Letters Home | KHS

End of Term Arrangements

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:39:00 +0000

November 2011

Dear Parent / Guardian

I am writing to let you know about our end-of-term arrangements.

Our Christmas Carol Concert will be held at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny on Thursday 8 December and starts at 7.00 pm. I hope that you will be able to join us and enjoy the musical talents of many of our students.

On Monday 12 December our Year 10 pupils will be hosting the annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party so the lunch break will be earlier, from 12.20pm to 1.10pm, in order to accommodate this.

School will finish early on the last day of term, Friday 16 December. The school day will be rearranged and lunch will be earlier from 11.50am until 12.40 pm. The pupils will be sent home at 1.30 pm.

In the event of severe weather, notification that the school is being closed will be given in the following ways:

a voicemail message on 01873 735373
a message on the school website: www.kinghenry.monm.sch.uk
an announcement on BBC Radio Wales (882 AM)

I should like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Happy Christmas and ask you to remind your children that school starts on Tuesday 3 January 2012 at the normal time of 8.40am.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

N Oaten

Headteacher

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:41:00 +0000

November 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Priory Church

Thursday 8 December 2011 at 7.00pm

The annual Christmas Concert will be held at St Mary’s Priory Church at 7.00pm on Thursday 8 December 2011.

I hope that you will be able to attend what will be a varied and entertaining evening.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

STRIKE ACTION 30 NOVEMBER 2011

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:38:00 +0000

22 November 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

Re: STRIKE ACTION 30 NOVEMBER 2011

You will be aware that Public Sector Unions, including the main Teaching Unions, will be participating in a strike on 30 November 2011 in relation to the ongoing dispute involving the proposed changes to Public Service pensions.

Having carried out a risk assessment, it will not be possible to cover classes affected by colleagues who are taking industrial action due to the numbers of teachers and support staff involved. I have therefore made the decision that the school will be closed to all pupils on Wednesday 30 November 2011.

I can only apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause parents but unfortunately control of the situation is not in my hands.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

OPEN EVENING WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER 2011

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:26:00 +0000

26 September 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

OPEN EVENING WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER 2011

We are holding our annual Open Evening on Wednesday 5 October 2011, commencing at 4.30pm.

In order to accommodate pupils who are returning to school for the evening, we will be closing on that day at 1.30pm. There will be four lessons that morning, and lunch will be between 11.50am and 12.40pm.

Please make a note of that time if your son or daughter normally has lunch at home.

Buses will collect pupils from 1.30pm.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

IMPORTANT DATES

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:15:00 +0000

September 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted to be able to start this academic year with more great news. You may recall that the GCSE results in 2010 were the best in the recent history of the school (last 10 years), well in 2011 they were even better!

GCSE

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-C – 68%

(4% increase on 2010).

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-G – 90%

(3% increase on 2010).

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs (including English and Maths) at A*-C – 58%

(3% increase on 2010).

It was particularly pleasing to note that every pupil in Year 11 achieved a qualification.

Results at A level were equally impressive:

A*/A grades 32%

A*-C grades 78.2%

A*-E grades 97.5%

These results undoubtedly reflect the effort and commitment of the students and the staff. The school also recognises the role of the parents in supporting the school and their children through this important time of their education and we share in their pride in this tremendous success.

During the summer holiday further work has been carried out in the school including new double glazing and fascias for Upper School, the installation of a complete wireless network and new state of the art Music Computer Suite. I am also pleased to report that the new Sixth Form Coffee Bar is complete and that new furniture has been delivered.

All pupils are new wearing the new school uniform and I hope that pupils will wear it with pride and recognise that it is a visible reminder of the high expectations we have and our commitment to raising standards in the school.

Can I take this opportunity to give you some notice of important dates for the term ahead:

Tuesday 21 September PTCA Annual General Meeting 7.00pm – All welcome.

Wednesday 5 October Open Evening – School will finish at 1.30pm to allow staff time to prepare

Friday 21 October Staff Training Day – School closed to pupils

24 October – 28 October Half term

Christmas Holiday School finishes on Friday 16 December

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

ESTYN INSPECTION REPORT

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:58:00 +0000

July 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am writing to inform you that the report of our recent inspection by Estyn has now been published. Hard copies of the report are available on request from the main office in Reception. Alternatively, the report can be viewed via the link on the school website at:-

www.kinghenry.monm.sch.uk

or directly from the Estyn website:-

http://www.estyn.gov.uk/download/publication/205678.2/inspection-report-king-henry-viii-comprehensive-school-eng-2011-english-only/

The school will be producing an action plan in response to the recommendations found in the report and Estyn did recognise that the areas for improvement had already been identified by the school and progress is already being made.

