Headteacher's Bulletin

Welcome to the first edition of our Headteacher Bulletin. This weekly round-up aims to streamline our communications, ensuring that all essential information is consolidated into one comprehensive bulletin.

Highlights of the Week

The initial week and half of the term was exceptionally uplifting. Our new Year 7 students have adapted seamlessly, displaying impressive confidence and maturity as they navigated the various academic departments around our large campus. Their smart uniforms and polite demeanour are a testament to our school values.

Furthermore, the warm reception that all new members of the school have received (including me!) from our older, more seasoned students and staff has been heartening. Well-acquainted with the school's systems and processes, they have extended a warm welcome to us all, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the Twickenham School family. Across all year groups, students have exemplified our values of Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy, making for an incredibly encouraging start to the academic year.

Notices

Thank You and an apology: We extend our sincere appreciation to all students for their patience in managing our recent teething problems with our new school catering system. The convergence of several changes—transitioning to a biometric fingerprint system, welcoming a considerable number of new students, and implementing upgraded software from Cucina, our catering provider—resulted in extended wait times during lunch. While we did extend the lunch period to ensure that everyone was fed, we acknowledge the inconvenience caused and are grateful for your understanding.

Action Required: Parents, we kindly request that you give consent for the use of biometric information for the new system. If you would prefer your child to use a card, please indicate this preference. Ensure you are set up and have topped up the relevant accounts on sQuid, the payment platform. We appreciate your support as we refine these new processes to better serve our school community. For Year 8 – 11, please make sure students have their card and that this is topped up via the sQuid portal.

No cash will be accepted after Friday 15th September 2023

Uniform: Essential items are the school blazer, tie, shirt, and trousers/skirt. Winter jumpers are optional.

School skirts: Please could you support the school by checking the length of your child’s skirt to make sure it is professional and appropriate. Students have been spoken to in assemblies about the importance of personal safety around their appearance this week. The uniform code states: “Plain Black Skirt (no shorter than 2 inches above the knee)”. Please find the full uniform details here:

Why is our uniform so important?

Perseverance and Determination: Our uniform sets a professional tone for learning, helping students to understand the significance of their education. It serves as a daily reminder that they are in an environment geared toward diligent work and personal growth.

Responsibility: The daily act of wearing our uniform and maintaining its appearance teaches students responsibility and prepares them for future roles where a specific dress code may be required.

Integrity: Our uniform puts every student on a level playing field, thereby reducing socioeconomic disparities and fostering a sense of community. This helps in building integrity as students learn to value each other for their skills and character, not for their wardrobe.

Empathy: Our uniform cultivates a sense of belonging and community, which can lead to greater empathy among students. When everyone wears the same attire, it's easier to find common ground and establish a culture of mutual respect.

Master Learner Programme: Elevate Your Child's Learning

The Master Learner Programme (MLP) is designed to stretch academic and transferable skills beyond the standard curriculum. This term's enriching activities include activities such as:

o English: Literary lunches, Torch Magazine contributions, Poetry slams

o Maths: UKMT prep, Further Maths GCSE.

o Science: 'The Pandemic - Lessons Learned' event.

o Arts & Humanities: Book reviews, Energy debates, Twelfth Night roles.

o PE & Business: Basketball academies, cricket sessions, business blogs.

To participate, consult department heads for more information. Click here for more on our website.

· Governor and PTA Opportunities: If you are interested, (and we would love you to be) in becoming a school governor or joining the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), please get in touch with my PA, Laura Hales (FAO Ms Hales via info@twickenhamschool.org.uk) She will forward your information to the Chair of the respective groups for further action.

· New Year 7 Parents' Welcome Evening: It was wonderful to meet so many parents yesterday. The positive feedback we received has been very encouraging and stands as a testament to our strong school community and you can be sure we will be analysing and acting on any suggestions for improvements. We are looking forward to sharing with you all the future successes of this exceptional year group.

· Extra–curricular clubs: Please encourage all your children to attend at least one extra-curricular club each week. Please see the website for the extra-curricular timetable.

I hope that this bulletin serves not only as an informational guide but also as a conversation starter. I hope it will encourage you to engage with your child about their time in school and their individual successes during the school week and support instilling the confidence to Aspire, Achieve, and Enjoy.

Warm wishes for a lovely weekend.

Jonathon Lisseman

Headteacher

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503