Letter to Parents re Adverse Weather arrangements - Cardinal ...

Tongue Lane, Leeds LS6 4QETelephone: (0113) 336 8800Facsimile: (0113) 294 0320E-mail: info@cardinalheenan.leeds.sch.ukWebsite: www.cardinalheenan.leeds.sch.ukHeadteacher: Miss E A Cox MA MBA25 November 2010Dear ParentsSchool Closed to Pupils: Monday 29 th NovemberMonday 29 th November is a Staff Training Day and the school will be closed to pupils. School for all pupils recommencesat 8.55am on Tuesday 30 th November.Year 11 students should use the Training Day on Monday for revision, and to hone their preparations for theforthcoming Mock GCSE Examinations which begin on Tuesday 30 th November and continue until Friday 10 thDecember. This is an important set of examinations for our Year 11 students: our expectations are for successfuloutcomes.Emergency School ClosuresIn the rare event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, it may be necessary to close the school. Forexample, heavy snowfall may cause local transport problems or leave the school site inaccessible. The decision toclose the school will be taken only when absolutely necessary, in the context of pupil and staff safety.Should the decision be made to close the school, all details will be given on Radio Leeds (frequencies 92.4, 95.3 FMand 774 AM) and Radio Aire (frequency 96.3 FM). Regular information bulletins and updates relating to schoolclosures are given every 15 minutes. Listening to either of these local radio stations is the most effective way tokeep informed in the event of severe weather. If Cardinal Heenan is not mentioned, assume the school is open asusual. The school will also have information about any school closure on its website atwww.cardinalheenan.leeds.sch.uk.As a new development, the school will send a text to parents for whom we have up to date mobile phone numbers,using our mobile phone communications system (Groupcall).In the event of severe weather, please do not telephone the school to seek clarification about possible schoolclosure. It is likely that a large number of callers will result in a constant engaged tone which will, in turn, lead tofrustration and confusion.It is important therefore that your child or the school has an up to date emergency and mobile telephone number onwhich contact can be made. Should a decision be made to close the school, or to curtail the school day, parents willbe contacted. Every effort will be made to ensure pupils get home safely. If a decision is made to close the schoolearly and the school is unable to contact parents, pupils will be supervised in school until parents arrive to collectthem. It would be helpful if parents discuss arrangements relating to emergency school closure with their childrenperiodically, in order that pupils have access to home or other safe environments when the school closes.I would like to re-emphasise that any decision to close the school will only be taken rarely and in the context of thehealth and safety of our pupils and staff.

Advent in SchoolThe season of Advent is fast approaching and signals the beginning of a new year in the life of the Church. Like anyNew Year, Advent provides the school with an opportunity to work with our pupils and focus on the true meaning ofChristmas as they continue upon their spiritual journey. We will encourage our young people to step out with newhope and greater spiritual confidence. The Advent celebrations culminate with our Advent Reading and Carol servicewhich pupils will attend on the morning of Friday 17 December, prior to breaking up for the Christmas holidays.An Advent Service of Readings and Carols will also be held for parents, families and the wider school community inschool at 7.00pm on Monday 13 December. Please keep the date free in your diary and make every effort to attend.On Tuesday 14 December the school will host a Christmas party for senior citizens from across our community. In thelead up to the day we are asking parents and families to contribute tinned and non perishable food which will beused to make up Christmas hampers for our senior visitors. Please contribute gifts for the raffle which will be heldfor our visitors on that day. Year 10 pupils under the guidance of Mr Nelson, Year Manager are organising the eventand would gratefully receive any financial donations which can be used to ensure the afternoon is a pleasurable onefor our senior visitors. (Cheques made payable to Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School).And finally...Much work remains to be done over the next three weeks with the Autumn term in full swing.Progress and Attitude to Learning Grades will be sent home to the parents of pupils in Years 7 to 10 on Tuesday 14December. This information will allow parents to measure progress against expected outcomes for each individual. Iwould like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support of the school. It is the strength of thispartnership which has ensured an impressive improvement in pupil performance at Cardinal Heenan over the pastthree years.Thank you once again.Yours sincerelyE A CoxHeadteacher