Letter to Parents | Start of Term Arrangements – September 2024
Read the full letter here:View / Download
SRS Key Dates 2024-25:View / Download
Behavour Strategy – June 2024:View / Download
Dear Parents/carers,
We are ending this academic year on a real high, after an incredible year for our whole school community.
Our students continue to grow and flourish, academically and personally, with limitless example of their achievements and hard work showcased throughout the year. I would like to heartily congratulate each of them for what they have accomplished in the last year.
Our school has received high praise, through a series of external visits and reviews, which have recognised the quality of our practices, and the impact this has on enabling each of our young people to realise their potential. This is testament to the incredible work of our staff.
Our staff believe in our vision of unlocking the potential of every child, challenging expectations and levelling the playing field for every student at SRS. They exemplify this belief in their day-to-day work in and outside of the classroom, and in ensuring our school runs smoothly, effectively and with positivity so that our children have nothing but the best. I take this opportunity to thank our staff for showing complete commitment to our vision, ensuring our students have a safe and nurturing school environment in which they can thrive.
Thanks to our partnership with you, our families, we are collectively able to achieve our aims for our children and young people. I would like to express my thanks to you for your continued support this year; whether it has been through attending school events or the day-to-day support you give to ensure your child is in school, set up for the day ahead and ready to give their best, it makes our work together all the more impactful in supporting our young people to achieve.
I take this opportunity to express particular thanks to colleagues who are retiring this term. Mr Sullivan joined Sydney Russell School in 1996 as the first member of staff appointed by the, then, new headteacher, and now CEO of our Trust, Roger Leighton. Mr Sullivan has worked for the school for 28 years as a secondary History, politics, civics/PD teacher, with further responsibilities over that time as Head of Humanities, Co-Director of Student Development and Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator. With a total of 35 years’ service to education, he has had a full career and has played a very significant part in the life of our school – he will be much missed by students and staff alike.
Mrs Lewis retires from Year 2 teaching after 22 years of service, 5 of which have been at SRS. Mrs Lewis has been a fantastic support through the development of our primary phase, having brought her previous experience from local and international primary schools. Finally, Mrs Mitchell leaves Year 1 for retirement after 17 years teaching, seven of which at SRS, playing a very important part in the success of our phonics programmes over the years, as well as also making a significant contribution to the growth and development of the primary phase.
We wish each of them long, healthy and happy retirements, sending them off with our thanks for everything they have done for our school, staff and students. I would also like to thank colleagues who are leaving SRS for pastures new and wish them every success and happiness in their new ventures.
Summer holidays – uniform purchasing and summer activities
Uniform will be available for purchase at the following times during the summer holiday:
Monday 5th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
Wednesday 7th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
Friday 9th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
Monday 12th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
Wednesday 14th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
Friday 16th August 10.00am – 2.00pm
19th August – 30th August (excluding bank holiday Monday 26th) every day 10.00am – 2.00pm
Summer activities available in the local area are included in this week’s newsletter. We also urge you to encourage your children, no matter their age, to read as much as possible during the summer break. We have published a fantastic guide to high-quality age-appropriate texts for your children to enjoy (see Edulink and the school website: https://www.sydneyrussellschool.com/?p=10900).
A great way to stay motivated in your reading is by joining the Summer Reading Challenge 2024! You can sign up for FREE and get access to lots of books, activities and resources as well as track your progress in the challenge! https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
You will find a suggested reading list on our school website, detailing books which can be easily sourced from your local library. You can also access FREE books and magazines through Press Reader using your library card details, take a look at https://www.pressreader.com/
Summer online safety
Please continue to be vigilant of your child’s online activity throughout the summer break – please check their social media and messages to ensure they are behaving appropriately online. We strongly encourage a ‘digital sunset’ – a time in the day when phones/digital devices are put away/no longer used by children, to ensure they have sufficient breaks from screens.
