The Cannon - December 2012 - Fort Pitt Grammar School

THE CANNONMERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEARDECEMBER 2012Welcome to the final newsletter of2012. This term has been relativelyshort yet so much seems to havehappened in the last six weeks.The building work continues. TheDining Room, Geography andPhilosophy and Ethics areas havebeen refurbished whilst new electricalwiring has enabled new lights, fireand smoke detectors and, in someareas new projectors to be installed.The Music House, I.C.T. rooms, MainHall and, finally, the West Wingrooms are earmarked for ‘treatment’in the New Year. The money wemanaged to ‘squeeze’ from theDepartment for Education isimproving the learning environmentfor Fort Pitt students – they deservenothing less.Excellent learning in classrooms hascontinued this term. As we visitclassrooms I and other senior staffare always impressed with the focusand engagement of our students.The work in the classroom has beensupported by visits to the Houses ofParliament, Cologne ChristmasMarket, Kew Gardens andconferences. In addition, theextensive Extension and Enrichmentprogramme has provided support inacademic subjects and offered newopportunities. Next term lessons inRussian and Japanese will be onoffer! I hope your daughter willbecome involved in some of theenrichment activities in the New Year;certainly for members of Year 7involved in our ‘Challenge 15’programme it’s a must!May I thank everyone who supportedour recent Christmas Raffle. Theprizes were drawn on 17 th Decemberso winners should be aware of theirsuccess. At this time of financialhardship we are very grateful for yoursupport. Unfortunately, colleaguesare becoming aware of families whoare experiencing financial difficulties.If you do find yourself in this situation,please contact the school. We haveand are aware of additional fundingthrough bursaries and other funds. Ifyour daughter is in receipt of FreeSchool Meals (an application form isincluded with this newsletter) we areable to offer additional financialsupport for uniform, equipment andvisits.Our new Advisory Board (previously,Governors) met in November. One oftheir decisions was to develop anAdvisory Board section on the schoolwebsite so that parents could have acloser link with the governors. Watchthis space in the new year……….The school Attendance Policy wasreviewed at that meeting and I wasasked to clarify the school’s positionregarding holidays during term time.Obviously, we ask that holidays arenot taken during term-time; however,the document at the end of thisnewsletter identifies occasions whenthe Advisory Board will authorise aterm-time holiday.On a more sombre note, as we lookforward to Christmas and the NewF O R T PITT GRAM M A R S C H O OLS CIE N CE & M A THE M ATICS CO LLE GEF O R T PITT HILL , C H A T H AMYear holiday, I would ask that youthink about and pray for the family ofAmy Underwood, a member of Year11 who died earlier this term. Amywas a quiet, able and valued memberof our school who, as a cyber-mentorand a first-class writer and poet, gavemuch to the school community. Thelarge number who appreciated Amy’simpact on their lives joined in herfuneral and, in school, her memorialservice last week. She will be greatlymissed.Our excellent Carol Service atRochester Cathedral and ChristmasConcert which featured so manytalented students and staff launchedthe Christmas season at Fort Pitt. Westill have Christmas lunch and ourPresentation Evening to enjoy beforethe break. However, once theholiday arrives I hope that you andyour family have a peaceful andenjoyable Christmas and New Year.Once again, may I thank you for yoursupport and offer very best festivewishes from all of us at Fort Pitt.Mrs WinnHeadteacherKE N TM E 4 6 TJTE L: 0 1 6 34 84 2 35 9 F A X : 0 1 63 4 81 7 38 6H TTP//:WWW .F O R TPITT .M E D WAY .S C H .U K

