Newsletter to Parents and Carers September 2008 - Trinity School

Newsletter to Parents and CarersTrinity SchoolSeptember 2008WelcomesDear Parents and Carers,We approach the second Friday of the month and here is the first Newsletter of the school year. Theyshould be with you every month on the same day …just in case some students are less efficient thanwe would like in bringing them home. Now you know when to ask …This Newsletter is also on the website (www.trinity.cumbria.sch.uk ) and during the course of the yearwe would like to move away from sending home a printed copy to everyone to emailing and using thewebsite. This is to speed up the communication and also to help us reduce our paper consumption by50% as a school within the next three years.So, welcome everyone …to those parents and carers who are with us for the first time thisSeptember, and welcome back to everyone else. We hope that the summer was good to you all. Myeldest daughter got married on the last Saturday in August, which was a delight!Trinity School is now 40 and we are having various celebrations during the course of this term andyear. Please watch out for details of these – some of which appear later in this newsletter.More widely, we hope that this is indeed a happy and celebratory year for us as a school. So much todo, as ever, but so many good students and staff in the school with much to achieve. Thank you foryour partnership in all of that, and best wishes to us all for the year ahead.HeadteacherWELCOME TO NEW STAFFWe have managed to welcome our new colleagues this year at a meeting in The Chapman Library(which we were locked out of!) and at a tea with the governors in The Carliol Library. They are asfollow:Into the Science department we welcome Mr I Barker, Miss H Hayes and Mrs E Joyce. Joining theEnglish department, we have Mrs G Barker and Mr A Hopkins, and into Maths, Mr M Southward.Within the ICT and Business Studies department we welcome Mrs D Webb as ICT teacher, Mr RBoyce as Business Studies teacher and Mr C Scorer as ICT/Business Studies teacher. Into theModern Languages department come Miss C Constant, Ms A Witty and Miss A Wright. In addition,Ms R Alcock joins us in the Art department and Mr D Jarmany, Mrs A Shore and Mrs J Smith (parttime)in the RS department. Joining the Learning Support department we have Mrs K Wheelhouse,Miss A Greer (part-time) and Mrs J McGough to cover maternity leave. We also welcome Ms T Jonesas part-time teacher of Psychology, Mrs K Worthy as part-time Cover Supervisor, Mr D Annette astemporary Science Technician, Miss S Mullen as an ICT/Media Services Assistant, Mrs L Mandle asAdmin support and Mr P Phelan as Site Warden.In our pastoral area we welcome Mr G McMullen as House Tutor. Mr McMullen joins Mrs S Robinsonin Africa House and Mrs A Barwick has now transferred to Asia House.We are glad that they have joined the staff team here and hope that they will all be happy andsuccessful in their work. we look forward to their many contributions to the school.NEW GOVERNORSWe have two new governors who we would like to welcome: Mrs D Libby and Revd Canon M Manleyjoin us a Foundation Governors. Both of them are parents of students in the school. The first fullGovernors meeting of the school year takes place on Monday 29 th September.1

