25 Apr 2024

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Head

Dear Parents

I’d like to congratulate the 1st XI hockey team who won a compelling encounter against Bradfield yesterday at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre to lift the National Plate competition. The team have enjoyed an outstanding season, having won thirteen matches, drawn one and lost one and yesterday’s 3-2 victory was the perfect way to round it off. Congratulations are also due to the U16A XI who reached the final of their competition where they were narrowly defeated by Bedford.

I’m grateful to those of you who have already completed the parental survey that we shared with you on Tuesday 23 April. It is still possible to complete the survey; please follow this link.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

UPPER SCHOOL

  • Lower Sixth letter to parents on advice on absence for university open days
  • Parents of all sixth-form scholars
  • Information on Leavers’ Day for Upper Sixth Students:
    • Planning is in full swing for U6th on Leavers’ Day on Friday 10 May, please find attached a programme for that morning. Please note that alongside the main year group photograph (which will be available for purchase, details to follow), we have offered the chance to students to sign up for individual portrait photographs with the same company. These will take place at breaktime. Those that have not signed up, are able to drop in for an individual photograph too should they change their mind. We are looking forward to celebrating with them together on what is always a lovely occasion.
  • Parents of Upper Sixth pupils: Book Collection:
    • The final deadline for U6th book returns will be Saturday 22 June (Prize Giving).  Books not returned by that date will be charged to bills.  Many departments will already have made clear to their students how and when to return books and it would be sensible for pupils to plan to bring in any remaining loan texts on the day of their final public exam to save having to make a special trip.  Books must be returned to the relevant departments and not, for example, simply left somewhere on site in the hope that someone else will get them back to their rightful homes.  Much unnecessary chasing and unwanted charging of extras to bills can be avoided by students being properly organised.  Please note in particular that it is usually not possible to waive charges for books returned after the deadline as Heads of Department will spend part of the final weeks of term ordering replacements for missing text books for the new school year and the money will therefore already have been committed.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Parents of all middle-school scholars
  • Parents of Fifth Years: Study Leave:
    • 5th year pupils depart for study leave at 5.00pm on Friday 3 May and are not required to be in school from that point except for sitting their exams. However, we offer a programme of subject clinics and supervised silent study for the first three weeks of study leave (up to half term). Students may wish to take part in this programme to provide a structure for their day and to receive help from their teachers in subject clinics. Please note that this is entirely voluntary and students should use it according to how they feel it might support their revision. All students will receive a link to the timetable of supervised study sessions and clinics by email.  If students come into school they need to be in school uniform and they are welcome to take lunch as usual if they are in at that time.
  • Parents of 5th year pupils: Book Collection:
    • The final deadline for 5th year book returns will be Saturday 22 June (Prize Giving).  Books not returned by that date will be charged to bills.  Many departments will already have made clear to their students how and when to return books and it would be sensible for pupils to plan to bring in any remaining loan texts on the day of their final public exam to save having to make a special trip.  Books must be returned to the relevant departments and not, for example, simply left somewhere on site in the hope that someone else will get them back to their rightful homes.  Much unnecessary chasing and unwanted charging of extras to bills can be avoided by students being properly organised.  Please note in particular that it is usually not possible to waive charges for books returned after the deadline as Heads of Department will spend part of the final weeks of term ordering replacements for missing text books for the new school year and the money will therefore already have been committed.

LOWER SCHOOL

  • From the Drama Department:
    • Lower School Production – James and the Giant Peach, Wednesday 22 – Thursday 23 May, 7pm.  Please join James and his weird and wonderful friends as he escapes his wicked aunts and sets off inside a peach on a magical adventure. Our delightfully talented Lower School students will transport you on this exciting journey. The much-loved characters will take over the Amey Theatre for two nights only, including the wise Old-Green-Grasshoppers, the pessimistic Earthworm and the arrogant Centipede! Get your tickets here and join us for an enchanting evening of storytelling, creativity, and talent, as our young performers take the stage to share this beloved tale with you all!

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • Abingdon News: The latest issue of Abingdon News is now available to read here.
  • Parent satisfaction survey
    • Thank you to those parents who have already taken the time to complete our parent satisfaction survey.  We are keen to hear from as many of our families as possible, so if you have not been able to respond yet, there is still time.  The survey can be accessed here and should only take 2-3 minutes and closes on Monday 29 April.  All responses will remain confidential* and if you choose not to fill in your name(s) and email address, the information will remain anonymous to the school.  Many thanks in advance.
  • Reminder – Important notice for JBS (Joint Bus Service) users next term – action required:
    • You will have received this email from Vectare over the Easter break.  If you’ve already taken action, thank you.  If not, please can we draw your attention to Vectare’s email and ask that you take action as necessary.  If you have any questions please contact Vectare on [email protected]
  • Music: