“Every Child Thriving”

Headteacher's Welcome

Although the Spring term is technically the shortest term of the year it frequently feels like the longest! However, despite the seemingly endless river of rain, it feels like renewal and growth might finally be in the air. Being relatively new to the Chiltern area I have been fascinated by the move from the bleak, bare tree, muddy winter into the explosion of daffodils, shrubbery and greenery all around me on the way into work. It is quite a transformation and reminds me that the opportunity to transform is not just a seasonal opportunity but a daily one. John Colet is not adverse to transformation and as we move towards a new academic year we are looking to redefine ourselves with a new vision which we feel better reflects our core purpose. The summer term will bring more news on this and we believe this will put an even bigger 'spring' in our considerable 'step'!

Mobile Phone Policy - 'no see, no hear'

At John Colet we have a 'no see, no hear' policy for mobile phones while students are on school site. In a community of over 1000 people it would be disruptive to learning for phones to be used by students. Insisting that a parent or carer collects the phone acts as a deterrent to phones being used.

During school hours, should you need to contact your child please telephone the School Office and we will get a message to them. Alternatively if a student needs to contact their parent/carer they should go to the Student Support office or School Office where they can request to ring home.

Unfortunately, at times parents try to contact students directly which causes their phone to go off during lessons - this results in the student having their phone confiscated as per our school policy and it will be a parent/carer that will have to pick the mobile phone up from the School Office. If you are unable to collect the phone please arrange for a family member, or responsible adult to collect it on your behalf. Students will not be able to pick up their phone themselves under any circumstance. A number of students have raised the issue of having to use their phone to pay for transport home. If this is the case the student needs to come and speak to the School Office. We will arrange for a loan which will need to be reimbursed the next day.

School Attendance

We ask that parents/carers report student absence on the first, and every, day of absence using the button on the home page of the school website and ask that you provide a full explanation of the illness. Often absence is reported as a student simply being 'unwell' and this does not provide enough information. If a child is feeling a little under the weather, has a headache, cold or cough then please do send them in to school as they often rally as the day goes on and do not need to be at home. You may find some over the counter medication such as paracetamol may also help.

You may have heard in the news recently of some changes that are being introduced by the Department for Education regarding school attendance. The guidance encourages families and schools to work in partnership to find routes to improve attendance. We will contact you if we are concerned about your child's attendance, but please don't hesitate to make contact with us if your child is struggling to come to school and we can offer support, We often see parents report their child as unwell rather then let us know about issues they are facing and barriers to school and this is not helpful. If your child does not want to come to school for any reason, please send them in and make contact with either their form tutor, head of year or ourselves and we will be able to support them.

The new guidance allows schools to only grant leaves of absence for specific circumstances, and the DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance. There will be a new national framework for issuing penalty notices to ensure consistency across the country and fines will increase to -

£80 to be paid within 21 days, or
£160 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days

We kindly ask that you make arrangements for trips and family activities in the school holidays, and hope you enjoy many of these in the Easter break,

With kind regards

Di Bull and Natalie Preece, The Attendance Office

English Week Competition Winner

Vehicles on school grounds

Remember that vehicles should not be driven onto campus unless you are authorised to do so by the school office. Please park and walk. Unauthorised drivers are increasing the risk of accident by significantly adding to the volume of traffic.

If authorised to do so, parents should drop-off directly in front of reception. Please do not use the parking bays for drop-off. The car-park directly in front of school is for staff vehicles only.

Please also be reminded that vehicle engines should be switched off when dropping off, or waiting for students to come out of school. Idling causes air pollution which is harmful to the school community.

Careers update

Year 9 Young Enterprise

Earlier this term our Year 9 Business Studies students took part in the Natwest National Careers Challenge. There were some great ideas, products and pitches making the judges decision very difficult.

Chiltern Rangers Hedge Planting

A group of year 7 and Year 8 students braved the cold with Mrs Pearcey and Mrs Sinacore to support the Chiltern Rangers with hedge planting along the new Wendover-Misbourne Greenway. The students planted over 80 hedge saplings along with a team of volunteers.

Message regarding parking at Wendover Memorial Hall car park

Good morning,

We are writing to request your assistance in supporting the John Colet students and families to understand that the Memorial Hall car park is not suitable as a drop off or pick up zone or a pathway. There is clear signage indicating that it is a private car park. However, it would seem that, if they are not actually parking, people think it’s ok to swing in to drop off/pick up.

