Key Notes: 12 September 2022
12th September 2022
Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022
On Thursday we learnt of the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Staff and students held a minute’s silence at 11am as a mark of respect, and to allow time to contemplate the long life, dedication and hard work of Her Majesty.
Students in Mr Stuart’s history classes had a lesson to commemorate the life of The Queen.The Newsround page is a useful source of information for students: Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes pour in to Her Majesty - CBBC Newsround or The Royal Family.
With the death of our Queen some students, staff and parents, may be more deeply affected than others. The current media and the news may trigger intense feelings of grief due to remembering their own family and friends who have died. Please be kind and considerate to one another especially through this national period of mourning. This website offers some helpful guidance: Home – The Good Grief Trust.
Earlier this year, to mark the Platinum Jubilee, MVC took part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative by planting new trees across the school site, particularly around the new AstroTurf pitch, to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. Our participation was led by the school’s Eco Group.
Forthcoming events:
- 20th September: school photographs all year groups.
- 22nd September: Year 7 Curriculum Evening (online). Details to follow.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization. A sign up email has been sent to Y8 parents this week (deadline is 29th November).
iPad roll out to Years 9 and 10
On Thursday we distributed iPads to years 9 and 10 students. Students were taken through the process of setting up their iPad for their individual and exclusive use. Each student has an iPad already fitted with a screen protector and a rugged case, a plug and a lead. We are asking all students to keep their iPad safely in their school bag and place it out on the desk when they enter each classroom, along with their books and pencil case. They should bring their iPad to school each day along with all of their equipment in their bag, so that they quickly get used to having the iPad as a standard part of their school equipment. It is not too late to join the iPad scheme and the portal remains open. We are all very excited about the use of iPads in lessons and the opportunities this will bring our students.
Here are Mrs Stanley’s Y10 class using their iPads to do a Blooket revision exercise – they were very competitive!
Physical Education
The PE department have wasted no time in organising some sports fixtures, as our enrichment programme doesn’t start for a couple of weeks. Students are welcome to sign up to Key Stage 3 hockey matches at home to Comberton on Wednesday 21st September on our AstroTurf pitch. If students are interested, please see Ms Coghlan and/or Ms Evans. Meanwhile, Mr Barlow will be taking some GCSE PE students to Comberton Village College for badminton and table tennis matches on the same day.
GCSE success for Mandarin Excellence Programme
As you might be aware that it was the first time Mandarin GCSE was marked externally this year. The results were fantastic. 66% of students from the MEP class achieved L7+ with 7 students gaining a grade L9. The results also showed that MEP students made a outstanding progress in their five years of Mandarin study.
We appreciated that those students put in great effort and congratulated them on their achievement. We also believe that our current MEP students will achieve even higher results. MEP after school lessons will start from the week of 19th September for Years 8-11 and in January for Year 7.
Sporting Achievement
On Saturday 3rd September, Olivia (11 Franklin), a member of Royston Swimming Club, took part in an event called ‘Sprint with the Stars’ at the London Aquatic Centre. She made it through to the 50m backstroke final and raced against Medi Harris, a European and Commonwealth medal holder.
Olivia said “When I signed up to compete at ‘Sprint with the Stars’, my goals were to race in a 50m pool and watch the elite swimmers. Never in my life did I expect to make it into the backstroke final against Medi Harris! I didn’t win but it was amazing to take part and to be congratulated by Adam Peaty and James Guy at the end.” Well done Olivia!
Attendance at school
As a school, we encourage excellent attendance so students can best access their education. To ensure students have the best chance of achieving their potential, they are expected to have at least 96% attendance. This is the equivalent of no more than 1 day off per 6 weeks (about one each half-term). We fully appreciate that illness happens, but if a student is just feeling a bit under the weather we would expect them to attend school. Parents can of course let tutors know so they can keep an eye on them. If a student is to be absent, please email absence@melbournvc.org. Offering medical evidence is helpful when a student is off with illness, examples include a screenshot of a doctor's appointment slip/text, a photo of a prescription with date and name, or hospital letter.
Refurbished IT suite
Over the summer the IT suite in the Seminar Room was refurbished with new machines and room layout. Students have enjoyed using the updated facilities this week.
Safer Schools Newsletter
September’s edition of Cambridgeshire Constabulary Safer Schools Newsletter is being sent with this edition of Key Notes. The subjects covered are:
- Return to school: safety tips to protect pedestrians and cyclists
- Cannabis edibles: awareness message for parents/carers
- Sharenting: the risks involved and protecting children’s privacy
- Embrace: helping young victims and witnesses recover from trauma
MVC lockers
A reminder that if you have paid for a new locker for your child, please ask them to come to reception at break or lunchtime to collect the key. If your child had a locker last year and no longer wants it, please ask them to return the key to reception.
Current vacancies
Our current vacancies and deadlines:
- Food Technician (P/T) - 14thSeptember
- Level 1 Teaching Assistant - 14thSeptember
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - 15thSeptember
- Pastoral Support Officer - 15thSeptember
- Pastoral Support Officer (Temp) - 15thSeptember
- Teacher of Computer Science (Full/Part) - 19thSeptember
- Senior IT Tech - 22ndSeptember
Please apply using an application form available from our website. This should be sent with a covering letter to sjavaid@melbournvc.org
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