Autumn Term Message from Head of School

Dear Families,

As the Christmas holidays approach, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
This term has been productive and successful for the Hylands School community. I am incredibly proud of our students who have consistently demonstrated our Hylands Habits, embodying responsibility, respect, and resilience.
During today’s celebration assemblies, many students were recognised for their hard work, kindness, and growth mindset. I am pleased to see their dedication and am grateful to you for the support you have provided.

Praise Points
This year staff have issued over 137,000 praise points via ClassCharts! We are very proud of your children for the positive behaviours they are displaying both inside and outside of the classroom. We encourage you to discuss your child’s praise points with them. This information can be found via the ClassCharts App. If you require support with setting up ClassCharts please contact the school office.

Mrs Fortenbacher
After seven years of dedicated service, we say farewell to our SENDCo, Mrs Fortenbacher. Joining Hylands as Head of Science in September 2017, she became SENDCo in September 2022. During her time at Hylands, she has overseen significant improvements and we are grateful for her tireless efforts in making our school highly inclusive. We wish her all the best in her new role as Deputy Headteacher.
Mrs Adams-Howell, who is well-known to many of you for her exceptional work on Year 6-7 transition, will be taking on responsibility for SEND on an interim basis.
We are currently recruiting for a permanent SENDCo and are pleased with the strong interest so far. We aim to make an appointment early in the spring.

Mobile Phones
As you may be aware, there is growing concern about the impact of smartphone use on children. We are closely monitoring these developments and implementing measures to minimise distractions and promote a positive learning environment. Please refrain from allowing your child to contact you directly from school using their mobile phone. If necessary, we will facilitate a call from the school office.

If a mobile phone is seen or heard it will be confiscated and returned to your child at the end of the school day. From our return to school on Tuesday 7th January, if your child’s mobile phone is seen or heard they will receive a one hour after school detention the following school day. If your child refuses to hand their mobile phone to a member of staff when asked, they will be placed in internal exclusion.

Return to school
School will resume on 7th January 2025. Please ensure your child arrives at morning registration no later than 8:30am. Breakfast club is available, free of charge, from 8:00am in the canteen.
We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on time. Your support in ensuring a positive start to the term is greatly appreciated.

We wish all families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yours sincerely,

Mr C White
Head of School