Headteacher’s letter 6.11.24 - Stepney All Saints School

6^th November 2024

Dear families,

As we now find ourselves entering the months of winter and colder weather, I would like to offer my continued thanks for your support in ensuring such high levels of student attendance, smartly worn school uniform and completion of homework tasks at Stepney All Saints. Over 16,000 achievement points were awarded last half term, which shows the hard work and effort demonstrated by our students. This was particularly evident at the Prize Giving Evening where I was proud to see so many recognised for their outstanding achievement.

Anti-Bullying Week 2024

National anti-bullying week starts on Monday 11^th November and we are delivering a range of pastoral input through assemblies and tutor time regarding this important subject. As a school, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community understands what bullying is, and each of our responsibilities in creating a school culture, which is respectful, considerate and supportive.

We are completely certain that we will always act on concerns and issues, and take all necessary steps. We have a strong track record in resolving issues, and ideally like to know about concerns as early as possible, so if students or parents do have any concerns whatsoever please do contact the relevant Head of Year.

I am aware that many parents also like to support the school’s input on pastoral content, as one of the key features of an anti-bullying culture is one in which every single member of the school community is clear on what they can do to eradicate bullying. There is a full pack of information, specifically for parents and carers that can be downloaded HERE.

School uniform

As we are in the Autumn term and the weather has started to get colder, I would like to emphasise the importance of correct uniform, in particular regarding outdoor jackets and lanyards. The school rules are as follows:

Coat – black/navy. Must be of an appropriate length to cover the blazer. NO hoodies or tracksuit tops. Jackets are worn on top of the school blazer.
All students are required to wear their school ID card with their year group lanyard (there is a fee of £5.00 for replacement ID cards). This rule applies both in school and in the school playground.

I would be grateful for your support in upholding the school’s policies. For more full details of the school’s uniform policy, please visit the website HERE.

Enrichment activities

The importance of activities beyond academic work is well established. They help students to learn about themselves, to use their skills and knowledge in different contexts and to develop as well-rounded individuals. It is important to recognise that employers and universities frequently give preference to those who can demonstrate that they have acquired the key employability skills that participation in enrichment activities develop. Consequently, showing that you have regularly taken part in enrichment activities can give you an edge over others.

The sessions offered at Stepney All Saints provide students with opportunities that they would not encounter in their normal day-to-day experience in school and it is our expectation that all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 take part in enrichment activities for all of the reasons outlined. We are monitoring attendance and this will be reflected in students’ reports. We want our students to excel in all aspects of their school life and attendance at enrichment activities is a key element. An updated list of afterschool and lunchtime clubs is available to view HERE.

Residential trips

A number of residential trips have already taken place this term. Year 9 have visited the Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre in Wales and these trips will continue throughout the coming months with the entire year group having the opportunity to participate. In addition, students in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to take part in our Turing Scheme trip to Bangladesh. Students interested have been invited to register and those meeting the Turing criteria will be invited to participate. Further opportunities will arise across the year including visits to France, Spain and Greece.

Attendance – reminder

Our school has high levels of attendance and this is vital to help children achieve and get the best possible start in life. Children who frequently miss school fall behind and there is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results. In order to maintain high levels of attendance, if your child presents themselves to you as ‘unwell’ please send them to school regardless. At school our medical needs coordinator will be able to assess students. We will, of course, contact you if your child continues to feel unwell and cannot stay for the full day. Please note that colds, coughs, runny noses and sore throats are common and do not require that children stay home from school.

Key Events for this Academic Year

There are a number of important dates in the calendar including the Year 11 mock examinations which began on Tuesday 5^th November. Key dates are as follows:

Year 11 Mock Examination period:5^th to 22^nd November
Year 13 Parents’ Evening:Thursday 14^th November
Year 11 Parents’ Evening:Thursday 12^th December
Year 9 Parents’ Evening:Thursday 19^th December
End of term: Friday 20^th Early finish at 11.30am.

The full set of term dates for the academic year are available on our website – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/our-school/term-dates-school-hours.

I will write again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check our website and social media feeds @StepneyAS for updates on what is taking place at our school.

Warm regards,
Ben Siaw
Headteacher