Read the full letter here

Dear parents and carers,

Re: End of Autumn term and arrangements for January 2025

As we wrap up 2024, we can reflect on the brilliant learning, progress, achievement and celebration that we have enjoyed throughout this year for each of our students, our staff and our whole school community.

From the school’s best-ever academic achievements to the formal introduction of our SRS Inclusion Pledge, and the exceptional personal development of each of our young people, there has been much achieved of which we can feel very proud.

Across the school this week, we have celebrated our students – their 100% attendance, their outstanding attitudes to learning and the impact this all has on the significant progress they are able to make in their learning.

The importance of these attributes has become that bit more ‘real’ for our students in Year 11 and Year 13, who enter the final months of study and preparation before their final GCSE and A Level exams.  Whilst those exam results will open the doors to their next steps, the 14-year journey for our students at SRS, EYFS to Year 13, is about equipping them with not only knowledge and skills but also broadening their horizons and firing up their ambitions to be the very best version of themselves.

None of this could be achieved without the commitment and drive of our fantastic staff, who work tirelessly to ensure our young people are well supported and able to achieve their very best.  My thanks to them, on behalf of our students, for everything they give and do.  I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to you, parents and carers, for your support and everything you are doing to ensure your child is set up and ready each day to do their best at school.

Start of term arrangements – January 2025

We return to school on Monday 6^th January at normal school times.  On this first day we will spend time in the morning lesson reminding students of school ways of working and enabling students time to think about their goals for the new year and the term ahead.  There are some things we ask you to do to ensure a smooth start to the term:

• ensure your child is in correct school uniform and footwear. Correct school shoes (not boots or trainers) must be worn. Uniform can be ordered online: https://www.srs-shop.co.uk/
• acrylic nails are not allowed in school – please ensure these are removed by 6^th January
• for secondary students, please ensure they have a full set of equipment (see student planner for equipment list)
• please top up your child’s Parent Pay account for school lunches
• please take some time to set some new year home learning goals with your child, ready to launch into the new year – whether it’s time set aside for reading, revision, personal organisation to ensure punctual arrival at school or a recap of what makes an ‘outstanding’ attitude to learning, your support is both needed and much appreciated.

Exciting news for 2025!

We have the school production of High School Musical to look forward to!  Tickets are on sale through Parent Pay for performances on 4^th, 5^th and 6^th February 2025 at 7pm each evening. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

You can find the full list of key dates for the term ahead at the end of this letter, in the newsletter and on the website.

I know that, for many, this can be a difficult time of the year – particularly as we think of those who are no longer with us, or those whose health might be affecting them.  I hope, whatever the circumstances, you are able to benefit from some much-needed holiday time, time with those close to you, and some relaxation ahead of the new year.

As ever, I hope not to have to disturb you during the holidays, but should there be any urgent update, this would be sent via Edulink, as well as updated on the website.

I wish you and your families a very merry Christmas, a relaxing holiday and every happiness for 2025.

Yours faithfully,

Clare Cross

Principal