THE CANNONPage 2GOVERNMENT AND POLITICSIt has been a busy time in the Government andPolitics department at Fort Pitt. The students havebeen at the heart of government when they visitedthe Houses of Parliament and had a chance to puta local MP, Mark Reckless in the hot seat and quizhim on his role. A visiting speaker from theAmerican School in London gave an insight into therecent presidential election through the eyes of anAmerican.THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONCOMES TO FORT PITTOn Thursday 25 th October, Mr John Wilson cameinto Fort Pitt to talk to A Level Government andPolitics students about American politics. Mr Wilsonis a former teacher from the American School inLondon and a member of The European AtlanticMovement (TEAM) which is a charity run byvolunteers that helps give young people balancedand in depth information about world current affairs.Mr Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran. He talked tous about how the American political system works,and the history behind the Constitution of such adiverse country. For those studying A2 Governmentand Politics, which looks at American Politics, thissession provided us with a great insight into whatan American thinks of his own country’s system. Itwas a great opportunity for the AS students as itgave them the chance to learn about the basicsystem of American politics so they can startlooking at American political issues ready for nextyear. With the American Presidential election earlierthis month, we were able to ask Mr Wilsonquestions about both candidates’ campaigns, howhe could vote outside the country, how Americawas trying to increase voter participation and hisviews on the election. I found this talk veryenjoyable and will use the information to help mewith my Government and Politics studies this year,as will all students who attended the session.Alice Archer- Year 12FORT PITT VISITS WESTMINSTEROn the 21 st ofNovember, 16Fort Pitt girlsmade their waydown toWestminster tovisit the Housesof Parliament.The Governmentand Politicsstudents were going to see their MP, MarkReckless.Firstly we made our way to Downing Street to seewhere the Prime Minster lives. Sadly we didn’t seeanyone come out but we saw people going in andthe procedure for those visitors. From there wewent to Parliament, where security checks weremade, badges were given and bags werechecked. Ourpictures weretaken and itwas like beingin an airport!Because itwas aWednesdaywe couldn’tsee the Houseof Commons(Prime Minister’s Question Time) so instead welearnt, briefly, the history of Parliament and sawThe House of Lords.After our tour we were taken to a room where alovely lady named Alice gave us an education quizabout all we learnt on our trip. We all received abadge, which we all still wear today.Soon after the test our MP, Mark Reckless came inand gave us a little talk about his work and openedthe floor to our questions. Let’s just say we had ourown little “question time” with him. We asked a widerange of questions, from education, to transport andeven asked about his views on our voting system,the age of voters, prisoners voting and much more!Of course heanswered allof ourquestions inthe typical‘wishy, washy’MP style.However hedid offer tolook into thecost of travel

THE CANNONfor students. We haven’t heard anything back yetand no changes have been made BUT let us keepa little faith in Mr Reckless.or read them like a book and conferences like this showjust how much Psychology has helped in the world.By Mary-Ellen Caswell – Year 11Page 3We then made our way back to Chatham (on areserved coach of course!)If I could go again I most definitely would! I wouldlike to have seen a debate in the House ofCommons.It was a great day out for the Government andPolitics groups.Olayemi Olubadewo year 12PSYCHOLOGY TRIP TO LONDON, FRIEND’SMEETING HOUSEOn the 20 th November this year, a group of students fromyears 11 and 12 went to a Psychology Conference inLondon at the Friend’s Meeting House. Miss Hillman andMrs Tompson accompanied us and the first thing we didwhen we arrived was got lost. After a lot of walking (andconsulting Google Maps) we arrived at the meetinghouse just in time to see Richard Wiseman’s show. Hetalked about perception and how we can see and hearthings that are completely different from the truth. Hewas very funny and his discoveries in Psychology werevery interesting. There was also a number that people inthe audience could text in to explaining why they thoughtPsychology was great. I decided to text in saying that‘Psychology was great because we have Miss Hillman asour teacher’, and it was read out, much to my, the rest ofthe group and Miss Hillman’s surprise! The bestmessage would win a signed copy of one of RichardWiseman’s book.After our quick lunch break, which most of us went for inEuston Station to avoid the rain that was threatening tofall, we went back to see the second part of Richard’sshow. He showed us how people can be totally obliviousto, once pointed out, seemingly obvious things and thewinner of his book was also announced butunfortunately, it wasn’t any of us. We then watchedanother psychologist who also happened to be a trainedhypnotist. He got several people up on stage, one ofwhom was a student from our group on the trip, and hehypnotised them to do many things, one of which wasgetting them to believe their shoe was an oxygen maskand they needed to put it on as they were in anemergency. He then told them to give their ‘oxygenmask’ to the person sitting next to them. Needless tosay, both acts resulted in much laughter and quite a fewvideos and pictures.GIFTED AND TALENTED CONFERENCE –FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2012On Friday 30 November, a group of us caught a trainto London in order to attend the Gifted and TalentedConference. Having gone to this event last year I wasexcited to compare it to last year’s. The day involvedthree lead speakers, two of which I remember fondly offrom last year. I was surprised that although the formathad its similarities, the conference took on new topicsthat were equally as interesting. Personally, I felt thatit introduced new angles to psychology, evolutionarytheory and debates.Dr Keri Nixon started this morning's lectures with herviewpoint on policing policies and the way that governingsystems have changed the way in which police forcesare portrayed, but also the way they are obliged to act oncriminal movements and towards the public. As this hasbeen a current debate on the news lately, thepresentation showed a good inside angle of policingviews and seemed to start the ball rolling with our ownthoughts, ideas and feelings that would later contribute tothe afternoon's debate. The rest of the day proceededwith both Dr Nixon and Mr David Holmes taking turns intopical lectures. It appeared that Mr Holmes' lecture onevolution through time was the most popular betweenstudents. He presented a some-what comical talk aboutsuch topics, making some of the head-spinning points oftalk much easier to digest! The comparison between usand animals gave a very informative review on the waythat 'touch' affects species to survive.The afternoon debate was exceptional. The twospeakers took on roles that formed a controversialdebate on the question: 'Are we living in an equal world?'This naturally evoked some fiery arguments between thedifferent schools that were located in the lecture theatre.In summary, the afternoon finished with what I felt to bea resounding success. Overall, I particularly enjoyedmyself. It did in fact take on a whole new angle to thepsychological debate that I visited last year. Howeverthey were comparable in the sense that both were veryenjoyable experiences. I feel that I gained newperspectives which overall has given me a more roundedknowledge on these psychological topics. This in thefuture I hope will help me in my Sociology andPsychology studies at school.Zoe Onegi (Year 11)Both shows were very entertaining and educating aboutthe subject of Psychology, which is great because it canteach you a lot about people and the world as well ashow to assess different situations and manipulate people

