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THE URSULINE ACADEMY ILFORD

A Catholic Academy for Girls

Weekly News – Issue 7

2nd November 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians

Headteacher’s Headlines…

This week regrettably I issued Fixed Term Exclusions for three girls in year 8. They were involved in an

altercation in the park after school which one of them filmed on a mobile phone, and the footage was

subsequently shared publicly on social media. Incidents like this bring the school into disrepute and are

totally unacceptable. My thanks go to the parent who brought this to our attention. It was because of

similar issues that a few years ago we decided to ban mobile phones from school. The reasons for the ban

are explained in detail in your daughter’s planner on Page 40. Please take the time to read this and discuss

it with your daughter. Also I would ask you to check your daughter’s phone regularly to ensure that there

is nothing offensive or inappropriate that she would not want you or her teachers to see. Please do not

shy away from having a conversation with your daughter about what she might or might not be doing on

her phone and please ensure that her phone is not brought into school.

On a brighter note, we were pleased to welcome Year 11 students and parents to our Open

Evening for Sixth Form last night along with some external applicants. The evening began with a

short introduction from myself and Mr. Challis; there was then the opportunity to visit subject

staff about individual courses. Some students think the ‘grass is greener’ elsewhere but for most of our

students, Ursuline is their best option, we know the students very well and can offer them a supportive

learning environment with staff who will always go the extra mile. No one else will love and care for them

as we do! We have a long tradition, over one hundred years, of educating girls and sending them off to

prestigious universities and empowering them to go out into the wider world able to lead, to learn and to

serve. I hope our Year 11 students will give Ursuline their full consideration.

On Tuesday 13th November there is a Parents’ Evening for girls in Year 11 from 4.30 -

7.30pm. It is important that all girls are represented, mock exams follow in December

and then it is countdown to GCSEs in May. Subject teachers will be available to advise on

revision techniques, current grades and can also give further advice on ‘A’ level choices

for next Year. As always, there will be a questionnaire for parents to complete. If parents

could spare the time to complete the questionnaire that would be very helpful. It is good for you to let us

know how we are doing. I can assure you that I do read every one and make a note of any concerns raised.

I will also respond in writing to those parents who raise concerns and leave their name/details.

22nd N(M)ovember! We are planning to support the Movember appeal this year by

joining with our male colleagues to support male health charities. We are planning on

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wearing false moustaches, either drawn, bought or made! Staff and Students will be asked to donate 50p

to wear their moustache for the day and we are hoping that as many students as possible will join in to

make 22nd Movember truly memorable!! Don’t forget to send your daughter in with her 50p, and watch

this space for the photos!

Ursuline continues to be a centre of excellence for promoting STEM, please see two

articles below on Pages 3-5 from our former Deputy Head Girl, Edah Efejuku and from

one of our current Year 11 students, Jahzara Musau. Well done girls - SERVIAM!

As the colder weather is drawing in can I please remind parents about the rules for outdoor

clothing. I have had to confiscate a number of items over the last half term. If you are buying

new items over the next few weeks, please ensure they comply with the regulations below

1. Coats are plain navy blue or black

2. Coats are longer than the school blazer

3. Coats are made of cloth - not real or imitation leather

4. Coats do not contain logos or colours

5. Coats are not worn as a substitute for the school blazers

6. Scarves and hats are plain navy blue or black

Thank you for your support in this, it is important that standards are maintained.

Chaplaincy News

Pope Francis@Pontifex – 31st October

We need smiling Christians, not because they take things lightly, but because they are filled

with the joy of Gog, because they believe in love and live to serve.

Forward in Joy – 366 days with Angela Merici – Daily words of wisdom from our patron saint

November: Community

2nd November: God will be in your midst.

3rd November: Live in harmony, united together, all of one heart and one will.

4th November: God has granted you the grace of choosing you to serve his divine Majesty.

5th November: may you sustain and carry out vigorously and faithfully the charge laid upon you.

6th November: God will give you the necessary strength, provided you do not fail for your part.

7th November: There will be no other sign that you are in the grace of the Lord that that you love one

another and are united together.

8th November: Rejoice together.

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Grace Hopper Conference

I was lucky enough to win a trip to Houston, Texas with the Stemettes, here is a write up of my experience.

On our first full day, we visited the Johnson space centre. It was an amazing experience as we got to see the room that over saw the first successful mission to the moon! We also went on 90-minute tour around the NASA site which was extremely insightful and inspiring. The part that impacted me the most was learning about the story of Judy Resnik and the amazing life she lived and how impactful she was for women in space.

