RTS Parents' Newsletter 04 February 2022
Head Teacher's Message
This week has been a pure joy - we hosted our first large scale event since before 2020! It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces back in school for the Year 9 GCSE Options Evening; and to speak to and engage with families in planning the next stage in their child's education. Thank you to those who were able to attend and I hope you also managed to enjoy the refreshments on offer from the new kitchen team.
Today we have also had a drop-down day for Year 9 'Be Internet Citizens'. Over 15 external visitors joined the year group from companies such as You Tube, Google and Parent Zone, to facilitate all day workshops, presentations, team working, and sessions on safer internet use. The buzz around this event was great to see and hear and we will share photos and feedback with you next week as we are still processing all that went on! I hope that those of you with Year 9s hear some of what went on first hand over the weekend!
We have also had a Maths challenge event this week and an incredible drama opportunity for our GCSE students - Ms Charles has shared more on this workshop below.
Elsewhere around the school, and in lessons, students are participating in LGBT History month for February.
Certainly a busy time for all and we look forward to what next week will bring.
Ms K Dooley
Dates for the diary
Wednesday 09 February: Year 11 Subject Teacher Evening (Remote)
Wednesday 09 February: Whole School Early finish at 14:05 (no period 5 or 6) due to Subject Evening above
Contacting the School
If you wish to contact the school, the School Office is open:
Monday-Thursday - 08:15-16:30
Friday - 08:15-15:00
Telephone: 020 8891 2985
Email: info@rts.richmond.sch.uk
Please use the Parents Communications Summary for guidance on types of query and where advice may be found/who to direct your query to.
Assembly Topics
Assemblies for the coming week and next are as follows:
LGBTQ+ figures in history
LFD Testing
LFD at Home Tests - Students
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation in continuing to encourage your child/ren to take LFD tests on Wednesday and Sunday evenings and to report the results to school (via the app on their iPad). It is important to keep the school community protected and safe.
Remember that if at anytime you need additional kits you can order them free of charge via the following link.
The Lion King - RTS Production
Saturday Rehearsal Notice.pdfRTS Intermediate Maths Challenge
A big congratulations to all of the Year 9 and 10 students who took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge on Thursday 03 February. The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice Challenge.
It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems and takes place across the world!
We had 150 students in total across the two year groups participating. We will share all certificates earned when they are available and are hoping for a continuation of our students' success in previous years. Thank you to Mr Roxburgh for organising this event.
LGBT+.pdfSporting Fixtures
Massive congratulations to the Year 11 Boys' Rugby Team for an outstanding campaign to the Middlesex final! Despite incredible teamwork and some excellent individual skill, the team were finally defeated at St James Senior Boys' School on Thursday afternoon. Mr Roberts is proud of the hard work and determination the team showed to get this far - and the whole school echoes that sentiment. Well done boys!
Drama Workshop
Ms Charles is very excited to share that Year 10 and 11 Drama GCSE students took part in a phenomenal and motivating workshop by the drama school 'iampro'. The workshop was delivered by the successful actress, Charlie Brooks (Eastenders), and inspiring director, Niall Phillips. Students were in awe and fully engaged throughout the workshop. It was amazing to see their confidence grow throughout the 90 minute session. Students left with a great feeling of self belief and self worth, stating that the workshop has enabled them to create ideas in preparation for their practical drama exams that will take place after Easter!"
FORTS NEWS
Support us as you shop online
Help us kick-start our New Year’s fundraising by signing up to easyfundraising. If we can get five new supporters by 23:59 on 06 February 2022, FoRTS will be entered into a draw to win £50. easyfundraising® is the UK’s biggest charity shopping fundraising site, it's simple to use and free. There are over 4,700 retailers to shop with, covering fashion, insurance, food & drink and travel. We also receive donations from Amazon when you use AmazonSmile.
If you prefer, you can still donate directly to FoRTS using Peoples Fundraising.
We hope to bring pictures to you soon of the items that were bought for the school last term – watch this space!
Your FoRTS Team,
Vanessa (Chair), Mark (Treasurer) and Carey (Secretary)
Safeguarding
If you have concerns in relation to a student at RTS or indeed with regards to your own child, you may want to contact Single Point of Access (SPA) which acts as a central information hub for all professional agencies in Kingston and Richmond.
Richmond and Kingston SPA
The SPA phone lines are now open as follows:
Monday-Thursday 08.00-17.15 and Friday 08.00-17.00 - the phone number during these times is 020 8547 5008
Out of hours: 020 8770 5000
Hounslow Early Help Assessment
Telephone number: 020 8583 6600
Out of hours: 020 8583 2222
Email: earlyhelp@hounslow.gov.uk
NSPCC:
Speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone number: 0808 800 5000, or text 88858
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Signvideo using British Sign Language (Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm)
COVID Pop Up Clinic
This weekend the Richmond Borough School Covid 19 Vaccination Pop Up Clinic is on Sunday 06 February 2022 at Hampton School.
The attached flyer details the Hampton School event and includes a 'clickable' booking link.
Appointments can be made online or by calling 0208 614 5306. The invitation has been extended to 16 / 17 year olds too.
Hampton School flyer V2.pdfLocal News - Please note RTS does not endorse items included as Local News
The Wild Mind
The Wild Mind Project is offering FREE emotional and mental wellbeing support in a confidential and safe green space, for the young LGBTQ+ community (aged 16-25).
During a typical session we will include conservation work or gardening, followed by a creative activity such as painting, weaving, lino-cutting or cooking on an open fire. We use this opportunity to chat and share.
“The concept is amazing, the activities are really enriching and really well thought out. The mixture of learning, creating and then sharing was really stimulating to engage my anxious mind”, a young person who attended our programme.
Importantly, the group form a supportive network of new friends that last beyond the programme.
Twickenham: The programme starts on Sun 13 February and runs for 5 weeks from 10.30am-12.30pm at Heatham House (a minutes walk from Twickenham station).
For further information please see visit our website, contact us by email or phone 01273 230102.
Young people can book a place on the programme by completing our online Booking Form or there is a Referral Form available.
LGBTQ_Twickenham_v1_22_02_2.pdfJigsaw Performing Arts - Teddington
The new term for Jigsaw Performing Arts has begun at Waldegrave School. It is not too late to sign up!
Jigsaw Arts Teddington Eleaflet- Waldegrave School.pdfEducation, employment and training newsletter
Next Steps News is Achieving for Children’s regular newsletter designed to provide young people with the latest information on local training opportunities, useful training resources, apprenticeship vacancies and other local employment opportunities.
You can find all the latest tips and guidance, virtual events and workshops around Kingston and Richmond borough, particularly aimed at young people aged 16-25.
Next Steps News aims to find something for everyone. Every issue is jam-packed with different types of vacancies and training, as AfC wants to create the most inclusive and diverse opportunities newsletter possible.
Although aimed at young people, this newsletter has also proven useful for parents and professionals working with young people by providing them with information, advice and guidance on a wide range of opportunities within the local area.
If you would like to subscribe, please click here or email Abbie Malkinson at: abigail.malkinson@achievingforchildren.org.uk.
Term Dates 2021-2022
Full term dates and Inset day information is available on the website:
Half Term - Monday 14-Friday 18 February 2022
Inset Days - Monday 21-Tuesday 22 February 2022