October 2018
Dear Parent / Carer
As we approach the end of our first half term I am writing to let you know that all of our pupils have settled really well at school and everyone is enjoying their new groups and timetables. All pupils have a key worker who is your first point of contact if you need to discuss any issues or concerns. If you do not know who your child’s key worker is please contact the office.
We have had lots of new staff join us since May half term, this is due to the increasing pupil numbers at Hope High School; we would like to welcome Mrs Parkinson, Mr Baxendale, Mrs Lewis, Mrs Murphy and Mrs Watson who are all teaching assistants supporting in class. I would also like to welcome Mr Baker and Miss McNally both covering teaching posts. Mr Baker will be teaching DT & Geography and Mrs McNally Science & STEM, and Mr Dunbavin has joined us as our outreach Teacher, supporting off site provision. Miss Whitmore has joined our cleaning team. The Staff team is available to view on the school website.
We have appointed our Head Boy and prefects for the year and would like to congratulate them on their new roles. Our Head boy is Patrick K, joined by prefects Brandon A , Harry L, Calum T, BJ B and Daniel T. Well done, you are a credit to the school.
Well done to all the pupils who achieved the Head Teacher awards this half term. Group 1 – Jamie A, Group 2 – Mark K, Group 3- Nathan M, Group 4 – Kai P, Group 5 – Reece S, Group 6 – BJ B, Group 7 – Patrick K. Overall KS3 – Nathan H and overall KS4 Kameron N. Pride in work KS3 – Nathan H, KS4 Pride in work – Patrick K. The raffle for 100% attendance went to Lewis T, Matthew K and Declan W.
As you know we recently held a coffee morning for Macmillan which was supported well by yourselves and we raised an amazing £276, this has been forwarded to them so thank you once again. I would like to thank everyone who made cakes for this amazing cause. If you didn’t manage to make this event it would be great to see you at the next one.
Whole school attendance is currently 89%. I cannot stress how important it is that your child attends school. Not attending school can impact on your child’s outcomes and future. If your child’s attendance is a cause for concern we will be following the absence policy. Staff may visit your home to discuss reasons for absence, parental contracts will be put in place and if it continues we will make a referral to the PAST team.
Over the last academic year you will have noticed the number of letters being sent home has reduced. This is due to other ways we are communicating with you moving forward with technology and helping the environment, all up to date information will be published on our school website. We will also communicate via text and email. If you have any issues with accessing the website please inform the school office.
May I thank you once again for all your support and hope you have an enjoyable and safe half term.
Yours sincerely
Helen Dunbavin
Headteacher