A reminder of arrangements for A-Level & GCSE results days
| Thursday 15th August | A-Level results | 8.30am: Y13 students can collect their results
Staff will be available throughout the day to support with destinations 10am: Y12 students can collect Further Maths & EPQ results |
| Thursday 22nd August | GCSE results | 8.30am: students can collect their results
Sixth Form registration will begin at 9am. Staff will be available throughout the day to support with destinations |
Looking ahead to the new academic year
Once we have had a good break, our thoughts will turn to the new year ahead, and there are a few points I ask you to note:
- To ensure we always maintain the highest standards of behaviour and conduct across the school, I ask you to re-familiarise yourself with the school’s behaviour policy which can be found on the school website and via Edulink, please read them carefully.
- The behaviour policy also includes uniform expectations and I ask for your continued support in ensuring skirt lengths are correct (at least to the knee) and that trousers fit correctly at the waist and are worn at the waist.
- All students are asked to note that a reading book is a compulsory part of school equipment. For primary and KS3 students, this is a book from their reading scheme (including the accelerated reader programme). For students in Years 10-13, this can be an appropriate (see guidance on our reading lists) fiction or non-fiction book which can be sourced from our school library, home or a local library.
- In the year ahead, one priority of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) will focus on developing students’ literacy skills, specifically writing in the primary phase and reading in the secondary. Therefore, your encouragement of your child’s reading during the summer break will further support their preparations for the new academic year ahead. I look forward to sharing further details on this and other school improvement priorities in September.
September 2024 – start of term arrangements (please check the website from 31st August for updates)
| Monday 2nd September – school closed to pupils (Staff INSET day) | |
| Tuesday 3rd September – Primary: Y1 to Y6 | |
| 8.30am
8:40am 3.00pm |
School gate (Parsloes Avenue entrance) opens
School starts, registration then Right Start programme begins End of school day (parents to enter the playground via the Parsloes Avenue entrance) |
| Tuesday 3rd September – Secondary: Y7 only | |
| 8.35am | Y7 start of day (students may arrive earlier but must be in school by 8.35am)
Y7 Right Start programme begins |
| 3.00pm | Y7 end of day |
| Wednesday 4th September – start of autumn term – normal school day times for all students (Y1 – Y13) | |
| Primary – gate opens from 8.30am, registration at 8.40am
Secondary & 16+ – school open for students to arrive for breakfast from 7.30am, students must be on-site by 8.35am. Right Start programme. EYFS phased start begins (see details sent) |
|
Right Start programme
Our annual Right Start programme enables students to settle back into school ways of working, focusing on personal organisation, school routines and expectations and setting goals for the year ahead. This takes place on the first day back for all students.
Right Start Parents’ Evenings provide parents with the information and guidance they need to best support their child at each stage of their education. You are required to attend the session for your child.
| Year group | Date of Right Start Parents’ Meeting | Time | Venue |
| EYFS | 19th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 1 | 18th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 2 | 17th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 3 | 12th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 4 | 11th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 5 | 10th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 6 | 9th September | 9-10am | Primary |
| Year 7 | 12th September (Introduction to secondary and Key Stage 3) | 6 – 7pm | Secondary |
| Year 10 | 10th September (Introduction to Key Stage 4) | 6 – 7pm | Secondary |
| Year 12 | 10th September (Introduction to Sixth Form and Key Stage 5) | 6 – 7pm | Secondary |
I also take this opportunity to draw your attention to next year’s term dates and an outline of key dates for school events for the year ahead which can be found below.
As we close for the summer holidays, if there are any urgent concerns which you need us to be aware of, or if you need school support in any way, please email office@sydneyrussellschool.com
Finally, I wish you and your families a wonderful summer holiday – I hope you get to relax and enjoy much needed time for yourselves and with your loved ones. I look forward to seeing you recharged and ready in September for a great year ahead!
