Letters

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that this letter finds you and your families well and in good health.

Face Coverings

Since I last wrote to you, the Department for Education released guidance to say that from yesterday, students would no longer be required to wear face coverings in lessons and that from Thursday 27 January, students will no longer need to continue to wear face coverings whilst they are in communal areas such as corridors, the school canteen and when lining up to enter lessons. I would like to thank you for the continued support that you and your children have offered the school in this regard, especially in the current times when guidance and regulations have changed at an increasing pace.

Student Conduct

In school we want all our young people to feel safe and happy. We expect high standards of behaviour and good manners and our core values, Ready, Respectful, Safe and Kind are followed by the majority of our school community who are kind, thoughtful and considerate of others.

I would like to make it clear that our expectation is that when the rules are not followed, consequences will be applied. We know you feel this is important too and we expect parents to work in collaboration with us to support their child to modify their behaviour where they have made poor choices. I thank you in anticipation of your support in this.

Mobile Phones

Following our recent surveys of parents regarding mobile phones and new measures, the overwhelming majority of students have shown responsibility by ensuring that they do not use their mobile phone whilst on the school site. Staff have noticed that this has contributed to a calmer and more pleasant atmosphere around the school which has been positive for all. Where students do not comply, we will be in contact with parents for your support.

Rewards

It is important that we recognise when students are giving their best effort within and outside of school. We will be working with staff and our Junior Leadership Team this term to relaunch a Rewards Scheme in school and will also canvass parental views.

The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Green is our new Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator. Many parents have been in touch with me to offer support for this scheme and I am very thankful that we have such a supportive community who want to work with us to offer our children and young people this enriching opportunity. More details to follow.

Parental Engagement

Since my arrival at Falmouth School, I have had the opportunity to meet only a few parents face to face due to the restrictions to visitors on the school site. I am really pleased to announce that on Thursday 27 January, I will be able to meet, in person, the parents and carers of our current Year 11 cohort who wish to attend the Falmouth College Open Evening. We will, of course, ensure that we are operating safely and to this end, entry to the building is staggered.

I understand that in the past, there has been a Parents’ Forum which has provided an opportunity for parents and carers to find out more about key areas of the school and to meet with staff. All being well in the not too distant future, I would like to organise an event by year group, so that you have an opportunity to meet with me and find out my plans and vision for the school.

Careers Fair

On Wednesday 19 January, Year 11, 12 and 13 students took part in a Careers Fair which was attended by more than 20 external providers. All of our visitors commented on the excellent behaviour and engagement from our students and were so impressed that they have offered to return to school to speak to other year groups.

Thank you to Staff and Students

I would like thank all of our students who remain on site for after school activities, whether this is to attend revision classes, enrichment clubs or representing the school in sport. Over one hundred students remained on site to play football last week, forty of them in Year 7 and for two consecutive weeks, our football teams have won convincingly against both Penryn and Mullion School. It is a testament to staff that they continue to give up their time after school to offer a wide variety of enrichment opportunities to our students.

Finally, I hope that you have a lovely weekend and enjoy this glorious sunshine.

With all good wishes,                                                         

Brenda de Sousa                    

Headteacher