The Pre-school uses the car park between 7.30am until 3.30pm with children being picked up and dropped off in between those times. We have had several incidents involving near misses and regular abuse when people are asked not to use the private car park.

The Memorial Hall Car Park is not a drop off or pick up zone or a safe pathway to the school campus.

This also applies to the Wendover Drs surgery car park.

Aylesbury United Football Club Community Day

Aylesbury United Football Club will be hosting a Community Day on Saturday 13th April 2024 when The Ducks play Ware Football Club in our penultimate Southern League Division One Central home game of the season (3pm kick off). There will be some family fun and child friendly activities within the ground before kick off and at half time.

It will be FREE entry for all those who complete the registration form (linked below). The Community Day is happening right at the end of the Easter Holiday so parents may be looking for fun things to do which don't cost a lot of money.

The venue is The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, HP5 1NE which is where the club currently play their home games, as we have been homeless and playing out of town (Aylesbury) for the last 18 years.

Registration will close at midnight on 9th April 2024.

Please let me know if you require any further information.

Kind regards

Andy Martin

Director, Aylesbury United FC

One Club: United

PE News

Peter ran for Buckinghamshire Swans Schools team on Sunday 3rd March at the Year 7 National Schools Cross Country Final. Peter came 79th overall and 6th for Bucks. This is fantastic results for him and John Colet School. We look forward to seeing Peter represent JCS next year at the Cross Country Event.

Year 9/10 Cricket Girls U15

Well done to the year 9 /10 girls who placed 3rd in the English Cricket Board Girls U15 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition 2024. The girls displayed good teamwork and team spirit, encouraging each other and playing until the end.

Cricket Girls U13

The Year 7/8 girls took part in the English Cricket Board Girls U13 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition. The girls played their first competitive games of cricket for John Colet, with both sides being competitive, displaying good sportsmanship and working well as a team.

Year 9 Sports Leaders

A huge well done to our Year 9 Sports Leaders for running the primary gymnastics competition. Using maths and judgement to score the performers and supporting them throughout. Excellent behaviour and leadership from start to finish.

Year 7 boys Football

The Year 7 boys Football team took part in a 7 aside football tournament. After some close, hard fought games, the boys managed to finish 3rd. They represented John Colet with passion and determination. The PE Department wants to congratulate Lucas for excellent management of the team and keeping the spirits high for the players every match.

Ramadan and Physical Education

Following guidance from the Youth Sports Trust and the Association for Physical Education, we want to ensure that we support students that are fasting and that they have equal access to the curriculum. This term students were invited to attend a consultation run by Mrs Lark and Ms Azarkan whereby we read through the Ramadan Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings:

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. It was important to understand our students' views and opinions when shaping our procedures and working out best practice. As per our normal policy all students are expected to get changed for PE. We ask that students who are fasting have a note informing the teacher so they are fully aware. Using the guidance we will ensure that students are given lower intensity activities. If a student feels they need to rest or stop an activity for any reason, this will always be granted. Your child's PE teacher will also take into consideration hot weather and activity choices during Ramadan (e.g. not doing middle or long distance running in athletics). The guidance around swimming was discussed in our meeting and teachers of students currently doing swimming have been made aware of this. For students who play in our school teams and are fasting, please ensure that the teacher running that team is aware, so they can keep an eye on them. We hope that the changes we have made will allow students to continue their PE lessons but with adaptations to ensure they are safe. If you have any comments to make on our policy or suggestions please email Mrs Lark STL PE.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Culinera

Please find the latest Newsletter from our wonderful catering team at John Colet School.

Playhouse Theatre - Oxford

On Friday 1st March we took a group of Year 8, 9 and 10 students to the Playhouse Theatre in Oxford to watch a performance of ‘Frankenstein’. It was a highly entertaining performance retelling the original story of Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ with a modern twist. The two actors on stage were able to convey the emotions of both Shelley’s characters and their modern counterparts through not only their language but also their bodily movements and the physical nature of their roles. Every student we took was amazing and were a brilliant representation of the John Colet School!