Family holidays in term timeThe Local Authority has asked us to remind all school families that, if you propose to take your childaway from school, only the Headteacher can authorise the absence, not parents/carers. Wheneverpossible, family holidays should be arranged during school holidays. Schools do have discretion togrant up to a maximum of 10 days leave during term time, but before doing so we will consider eachchild’s situation carefully.A headteacher will not authorise absence if the request is thought unreasonable and you must ensurethat your request is made to the school at least two weeks before the start of the holiday. Only inexceptional circumstances can a Headteacher grant leave of more than 10 days. Where a familyholiday during term time is agreed to be unavoidable, it is vital that it does not coincide withexaminations or other important tests that your child has to take.The dates of exams in 2008 – 2009 are:GCSE English & Maths (Years 11 & 12) -November 2008AS and A Levels (Years 12 & 13) -8 th January – end of January 2009; May/June 2009Key Stage 3 -5 th – 8 th May 2009GCSE -May/June 2009Please note that it is also important that students are not away in the weeks of preparation leading upto the exams. There are many exams for Year 10 students as well as Year 11. As well as the papersthemselves, there are coursework projects which also need to be completed.MEDICAL MATTERSStudents with AsthmaJust a reminder, if your son/daughter has asthma, please can you leave a spare inhaler with me.HPV ImmunisationAs you may have heard via the media, girls in secondary schools throughout the UK are being offereda course of HPV vaccinations, as a protection against cervical cancer.This year’s targeted groups are Year 8 and Year 13 girls. The first immunisations will take place onTuesday 30 th September followed by Tuesday 4 th November and finally 31 st March.Parents/carers of Year 8 girls should have already received their consent forms, can you please letme have them back as soon as possible. Girls in Year 13 are being asked to self consent on the daya letter explaining this has been sent to parents. On average over 1000 women are dying every yearfrom cervical cancer, therefore I urge you to encourage your daughters to have this vaccination. Ifyou would like any further information, please contact me at school on Carlisle 607596 Ext. 237ContactsCan you please ensure that school know of any changes of telephone numbers and any additionalcontact numbers that we can add to your records. Just in case. Mrs Pritchard, School Nurse.DATA PROTECTIONThe school is registered under the Data Protection Act for holding personal data and has a duty toprotect this information and to keep it up to date. We are required to share some of the data with theLocal Education Authority and with the DCSF. For pupils approaching or above age 13, we are alsorequired to pass on information to Connexions services providers on request. This includes the nameand address of the pupil and parent, & any further information relevant to the Connexions services'role, which is to support young people, helping them to achieve their potential and to realise benefitsfrom education and training. However, parents or the pupil themselves, if aged 16 or over, can askthat no information beyond name and address (for pupil and parent) be passed on to Connexions. Ifas a parent you do not want Connexions to receive, anything more than this, please contact MrsJacklyn Hunton at the school. If you have previously contacted us about this there is no reason to doso again. Further details are on the school website (www.trinity.cumbria.sch.uk) under FairProcessing Notice.3

EventsSENIOR PRIZE GIVINGThe Senior Prize Giving ceremony took place on Tuesday 9 th September in Carlisle Cathedral. OurChief Guest this year was Canon Rex Chapman. Prizes were presented to last year’s Year 9, Year 11and sixth form students for academic achievement and contributions to the life of the school. It was alovely event at the start of the new school year and I would like to thank all the parents and carerswho joined us on this special occasion.ART EXHIBITION'First Perspective' - a showcase of GCSE, AS and A2 work from several schools in Carlisle opens atTullie House on 13 th September and will run until 2nd November in the Special Exhibitions Gallery.A lot of our students work, including work from Elizabeth Bolton, Ewan Griffiths and Jenna Coulthard,is going to be displayed.SERVICE OF THANKSGIVINGAll members of the school, past and present, are invited to join us in Carlisle Cathedral onWednesday 24 th September at 7.00pm for a service of thanksgiving for the life and work of the school.There is also a Reunion from 3.00pm in school that day for former students of the Grammar Schooland of Trinity School – come and have tea with us! There is an advert in The Cumberland New.More events‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’The first Trinity Theatre Company production this year takes place in The Creighton Hall on theevenings of Tues 30 th September and the 1 st and 2 nd October. A fantastic night in prospect- do join us!‘THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND’The second Trinity Theatre Company production is the Staff Play, which began in such fine and sillystyle last year with ‘Confusions’. We are happy to present this Tom Stoppard comedy/farce on theevenings of 2 nd and 3 rd December.ANNIVERSARY CONCERTA highlight of this autumn will be the 40 th anniversary concert in Carlisle Cathedral, by kind permissionof the Dean and Chapter, on Thursday 20 th November. Musicians past and present will beperforming a programme based on the North, and there are special commissions/compositions writtenfor the occasion. Please put this in your diaries. More details nearer the time.ART COMMISSIONSWe have asked the Art department to commission from our students 10-12 paintings of the school asit now is, at the end of our 40 th Year, and before we begin the rebuild. These will be placed onpermanent display around the school. We shall repeat this in September 2011, when we trust we shallhave finished the rebuild and have some very different buildings to depict. This is open to anystudents of the school to have a go – so please ask in the Art department for more details.USA 2009It is the odd numbered year again and therefore the USA exchange with Berlin, Gorham and LaconiaHigh Schools in New Hampshire approaches. They are coming to us in February, and then we arevisiting them from 15 th – 24 th April. We usually take a party of about 40 students and 5 staff, spendingsome time in their homes and schools and on joint activities, before heading for Boston and for theCape. We always try to go whale watching, but have not managed it yet because of the weather.If you would like more details and to be involved – [a] please ask your son/daughter to collect a letterfrom Mrs Jackie Robinson, Headteacher’s PA; [b] you are invited to an information evening onMonday 6 th October in The Creighton Hall at 7.00pm, where there will be a chance to hear fromthose who went last time, to see some ‘slides’ of the event and to plan and ask questions. It shouldfinish by 8.15pm. Further details will also be posted onto our website.4

