Dear Parents/Carers,
This has been our longest half-term of the school year and hence even more action-packed than usual. Please see our latest newsletter for details and photographs from the many events that have taken place in school since the start of term …
Half-Term Household Support Fund Payment
Cheshire West and Chester council have confirmed this week that they are once again this academic year going to use some of the government’s Household Support funding to support students in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) to access food during school holidays. Hence Tesco e-vouchers (to the value of £17.50 per student) will be distributed on Wednesday 30th October and eligible families should check their e-mails on or after this date (including ‘Junk’ folders) to access these vouchers, which will come in the form of a direct e-mail from Tesco.
November/December Diary Dates
A reminder of some other key dates this term:
Monday 4th November – INSET Day
Tuesday 5th November – Students return to school
Tuesday 5th November – Year 13 PPE1 Examinations begin (NB Finish Friday 15th)
Monday 18th November – Start of (2-week) Year 7 and 8 Assessment Window
Thursday 21st November – Year 10 Information Evening (in school)
Thursday 28th November – Year 11 Parent Consultation Evening (in school)
Thursday 5th December – Year 13 Parent Consultation Evening (in school)
Friday 6th December – Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party (in school)
Friday 6th December – Year 7 Christmas Panto Trip
Monday 9th December – Year 9 Information Evening (remote)
Monday 9th December – Year 12 Information Evening (remote)
Thursday 12th December – ‘Bound in Sound’ Christmas Concert at Chester Cathedral
Thursday 19th December – Annual Awards Evening & Year 13 Celebration Event
Friday 20th December – End of Term (NB 12.45pm Finish)
Parental Communication with School
A reminder to use Contact Information – Helsby High School to access guidance on contacting school, which will hopefully enable any parental queries or concerns to be responded to as quickly and effectively as possible.
Student Medical Appointments
A reminder to please be mindful that the school has the following procedure in place for informing us if your child has a medical appointment which they need to attend during school hours:
An initial e-mail should be sent to attendance@helsbyhigh.org, with at least 48 hours’ notice where possible, so that the school’s registers can be updated and a smooth collection of the student planned for at the main reception.
Hence we politely request that parents do not turn up unannounced to collect their child for an appointment unless it is an emergency appointment. Thank you in advance for your co-operation with this.
Parking Around School
As winter approaches and both mornings and evenings become darker, it is even more important than ever to ensure that our students can access and leave the school site safely. As a school unusually positioned on a main road, we are very grateful for the support of parents in enabling this to happen by stopping and parking thoughtfully in the vicinity of the school. Please do show consideration for our neighbours in areas such as Godscroft Lane and the housing estate opposite the main entrance to the school and, if dropping off students on that side of the main road, please do ensure that they use the footbridge to cross the road safely rather than trying to cross the busy carriageway on foot.
I hope all of our families have a lovely half-term break and look forward to seeing our students in school again on Tuesday 5th November.
Best wishes,
Martin Hill
Headteacher