The first day of the Grace Hopper Conference was amazing, I attended the opening ceremony which completely filled out the massive Toyota Centre and it was amazing to see thousands of women in one place all for the same great cause. The week for me was filled with interesting key note speakers, meeting lovey women from all over the world and EXPO, EXPO, EXPO!!!!!! I attended a talk on AI and music combined, this was an interesting talk for me as it is two topics that I am thoroughly interested in. We also got to experience a piece created by a computer using machine learning.

From this whole experience, including the build-up and the actual trip, I learnt to take all my opportunities. I applied for this trip expecting not to get it but hoping that I would. Imagine if I listened to the doubt and didn't apply; I would have missed out on a life changing opportunity! If you try, the worst thing you can do is fail, but at least you tried. Imagine not trying because you fear failing when failure isn't even guaranteed!! I also learnt to NETWORK, NETWORK and NETWORK. Talk to everyone at events and in life, you never know what you can learn or what you can gain from just one conversation. Always be open to new things!!!! Former Deputy Head Girl, Edah Efejuku

#Stemettes Monster Confidence Conference London

On Tuesday 16th October, I attended the Stemettes Monster Confidence Conference

at HereEast Stratford.

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The aim of this motivational day was to provide young girls like me from all over London who were from

the ages of 15 and over a real insight into the growing and vastly developing world of STEM in a thought-

provoking and engaging way.

The day helped young girls like me to be able to see role models in these industries who could inspire them

and be visible proof that stereotypes or other barriers should not stop them from wanting to pursue a

career in STEM.

Before I had attended the event I was unaware of the large number of girls who would also be attending

the event but I felt very encouraged to see to see this large number of girls who were also passionate

about STEM, like me!

The venue was very spacious and the day was jam-packed with many activities for us to take part in, so I

was very occupied throughout the day!

The conference featured several rooms with a wide variety of things to do such as having a large

conference room where we heard from a panel of female role models who were in the STEM industry, an

exhibition room where global brands such as ASOS, Deloite, Westfield Stratford, Ford, KPMG and Kandy

Kittens exhibited. The exhibitors told us more about the wide range of jobs available but also the various

career paths to these jobs such as Apprenticeships that are becoming more and more popular in order to

enter those roles, they also emphasised the greater need for diversity in this field in order to help STEM

grow and the importance of having people from all backgrounds in order to provide valued perspectives in

order to create bold, innovative ideas which are needed for the future! They provided us with bags full of

pens and sweeties that we could take home as a souvenir for the day and leaflets with advice with advice

about the important choices that we will be making in our future.

STEMETTES provided us with various opportunities to develop our academic profile as we all had the

opportunity to take part in mock interviews, CV classes, speed networking, mentoring sessions and

workshops which taught us how to "Present with Confidence". These classes provided me with the skills

that are vital in the workplace and I cannot wait to use them in the future!

At 12:40 We ate a delicious lunch which was kindly provided to us by Stemettes, during this time I had the

opportunity to network and speak to some of the other girls who also attended the event and their own

specific journey to STEM and we were able to share tips of motivation about persevering in this field.

My favourite keynote speaker of the day was by Florence Adepoju, CEO of MDMFLOW, a makeup brand

which she founded herself in her garden shed after studying Cosmetic Science at university. She created

her brand as she saw a lack of representation of makeup shades on the market that reflected the true

beauty of people with darker skin tones. Her story was very inspiring and I loved the fact that she faced

many hurdles throughout her journey but she still persevered and overcame them.

I quote that I really admired from her talk was" It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you don't

stop!". I hope to see more ‘Florence's’ in STEM careers in the future!

Near the end of the day we had a panel Q&A which featured a panel of women in the STEM industry who

we were able to ask questions to in a comfortable atmosphere. I took to the mic to ask the panel about

what more could be done to bring about more diversity in STEM especially the inclusion of girls from ethnic

backgrounds, and also what advice could the pane give to people who may think that these factor may

pose as a barrier to them considering a career in this field? The panel said that in order to make a change

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we need to be the change and a nobody should be discouraged as there is always a place in STEM for

them! I now know that we are the future and we need to make a change!

