Head Teacher's Message

Thank you to the whole school community for your support and understanding these past few days as we have dealt with an incredibly challenging and frustrating situation. Making the decision for all students to remain at home for remote learning was not one the Senior Leadership and the Trust Board made lightly - and we had to make it at short notice. Due to unprecedented staff shortages we could not safely open the school to students. I appreciate that this may have caused additional challenges to parents and carers who may also have had to make decisions at short notice; and I thank you for your understanding. The students have reverted to remote learning seamlessly and again my thanks go to the teaching staff, who continue to show such incredible flexibility and adaptability.

Whilst we have had groups of Year 7 and Year 8 students back on site yesterday and today, we look forward to the majority of the school returning to the site on Monday 28 June. Certain groups of students are still self-isolating until the middle of next week - please check your emails for the correct date of return. An SMS reminder has also been sent out today.

As per my message in last week's newsletter, whilst face coverings in school have not been mandated by the Department for Education; I would strongly encourage students to wear a face covering whilst moving around the communal areas in the school.

As we start the last 3 weeks of this academic year, there is a lot to be positive about and to celebrate. Some events/activities have been given the green light in accordance with all government guidelines and we are excited to be able to proceed with: horse riding for enrichment, a trip to the Globe, adapted Sports Days; and our end of term celebrations - to name just a few.

Thank you for your continuing support, it is much appreciated and valued.

Ms K Dooley

Alice in Wonderland

Exciting news! After many delays and setbacks we are pleased to share that a reduced production of Alice in Wonderland will be available to watch virtually from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 July. The link will be shared nearer the time and you will be able to watch the stream at any time during those 3 days. The students have worked exceptionally hard to adapt the performance from last year's sadly cancelled event; and we hope that you will take the time to watch and enjoy their hard work.

School Street

A gentle reminder that Egerton Road is part of Richmond Council's 'School Street' programme and that we actively encourage students to walk or cycle to school rather than be dropped off by car.

A School Street is where a road with a school temporarily closes to reduce vehicular traffic during the school's opening and closing times, to enhance the safety of school children.

There are many benefits of Schools Streets including keeping the area outside the school gates free of congestion, reducing idling vehicles and potentially improving air quality, encouraging active travel to school, aiding social distancing, creating a pleasant and calm atmosphere at the start and end of the school day and, of course, improving road safety.

During the national lockdown in January/February 2021 the operation of School Street schemes in Richmond was paused. To give people time to experience the scheme and give us their views, the closing date for this consultation has been extended from 12 April to 30 June 2021. Please do take the time to respond to the consultation - this is your chance to share your views and to hopefully support the continuation of the scheme.

FoRTS News

We hope everyone is well in what has been a difficult week, and that those having to isolate have not found this too much of a challenge.

The Big PTA Summer Raffle

We thank you so much again for all your support in the Big PTA Raffle. Tickets have sold beyond our expectations, and the more tickets we can sell, the more money we will raise, a real boost to our funding in this difficult year. It’s now only 17 days until the first draw, but there’s still time to buy your tickets here and you’ll have 12 chances to win up to £5,000! Tickets are £3, and for every ticket sold, FoRTS receives 50% of the ticket price. Thank you, and good luck! Please feel free to share with friends and family.

AmazonSmile, easyfundraising and Virgin Money Giving

Thank you to everyone who shopped on Amazon Smile over the Prime days supporting Friends of RTS. Thanks also to our new supporters. You can still sign up at AmazonSmile and continue to raise funds at no cost to yourself.

You can also turn your everyday online shopping into FREE donations at easyfundraising. Easyfundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping fundraising site, with 4700+ retailers to shop with...It's simple to use and it's free.

Remember, you can make direct donations to FoRTS via our Virgin Money Giving page, or use the “Just Giving” button on the RTS website.

Second Hand Uniform Donations and Sales

As we come to the end of the school year, you will no doubt have uniform that has been outgrown, and sadly little worn. A reminder that you can make donations by emailing fortsuniform@rts.richmond.sch.uk (please do not take directly into school). Once this has been processed, items will be re-sold on oldschooluniform.co.uk, with any funds raised going to FoRTS. We thank you for your support.

To contact FoRTS at any time, please email forts@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Second Hand Uniform Donations email fortsuniform@rts.richmond.sch.uk

Second Hand Uniform Sales oldschooluniform.co.uk

Local News - Please note RTS does not endorse items included as Local News

Term Dates 2020-2021

Full term dates and Inset day information is available on the website:

• Last day of Summer term for students: Friday 16 July 2021