Rossett News Update - 24 February 2023

Welcome Back

In this week’s 'Re-Set' assemblies Mr Royles thanked and congratulated students on the way that they had responded to the raised expectations for uniform and punctuality during the last half term. The improvements have continued throughout the week and we will continue to work together as a Rossett School community to raise the bar even higher.

We have also responded to some of the student feedback that we received during the last half-term. Changes have been made to arrangements in the dining halls, social areas and in the toilets as a result of our student’s views. We are also very excited about the changes that are being made to our rewards systems in the coming weeks. Students will be consulted in relation to this initiative, and we are sure that it will be warmly received.

Bewerley Park

Year 7 students returned today from an amazing time at Bewerley Park where they took part in new activities, overcame challenges and made new friends. Highlights of the week included canoeing, gyhll scrambling, mountain biking, bouldering at Brimham Rocks and a high ropes course . Students also took part in a 'night walk' and team building activities where they all demonstrated great resilience.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff involved: Mrs Grimshaw (for leading the trip), Mrs Normand, Mr Elcock, Mr Bentley, Ms Barnett and Mrs Peat. The students (and staff) will enjoy a bath and a well-earned rest tonight! Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for more photographs.

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Well done to...

The Year 7 Boys' Basketball Team who came second in the Harrogate and Craven Basketball Tournament on Monday. They demonstrated great resilience and teamwork - well done! (pictured)
The Year 9A Boys' Football Team who were narrowly beaten in the Area Cup but should be very proud of their resilience and overall development of the squad - we are very proud of their determination.
Year 11 Boys' Football Team who won against Harrogate High School.

National Strike Action - Tuesday 28th February 2023

You will be aware that the National Education Union (NEU) is planning further national strike action on Tuesday 28th February 2023. This is due to a dispute with the government, not with the school. As a Leadership Team, we have decided to repeat the arrangements from the last strike day of Year 7, 11, 12 & 13 in school and Year 8, 9, and 10 working remotely. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and hope that the industrial action is resolved quickly preventing the need for further action planned for later this term.

News from the LRC from Mr Asker

I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing half term and hopefully some time to read.

It is sometimes hard for children’s literature to break through on a national or even international level but this week has been a fascinating exception. The decision to change the language in some of Roald Dahl’s books for a ‘modern’ audience has certainly provoked any number of responses. The story can be found here. A further announcement has been issued today click here to read more.

I am pleased to say that we have all of the copies of the original books here in the school LRC with no plans to replace them with the newer versions. I am sure that all the publishers have achieved here is to make the original texts even more desirable and interesting to children who relish Dahl’s invention and word play even when it is being wonderfully horrible and grotesque.

Here in the LRC it has been a brisk start to the new half term with lots of books returned and taken out. It is always encouraging to hear about the holiday reading that students have enjoyed and the book recommendation box is full of slips with titles and authors that are currently being enjoyed. I hope you have a bookish weekend when it comes.

Mr Asker
SAsker@rossettschool.co.uk

Observance of one minute's silence for Ukraine

Students and staff observed a minute’s silence at 11am today to mark one year since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Students were reminded that this national moment was called to offer us the opportunity to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.

Acoustic Night: Thursday 9th March

Rossett Arts Faculty are delighted to be able to invite you to Acoustic Night on Thursday 9^th March at 6:30pm (for a 6.45pm start). The event, which will take place in the Main Hall, will feature performances from our extra-curricular music ensembles as well as a number of solo and small group, student-led performances in an 'unplugged/live lounge' style setting.

After the success of our Winter Warmer, we are thrilled to be able to put on another of our favourite live music events and will look forward to seeing you there. Tickets are available via SCOPAY only and are priced £4 for adults and £2 concessions (under 18 and seniors). We will be making a collection on the evening to go towards the fundraising page for Fraser and Reuben who continue on their road to recovery for anyone who may wish to contribute.

Well Being in Mind

The NHS-funded, Government initiative 'Well Being in Mind' team have been working with us, here at Rossett, for nearly a year promoting the understanding of wellbeing and emotional health among our students. Please click here for their Spring Newsletter focussing on 'sleep hygiene' and here for an A-Z of clubs and projects for young people to keep them busy in the Harrogate district.

Reminder: Year 9 Immunisations for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (Td/iPV) and Meningitis ACWY (Men ACWY)

Parents/Carers of Year 9 students have been emailed regarding the national programme of immunisations to be delivered to Year 9s which will take place in school on Monday 27 February 2023. The letter contains important information on the vaccinations. The School Age Immunisation Service has a new e-consent portal which is web based and has a dedicated area for our school and a link to this is contained in the letter. Click here to view the letter again and register your child.

Exam Invigilators required

We are looking for additional exam invigilators to join our team for the external examinations this summer. Training will be provided.

Exams commence at 9.30am and 1.15pm and invigilators are expected to attend 15 minutes prior to the start of each exam. Invigilators may occasionally be asked to report earlier to help with the setting up of the larger exams.

If you think you may be interested in this type of role please call 01423 564444 and ask to speak to Gemma Kay (Exams Officer).

Current Vacancies

We have some exciting vacancies at Rossett School, including term time only and non-teaching roles. Click HERE for further details.

Lunch Menu

We know it is helpful for parents/carers to discuss the following week's lunch menu with their child.

We update our catering page each week to make this easier to access for all. Please click HERE for next week's lunch menu.

Next week's fixtures...

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What's happening this half term...

Tuesday 28 February

NEU National Strike Action: Year 7, 11, 12 & 13 in school and Year 8, 9, and 10 working remotely

Wednesday 1 March

Year 13 students: VQ Solutions who are a local apprenticeship provider visiting Rossett to offer guidance on how to find and apply for apprenticeship opportunities. Click here for further information.

Thursday 9 March