As I have stated in our recent Newsletter, King Henry VIII is a good school but working in partnership we can make it better and that must be our goal.

Have a restful summer holiday.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

King Henry VIII School Inspection Report - May 2011

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:43:00 +0000

The KHS school inspection report from 2011 is now available to download.

End of Summer Term

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:53:00 +0000

June 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

As the end of term rapidly approaches I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some important school guidelines on uniform, jewellery and the use of mobile phones. I also include some important dates for your diary in relation to the end of term and the commencement of the new academic year in September.

Can I start by reminding parents that all pupils will be expected to wear the new uniform from September 2011 (see attached list). Parents who have not yet purchased the new uniform or who may need additional items can do so from the supplier, Reflex, who will be visiting the school on the following days:

Thursday 14 July 3.30pm - 6.00pm Lower School Canteen

Monday 18 July 5.30pm onwards Upper School Staffroom

Alternatively, uniform can be purchased direct from the supplier (see attached price list/order form).

School Uniform

The uniform comprises:-

Black blazer with embroidered gold logo
Black tie with two thin gold stripes
White shirts (short or long sleeves)
Black trousers (formal) or black knee-length skirts
Black shoes
Optional black jumper with embroidered gold logo

I am delighted to say that I have received very positive feedback in relation to the new uniform and it has certainly raised the status of the school within the community. However, the length of skirts that girls have been wearing has attracted some criticism and as a result I would ask for support from parents in ensuring that skirts for girls are knee length.

Jewellery

In the interests of health and safety, jewellery wearing is limited to one watch and a pair of stud earrings. Facial piercings are not acceptable, and pupils who fail to comply with the request to remove any such piercing will be isolated until the piercing is removed. We do expect pupils to adopt hairstyles suitable for a place of study and work, and as a consequence ‘non-natural’ hair colourings and patterns cut into the hair are not permitted.

Mobile Phones

As a school, we have become concerned by the increasingly inappropriate use of mobile phones in school. We would therefore prefer that they are left at home, however, we can understand that in exceptional circumstances they are a useful aid in terms of the safety and welfare of your child during the journey to and from school.

We will issue a letter at the start of the new term which will set out the conditions under which a mobile phone can be brought to school. In essence, parents will need to sign a permission slip, which must be returned to your child’s Head of Year. Only pupils with permission slips on file will be permitted to have a mobile phone in school. All mobile phones will be turned off and placed out of sight in the pupil’s bag. They are not to be used at anytime during the school day.

Important dates for the diary

Thursday 30 June 2011 - School closed to pupils due to strike action by NUT/ATL Unions

Friday 1 July 2011 - Staff Training Day

Summer Term ends 1.30pm on Thursday 21 July 2011

Friday 2 September 2011 - Staff Training Day

Monday 5 September 2011 - Autumn Term commences for Years 7, 10, 12

Tuesday 6 September 2011 onwards - Whole school attend

I hope you are able to enjoy a relaxing holiday! Thank you as always for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

KHS SCHOOL UNIFORM

Girls

Trutex Black blazer with embroidered gold logo;

Optional Trutex black jumper with embroidered gold logo;

Black tie with two thin gold stripes;

White shirt (short or long sleeves);

Black trousers (formal) or black knee length skirts;

Plain black traditional shoes (trainers are not acceptable);

A dark plain outer coat (black, without logos)

Boys

Trutex Black blazer with embroidered gold logo;

Optional Trutex black jumper with embroidered gold logo;

Black tie with two thin gold stripes;

White shirt (short or long sleeves);

Black trousers (formal);

Plain black traditional shoes (trainers are not acceptable);

A dark plain outer coat (black, without logos)

SPORTSWEAR

Girls	Boys
Navy Tracksuit bottoms Navy KHS Hoodie White polo shirt (short sleeves) White socks Training shoes Navy shorts White polo shirt (short sleeves) White socks Training shoes Swimming costume (not bikini) Optional White KHS Skin	Blue + Amber reversible Rugby jersey Navy Shorts Blue + Amber football socks Training shoes White polo shirt (short sleeves) White PE shorts White socks Training shoes Rugby/Soccer boots Swimming trunks Optional Navy/White KHS Skin

Jewellery: The only jewellery permitted to be worn is a watch and one pair of small stud earrings. Facial piercing is not acceptable.

