Appointment of Mr John Cavadino as Principal

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

Following a rigorous recruitment and selection process, it gives me great pleasure to confirm that Mr John Cavadino has been appointed to succeed Mr David Millar as Principal of Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey with effect from September 2016.

Mr Cavadino has been a senior member of the Academy’s Leadership Team since September 2013 and has played an instrumental part in the improvements that have been witnessed at the Academy since then. He is well known to staff, students and parents alike and brings experi-ence of leadership roles in rapidly improving schools where he has worked previously. The selection panel was impressed by Mr Cavadino’s vision and passion for the Academy as well as his clear plans for leading the Academy to the next stage in its development.

I’m sure you will want to join me in con-gratulating Mr Cavadino on this well-deserved promotion.

Andy Yarrow, Regional Academies Director (London & South East)

John Cavadino said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Principal of the Oasis Academy, Isle of Sheppey with effect from September.

Since joining the Academy as Associate Principal in September 2013, it has been a privilege to work with students, staff and families. I look forward to leading the Academy in the years to come.”

Executive Principal David Millar added his congratulations to John on his appointment and said: “I am very pleased indeed that John’s appointment, experience and knowledge of the Island offers continuity of leadership as the Academy continues on its journey. I look forward to working with John over the coming months to secure the best outcomes for students in their exams and ensure a smooth handover for September.”

Students and staff were proud and privileged to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury,

Justin Welby, to the Academy at the start of his Holy Week tour on Monday 21 March.

The Archbishop enjoyed a tour of the Academy with student leaders, Steve Chalke,

Founder of Oasis, David Millar Executive Principal and Academy Chaplain, Paul Wintle,

during which he put staff and students at ease, chatting to them about their learning and

school-life at the Academy.

The Archbishop joined invited guests from across Sheppey including the Mayoress,

Cllr Anita Walker, Gordon Henderson MP, and Headteachers and pupils from all of the

Island Primary Schools. Refreshments were by students. Those involved in the

Academy’s award-winning dementia project were introduced to him and told him about

their work in the community.

The Archbishop was then placed 'in the hot seat' with a group of

fifteen students for a question and answer session. In advance of

his visit, students had been assured that ‘no question was off limits’

so they took the opportunity to seek his views on a range of topics.

Questions included ‘If you have a calling from God, how do you

convince people of it?’; ‘What do you think happens when you die?’

and a really big question was put forward by 16 year old Goda

Makareviciute, who asked: ‘What is your opinion on same sex

marriage?’ Goda said: “the Archbishop was very relaxed which gave us confidence to ask our questions. He gave

a really considered and thoughtful response to my question. He spoke about how this issue is considered

differently by other cultures and in his position as Head of the Anglican Church, he always had to remember this

when answering any question on any topic as his views are broadcast across the world.”

Sixteen year old Amanda Day said: “the Archbishop was very confident when he

answered my question - he said he knew what happens after we die. He came across as a

very genuine man and I enjoyed meeting him.”

Ewan Goddard, 16, said “The group of students involved in the Q&A session were a mix of

believers and non-believers from all year groups. We all thought it was extremely important we

prepare thoroughly for his visit and he showed us great respect by giving carefully considered

responses. All his replies were based on his own personal belief which gave us a greater under-

standing of the way he experienced God.”

Academy Chaplain, Paul Wintle, who had helped students prepare their questions, was delighted

when the Archbishop agreed to his request for a 'selfie'. Paul said: "It was a thrilling morning and

I was delighted the Archbishop had the opportunity to meet so many students. On his tour of the

Academy I was able to show him our prayer space 'The Haven' and talk about the support we

provide to all students."

After the Q&A session, the Archbishop joined an assembly of Academy and Island primary

students for prayers and a blessing. Each school and academy had written a special prayer for the

morning which was delivered by their own students. All of the prayers were collated into a

special 'Book of Prayers' which was presented to the Archbishop as a memento of the visit. Steve

Chalke and David Millar also offered prayers, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury blessed the

audience, schools and all who live on the Island. It was a very powerful moment for all who took

part; students and adults alike.

Steve Chalke, Founder of Oasis thanked all the students who had delivered their school prayers so

beautifully. He encouraged everyone to think of answers to two really important questions: 'Who am I?' and

'What am I doing here?' and spoke about the importance of respect and love within the community.

Academy students, lead by John Fagg, thanked the Archbishop of Canterbury for visiting and presented him

with a framed photographed of his visit, a tie with the Academy character trait badges; a book of the Island

and a passport permitting access to the Isle of Sheppey, which was an essential item for all residents in second

world war.

Executive Principal, David Millar, said “It was an absolute honour and privilege to have the opportunity to

show the Archbishop our Academy. I was very proud indeed of all the students who met and spoke with him

and it was wonderful to be able to share the morning with the Island primary pupils, Headteachers and

guests.”

LOST PROPERTY

We have a large quantity of lost property. If your child has lost an item

of clothing, please call at Main Reception to view and collect before

Friday 15 April 2016. Any items remaining after this date

will be distributed to charitable organisations.