Yours faithfully,
Clare Cross
Principal
School term dates 2024-2025
Autumn term: Monday 2 September 2024 – Friday 20 December 2024
(Half term holiday: Friday 25 October – Friday 1 November 2024)
Spring term: Monday 6 January 2025 – Friday 4 April 2025
(Half term holiday: 17 – 21 February 2025)
Summer term: Tuesday 22 April 2025 – Friday 18 July 2025
(Half term holiday: 26 – 30 May 2025)
SRS calendar dates 2024- 25 – Please note, additional events/dates may be added. Parents will be notified via the weekly newsletter, Edulink and email.
| Day | Date | Events | Time/Venue |
| Mon | 2-Sep-24 | INSET day – school closed to all students | |
| Tue | 3-Sep-24 | Right Start Programme for all Phases (first day of school for Yr 1 – 6, & Y7) | |
| Wed | 4-Sep-24 | Right Start Programme for all Phases (first day of school for Yr 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13) | |
| Fri | 6-Sep-24 | Foundation Stage (EYFS) Part Time Starts | |
| Mon | 9-Sep-24 | Democracy week | |
| Year 6 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary | ||
| Tue | 10-Sep-24 | Year 5 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary |
| Y10 Right Start Parents’ Evening | 6pm – secondary | ||
| Y12 Right Start Parents’ Evening | 6pm – secondary | ||
| Wed | 11-Sep-24 | Year 4 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary |
| Thu | 12-Sep-24 | Foundation Stage Part Time Ends | |
| Year 3 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary | ||
| Y7 Right Start Parents’ Evening | 6pm – secondary | ||
| Fri | 13-Sep-24 | Foundation Stage Start Full Time | |
| Tue | 17-Sep-24 | Secondary phase Photographs (Main Hall) | |
| Year 2 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary | ||
| Wed | 18-Sep-24 | Enrichment Fair | Secondary | |
| Year 1 Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary | ||
| Thu | 19-Sep-24 | EYFS Parent Right Start Meeting | 9am – primary |
| Mon | 23-Sep-24 | International week of Languages | |
| Secondary site – early close for Open Evening (1.30pm)
5:00 – 8:30 Y6 Open Evening Secondary Site |
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| Tue | 24-Sep-24 | 10am start – secondary site | |
| Wed | 25-Sep-24 | 9:00 – 11:00 Year 6 Open Morning | Secondary |
| Thu | 26-Sep-24 | Macmillan coffee morning (hosted at primary site) | Primary |
| 9:00 – 11:00 Year 6 Open Morning | Secondary | ||
| Primary phase Photographs | |||
| Fri | 27-Sep-24 | Student Principal Elections | Secondary | |
| Mon | 30-Sep-24 | Black History Month | |
| Thu | 3-Oct-24 | National Poetry Day | |
| Fri | 4-Oct-24 | Early close at 12.30pm – staff training | |
| Mon | 14-Oct-24 | Recycle week | |
| Flu Vaccination (details tbc) | |||
| Primary Parents’ Consultations – 1 Starts | |||
| Tue | 15-Oct-24 | Flu Vaccination (details tbc) | |
| Y11 UB-MB | Drop Down Day | Sexual Health | |||
| Wed | 16-Oct-24 | Flu Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |
| Y11 FT | Drop Down Day | Sexual Health | |||
| Thu | 17-Oct-24 | Y13 UK University Search Visit | |
| Mon | 21-Oct-24 | National Apple Day | |
| SRS Fringe Festival Day 1 | |||
| Tue | 22-Oct-24 | SRS Fringe Festival Day 2 | |
| Half term holiday 25th October – 1st November 2024 | |||
| Mon | 4-Nov-24 | INSET day – school closed to all students | |
| Thu | 7-Nov-24 | 16+ Open Evening | 4.30 – 7pm secondary |