THE CANNONPage 4MUSIC NEWSCHRISTMAS CONCERT and CAROL SERVICEIf you are a musician you always anticipateDecember to be a busy time, and this year hasbeen no different. Our talented singers andinstrumentalists have been working hard all term inlunch time and after school clubs to produce highquality performances for the Christmas musicalevents.CONGRATULATIONS to Laura Hammant, Year11, who recently passed her Grade 4 Trumpetexam with distinction! Well done Laura!Have you taken an instrumental exam this term?Please share your results with us so we cancelebrate your success!Miss LangfordHead of MusicChallenge 15 AwardTry To Do Something New15 Before You Are 15On Thursday 6 th December the annual CarolService took place in Rochester Cathedral.Students read, played and sang in celebration ofthe festive period, and all who took part contributedto a high standard. It is such a special experienceto come together as a Fort Pitt community in such awonderful building at this time of year.On Monday 10 th December the school Hall camealive with a range of music performed at theChristmas Concert. The following extra-curriculargroups contributed to the programme; VoiceworksChoir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Single ReedEnsemble, Flute Choir, Recorder Group, CrusaderBand and Bella Canta Senior Choir. The GCSEMusic Groups excelled themselves and soloistsJennie Staines (saxophone) and Phoebe Woollett(vocals) gave expressive, entertainingperformances. The Staff number, led by SantaKilminster, never fails to show us what a talentedbunch of staff we have as well as students!?!MEDWAY SCHOOLS WIND BANDMany Fort Pitt musicians are members of theMedway Schools Wind Band; an ensemble of ablewoodwind and brass players from many Secondaryschools in Medway. MSWB has given two concertperformances at the Brook theatre this term.Rehearsals take place at Fort Pitt on a Sundaybefore an event and the students always manage toput on excellent performances despite only havinghad one rehearsal day to prepare. If you areinterested in joining MSWB please email MissLangford for more details. It’s a great way todevelop your instrumental skills further, whilstmeeting and performing with like-minded studentsfrom other Medway schools.Challenge 15 is a Fort Pitt Enrichment AwardScheme giving Year 7 students opportunities to tryout new activities, find new hobbies, develop newskills and meet new people. Challenge 15 givesstudents the chance to develop themselves,broaden their horizons and enjoy different activitiesto enrich their time at Fort Pitt in addition tostudying their curriculum subjects.During Year 7 students complete five challenges.During Year 8 and 9 they will complete a further fivechallenges in each year so that by the time they are15 they will have successfully completed 15 newchallenges.CHALLENGE 15 BRONZE AWARDCHALLENGES1. Extra CurricularAttend a lunch time or after school club for twoterms, or attend three enrichment sessions duringthe year2. Read it!Read a book from the Year 7 Library list and write areview of it for the Challenge 15 Notice board andweb page3. Take part in a House Activity4. Visit a local tourist attraction and sendus a postcard!5. Good Citizen Task

