Safeguarding

This week’s assemblies have been led by Mrs Brown, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENDCo and have focused on safeguarding. It is our top priority that students are safe and cared for at school as well as having the tools to support themselves. We are lucky to have such a great staff body where every teacher cares and supports the students. They were directed to several sources of support; these are all available on the school website under Information-Safeguarding. There are also useful updates for parents and carers on how to support their child.

World Gratitude Day

Today, for Fun Friday, we celebrated World Gratitude Day by taking time to appreciate the people and things that bring us joy. At Orchard Park we know that focusing on what you have instead of what you lack cultivates contentment. Students were encouraged to write messages of thanks to those who brighten their days and share a thank you chocolate with someone who makes a positive difference to their school experience. They distributed these to both peers and staff.

We also celebrated our first ever Kindness Champions this week. Congratulations to Nana in Year 7 and Ellie in Year 8, who were nominated by their peers for the kindness they have shown to others. They wore their ‘Kindness’ sash with pride!

Rewards breakfast

I also held a rewards breakfast with a group of our brilliant Year 7 students, nominated by Ms Ruby for an excellent start to secondary school. Well done to Brooke C, Chase, Kingsley, Salimatou, Nana, Alisa, Matthew, Quincey and Tyler: you gave great feedback on how Orchard Park can be even better and shared your thanks for our wonderful staff. They also wanted to give a special mention to Jay in year 8 for his kindness, helpfulness and friendship in summer school and in the Year 7 playgrounds at lunchtime. Jay is an exceptional prefect who demonstrates our school values consistently.

Open Evening

A final reminder that on Thursday 26th September we have our Open Evening from 5.00pm until 7.00pm. We will be closing the school early to allow our site and cleaning team to make preparations. Children in receipt of free school meals can collect a pre-packed lunch from the canteen as they leave. Years 7 and 11 will be dismissed at 12.30, and years 8, 9 and 10 at 12:45.

Ms Moran, Headteacher