Hair: Please ensure that hair is not coloured with bright "unnatural" shades. Tram lines / patterns cut into the hair are not permitted.

Bags and equipment: Pupils need to come to lessons properly equipped (ie exercise and text books, homework planner, pen, pencil, eraser, ruler and calculator). All of these need to be carried in an appropriate school bag.

Please be aware that pupils who fail to observe these regulations regarding school uniform will be sent home.

Reflex order form and price list for 2011 is available under New Students, School Uniform.

Estyn Inspection

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:50:00 +0000

3 May 2011

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am sure you will be aware that the school is being inspected by Estyn during the week commencing the 9 May 2011.

As part of the Inspection process, parents are invited to a meeting with members of the Inspection Team in order to seek your view on a range of issues and I have attached a copy of the agenda on the reverse of this letter.

I am writing to inform you that this meeting will be held on the 9 May 2011 at 5pm in the Upper School Hall.

I am very proud of the progress we have made as a school over the last two years, but also recognise that there is still room for improvement in a number of areas. The Inspection will provide a good opportunity for us to measure our progress to date.

I do hope you will be able to attend.

Yours faithfully

N Oaten

Headteacher

AGENDA

1. Standards of work and progress

2. Pupils’ behaviour and attendance

3. The attitudes and values which the school promotes, including pupils’ wellbeing and healthy lifestyles

4. The quality of education provided by the school (including subject choices, teaching and homework)

5. The support and guidance available to pupils and the way in which it monitors their progress

6. The extent to which the school promotes equality, diversity and racial tolerance

7. The part parents/carers and the

community play in the life of the school

8. The information which the school provides for parents/carers, including reports and subject choices

9. The extent to which the school asks for the views of parents/carers and pupils, and the attention it gives to suggestions and complaints

10. Other issues identified by the lead inspector

EASTER REVISION SESSIONS

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:56:00 +0000

4 April 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians

The summer exam season is fast approaching and I am sure that if your son/daughter has not yet started preparing for their written exams then they are making plans to complete their revision timetable ready for next term. To give everyone a good start to this the school is offering subject revision sessions during the Easter holidays. While we are concentrating the sessions on English, Maths and the Sciences other subjects are available as you will see from the programme.

The sessions will be held on the school site during both the morning and afternoon on the days shown on the reply slip. There is no cost for the revision sessions but we will be unable to provide transport to the school for pupils. Refreshments will be available from the Costa Coffee coffee bar in Upper School hall where a range of drinks and snacks will be sold. The coffee bar will be open on Monday 18^th to Wednesday 20^th from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm. Pupils could bring a packed lunch to eat in the canteen or, with your permission, leave the site during the lunch break.

A timetable of the sessions available on particular days is shown on the slip attached and I would be grateful if you could complete the reply slip indicating which of the subject sessions your child would like to attend. The reply slip should be returned to either Mrs Williams or Mrs Thompson in Reception by Thursday 7 April. This will allow us time to allocate their places in one or more of the three daily sessions and ensure that we give everyone attending extra support at this important time.

If you have any queries please contact me or Miss Trew at the school and we will do our best to answer your questions.

Yours faithfully

J Sweet (Mrs)

Assistant Headteacher

REPLY SLIP (please return by Thursday 7 April 2011

NAME OF PUPIL ………………………………………………………….

FORM …………………………..

	PLEASE TICK IN THIS COLUMN IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND SUBJECT SESSION ON THIS DAY (Maximum three subjects per day)
MONDAY 18 April – 9-10.30 am, 10.45 am –12.15 pm, 1.00-2.30 pm
PHYSICS Foundation
PHYSICS Higher
BIOLOGY Foundation
BIOLOGY Higher
CHEMISTRY Foundation
CHEMISTRY Higher
BTEC HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
ENGLISH Foundation
ENGLISH Higher

TUESDAY 19 April - 9-10.30 am, 10.45 am –12.15 pm, 1.00-2.30 pm
MATHS Foundation
MATHS Higher
PE (first am session only)
RESISTANT MATERIALS (PLS/SHP [am only])
GEOGRAPHY

WEDNESDAY 20 April - 9-10.30 am, 10.45 am –12.15 pm, 1.00-2.30 pm
DRAMA
ICT
SOCIOLOGY
HISTORY


THURSDAY 28 April
ENGLISH am

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ………………………………………………..