News

Thursday 30th September 2021

An important message to parents/guardians from Hounslow’s Director of Public Health, Kelly O’Neill

“We’re currently seeing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our schools across the borough which is causing a great deal of disruption for teachers, parents/guardians and children. Approximately 50% of our cases in Hounslow involve children under 19, with the majority of those cases involving 10-19 year olds. My team is doing everything it can to help the school community stop this on-going transmission as quickly as possible. But there are some important, practical, steps everyone can take to enable children to keep learning in the classroom and to stop the spread: I would urge you to please keep testing twice a week using ‘rapid’ LFT tests if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. If you do have COVID-19 symptoms, please get a PCR test as soon as possible. Regular testing is the quickest way to identify if you have the virus so that you can self-isolate if required. I would also encourage you to continue wearing a face covering if you can, especially in crowded areas, including on public transport. Together, all of these things will help to reduce transmission in the wider community.

 

“The NHS vaccination service has asked secondary schools across the borough to obtain consent from parents/guardians to vaccinate 12-15 year old children. Remember - it’s not too late to get vaccinated yourself, so if you haven’t yet come forward for your first and/or second COVID-19 vaccine, please take a look at our website: www.hounslow.gov.uk/coronavirus where you can find lots of detailed information as well as your nearest vaccination site. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me and my team at: publichealth@hounslow.gov.uk We’re here to help.”

 

Monday 27th September 2021

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Welcome to the weekly update for the fifth week of the Autumn Term 2021. 

The school is working with the Local Authority and the NHS regarding vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. When we have precise information, we will let you know as soon as possible. For information, today there is a link to an FAQ document produced by the government for families - please do take time to read this. Covid infection rates in the 10-19 year old age group are increasing in Hounslow - please remember to continue with twice weekly testing at home.

Students are now back in the routine of the new term. On Friday, we were very pleased to welcome Vicki Taylor (Assistant Director for Education and Skills, LBH) to the school - she was very impressed with the students. Well done!

Our annual Open Evening for students transferring from Y6 to Y7 in 2022 takes place on Wednesday 13th October. School will close for students that day at 12.30pm to allow staff to prepare for the event.

As the weather becomes more autumnal, please ensure that your child has a plain black coat for school as per our uniform policy.

With best wishes for the week ahead.

Stephen Davis

 

An improved lunchtime experience for students:

we are pleased to report that the school has made a significant investment in lunchtime facilities to help support student wellbeing during social times as part of our return to the ‘new normal’. In particular, we have purchased twenty new outdoor benches and laid out three new football pitches, with top of the range goals - there’s no need for jumpers for goalposts! These join the existing basketball and table tennis facilities which are always well used. We have also purchased two ‘giant chess’ for the new dining hall, and students have been practising their moves and set pieces. Following on from the consultation with parents, students and staff, the introduction of the staggered break and lunch has also significantly speeded up serving times in the new dining hall, and allow students to enjoy greater access to recreational facilities as only half the school is at break or lunch at any one time. For more information and some pictures of the resources being used, please see the Twitter account and scroll to the end of this page for the lunch menus.

Vaccinations FAQ:

Please see this guidance on vaccinations for 12-15 year olds from the government. 

Safeguarding briefing:

Over the summer there was some media reporting about 'sweets' laced with cannabis, amongst other things. Please see this link for a helpful guide for parents about how to be vigilant