Overall I had an Amazing experience at the conference and I would definitely encourage young girls to

check out the Stemettes website for more events like this and for them to remember that they can do

ANYTHING that they put their minds to.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"

By Jahzara Musau 11.2

UAI Word of the Week 2018-2019

5 Nov

Yr7 Adapt

Yr8/9 Deduce

Yr10/11 Predominant

Yr12/13 Entity

P E News

Congratulations to our Year 10 Netball team who beat Caterham on Monday night 22-3!

Captain: Hinal Patel

Lady of the Match: Jennifer Rose

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Mental Health and Wellbeing in the News

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”

Matthew: 11. 28

The Ursuline Academy Ilford is working to raise awareness of Mental Health issues, particularly amongst

young people. Mental Health and Wellbeing being particular interests of mine, I will be regularly sharing in

our Newsletter articles or news reports which I think are particularly relevant to our school community,

students, parents and staff. I will address a different mental health-related topic every month.

Miss Ammeux (Head of MFL department and Mental Health Advocate)

November Theme: Mental Health and Teenage Girls

Here is an article from The Guardian looking at the factors contributing to unhappiness amongst teenage

girls and young women.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/sep/19/uk-survey-finds-sharp-decline-in-happiness-of-

young-women-and-girls

Useful contacts: Catholic Mental Health Project: Tel: 02079014826 http://www.catholicmentalhealthproject.org.uk/ Redbridge Concern Mental Health: One Place East, 98-100 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2LD Tel: 020 8925 2435 info@oneplaceeast.org Childline: Helpline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/ The Samaritans (Redbridge): Helpline: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-redbridge

UK survey finds sharp decline in happiness of young women and girls Exams and social media blamed for finding that only 25% of respondents describe themselves as very happy

Sally Weale Education correspondent

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The research polled 1,900 girls and women aged between the ages of seven and 21. Photograph: Photofusion/UIG via Getty Images

There has been a sharp decline in happiness among girls and young women in the UK in the last decade, with the majority of them blaming exams and social media for causing stress, a major survey has found.

Just one in four (25%) girls and young women between the ages of seven and 21 described themselves as “very happy” in the latest girls’ attitudes survey for the Girl guiding organisation – down from 41% in 2009.

The oldest were the least happy – more than a quarter (27%) of young women aged 17 to 21 said they did not feel happy, up from 11% in 2009. Their unhappiness in turn affected their confidence (61%), health (50%), relationships (49%) and studies (39%).

While seven out of 10 girls (69%) identified school exams as the key cause of stress, pressure from social media was blamed by six out 10 girls (59%), and increasing numbers said they had experienced unkind, threatening and negative behaviour online compared with five years ago. The research polled 1,900 girls and women aged between the ages of seven and 21, and included Guides and non-members of the group.

The report raised concerns that girls today are socialising less in person and spending more time online. “Relationships are an essential element of contentment and it may be no coincidence that 10 years ago, girls of all ages were socialising more and comparing their lives online less,” it said.

“The percentage of girls and young women feeling unsafe outside is alarmingly high,” the report continued. “More than half of those aged 13 to 21 have felt unsafe walking home alone, experienced harassment or know someone who has, and nearly half feel unsafe using public transport.”

Older Guides who have risen through the ranks of the organisation expressed shock at the deep levels of unhappiness revealed in the 2018 survey. “It’s really sad,” said Victoria Kinkaid, a 23-year-old medical student who has been a Guide for 18 years.

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She pointed to more encouraging findings too. Young girls were more likely to consider themselves a feminist – up from just over a third (35%) in 2013 to just under half (47%) this year. “That’s a lovely thing to hear,” said Kinkaid. “When I was 16, being a feminist had a lot of negative connotations attached to it. Today from what I can see on social media, it’s more of a trendy word and less of a taboo.”

Girls in 2018 were more likely to have friends who have experienced mental health problems, but they’re also talking more about it than in previous years. More than seven out of 10 (71%) knew of at least one girl with mental health issues – up from 62% in 2015 – but it is increasingly being discussed in schools, up from 44% in 2015 to 50% this year.

More participants in this year’s survey said they felt able to speak up about issues that matter to them – 36% of girls and young women aged 11 to 21 say they have spoken up to make their views known about an issue they care about, up from 28% in 2011. But of those who have spoken out, only 60% felt their voice had been heard.

The survey revealed a sharp increase in girls’ interest in science, technology and maths, with 41% of those aged between seven and 10 enjoying such subjects compared with 26% in 2016. There has also been an increase in girls wanting to become leaders in their chosen job – 53% up from 42%.