THE CANNONPage 5SO YEAR 7 STUDENTS……HOW ARE YOUGETTING ON WITH THESE CHALLENGES?!I have been pleased to see Year 7 students attendinglunch time and after school clubs, and EnrichmentSessions this term. The recent Card Making Enrichmentclass was very popular with a number of you. Theseactivities all contribute to completing Challenge 1successfully. Which new skill have you chosen toexplore and develop?I have received some beautifully written book reviews forChallenge 2, and many postcards for Challenge 4 fromfavourite local tourist attractions such as RochesterCastle and Dickens World. Some students have beenfortunate enough to go further afield to completeChallenge 4. There have been postcards and photossent from London, Devon and even Pompeii!!It was lovely to hear that many Year 7 students used thesecond week of our October break to complete the‘Good Citizen’ Task. Many helped out at their oldPrimary Schools or spent much valued time helpingelderly neighbours and relatives.Year 7 – don’t forget to report your Challenge 15progress to your Form Tutor. Congratulations must go toChloe Harper who was first to complete all 5 challengesand produce an impressive folder of evidence of this.Well Done Chloe!Year 7 – spend some time this school holiday planninghow you will complete your next Challenge!Miss LangfordSPORTING NEWSBADMINTONOn Tuesday 13th November Fort Pitt school entered 2teams to play badminton in the secondary school gamesat Castlemaine Centre. I was part of team 1, along withLauren (year 8), Melissa (year 8) and Catherine (year 9).We were all feeling excited and nervous at the sametime. We had time to warm up and put into practice someof the skills we had been learning at after school club onMonday. We had a fantastic morning, supporting andcheering each other on. I am proud to say that we came2nd in competition overall and were presented with atrophy and medals.NATIONAL TRIATHLONOn the 17 th and 18 th of November, me and my sister:Darcey Barham (Year 9) and Jacinta Barham (Year 10)both competed in The British Triathlon Championships inSolihull, Birmingham.I competed on the 17 th , in the National Triathlon, which is 3out of the 5 Modern Pentathlon sports; so it was Swimming,Shooting and Running. I started off with the shoot first,which didn’t go as well as hoped-due to shaking quite a bitwith nerves! My shoot was 10 th out of all the competitors.After the shoot was the swim and it was 100m front crawl (4lengths of a 25m pool) in 1: 12: 51; which was a second offmy PB, but was still an okay time. She was 17 th out ofeveryone in the swim. After the shoot and swim, I was in13 th place. Finally it was the run, which was 1500m on arunning track. It was the fastest heat, and everyone wentout quite fast. I finished the 1500m in a time of 5:12:00dead, which was a PB by 4 seconds-and concluded to bethe 4 th best run! When the results were put up, I couldhardly believe that from my run, I had moved up 9 places,from 13 th to 4 th overall! It was out of 33 competitors, and Iwas also one of the younger ones in the Youth C age group,as next year I will still be in Youth C. Another bonus wasthat my team came second overall, which everyone waspleased with.On the 18 th , Jacinta had her competition. Jacinta alsostarted with the shoot, but didn’t do as well as she hadhoped and was in 19 th place after her shoot. Next was herswim, which was 200m (8 lengths of a 25m pool) frontcrawl; and Jacinta had the 5 th best swim out of all thecompetitors in her age group. Also finally Jacinta had therun, which was also 1500m. Jacinta finished the run in atime of 5:13:00, which gave her the 5 th best run. Overall inJacinta’s age group, she came 13 th - which was a fantasticachievement; as also Jacinta is one of the younger ones inher Youth B age group. Jacinta’s team also came 1 st . It alsoturned out that she had been goodenough to be selected for the WorldClass Talent ID Residential Camps; inrecognition of her performance in theNational Triathlon! For this she will goto two camps taking place at theModern Pentathlon Academy HartpuryCollege, Hartpury. At each camp, shewill have two full days of assessmentsconducted by the National CoachingTeam and the Sports Science Team.The aim of the camps is to identifypossible athletes to join direct ordevelop through to World ClassPathway Programme at Talent or ifindeed appropriate at Developmentlevel.Georgia Trythall Year 8Both of us are pleased with our results,and hope to compete in the NationalTriathlon next year, and also manyother competitions before then.Darcey Barham Year 8