Residents from Barton Court, Age UK Sheppey and Blackburn Lodge enjoyed an afternoon of entertain-ment and treats at the Easter Dementia Café held on the East Campus at Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey on Thursday 17th March.

Primary Pupils from St Edward’s brought smiles to everyone’s faces with their Easter Bunny song which they performed beautifully. Academy PE students and staff then invited guests to take part in some organised games: curling and table tennis. Exercise is very beneficial for those suffering from dementia and of course, with Sport Relief being a focus of the week, it was a great opportunity for some gentle exercise and inter-generational fun.

Year 12 girls put on some music and joined a lovely lady called Louise who, as an ex-dancer, showed some great moves and proved to everyone that dance and exercise are a great way to keep fit, healthy and enjoy a long life.

Academy Health and Beauty students provided pampering sessions offering hand massages and nail care which proved extremely popular. It was the first time this particular group of students had provided the pamper sessions and they really enjoyed the afternoon and can’t wait for the next one. “The smiles on the ladies faces really touched them” said teacher Ginny Weymouth.

Guests were served tea and cakes and before they left were given a selection of Easter Eggs to take home and enjoy.

A-Z of Careers

R

Radiographer

THE SUMMER EXAMS

START ON 3 MAY!

03 May 2016 IGCSE English Language - Reading Passages

04 & 05 May 2016 GCSE Business Studies: Practical

06 May 2016 GCSE English Language - Directed Writing &

Composition

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TIMETABLE

Here at Oasis Academy on:

Thursday 31st

March & Friday 1st

April

Thursday 7th

April & Friday 8th

April

GILLINGHAM SOCCER SCHOOL

OASIS ACADEMY EAST CAMPUS MONDAY 4th and TUESDAY 5th APRIL GFC soccer schools are designed to cre-ate a fun and informative day of football within a relaxed, safe environment. The mornings are taken up with warm-ups, skills sessions and practices, and in the afternoon the children take part in a small-sided tournament against those in their own age groups. This is not a serious tournament but gives the children the chance to practice their skills against one another.

AGE RANGE

Soccer Schools open to children aged between 5 and 14 years of age. (Unless otherwise stated)

Click here to find out more.

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA, 7 & 8 April Colin Morris and Andrew Charity lead a talented cast in Pietro Mascagni’s opera about love, jealousy and revenge. Performed in English. Tickets are £10, and £8 for Senior Citizens, and are available online, www.ticketsource.co.uk or from Sheppey Glass or Clough's Solicitors at the Halfway.

“To the best of my knowledge this will be the first opera to be presented on Sheppey since Entr'acte presented Cosi Fan Tutte and Don Pasquale back in the mid-80s! Having attended rehearsals, I can highly recommend it.” said Eddy McEntire. Lettings Manager.

Sixth Form vs Staff Charity match By Joshua Harrison & Morgan Clarke

The staff kicked off and both teams were eager to get the better start, as they knew there was a lot of pride at stake.

The game had a slow start with nobody wanting to make the first mistake, but as time passed, the teachers started to find their flow and Mr Millar got the first strike on the 20

th minute to break the deadlock. The goal came from a poorly

defended corner by the sixth formers which left enough space for Mr Hall to head the ball past Brandon.

The sixth formers heads started to drop and the teachers knew they could capitalise on it, which they did by scoring another two goals before the break—Mr Millar with his second of the match and Mr Smith getting on the score sheet!

Both teams made a few tactical changes in the second half which seemed to pull off for the sixth formers as they pulled a goal back, scored by Tyler Eve. The game became more interesting with each team creating lots of opportunities to score.

Morgan Clarke grabbed one of his two goals in fantastic style as the ball was launched into the box where Morgan’s touch brought it down and he finished it calmly.

With the scores at 4-2 the match developed into an end to end game as the teachers started to pile the pressure on. After some great team play Mr Marshall clinically put his shot away. However, minutes later, Morgan was played on by Az Islam and put away a great shot into the back of the net. The score was now 5-3.

One of the teachers made a silly foul and gave the sixth formers a free kick on the edge of the box. Daniel Dewberry stepped up and put it in the back of the net. The teachers were getting worried as the sixth formers were making a comeback! Suddenly the ball was crossed in and it looked like it was going out for a throw when Mr Smith came in and scored a SCREAMER on the volley. The game ended with the intensity slowing down as both teams were starting to tire and the match finished at 6-4.

Thank you to all who donated—we raised £145.00!

PE Staff would like to thank everyone who pledged

money for our Sport Relief activities

We are anticipating raising over £1500!

If you haven’t brought in your donations yet, please do so

when we return after the Easter break.

Together we will create outstanding, inspirational education in a

vibrant, inclusive environment that will transform the learning and

lives of those we serve.

Together we will unlock and celebrate the unique and limitless

potential of every individual, to lay the foundations for a successful

and fulfilling future.

Together we will build the school of choice where all feel pride in

belonging to a happy, caring family; the heart of our

community. Our Oasis, our Sheppey.

We look forward to welcoming students back on

Monday 11 April, when it will be Week B on the

timetable.

Click here for term dates for the Academic Year 2016/17