In other ways, however, girls’ lives appear to have contracted as their world moves online. In 2009 69% of girls met friends at each other’s houses, compared with 21% in 2018.

The chief Guide, Amanda Medler, said: “The message could not be clearer from girls and young women about the seriousness of the issues they’re facing daily and the negative impact on their lives.

“Girls need to know when they speak out they will be heard. So now is the time for action, to listen to girls and respond, and for all organisations, government, schools and parents to work together to improve the lives of all girls and young women.”

Conservative MP Maria Miller, who is chair of the Commons women and equalities committee, said: “#MeToo may have left its mark in Hollywood but for women and girls around the country their ambitions to succeed are still too often met with sexism.

“It’s important more women and girls are now speaking out about how this behaviour undermines their confidence and mental health; but this harmful, negative behaviour has to be stopped.”

Alumnae News

Former Head Girl Rachel

Murphy, (now Rachel Bright), has a leading role in the

film King of Crime, playing the part of Jessica Slade,

alongside Mark Wingett (The Bill) and Claire King

(Emmerdale). The film premiered last week and is in

cinemas now. Rachel was a ‘straight A’ student at

Ursuline, and went on to study Drama at Birmingham.

She has also appeared in Eastenders as ‘Poppy Meadow’.

Well done Rachel, we are very proud of your success!

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SCHOOL DIARY Date Time Event Category

Monday 5th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Monday 5th November 8.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE English Re Sit Selected Students

Tuesday 6th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (Walsingham House)

Year 9 Students

Tuesday 6th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Tuesday 6th November 8.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE Maths Re Sit Selected Students

Wednesday 7th November

All Day Year 9 Retreat (Walsingham House)

Year 9 Students

Wednesday 7th November

8.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE English Re Sit Selected Students

Wednesday 7th November

1.00 – 6.00p.m. Year 11 Drama Trip to Wise Children (Old Vic)

Year 11 Drama Students

Thursday 8th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (Walsingham House)

Year 9 Students

Thursday 8th November All Day 11Q Drama Component 1 Practical Examination

11Q Drama Students

Thursday 8th November 8.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE Maths Re Sit Selected Students

Thursday 8th November 9.00 – 9.50a.m. Year 7 Safety Presentation

Year 7 Students

Friday 9th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (Walsingham House)

Year 9 Students

Friday 9th November All Day 11R Drama Component 1 Practical Examination

11R Drama Students

Friday 9th November 6.30 – 8.00p.m. Annual Prizegiving Current Year 12 & Past Year 13 Students

Monday 12th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Monday 12th November 8.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE Maths Re Sit Selected Students

Tuesday 13th November 4.30 – 7.30p.m. Year 11 Parent Consultation evening

Year 11 Parents

Wednesday 14th November

11.50a.m. – 12.40p.m. 7.2 Class mass with Fr Vlad

7.2 Students

Wednesday 14th November

2.30 – 3.20p.m. 7.1 Class Mass with Fr Vlad

7.1 Students

Thursday 15th November

11.00 – 11.50a.m. 7.4 Class Mass with Fr Vlad

7.4 Students

Thursday 15th November

12.40 – 1.40p.m. Lunchtime Voluntary Mass with Fr Matthew

All Welcome

Thursday 15th November

1.40 – 2.30p.m. 7.3 Class Mass with Fr Vlad

7.3 Students

Friday 16th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Monday 19th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

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Tuesday 20th November 11.30a.m. – 4.30p.m. Year 10 Drama Trip to Grimm tales (London)

Year 11 Drama Students

Friday 23rd November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Monday 26th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Wednesday 28th November

4.30 – 7.30p.m. Year 12 Parent Consultation Evening

Year 12 Parents

Thursday 29th November

12.40 – 1.40p.m. Lunchtime Voluntary Mass with Fr Matthew

All Welcome

Friday 30th November All Day Year 11 Careers Appointments

Year 11 Students

Friday 30th November All Day Year 11 Art Mock Exam Year 11 Art Students

EXTRA-CURRICULAR DIARY

Date Time Event Category

Monday 10.40 – 11.00a.m. KS4 Vocal Club (Ms Adi) (S5)

Selected Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.20p.m. KS3 Choir (Ms Maguire) (Music Room)

Year 7 & 8 Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.20p.m. Year 12 Documentary Film Club

(Ms Casey) (F4)

Year 12 Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Rowing Club (Ms Keogh) (Gym)

