Dear Parent/Carer/Student,

We still do not know when all students are returning and when they do return, whether it will be phased.  However, we will only be given 2 weeks’ notice and we will have to plan for initial mass testing.  We will be getting in touch with you if you have already volunteered and if you haven’t volunteered, and think you may be able to help with mass testing, please contact my PA, Amanda French at Amanda.french@kingsacademies.uk

 

Please could we remind parents and students that students must join their Google Meets via their school Google Accounts.  The Google Meets automatically recognise the school email address and allows students to join the meet.  If it is an email address from outside of the organisation, admittance is denied.  This arrangement is in place for safeguarding purposes.

 

Calling all current eco-reps and budding eco-reps!

As you will know, our former Environmental Coordinator, the illustrious Mr Green retired from his role at Christmas. Your new eco team is made up of Ms Pillar (Environmental Coordinator) and Ms Holmes (Environmental Project Manager).

We would like to invite all eco-reps to our first meeting (via google meet) of 2021! To obtain the link to that google meet, you simply have to email ringmer.eco@kingsacademies.uk. Either respond “I am an eco-rep!” or “I want to be an eco-rep!” by Monday 8 February.

Could joining the eco-reps be for you?

Do you care about the environment? Help to make our school and our community a clean, healthy and happy place for students and wildlife now and in the future. 

Do you care about wildlife conservation? The focus of our work this year will be making the school site a better home for wildlife. Birds, bees, other bugs...there is a species for you to encourage and protect on site.

Are you creative? Get involved in art and sculpture projects on site or design your own outfit to wear in a recyclable fashion show. Apply your journalism skills to the publication of our first student-led eco-magazine sharing information about current KAR projects, UK and Global events, TV programmes and book reviews and tips about how to live a more eco-friendly life. 

Do you like being outside in nature? Get involved in the regeneration of the EcoHub building and outdoor area and help to create a new space on site for eco-reps to meet and for all students to enjoy being in nature at break and lunchtimes.

Do you want to meet new people and make new friends? Meet other pupils in school and other King’s Academy students around the UK as we share our eco-work and spread our sustainability message. 

Are you applying to college? KS4 students! Being an eco-rep looks great on college applications. As an eco-rep you will demonstrate many skills colleges are looking for e.g. leadership, interpersonal skills, creativity and reliability.

Hopefully, your son/daughter took part in the eco-activities that were available today on Enrichment Day.

There is so much exciting eco-work to get involved in this year. Come along to our first meeting and find out all about it! Follow us on Instagram @ringmer_eco_hub and join our Facebook page to stay updated.

 

Music Video - Number 1

Welcome to the first in a series of videos which will introduce a piece of music each week. Most weeks I will have a guest on, who will choose the music and say why they have chosen it. 

The reason for starting this series is to make music in school more relevant to the outside world. In real life, people talk about the music they love with enthusiasm and share their likes and dislikes. I also want KAR students to hear as MUCH diverse music as possible in their time at the school. It isn't always possible to do this in lessons at the same time as making the lessons coherent and packed with playing. 

The reasons for inviting guests is that, whilst music is my life, I realise more and more how limited my knowledge is. The people you will be listening to are much more knowledgeable than I would be about their styles and suggestions, and are just as enthusiastic and willing to share their opinions!

I really hope you will watch this each week and hopefully as a family. I really want to hear your thoughts and opinions and you can send these to me via Google Classroom or by email francesca.urquhart@kingsacademies.uk 

I hope you enjoy it! Mrs Urquhart, Teacher of Music

Music Video #number1

 

Listening to audiobooks for wellbeing

If you join Lewes Library, which you can do online you can access and borrow audio books through a free app- Libby. You can borrow a huge selection of ebooks and digital audiobooks and all you need is a library card. This is a great often overlooked public resource. Research suggests that listening to audio books can help reduce negative thoughts and feelings, have the same benefits of reading and an excellent  way to relax. https://new.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/local/locations/lewes https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/

 

ISEND Education Psychology Helpline for Parents and Carers of children with SEND

Further to the helpline offered last May onwards, from now until the end of March 2021, the ISEND Education Psychology service is offering a new parents and carers helpline. The helpline will be available to parents and carers of children with SEND to talk with Education Psychologists (EPs) about various areas of concern, including setting routines, positive behaviour, wellbeing and more. Parents and carers of children with SEND will need to leave their name and telephone number as well as a very brief description of the kind of support they're looking for and need. Please note that the service is not to be used for complaints or enquiries about EHCP processes. The ISEND phone number to contact is: 01273 481967. An Education Psychologist will call the parent/carer back between 2pm and 4pm on the next Monday, Wednesday or Friday that is available.

 

How to talk to young people about Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Please see attached toolkit below written from a young person’s perspective.

 

And finally 😊 

Congratulations to the Jackson family for

winning the Christmas Bumper Quiz. 

See photo of their winning prize.

 

Have a great weekend

 

Kind regards

Sian Williams

Principal