THE CANNONPage 6Holiday Leave during term-timePermission for holidays in term-time should only be granted where:The parent can demonstrate that the reason for the holiday request satisfies exceptional circumstances and, in the judgement ofthe school, the benefit of the absence outweighs the benefit of attendance at school.Attendance of the pupil is more than 95% over the past year.The absence for the holiday does not occur during a time of academic importance such as GCSEs, A levels, end of yearexaminations (including oral tests), work experience, or any other school event deemed important to the learning of the pupil.A formal application must be made in writing;Only one period of leave should be granted for an annual holiday in an academic year. Requests for 10 days over severaldifferent periods will be declined.Reasonable notice must be given; 4 weeks would allow preparation of any work to be given, if appropriate.Retrospective permission should not be granted if sought.Only when these conditions are satisfied may authorisation of leave be considered.Leave will only be authorised by the Advisory Board in very exceptional circumstances.Should leave be agreed, it is expected that all work set by teachers will be completed during the student’s time away from school.SanctionsParents must be alerted to the consequences of taking holidays during term-time without permission from the Head teacher. In1996 DfES introduced new measures to tackle unauthorised absence. A Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued where a parenthas caused 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a school term. The evidence of a term-time holiday policy allows theAttendance and Punctuality Practitioner to issue a FPN without the need for any warning letters. The sanction is £50.00 if paidwithin 28 days of issue, £100.00 if paid within 42 days of issue and an automatic referral to the Magistrates court if not paid.This information relating to holidays during term time will be communicated to parents on an annual basis.Examples of requests and school’s likely decisionFunerals and other significant family eventsOnly family holiday having to be taken in term time becauseof one parent’s working arrangementsParticipation in sporting or artistic events not arranged by theschoolRehearsals for licensed pantomime or other theatricalperformancesHolidays to cater for significant family occasion abroad – e.g.weddingsFamily ski holidayAccompanying parent on business trip to France to improveFrenchAttendance at sporting events (e.g. Wimbledon) or localtheatre eventsWill authoriseWill authoriseWill consider authorisation depending on nature of eventand attendance record of studentWill consider authorisation depending on timing andattendance record of studentWill authorise all or some of the absence depending oncircumstances.Will not authoriseWill not authoriseWill not authorise

THE CANNONPage 7FORT PITT GRAMMAR SCHOOLScience & Mathematics CollegeFort Pitt Hill, Chatham,Kent ME4 6TJTel: 01634 842359 Fax: 01634 817386e-mail: office@fortpitt.medway.sch.ukHeadteacher: Mrs Carol A Winn, BEd (Hons), MA, NPQHOur ref: CAW/SP 17/12/2012Dear Parents / CarersAs we move into 2013 teachers, tutors and Student Support colleagues have become aware of an increasing number of studentswho are experiencing financial hardship; it would appear that families, like schools, are beginning to feel the effects of these times ofausterity.If your household income has been reduced for whatever reason the children in your home may be eligible for Free School Meals.The application process is confidential and can be accessed by completing a Free School Meals form which is attached to this letteror accessed from School Reception or the website.To be eligible to register for Free School Meals you must be in receipt of one or more of the following:Income SupportIncome-based Jobseekers’ AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowanceSupport under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999The Guarantee element of State Pension CreditChild Tax Credit provided that you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by H.M.Rthat does not exceed £16,190.Working Tax Credit “run-on” – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying forTax CreditUnfortunately, you will not be entitled to apply for Free School Meals if:-You are in receipt of Working Tax CreditYou are not claiming any benefits at allYou have an annual income of more than £16,190Should you meet any of the eligibility criteria please seriously consider making an application; both your household AND the schoolwill benefit financially. The Government has pledged to offer additional funding to schools based on Free School Meal applications,money which can be used to maintain the quality of provision at Fort Pitt. The Government’s “Pupil Premium” could support studentsin meeting the cost of opportunities such as school trips or involvement in the enrichment programme or may be used for ICT support.If you are eligible or become eligible in the future to apply for Free School Meals I would encourage you to make an application.Completed application forms should be handed to or sent to Reception (for the attention of Mrs Parle) and will be treated in the strictestconfidence.Should you need any further information or advice regarding the completion of the form, please do not hesitate to contact a memberof Student Support or Mrs Parle, who oversees Free School Meals.Yours sincerelyMrs C A WinnHeadteacher