| Mon | 11-Nov-24 | Remembrance Day events | |
| Anti-bullying week | |||
| Fri | 22-Nov-24 | Children in Need | |
| Fri | 29-Nov-24 | Primary SEN Coffee Morning | 9am – primary |
| Mon | 2-Dec-24 | Reverse Advent Calendar | |
| Student/Parent/Staff Voice Survey 1 Begins | |||
| Wed | 4-Dec-24 | DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) | |
| Thu | 5-Dec-24 | Prizegiving Evening (by invitation) | 5.30 – 7.30pm – secondary |
| Fri | 6-Dec-24 | Primary EAL Coffee Morning | 9am – primary |
| Mon | 9-Dec-24 | 11:00 – 11:30am Carols Round the Tree (Atrium) | |
| Tue | 10-Dec-24 | Christmas Jumper & Christmas Lunch Day (EYFS – Y2, Y7 -Y9) | |
| Secondary Winter Showcase | 6:00 – 7:30pm – secondary | ||
| Wed | 11-Dec-24 | Christmas Jumper & Christmas Lunch Day (Y3-Y6, Y10-Y13) | |
| Thu | 12-Dec-24 | Y11 TA2 Mock Exams Begin (Sports Hall) | |
| Y13 Parents’ Evening | 4:30 – 7:00 – secondary | ||
| Fri | 13-Dec-24 | Christmas Fair – hosted at primary site | 3pm – primary |
| Mon | 16-Dec-24 | Y11 TA2 Mock Exams Continue (Sports Hall) | |
| Tue | 17-Dec-24 | Christmas Market | Secondary | |
| Wed | 18-Dec-24 | Reverse Advent Calendar – delivery to Kingsley Hall | |
| Fri | 20-Dec-24 | Early close – end of term | |
| Christmas holidays – Monday 23rd December 2024 – Friday 3rd January 2025 | |||
| Mon | 6-Jan-25 | Start of Spring term – normal school day times | |
| Y11 TA2 Mock Exams Continue (Sports Hall) | |||
| Mon | 13-Jan-25 | Y10 Fast Track Work Experience Begins – One Week | |
| Wed | 15-Jan-25 | Y7 NGRT test (2) | |
| Family Thrive | 2-3pm – secondary | ||
| Mon | 20-Jan-25 | Y10 UB & MB Work Experience Begins – One Week | |
| Tue | 21-Jan-25 | Y11 FT | Drop Down Day | Financial Literacy | |
| Thu | 23-Jan-25 | Y11 UB-MB | Drop Down Day | Financial Literacy | |
| Y7 Virtual Parents’ Evening (EduLink One) | 4:30 – 7:00pm – online | ||
| Mon | 27-Jan-25 | Holocaust Memorial Day | |
| Primary Parents’ Consultations – 2 Starts | |||
| Wed | 29-Jan-25 | Y9 & 10 Intermediate Maths Challenge | |
| Mon | 3-Feb-25 | Children’s Mental Health Week | |
| Tue | 4-Feb-25 | SRS Production – High School Musical 2023 Show 1 | 7pm – secondary |
| Wed | 5-Feb-25 | 7:00 SRS Production – High School Musical 2023 Show 2 | 7pm – secondary |
| Thu | 6-Feb-25 | 7:00 SRS Production – High School Musical 2023 Show 3 | 7pm – secondary |
| Fri | 7-Feb-25 | Number Day | |
| Mon | 10-Feb-25 | Internet Safety week | |
| Half term 17th – 21st February 2025 | |||
| Wed | 26-Feb-25 | Y13 VIMA2 begins | |
| Thu | 27-Feb-25 | Y8 Virtual Parents’ Evening (EduLink One) | 4:30 – 7pm – online |
| Mon | 3-Mar-25 | Careers month | |
| Thu | 6-Mar-25 | World Book Day | |
| Fri | 7-Mar-25 | International Womens’ Day | |
| Mon | 10-Mar-25 | Careers Fairs this week – both sites | |
| Y9 1st DTP & MenACWY Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |||
| Tue | 11-Mar-25 | Y9 2nd DTP & MenACWY Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |
| Wed | 12-Mar-25 | Y9 3rd DTP & MenACWY Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |
| Thu | 20-Mar-25 | Primary EAL Coffee Morning | 9am – primary |
| Fri | 21-Mar-25 | Evening – Grand Iftar hosted at secondary site (by invitation) | |
| Wed | 26-Mar-25 | DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) | |
| Thu | 27-Mar-25 | Y9 Virtual Parents’ Evening (EduLink One) | 4:30 – 7pm – online |
