Letter to Parents 21 July 2022

July 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am writing to inform you of some updates for the start of term in September 2022. Year 7 students first day of term will now be Monday 5^th September. They must arrive at school for 8.20am for an 8.30am start at the student entrance at the front of school. Year 8 – 11 students will start term on Tuesday 6^th September 8.20am for an 8.30am start.

At the start of term in September 2022, all year 7 students will be issued with a new self-tie, tie and a Kingsway Park High School, refillable water bottle, free of charge. There will be a charge to replace the items if they are lost.

September 2022 Expectations

Please can I ask that you ensure your child adheres to the following information: -

Uniform

Uniform standards are particularly important for the school, and I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support in ensuring our students look as smart possible. The following are our uniform requirements.

• Plain white shirt (long or short sleeve)
• A plain navy V neck jumper or cardigan can be worn (No logos) this does not replace a blazer.
• Plain black pleated skirt
• Black tights or socks
• For students who wear a headscarf this must be plain black.
• Plain black full-length trousers (no leggings, jeggings, jeans, capri pants or flares).
• Plain black shoes (plain black ankle boots may also be worn). No trainers or sports brand shoes.

Jewellery

• 1 pair of earing studs and a watch.
• 1 small plain nose stud (no other facial piercings are allowed).
• Smart, professional hairstyle and colour, no extreme patterns, styles or colours.
• Natural makeup maybe worn, but no false eye lashes.

Punctuality and Attendance

We need you to support our school in ensuring your child attends the school every day. Now, more than ever, attendance is the key to ensuring students access the exciting lessons we have planned to increase their life chances. A Department of Education Report highlights that, ‘… pupils with no absence are 2.2 times likely to achieve 5+ GCSEs grade 5-9 or equivalent and 2.8 times more likely to achieve 5+ GCSEs grades 5-9 or equivalent including English and Mathematics, than pupils missing 15-20% of Key Stage 4 lessons.’ Please be mindful that all holidays will be classed as unauthorised absences, if taken during term time. It is our duty to refer cases to the Local Authority when a student goes on holiday during term time and the Local Authority may well issue a fixed penalty notice to parents and carers. We will, as always, continue to support all students and will meet their individual needs.  Please contact the school to discuss any issues you may have around the attendance of your child. In Year 11, students must achieve at least 95% attendance to be able to attend the Prom.

We believe that our students should be punctual and should arrive before 8.20am, this will help prepare them for arriving on time for work in the future. Students who do not arrive on time will be issued with a twenty minute late detention.

Behaviour

Our expectations of student conduct exist to ensure that every student can benefit from a high-quality education, feel safe and are able to thrive. Disruption and defiance, even at low-levels, interrupt learning and can have a negative impact on other students. At KPHS we expect 100% from all our students in everything they do and as such we have updated our behaviour system to reflect this. The overarching aim of our new Behaviour Policy is to promote positive behaviour, to ensure our students can grow into safe, polite, and responsible adults and to allow them to learn in a calm environment.  This policy will be available to view on our website in September.

I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful summer break and look forward to welcoming our year 7 students in September.

Yours faithfully

Shelley Barlow

Acting Headteacher