newsletter - Pershore High School

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIMEAs you will be aware a high level of attendance at school is essential if students are to benefit fully fromthe education provided for them. Research has shown that there is a clear link between high levels ofattendance at school and high levels of attainment.It is important to minimise the amount of time a student is absent from school and I would therefore askthat serious consideration is given to alternative dates before requesting holidays during term time.It is important that you are aware that schools do not have to agree absence for a holiday and that morethan 10 days school absence in a year will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances.If a holiday is not agreed in advance it can be recorded as unauthorised absence which could result in areferral to the Education Welfare Service.If you do have to ask permission for term time absence you should be aware that:-■ Requests must be made in writing to the school at least four weeks prior to the holiday departure dates.Forms to request holidays are available from Student Services.■ It is essential that you avoid times/dates when your child would be preparing for or taking examinationsor important tests. Please contact the school if you require further information.■ Schools will consider each request individually and will take into account the effect the absence will haveon the student's education and the previous attendance record. Guidelines provided by WorcestershireCounty Council indicate that if the student's level of attendance falls below 90% it is not appropriate togrant term time leave unless in exceptional circumstances.Chess ClubHAVE YOU MADE THE RIGHT MOVE?There are a lot of winners in theChess Club. And roughly the samenumber of losers.The Chess Club helps students sharpen theirstrategies and think ahead.Chess Club is on Monday andFriday lunchtimes in room 39.Draughts and other games areavailable. There is also mathematicshomework help.If you wish to join, just come along.EVERYONE ISWELCOMEMr SegarSTAFF INTERNAL TELEPHONEExtension NumbersPA to HeadteacherMrs. A. Davenport 256Deputy HeadteacherMr. P. Hanson 227Deputy HeadteacherMr. A. Nockton 224Assistant HeadteachersMr. G. Booth 229Mrs. I. Forbes 337Heads of YearYear 8 - Mr. H. Evans 235Year 9 - Mr. P. Watson 254Year 10 - Miss G McPherson 271Year 11 - Mrs. J. Higginbotham 235Head of Sixth FormMr. J. Howell 253Assistant Head of Sixth FormMiss E. Bliss 240Sixth Form Support OfficerMrs. Jo McKenzie 240Business ManagerMr. Russell Dalton 265Attendance AdministratorMrs. Julie Hyde 323Student ServicesMrs. Emma Pleciak 330Reception 02