THE CANNONPage 8CHARITY NEWSUPDATE ON GCSEPODSince this scheme was launched in September,many students taking GCSEs have activelydownloaded and streamed the podcasts onto theirmobile devices, iPods, mobile phones and MP3players, and then used them to learn and revise.These are comments made by Fort Pitt students ina recent survey:‘I have a clearer understanding of some topics’‘They are useful for revision’‘My favourite podcast is in Geography, MonserratVolcano’‘I can listen at home and while travelling’‘I like the fact that no-one knows I am revising –they think I am listening to music!’To access the podcasts for yourself, please followthe link on the Fort Pitt Website.Mrs GordonIt is a delight to once again report on the Fort Pitt’scommunity charity fundraising efforts. This term wehave raised:£126 - for Wisdom Hospice£57 - for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)£112 - Beat Bullying (see below)£590.05 - Tag Day£1,020 for Action Aid (raised at our House CharitiesFair)BEAT BULLYING CHARITY SALEIN MEMORY OF AMY UNDERWOODThank you to everyone who came to our charitycake sale, we raised £112 for Beat Bullying. Amywas an amazing cyber mentor who worked withBeat Bullying as part of their cyber mentor scheme,Cyber Mentors are students who are trained tosupport others experiencing online bullying. Amywill be truly missed by the Fort Pitt team and weraised a great amount of money in her honour.Eleanor Digby - Year 9WINTER WISHESA crisp flake falls to the groundfirst only a fewthen moreSettlingTwirling snow in silicone bubblesA White blanket covering the blemishesCrisp sheet of pure peaceThe world falls into silenceAs the old sleepAnd the young lie in wait for nothingA man is formedwith a bowler hat and woollen scarfstanding tall with stick-like fingersThe rain starts to fallmelting my dreamsof a pure worldAmy Underwood

THE CANNONPage 9Dates for Your DiaryFriday 21 December End of Term 2F O R T PI T T G R AMM AR SC HO O LS C IE N CE & M AT HE M AT IC SC OL LEGEF O R T PI T T H I LL C H AT H AMTE L: 0 1634 8423 590 1634 8173 86F AX:E - M AI L:O F F I CE@FOR T P IT T .M E DWAY .SC H.U KHE A DTE AC HE R: M R S C A WINNB.ED (HONS), MA, N.P.Q.HAiming for the FourExcellents:AcademicAppearanceEnvironmentCommunityMonday 7 January Start of Term 3Thursday 10 January Year 8 Options Evening 7-8pmWednesday 23 January Year 8 Parents’ EveningThursday 31 January Sixth Form Open Evening6.45 - 9.10pmWednesday 6 February Sixth Form Parents’ Evening3.15-7pmWednesday 13 February Year 11 Parents’ Evening3.45-6.15pmFriday 15 February End of Term 3Monday 25 February Start of Term 4SCHOOL ABSENCESPROCEDURE REMINDERWe’re on the Webwww.fortpitt.medway.sch.ukShould your daughter unexpectedly be unable to attend schoolplease would parents/carers remember to telephone the schoolon the first day of absence. The absence then needs to befollowed up with a letter addressed to the Form Tutor as soonas your daughter returns to school. This also applies tostudents in sixth form.OUT OF HOURSWould all students please note thatwhen staying for after-school clubs orprivate study, you MUST ensure thatparents/carers know when andwhere to collect you and you mustbe prompt in meeting them.Please be aware that Reception isnot always manned after 4.45 p.m.and caretakers and support staffcannot be expected to run aroundschool looking for you.From September parents/carers will be able to submit theirdaughter’s absence via the school website. You will find a linkto the form on the Parent Portal. All submissions must be fromthe email address that is registered with the school. You willreceive a confirmation email and a follow up phone call fromthe attendance officer.If students are late for school and miss registration they shouldsign in the late book at reception.Thank youMrs Voller and Mrs Sandys, Reception

Russian LessonsWhen?On Tuesday afternoons afterschool.3:30 to 4:30 pm7 LessonsStarting 15th January 2013Who for?Students, staff and parents withinthe Fort Pitt Academy TrustMake sure that you book it!Email Mrs Payne at: spayne@fortpitt.medway.sch.ukLearn how to write, speak and be RussianМы Вас Ждём )We are waiting for you :)

Japanese Classes at FPGSComing in January 2013…Coming to Fort Pitt Grammar School…Coming on Wednesdays, 3.30-5pm…(11 lessons, 9.1.13 to 27.3.13)All students, staff and parentswithin the Fort Pitt AcademyTrust are welcome!Led by Mrs Hitomi Ito-BurtonBooking is essential – email Mrs Paynespayne@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk(maximum class size = 30 students)Learn how to write and speak some Japanese:おいで、 楽 しいよ!(Come and have fun!)