acceptable alternative to black ankle socks.

· False tan, false eyelashes, false nails, nail varnish, make up and jewellery are NOT permitted.

· Body piercings, retainers or covering plasters must NOT be worn (even when not visible).

· Please also note that mobile phones are banned at college. Students wishing to contact home, and vice versa, should go via reception please.

· Head scarfs are permitted if they are plain black.

PE Uniform

·Newman PE t-shirt, Newman shorts and Newman tracksuit bottoms (optional) with the Newman logo MUST be worn. To ensure dignity shorts must not be turned over at the waistband. All the Newman PE kit, including a ¼ zip top (advisable due to outdoor PE), is available from our uniform suppliers.

·Students are NOT permitted to wear their own clothes however they are allowed to wear plain black leggings/under armour underneath their Newman PE shorts and t-shirt.

·Students who are ill or injured are expected to wear their Newman PE kit, they will then be asked to take on an alternative role within the lesson.

·Trainers must be worn for all PE lessons; students are NOT allowed to take part in their PE lesson wearing their college shoes.

· All head scarves must be tightly secured for health and safety reasons.

Equipment for learning

It is essential that all students carry the basic equipment for learning on a daily basis. From September the following items of equipment are compulsory for all students:

· Pencil case containing pen, green pen, pencil, ruler, calculator.

· College bag

· Reading book

· Full Newman College PE kit

Equipment will be checked daily by form tutors. Where students do not have the compulsory equipment for learning they will be asked to borrow and sign for college issued equipment.

Attendance and punctuality

We know that excellent attendance is essential for all our students so that they gain the most from the education we provide. There are clearly documented links between good attendance and academic achievement. We insist that parents work with the college to ensure their child meets the expected standard of 100% attendance by:

· Ensuring your child attends every day as we strive for 100% attendance.

· Contacting college on the first day of absence when your child is genuinely too unwell to attend.

· Arranging medical appointments outside of college hours. Where this is not possible ensuring your child does not miss a full day of learning for one appointment. Evidence of appointments will be required.

· No requests to take a holiday during term time as this will be declined, and a financial fixed penalty notice imposed should the holiday be taken.

Arbor

Thank you to all our parents who are utilising the Arbor app. All communication such as letters, progress reports are sent out via email, so it is essential we have an up to date email address from you.  The Arbor app is how you can keep up to date with all your child’s academic performance, rewards and have information regarding sanctions where appropriate. If you have not yet signed up or are having any issues with this, please email IThelp@newmanrc.oldham.sch.uk and we can help you to get sorted. It is imperative all our parents and carers have access to this to keep up to date with all in class activities.

Bus timetables & information

We have now received confirmation of bus timetables from Transport for Greater Manchester (Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com) for September and these are on our website:  Transport | Newman RC College

Drop off and collection of students

I must ask for your continued support with regard to the safeguarding of children and staff at the start and end of the college day.  The college site has space designated for staff parking, a small number of disabled and visitor parking spaces, and a one-way system which is essential for the safe arrival and departure of buses.  Please do not arrange to pick up your child from the new estate, surroundings streets or the college site as this risks safety and our relationship with our neighbours.

We will continue with the current system in September which is the use of the car park at San Rocco to drop off and collect students.  Vehicles without a pass will not be allowed entry onto site at the end of the college day, to protect the safety of staff and children.  I am grateful for your continued co-operation.

Finally, thank you for the support you have given to the college this year.  May God bless you and keep you safe during the summer break.

Yours sincerely,

Mr G R Potts MBE DL

Headteacher