JUDO

Weekend of the 8th March Jessica and Sophie represented John Colet School at the British Schools Championships in Sheffield.

Jessica competed in years 10/11 and won the gold medal.

Her younger sister Sophie competed in years 8/9 and also won the gold medal.

This was the second time that both of them have won the British Schools and it is an excellent achievement.

8Z MAD week quiz winners

11th March 2024 was Mad week for 8Z. We chose to raise money for saving the children who are currently suffering due to war.

We did a penalty shoot out, a sweet jar competition and a quiz about what is currently going on in gaza.

Well done to 8J for winning the quiz and Sophie in 8A for winning the sweet jar.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the football penalty shootout and donating to our just giving page which raised 25 pounds. Every little helps. We managed to raise £26.66 to donate. We would also like to thank Arthur Chapman, Macie Burgess and Phoenix Darko for bringing in sweets and prizes. Thanks to everyone and once again, welldone!

Our just giving page is still available to donate to if you would like to. All proceeds will go towards saving the children

.https://www.justgiving.com/page/8z-mad-week?newPage=true

This is the link to the slideshow made by Eva Sturgeon, Amelie Scroggs, Lily Rowlands, Keira Burke and Macie Burgess. This may have been shared with you already.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eIzce2FWE7mjGB2rmr6a3aQ49UbSS5jenp_wA6M9rdU/edit#slide=id.p

Written by Roisin Carey Joy, Catherine Smythe and Hannah Jaggers

Open Monday-Friday 8.15-8.45am

Our Nearly New Uniform Shop offers a selection of second hand blazers, jumpers, trousers, skirts, white shirts and PE kit items. Parents/carers and students can also request items via uniformshop@johncolet.co.uk and if in stock, students can come by the shop to collect them.

There will be no charge for any items, but if parents/carers would like to make a voluntary contribution this can be made via ParentMail, please see "Uniform Donation 2024" under the Payments/Shop section. Please wait until you have received the items before making any payments. This money will help cover the running costs of the shop and is greatly appreciated.

Suggested donations: Blazers £5 Skirts / trousers £2 Shirts / jumpers £1 PE Jumpers £2 PE Tops / Skorts / Shorts / PE Socks £1

We are also accepting donations of unwanted school uniform. Please leave any clean items in a bag in the Nearly New Uniform Shop box in the school reception area. For any queries please email uniformshop@johncolet.co.uk

Science Week

Exploring the Wonders of Science: A Recap of Science Week at John Colet School

On 11th March, John Colet School embarked on an exhilarating journey into the realms of science as we celebrated Science Week with a plethora of engaging activities and hands-on experiments. From dissecting hearts to delving into the intricacies of forensic science, the week was an immersive experience aimed at fostering a deep love and appreciation for the wonders of the scientific world.

Year 9 students, with a sense of curiosity and anticipation, took on the challenge of dissecting hearts as part of their exploration into anatomy and physiology. This practical experience not only provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of the human body but also instilled a sense of wonder and respect for the complexity of life.

In addition to the dissections, Year 9 students were treated to enlightening sessions on future careers in science, including intriguing discussions on forensics and how scientific principles are applied to solve mysteries and crimes. These sessions sparked the imagination of budding scientists, opening their eyes to the myriad possibilities that await them in the world of science.

Meanwhile, Year 7 and 8 students seized the opportunity to showcase their creativity and scientific knowledge by participating in the national Science Week poster competition. With boundless enthusiasm, they explored the concept of ‘Time’ and translated their understanding into captivating visual representations.

But the excitement didn't stop there. Students across all year groups engaged in a range of activities designed to ignite their curiosity and hone their scientific skills. From constructing spaghetti towers to conducting scientific investigations, they embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and determination, demonstrating their eagerness to explore the principles that govern the world around them.

Year 10 students, meanwhile, embarked on a journey of discovery as they tackled required practicals in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These hands-on experiments not only reinforced classroom learning but also provided invaluable opportunities for students to develop essential laboratory skills and techniques.

Throughout the week, the enthusiasm and energy of both students and teachers were palpable. From the excited chatter in the hallways to the focused concentration in the laboratories, Science Week at John Colet School was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.

As we reflect on the events of Science Week, it is evident that the spirit of curiosity and exploration is alive and thriving at John Colet School. By providing students with opportunities to engage in practical, real-world scientific experiences, the school has succeeded in nurturing a love for science that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.

