Dear parents and carers
It has been a day of mixed emotions at Wollaston today as we said an ‘official’ goodbye to Years 11 and 13. Of course they will return after half term for some final lessons and exams but with the way the exam timetabled fell, today was the best opportunity to do the lovely memory making events such as shirt signing and leavers’ assembly.
I must commend both year groups for their conduct, attitude and perseverance in what has been a challenging year at times. They have covered themselves in glory and I know they will accomplish great things in the summer exams and the future. They are a real credit to families and the community and we are very proud of them.
Fire Evacuation Today
We did need to evacuate the school today following a fire in a garden on a property adjacent to the school. Whilst there was no immediate risk to the school, it was necessary as the fire spread and risked our property line. Thankfully, and in no short part due to the Wollaston staff who limited the spread of the fire until the fire brigade could arrive, our property remained intact and the fire brigade were able to quickly deal with the situation allowing us to return to lessons. I am pleased to say that all students, staff and visitors were safely evacuated in good time. All students should be praised for their conduct during the evacuation as they were asked to remain outside for almost 30 minutes.
It did also affect the exams that were being sat this morning. I can confirm to all parents of Year 11 and Year 13 that the school has been in contact with the relevant exam boards who have all confirmed that can apply for special consideration for the exams sat this morning due to the interruption. All students involved in exams this morning were again a credit to the school in the attitude and maturity in how they managed the situation.
Car Parking After Half Term
As our FA build continues, we will have to close our sixth form carpark to staff and students from half-term. This will inevitably lead to some shortness of spaces in the main carpark so I would ask that all students who drive to school and parents attending school for meetings park considerately on site and should anyone need to park in neighbouring roads do so with the utmost consideration to our neighbours.
Wollaston Peace Advocates
Mrs Paltridge writes ‘On the 21st and 22nd May, a group of volunteer pupils from Years 9 and 12 worked with ‘The Peace Project’ to undertake their training to become ‘Peace Advocates’ for Wollaston School.
Throughout the two days, pupils developed a range of skills aimed at enabling them to problem solve and approach a range of conflict situations through ‘Collaborative Conversations’ and the skill of ‘Purposeful Listening’. Using role plays, discussions and presentations, the group have agreed they will be called The Peace of Mind Group (P.O.Ms) around the school and have all pledged to fully uphold the school values of Ambition, Kindness and Community in the work they do.
This training marks the start of a journey that will see pupils undertake further sessions before presenting their ideas to school leaders and then implementing plans and projects to promote peaceful resolutions to a wide range of social and emotional issues that young people today are faced with.
The P.O.Ms were outstanding ambassadors for the school and are very excited to get started on the next stage of the programme!’
Key Dates
Monday June 2nd – start of term
Best wishes
Simon Anderson