Even more eventsUSA 2009 …part two …In October 2009, the school’s Big Band and other musicians, in partnership with the Annan Pipes andDrums will be in New Hampshire again, with Dover High School, performing a series of concerts. Newplayers and singers are welcome to start training now for that event!Year 7 parents/carersThe new year 7 students have made a good and encouraging start – well done to all of them for that.Do contact Mrs Wylie or Mr Whelpdale, the Year 7 pastoral tutors, if there are concerns.And please note the following dates:On Wednesday 15 th October there is a chance to meet form tutors and other staff teaching Year 7from 4.30 – 7.00pm. More details soon.On Tuesday 21 st October, as their first half term comes towards a close, there is a service in CarlisleCathedral in the afternoon at which parents and carers are welcome to join us if work and familycommitments allow. Again, more details nearer the time.Two Hundred Club200 CLUB WINNERS – SPRING TERM DRAW drawn on 2 nd September1 st Prize £126.56 Number 1292 nd Prize £50.63 Number 2Joint 3 rd Prize £12.66 Number 18Joint 3 rd Prize £12.66 Number 565 th Prize £10.13 Number 41All winners have been notifiedIf you would like to join the 200 Club please contact Mrs Johnston on Carlisle 403560Andrew JohnstonAndrew has returned to school after his superb success in Britain’s Got Talent. His first album is beingreleased on 29 th September, and he is playing live at The Sands Centre on Sunday 19 th October.Continued congratulations and best wishes to Andrew.ADULT EDUCATION CARLISLEOur courses are beginning to fill up for the coming term and we are eager, as always , towelcome parents and carers of the school to join the 1000+ enrolments, if you have not yetdone so.Please call us on 607597 if you would like to book a course or we can send you a brochure,alternatively, call in at the Creighton Building reception at Trinity School. The price per houris from £2.45 depending on the type of course, and discounts are available. ConditionsApply. Please join us!Duke of Edinburgh Award SchemeOver twenty gold awards completed this year – well done to all students and to Mr Wright and histeam. Mr Wright has now retired from teaching but not from the D of E. There will be the usualnumber of expeditions this year. If any parents/carers would like to join the team of staff and othervolunteers who give so much to such a superb part of school life, please let us know.5

TERM DIARY – for AUTUMN TERM 2008Friday 19 th – Sunday 21st September Queen’s College, Oxford visit - year 10-12 studentsMonday 22 nd September Y12 Geography Fieldwork (Group 1)Wednesday 24 th SeptemberTrinity at 40 Reunion and Thanksgiving Service in the Cathedral at 7.00pmMonday 29 th September7.00 pm Meeting of Full Governing Body.Tuesday 30 th SeptemberY8 HPV (1) immunisations for girlsWizard of Oz Production, 7.00 pmWednesday 1 st October Y12 Geography Fieldwork (Group 2)Wizard of Oz ProductionThursday 2 nd October Y12 Geography Fieldwork (Group 2)Wizard of Oz ProductionTuesday 7 th OctoberY13 Parents’ EveningThursday 9 th OctoberY11 Work Ready DayY10 + Y11 Parents’ Core Subject Information Meeting at 7.00 pmFriday 10 th OctoberNon Uniform Day in aid of New Children’s Hospital AppealWednesday 15 th OctoberY7 Tutor Eveningw/c Monday 20 th OctoberY11 Work Experience weekTuesday 21 st OctoberY7 Cathedral Service, 1.00pmThursday 23 rd OctoberY10 Geography FieldworkFriday 24 th OctoberY10 Geography FieldworkHalf Term holidayMonday 27 th October to Friday 31 st Octoberw/c Monday 3 rd November6 th Form Art Trip to PragueMonday 3 rd November Y12 Geography Fieldwork (Group 2)Tuesday 4 th NovemberY8 HPV (2a)Friday 14 th NovemberY12/13 Interim 1 to parentsWednesday 19 th November Y9 Enterprise Challenge (Group 1)Thursday 20 th November Y9 Enterprise Challenge (Group 2)Trinity 40 th Anniversary Concert in the Cathedral at 7.00pmFriday 21 st November Y9 Enterprise Challenge (Group 3)Tuesday 25 th NovemberBlood Donors, Devonshire HallY8 HPV (2b)Friday 28 th NovemberY10 + Y11 Interim 1 to parentsTuesday 2 nd DecemberStaff Play ‘The Real Inspector Hound’Wednesday 3 rd DecemberStaff PlayThursday 4 th DecemberFull Governor’s Meeting in the Carliol Library at 7.00pm.Friday 5 th DecemberY7, Y8 + Y9 Interims to Parentsw/c Monday 8 th DecemberY11 Mock ExamsWednesday 10 th DecemberY12 Parents’ EveningMonday 15 th DecemberCertificate Evening for past students, 4.00pmCarol Service in the Cathedral, 7.30pmFriday 19 th December6 th Form Christmas FayreEnd of TermTERM DATES for the 2008-2009 School YearFirst Day of Term Last Day of Term Half Term2008 Autumn TermTuesday 2 nd SeptemberFriday 19 th December Monday 27 th October - Friday 31 st October(Monday 1 st September Inset Day)2008 Spring TermWednesday 7 th JanuaryFriday 3 rd AprilMonday 16 th February - Friday 20 th February(Tuesday 6 th January Inset Day)2008 Summer TermMonday 20 th AprilThursday 16 th July(May Day – 4 th May)Monday 25 th May - Friday 29 th May6

