Well done to Year 11, who have now completed their first round of Pre Public Exams. I know from speaking to a number of staff that they are proud of their students. Feedback will be provided to parents at parents’ evening next week, Thursday 7th December.

Mr Headley would like to give a ‘massive shout out’ to the following students for their tremendous efforts in the Croydon Schools Indoor Athletics Competition held at Harris Crystal Palace yesterday: Ayo, Micah, Josh, Ollie, Shalicka, Fahmida, Lola and Tianii. For many of them, it was their first time at such an event. They conducted themselves with integrity and respect and, despite a mistake in dropping the baton, the boys did not give up. Shalicka and Lola were particularly impressive, going on to win some of their races.

We will be holding our annual ‘Jumpers for Jimmy’ day on Friday 15th December. Staff and students are encouraged to wear a Christmas jumper in memory of teenager Jimmy Mizen. Jimmy’s parents have asked us to support them again in raising funds to continue their work on Jimmy’s legacy of forgiveness, peace and hope so that all young people can grow up feeling safe in their communities. Festive jumper-wearers are asked to pay a donation of £1. Please note that there is no expectation to purchase new jumpers. If students do not have one and want to participate, then we encourage our students to be imaginative by perhaps adding a bit of tinsel or baubles to an existing jumper. It promises to be a day of collective kindness and festive colour.

It has been much colder this week. If your child needs a coat, we have a number to give away, just contact the school at kmatSave hys@orchardparkhigh.net We also have jumpers we can provide.

On Monday, students in Year 7, 8 and 9 will be treated to a touring production of A Christmas Carol by The Globe Players as part of our Character Education curriculum. The play explores the chain of events that lead to a succession of visitors to Scrooge on the night before Christmas who work their magic on him. When Christmas day dawns, Mr Scrooge is a new man with a much greater sense of empathy and compassion for others: the very best festive message.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher

Image: Xmas Jumper Vectors by Vecteezy.