Dear all,

We've had a wonderful week here - helped by some great weather. I've particularly enjoyed seeing students out on the field at break and lunch. It's a real joy to see students talking, playing games, and generally each others' company - without being glued to their phones! Speaking of phones, please can I thank you for your continued support of our ban on phones. There have been several stories in national newspapers this week regarding phone bans, and the positive impact this has on young people in schools. Please can I remind parents that if we become aware students have used a phone in school, we have no choice but to confiscate it - if you do need to speak to your child during the day or vice versa, parents or students please contact the office who can arrange for a message to be passed on. 

Moving on, I wanted to update parents on term dates for 2021-22, which can be found here. As you may be aware, the Prime Minister this week delayed the easing of social distancing restrictions from the hoped-for date of June 21st. As a result, we are unable to go ahead with our Year 6 induction days in July, as it would involve mixing students from too many different schools. We are therefore planning to hold their induction day on Monday September 6th instead. This will mean a slightly staggered start to the academic year:

• Year 7 and Year 12 will begin at 08:30 on Monday 6th September. 
• Exam groups (Year 11 and 13) will return at 09:45 on Monday 6th September.
• All other students (Years 8, 9 and 10) will return at 08:30 on Tuesday 7th September.

Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this will cause, but I hope you can understand the importance of allowing Year 7 some time to settle before the entire school return to lessons. 

Finally, some important sport news! First of all, fixtures are back! It's been absolutely wonderful to see the return of competitive sport to HP. Particular congratulations go to the Year 8 rounders team. Given last year's lockdown, this was Year 8's first ever rounders match against another school, and they managed a strong 15.5-10.5 win over The Crypt! 

Finally, Sports Day is getting closer and closer! I wanted to clarify that students who are competing should bring their normal PE kit for Sports Day - we will provide coloured bibs to students competing (so students don't need to bring in additional kit in their house colour). We are however planning another competition to show some pride so watch this space!

With best wishes,

Mr Farmbrough

Headteacher