Changes to GCSEs in Science in years 9 to 11From September, students will be studying Science at GCSE in one of three ways.1. GCSE ScienceStudents study key ideas in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The assessment consists of twowritten examinations and coursework.2. GCSE Additional ScienceStudents study topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that follow on from GCSE Science.Once again, the assessment consists of two written examinations and coursework.3. GCSE Triple ScienceStudents study separately for GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. eachGCSE consists of two written examinations and coursework.OutcomesBy the end of Y11, therefore, each student will have one or more GCSEs in:1. Science;2. or Science and Additional Science;3. or Biology, Chemistry and Physics.Examinations and courseworkAll students will be taking examinations in May/June in both Y10 and Y11 and often in January.Coursework will take place throughout the school year. Therefore, holidays should not be taken inschool time.Teaching and learningThere will be no extra teaching and learning time for Science in the curriculum, but we will change theway that we teach Science in order to accommodate the fact that students progress at different rates.Year 9Years 10 and 11The students in sets 1, 2 & 3 will follow a compressed KS3 curriculum untilChristmas, enabling them to start Triple Science in January. In May they willsit their SATs as normal. The students in sets 4, 5 & 6 will study the normalKS3 curriculum, sitting their SATs in May.Students in pathways 1 & 2 will study GCSE Science for 3 hours per week.The students in pathway 3 will either continue to study Triple Science or willstudy Double Science, which consists of GCSE Science and GCSEAdditional Science.Further informationPlease contact either Miss McLeod or Mr Barker.Visit http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/index.htmlThe exams are part of the OCR Gateway Science suite.7

TRINITY LEISURE CENTRE NEWSTeen TrainingNow enrolling for 4 week course or weekend crash courseTo book a place please pop into reception after school for further details or call01228 403565The gym is now open to Trinity students from 3.30pm to 5.30pm Monday to Fridayand 10.30am – 12.30pm Saturday and SundayBadminton and BasketballHire the sports hall for one hour at 4.30pm Monday – Friday*********************************************************************************************Badminton and BasketballHire the sports hall for one hour at 4.30pm Monday - Friday********************************************************************************************The LifeStyle MembershipFor unlimited access to all of Carlisle Leisure Ltd’s facilities!Great offers available at Trinity Leisure Centre*********************************************************************************************Ladies SwimmingLadies swimming is now on every Thursday evening from 8.00pm – 9.00pm.(We are also getting blinds fitted for your discretion!) If you would like lessons duringthis session please leave your contact details at reception and we will organise agroup lesson.Adult SwimmingWednesdays at 7.00pm (deep end only)Family swimming available in shallow end************************************************************************************************Exercise to MusicTuesday: Try Body Conditioning at 6.00pm and Aqua Fit at 7.15pm for a leaner andfitter body.Wednesday: Fatburner (a modern aerobics class to improve fitness andcoordination)Reception: 01228 403565Quality Leisure for Quality of Life8