Whitburn Church of England Academy

The Friends of Whitburn Church of England Academy (formerly the PTA) will be holding our ever popular Christmas Fayre at the Academy on Thursday November 24^th from 5pm until 7pm.

There will be plenty of stalls selling a wide variety of items – some made by our children and staff and some external stall holders too. Buy something as a Christmas gift, to keep for yourself, or to eat or drink!  We will have a grand raffle with some fabulous prizes

Cakes, mince pies, sweets, and hot and cold drinks will also be on sale (including mulled wine – non-alcoholic, so you can still drive home!)

The choir and band will be providing entertainment to get everyone into the Christmas mood!

So, if you feel like doing some early shopping or simply want to come and have a cuppa with a mince pie while listening to the choir and band, we’d love to see you. It’s always a lovely evening!

Our Christmas Service will take place on Thursday 15^th December 2016 at 7:00pm in Whitburn Parish Church; this is a lovely family occasion so please join us in our traditional carol service.  Everyone is welcome but please note that we cannot reserve seats.

There will be a retiring collection at the end of the service in aid of the charity Shelter. The Friends of Whitburn CofE Academy will be selling mince pies with a complimentary glass of sherry after the service.

We will hold our Christmas Service for all pupils on Friday 16^th December 2016, the last morning of the school term, after which pupils will be dismissed at approximately 12:30pm.  There will be no scholars’ bus service at this time or school lunches.

The last day of term will be a non-uniform day, with pupils being encouraged to make a donation of £1 towards the charities Shelter and Wearside Women in Need.  Pupils should be modestly dressed but may wear clothing appropriate to the festive season e.g. Christmas jumpers! Pupils are asked to bring as little as possible to school on this day, with only writing equipment needed.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We look forward to welcoming back all of our pupils on Wednesday 4^th January 2017.

Meningococcal ACWY Immunisation

The School Nursing Service are offering the above immunisation to all pupils in Year 11.

Vaccinations will be given on Thursday 9^th February 2017.

Your child has been given a consent form which must be signed and returned to the Main Academy Office by Friday 20^th January 2017.  Please note the forms should be signed and returned even if you do not wish your child to be given the vaccination.  Additional information from the School Nursing Service is also enclosed with the consent forms.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy or the Nursing Service.

On Thursday 9th February 2017 we will be holding a Year 9 Parents’ Evening, which will take place in the Sixth Form and Septimus Hall between 3:20pm and 6.45pm.  In response to parental feedback, this event replaces Tutor Review Day and GCSE Options Evening.  There are no formal appointment times as this is a ‘drop-in event’ to allow parents/carers the opportunity to speak to:

• staff of subjects your child may be considering opting for and to get some curriculum advice;
• staff of subjects where you would like to discuss your child’s progress.

To ensure you see the correct Science teacher we will inform you, via the pupil planner, which Science teacher has the overview of your child’s progress.  Myself, Mrs Bengston (SENCo), Mr Craggs (Head of Sixth Form), Mr Moore (Careers Advisor), Heads of Subject and Senior Staff will also be available.  Please note: there is no requirement to see all of your child’s subject teachers. 

Prior the Parents’ Evening, on Monday 6th February, a presentation about the Year 9 GCSE Options process will be available to view on the Academy website.  Please be aware that eligibility for GCSE Computer Science is dependent upon your child’s current level of attainment in Maths.  This information is outlined in our 2017 Options Booklet, which will also be available for download from the Academy website at this time.  Parents/Carers are advised that completed options forms must be returned to the Academy by Thursday 16th February 2017.