Parent Update: 5th February 2021

5th February 2021

Dear Parents,

 

With only 1 week left before the half term, I hope that your daughters (and sons in sixth form) are feeling able to keep on top of their learning, and that they are finding it effective. Our expectation is that no work is going to be set for pupils to complete over the half term break, which will allow for a better break, and for those that need it, the chance to catch up with any work they have missed.

 

Remote Education

We have updated our remote education plan to take into account what we are hearing from parents, staff and pupils. It can be found on our website and also attached to this update.

 

Care Packages to families

We are very aware that what families have available to them at home to support home studies differs dramatically. Our amazing staff have created over 280 "St Anne's in a box" care packs which are in the process of being delivered to eligible St Anne's families across the city by staff in their spare time. Eligible families are those that have been in receipt of free school meals at any point in the last 6 years. As I write, over 180 have so far been delivered. For those that have received one, we hope that you have found it useful. More are being delivered over the next week or so. If you don't think you fit the eligibility criteria but are finding it difficult to provide what's needed at home for your child's studies, please get in touch with your daughter's head of year via info@st-annes.uk.com.

 

Building Work

Last year, we were delighted to have successfully bid for a £1.5 million to get a large proportion of our oldest windows and the surrounding facades upgraded. This is excellent news as it improves the visual state of the building as well as improves our thermal efficiency. I am mentioning it now as the work has now started, resulting in scaffolding being put up round the school site which pupils may comment on when they are in. We have worked with the contractors onsite to ensure that COVID precautions are followed by all. We are looking forward to the school getting a much needed facelift!

 

Year 9 Parents: KS4 Information

Further to the message in the last update, a reminder that everything you need to know about your daughter's next steps into years 10 and 11 are still available here: KS4 Curriculum Information.

The deadline for the option form submission is Tuesday 9th February and the work experience form needs to be to Mrs Gough by Friday 30th April.

 

Having never run an event like this before, any feedback on it would be very welcome. Please email consultation@st-annes.uk.com to give us your feedback on how helpful you found the event.

 

Support our school through the PFA and Amazon Smile

Amazon will donate 0.5% of any purchase made on their site to the St Anne's Parents and Friends Association if you select them as your charity. If you shop online at Amazon anyway, this is a free way to support the work of your school. It costs you and the school nothing. Go to: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1038474-0 to sign up.

 

A message from our Sixth Form Leadership team

Please find attached information about two online events. These are to help parents in supporting their child's ambitions, especially where their future may involve medicine, veterinary science and dentistry. They are free of charge!

 

Flying Start information event for parents/carers

Do you have questions about your young person's plans for next year?

In partnership with Portsmouth City Council, Southern Universities Network (SUN) and Southampton City Council, 'The Flying Start information event' for parents/carers takes you step by step through your young person's options for life in work or study.

  •          Get clarity on apprenticeships, colleges and employment local to you
  •          Ask questions to a qualified careers adviser from Portsmouth and Southampton
  •          Learn about useful resources to help your young person make a plan

The event is on 11th February from 4:30pm. Parents/carers can drop in between then and 5:30pm for more information.

To attend the event, parents/carers will need to register beforehand. As this is a partnership event between Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and SUN, a postcode is needed upon registration.

 

Register at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a5QUw-W3SHae3kvtGJ5log

 

For more information, please email flyingstart@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

 

School Library

A reminder, as we head of the half term break, of our amazing online school library that has been set up by our school librarian, Miss Vlismas. There are lots of activities to take part in, and online free books to read. https://uk.accessit.online/sta24/#!dashboard

 

Have a good weekend.

 

James Rouse

Headteacher

Telephone: 023 80328200 Email: info@st-annes.uk.com