11 Feb 2022

WEEKLY MAILING

This week’s mailing is:

Notices:

From the Headmaster to all parents:

Dear Parents

This week we have been marking Safer Internet Week with discussions in tutor groups and assemblies. A good number of you also joined our webinar for parents on Tuesday night which looked at how we can support our children with social media and online safety. Although there are so many benefits that technology brings, there are obviously associated challenges and I’m keen that we work with you to ensure that our pupils’ interactions with tech are happy and fruitful.

There is lots of advice out there but I’d highlight two points that I often share with pupils.

The first are three questions to ask yourself before you post on social media: Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind?

The second is a reminder to keep devices out of bedrooms at night-time. This is our protocol with our boarders and we recommend it strongly as a way of ensuring that students can enjoy a good, undisturbed night’s sleep.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

Information regarding HPV vaccinations for 2nd and 3rd Years

Emails have been sent to all parents and guardians of 2nd and 3rd years regarding the HPV vaccinations in March.  2nd Years will be receiving their first dose and the second dose will be given to 3rd Years (or first dose if this has not yet been received). Other year groups are not eligible.  Please make sure that you read the information carefully. If you do not want your child to have this vaccination please still complete the consent form to decline the vaccination.  The deadline for giving consent is Thursday 3 March at 5pm.
Take care to give consent in the correct year group. Year 8 = 2nd Year and Year 9 = 3rd Year.  If you have any queries then please direct them to the NHS Immunisation Team whose contact details are in the email, NOT the School Health Centre.

Covid-19 Notice re Information for schools on the 12 to 15 year old vaccination programme:

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust have provided a list of the nearest vaccination centres for Abingdon School offering covid vaccination appointments for 12 to 15 year olds over the half term period.  This can be viewed here.  Information regarding the walk-in offer (where available), to students and parents can be accessed by clicking on this link.

Reminder for Lower Sixth pupils and their parents: Webinar ‘UK’s university application process and some of the alternatives to university’, Tuesday 15 February from 6.30pm

The evening will be in two parts:

  • 6.30-7.10pm After Abingdon keynote presentation, all L6th students expected to attend (parents encouraged). No registration required.
  • 7.20-8pm Optional follow on sessions (please register in advance):
    • Applying to Oxbridge – A presentation aimed at those considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge
    • Alternatives to university – An overview of some of the alternatives to university including work-based learning, apprenticeships and school leaver programmes

Further details with zoom links can be found on the separate email sent to parents on Thursday 27 January. A reminder email with zoom links will be sent to parents on Tuesday 15 February. We look forward to seeing you there.

Parents’ and Carers’ online safety webinar recording

The parents’ and carers’ online safety webinar recording is available to view here. Further resources from our speakers are available here.

Music:

Musical events after half term.  The second half of term is packed with music. We are delighted to list below the events that you might consider attending in the second half of term to which parents and friends will be most welcome. Please remember to register your attendance on the school’s website.

Abingdon Box Office:

Please see this link for upcoming events.

News from the Week:

Food Menu for the coming week – Week 1

School Calendar

Please continue to consult the School Calendar for up to date information.

Here is the link to previous weekly mailings.