Principal's update 6 October 2023

On Thursday evening we welcomed over 400 visitors to school for our Open Evening for current Year 6 students and their families. Over 130 student helpers volunteered to help on the evening, running activities, assisting teachers and showcasing our wonderful school. Over 40 of our Y7 students performed for our visitors in the choir, with their rendition of ‘The best that you can be’. It was a fantastic evening, and I was very proud of our school, our staff and our students.

We are looking forward to our first LEAD day of this academic year on Monday 9^th October. Years 7 and 8 will be off site for the day but should still wear school uniform. Years 9, 10 and 11 will remain in school and will be involved in different sessions throughout the day. In terms of attendance, this is a normal school day and we expect students to be in school, unless they are too unwell to attend. Thank you for your support.

We are over halfway through our first half term now, and I would like to take the opportunity to remind students of our uniform policy. This is clearly stated in our Student Handbook. Our uniform is straightforward, but it is important that all students adhere to our expectations. Jogging bottoms or leggings are not permitted. Clothing should not be ripped, torn or have writing on it. Shorts and skirts should be tailored and knee length. Coats should be removed when inside the building. Parents/Carers will be informed if students are not wearing the correct uniform and we would ask for your support in ensuring that all our young people come to school wearing the correct uniform.

What’s going on in school:

• We have had another great week with our Danish students, including a sports night involving 5-a-side football, netball, handball, and finishing with a tug of war! This was a great night of collaborative sport with our European neighbours.

• This week in Drama we asked Y7 students to research the Berlin Wall to help support their class work. Tom went one step further by asking his family who lived in Berlin at the time to share their story. The whole class loved hearing his family's history and looking at their photos. Thank you so much Tom for sharing.

• Our Sports Leaders helped to run a fantastic Tag Rugby tournament for our local primary school children on Wednesday this week. They all did a great job and demonstrated excellent leadership skills. A special mention goes to Esther in Y9 who refereed 5 matches and was outstanding!

• Year 8 took part in our Interhouse competition this week, with Win Hill victorious at football and Mam Tor winning at netball. Well done to all involved.

Rehearsal Schedule for DNA & We Will Rock You w/c 9^th October

Flu immunisations

The School Immunisations Team will be in school on Wednesday 9^th October to administer flu vaccinations.

Y7 Information Evening

Information has been sent to Y7 parents and carers regarding the Information Evening on Monday 16^th October.

Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us: attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report a child’s absence enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for general enquiries pastoral@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for any issue with a child’s wellbeing principal@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the Principal safeguarding@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report safeguarding concerns. If a child or any young person is in imminent danger, then please report this to the police. Kind regards

Gaynor Jones, Principal

Hope Valley College
T: 01433 620555