All Years

Monday 3.30 – 5.00p.m. English 5 O’Clock Club (Ms Cooper) (F8)

Year 11 English Students

Monday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Netball (Mrs Mansell) (Playground/Gym)

Year 7 Students

Tuesday 1.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Tuesday 2.0 1.10 – 1.40p.m. Year 11 Music Revision (Ms Maguire) (S5)

Year 11 Music Students

Tuesday 3.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Year 10/11 RS Revision Club (Ms Casey) (F4)

Year 10/11 RS Students

Tuesday 4.0 1.00 – 1.40p.m. Year 11 Spanish Speaking Club

(Ms Warren) (S1)

Year 11 Spanish Students

Tuesday 5.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Volleyball Club (Mrs Marriot/Mr Van)

(Gym)

All Years

Tuesday 6.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Tuesday 7.0 3.30 – 4.30p.m. KS 4 & 5 History Support Session

(Ms Beatham) (F18)

Years 10– 13 History Students

Tuesday 8.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 2 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 10 Latin Students

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Tuesday 9.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. GCSE Music Composition Club

(Ms Maguire) (S5)

GCSE Music Students

Tuesday 10.0 3.20 – 4.30p.m. Years 10 & 11 Netball (Ms Keogh) (Playground)

Year 10 & 11 Students

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Equality Club (Ms Mackie/Ms Casey)

(F18)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Guitar Club (Mr Keeble) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Year 7/8 Indoor Athletics (Ms Mansell) (Gym)

Year 7/8 Students

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Keyboard Club (Ms Murphy) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 3 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 11/12 Latin Students

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Music Drop In Club (Ms Maguire) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.30p.m. PE GCSE Revision Club (Ms Keogh)

Year 10 & 11 PE Students

Thursday 8.30 – 9.00a.m. Morning String Ensemble (Mr Taylor) (S5)

Selected Students

Thursday 8.40 – 9.00a.m. Chaplaincy Team Meeting (Cleo) (Chapel)

Year 7-11 Chaplaincy Team Members

Thursday 8.40 – 9.00a.m. Reading Challenge (Ms Catungal) (F16)

Year 11 Students helping Year 8 Students

Thursday 1.10 – 1.40p.m. Drumming Club (Mr Keeble) (S6)

All Years

Thursday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Thursday 12.40 – 1.10p.m. GCSE English Enrichment Club

(Ms Cooper) (English Rooms)

Year 10/11 English Students

Thursday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Knitting Club (Ms Mackie & her Mum)

(F18)

All Years

Thursday 1.00 - 1.40p.m. KS4 Piano Duet Club (Mr Webster) (Music Room)

KS4 Piano Students

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Computing Club (Mr Mitchell) (F6)

All Years

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 1 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 9 Latin Students

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Year 8/9 Netball Year 8/9 Students

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(Mrs Marriott) (Playground/Dance

Studio)

Thursday 3.30 – 4.30p.m. Year 11 Spanish Exam Practice

(Ms Warren) (S1)

Year 11 Spanish Students

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Maths Homework Club for Years 7 – 11

(Ms Sondh) (F14)

All Years

Friday 3.20 – 4.20p.m Cross Country Club (Ms Mansell/ Ms Riaz)

(Valentines Park)

All Years

Friday 3.20 – 4.20p.m DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Friday 3.30 – 4.15p.m. 11B Maths Revision (Ms Sondh) (F15)

11B Maths Students

Please follow Ursuline on Social Media! We can be found via the following links - Facebook Page: The Ursuline Academy Ilford https://www.facebook.com/The-Ursuline- Academy-Ilford-391419821200584/ Twitter: @the_ursuline

Instagram: UrsulineAcademyIlford https://www.instagram.com/ursulineacademyilford/

The school has launched an exciting new parental communication App, Connect Ed, to replace the Clarion Call system currently in place. Along with the ability to send and

receive texts and emails, the App links directly to the school’s

website where parents can find useful information about terms dates, our newsletters, policies and details of upcoming events. In addition, the App provides information about your daughter direct to your phone or mobile device and includes up to date details of attendance and achievements. Parents can also complete forms and provide consents for trips etc. all via the App. Access is via secure login and all data is secure.

You can get instant access to reports, timetables, attendance and behaviour. You can also send and receive messages e.g. absence, appointments etc.

The majority of our parents have taken advantage of this new concept and have downloaded the app already - don’t be left out - download the app today!