| Fri | 28-Mar-25 | Culture Day | |
| Mon | 31-Mar-25 | Autism Awareness week | |
| Fri | 4-Apr-25 | Early close – end of term | |
| Easter holidays – Monday 7th – Monday 21st April 2025 | |||
| Tue | 22-Apr-25 | Start of Summer term (normal school day times) | |
| Student/Parent/Staff Voice Survey 2 Begins | |||
| Wed | 23-Apr-25 | Y9 GCSE Subject Taster Day 1 | |
| Thu | 24-Apr-25 | Y9 GCSE Subject Taster Day 2 | |
| Y9 GCSE Preference Evening | 4:30 – 7pm – secondary | ||
| Mon | 28-Apr-25 | Y11 External GCSE Examinations Begin (venues tbc) | |
| Tue | 29-Apr-25 | International Dance Day | |
| Wed | 30-Apr-25 | Y9 GCSE Preference Deadline | |
| Thu | 1-May-25 | Y7 & 8 Junior Maths Challenge | |
| Y10 Parents’ Evening | 4:30 – 7pm – secondary | ||
| Fri | 2-May-25 | Student/Parent/Staff Voice Survey 2 Ends | |
| Bank holiday Monday 5th May 2025 | |||
| Tue | 6-May-25 | Y11 External GCSE Examinations Continue | |
| Thu | 8-May-25 | Y12 Parents’ Evening | 4:30 – 7pm – secondary |
| Mon | 12-May-25 | Y13 External GCE Examinations Begin (Main Hall) | |
| Primary Key Stage 2 SATs week | |||
| Mon | 19-May-25 | Y7 Geography Trip Week – Bedford Park | |
| Thu | 22-May-25 | Primary EAL Coffee Morning | 9am – primary |
| Half term Monday 26th – Friday 30th June 2025 | |||
| Sun | 1-Jun-25 | Year 6 Residential Trip Departs (until 4th June) | |
| Mon | 2-Jun-25 | Y7-9 Residential Trewern Trip Begins | |
| Primary MTC Test Week 1 | |||
| Wed | 4-Jun-25 | Y12 UCAS Discovery Exhibition Visit | |
| Mon | 9-Jun-25 | Primary MTC Test Week 2 and Phonics Screening | |
| Bike week & Healthy Eating week | |||
| Mon | 16-Jun-25 | Y7 Geography Trip Week – Parsloes Park | |
| Y8 1st HPV Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |||
| Tue | 17-Jun-25 | Y8 2nd HPV Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |
| Wed | 18-Jun-25 | Thank a teacher, thank a member of staff day | |
| Y8 3rd HPV Vaccination (Venue tbc) | |||
| Y11 Leavers celebration (TBC) | |||
| Fri | 20-Jun-25 | Y13 Leavers’ Celebration (TBC) | |
| Y11 Prom | tbc | ||
| Mon | 23-Jun-25 | Y8 Geography Trip Week – Martins Corner | |
| GlasNOTbury Week | Secondary | |||
| Wed | 25-Jun-25 | DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) | |
| Thu | 26-Jun-25 | Y13 Soiree | tbc |
| Fri | 27-Jun-25 | Primary class transition day (Meet your teacher) | |
| Mon | 30-Jun-25 | Y9 Geography Trip Week – Stratford | |
| Y12 Work Experience Week | |||
| Discover Programme Week | Secondary | |||
| Tue | 1-Jul-25 | New staff induction | |
| Secondary Summer Showcase | 6pm – secondary | ||
| Wed | 2-Jul-25 | Y10 Post-16 Routes – Day 1 | |
| Thu | 3-Jul-25 | Y10 Post-16 Routes – Day 2 | |
| Mon | 7-Jul-25 | Primary rewards trip | |
| Y7, Y8, Y9 & Y10 End of Year Rewards Trips | |||
| Y12 Geography Trip Week – Barking Riverside | |||
| Tue | 8-Jul-25 | Primary rewards trip | |
| Y7, Y8, Y9 & Y10 End of Year Rewards Trips | |||
| Fri | 11-Jul-25 | Olympics | Secondary (aka Sports Day) | |
| Primary Reports to Parents | |||
| Mon | 14-Jul-25 | Early close (12.15pm/12.30pm) – staff training | |
| Tue | 15-Jul-25 | Olympics | Primary (aka Sports Day) | |
| Wed | 16-Jul-25 | Y6 Graduation Party | |
| Thu | 17-Jul-25 | Ariston Awards Evening | 6pm – secondary |
| Fri | 18-Jul-25 | Last Day of School – early close – end of academic year | |
| Summer holiday begins | |||