As we look ahead, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the excitement generated during Science Week, continuing to foster a culture of curiosity, inquiry, and discovery within our school community. After all, the wonders of science are boundless, and there is always more to explore.

Science Department

Mrs J. Strachan Harvey

Rewards and Consequences

Year 7

Well done to Year 7 for engaging in the different career based activities. This is the year when you begin to think about what you want to do in the future.

I would like to further commend Year 7 for maintaining most of the Top spots for recognition points with an outstanding total of 9,492 points thus far this term. 7G currently has the top spot with 1880 recognition point! Great job Year 7 and keep up the good work. Though you will have challenging days, continue to strive for excellence and be kind to each other as we progress together.

I will leave you with this to think about as you move forward; Being good to people who are good to you is easy, but the real test is to be good to people who are not necessarily good to you. That is difficult and requires you to take control of your pride. That is where the real reward is.

Year 8

This term saw Year 8 having to think about their futures in terms of their options. A massive well done to you all for hitting the deadline with this despite one or two issues with logging in.

I also want to congratulate all those students who have contributed to an amazing total of 7,298 Recognition points as a whole. 8T currently holds the top spot with 1623 recognition points! This is impressive, but who will be the eventual winners overall?

Year 9

Year 9 are continuing to make great progress both in and out the classroom. It has been fantastic to see so many sports leaders, musicians and climate activists putting their stamp on the world. Special mention to Alfred Pollington-Byrne, Tara McEvoy and Amina Rahman for achieving the most recognition points between January and now. 9G are in the lead this half term with 1204 recognition points earned since January. Who will be the winners next half term?

Year 10

Following their mock exams, Year 10 are still on a roll with gaining R points with 10JA leading the way with 3135 R points between them! 10G is not far behind with 3051. 10A are in a strong lead when it comes to lack of C points with only 379 between them, time to up the R points too! Keep going Year 10.

Year 11

Year 11 focused well in their off-timetable Revision Boost Day to prepare them for their exams.

They also had their last round of mock exams in the main hall before the real thing - an experience that, I hope, sets them up to achieve their best in the summer!

Despite R-Points being hard earned in Year 11, 11Z have stormed into first place with a whopping Conduct Score of 2006!

Year 12

Year 12 continue to set a good example to the rest of the school with a solid performance in recognition points and very low number of consequence points. Congratulations to Lizy who gained the most individual points again this term and 12C who led with the form points.

Year 13

Congratulations to Alys who has achieved the most recognition points this term. Well done to 13B who are in the lead for the year 13 forms by 40 points. Keep going Year 13 as you navigate the last term of school!

2024 Goal Setting Planner

Tooled Up

If you haven’t signed up to ‘tooled up’ yet I urge you to. We subscribe to a library of resources for parents designed to boost children’s resilience, self-esteem and mental health to help them thrive throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Go to www.tooledupeducation.com/register.
Fill in your name, email address and chosen password.
Add your unique school PIN. Our PIN is JCS2206

If you already have an account, simply log in here using your email address and password. If you forget your details, use the reset password function to reset your account.

If you ever need assistance, contact the Tooled Up team, who will be happy to help: support@tooledupeducation.com.

Once you are logged in, click on the Resources button in the top left corner to discover the vast library of evidence-based support at your fingertips

Easy Chocolate Mocktail

Eaton Mess Easter Eggs

Current Job Vacancies - with flexible working patterns

Do you know of any one who would like to join the John Colet School. We have vacancies for a Cover Supervisor, Teacher of Mathematics, Teacher of Science, Teacher of English and Keyholder.

Full Job Descriptions are available on the John Colet School website. These can be found under 'About' tab on the 'Vacancies' section of the website.

Free School Meals

If your circumstances have changed recently and you think you are eligible for free school meals please get in touch via pupilpremium@johncolet.co.uk and we can complete a simple check for you.

Lost Property

We have numerous items of lost property including coats, shoes, trainers, water bottles and food tech containers/equipment. If you are missing any items, please ask your child to visit Student Welfare Officer's office. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of term.

Please can I ask that your child's name is put on everything. Thank you.

This is a quick and easy way to help with fundraising for
John Colet School.

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