Christmas 2021 Arrangements

Letter to all school students / parents / carers/ guardians and staff                       

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to thank you for your support and cooperation during the last term here at Ormiston SWB. Once again, it has been a testing time for all of us. As we move into the closing weeks of this term and approach a new year, I would like to take the opportunity to share with you some key dates and reminders outlined below.

Save the Children Fund – National Christmas Jumper Day – Friday 10th December

Students are allowed to wear their Christmas jumper, (in addition to their full uniform, with blazers optional) on Friday 10th December for a £1 donation to Save the Children Fund.

Christmas Dinner – Thursday 16th December

A free Christmas Dinner will be served to all students and staff (over 1300 meals!) on Thursday 16th December.  All students have the opportunity to receive the free lunch served by the Senior Leadership Team and our fantastic kitchen staff. If for any reason your child is unable to attend through illness or COVID isolation please email [email protected] to arrange for a Christmas lunch to be available for collection between 1200 & 1300 from the academy reception.

Last day of term. Christmas Mufti (non-uniform) day & early close – Friday 17th December

On Friday 17th December, we will be holding a non-uniform day (Christmas themed if students wish to). Students should bring a £1 donation to raise funds for local charities. As usual, we will close a little earlier on the final day. Lessons and activities at the academy will end from 1215. There will be no lunch provided during the day, however brunch/snacks will be available during break time.

Inclement Weather

In snowy and icy weather, the academy will make a decision in relation to the health and safety of the students and staff on the site. A decision is always made as early as possible and will be placed on the website, through a text message, Instagram, Twitter and the local radio stations.

Expectations

I wanted to say thank you to parents and carers for their support in meeting our uniform expectations this term. I would like to also remind parents about our uniform rules. It is not acceptable if a student is wearing extreme/heavy makeup and/or extreme hairstyles (no dyes or tramlines) HAIR MUST ONLY BE NATURAL COLOURS AND NO EXTREME STYLES OR TRAMLINES.

Only one piercing is allowed in each ear, no facial piercings are allowed in the academy. In addition, ‘skinny’ trousers, leggings or jeans/chinos style of trousers are not acceptable. Also, a reminder that footwear must be black polishable shoes. For SWB6 students we expect appropriate business dress, including a blazer style jacket at all times and their lanyard.

A reminder that all parents and carers should now have access to Class Charts, please check notes on a student’s profile detailing anything you need to keep track of, or any communication that we think you need to be aware of. .  If you still do not have your class charts code, please could you let us know so we can forward this to you.

Can you also please support the academy by ensuring every student is fully prepared every day for the new term with the following equipment: Face mask, school bag, reading book, academy planner, pencil case, pen, ruler and eraser – Lockers are available upon request. Please don’t hesitate to ask for a locker.

Next Year

On Tuesday 4th January 2022 there will be an INSET day, as scheduled and the academy will be closed to students. The Academy will begin to re-open to students from Wednesday 5th January 2021. (Please check carefully which year groups below.)

Due to the latest government guidance all students will be tested upon their return, in the New Year. The staggered return schedule for testing is outlined below. Consent form to follow via text and/or email.

Wednesday 5th January          (SWB6, Year 11 and Year 10 to return)

Year 11                                    Arrival time 0840

Year 10                                    Arrival time 1120

SWB6                                        Arrival time 1300 (No lunch will be provided)

Thursday 6th January               (Year 7 and Year 9 to return)

SWB6, Year 11, Year 10            Arrival time 0840

Year 9                                      Arrival time 0900

Year 7                                      Arrival time 1120

Friday 7th January                    (All students to return at 0840 except Year 8)

Year 8                                      Arrival time 0900

I can also confirm that the academy will be closed on Friday 29th April 2022, this is the day we will be taking for the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday.

Safeguarding and support

We are currently creating our Christmas Hampers with items donated by academy staff, these will be delivered to winning families in the final week of term.

If you find you are in need of support over the Christmas period and need to contact services for help, please use the numbers below.  Please remember that if you have any immediate concerns about a child, young person, or a family during this period, please contact the Police immediately on 999.  You will also receive an information guide from the Safeguarding team in the last week of term. This will signpost you to a range of support, from food banks to mental health and well-being support.  

Useful Phone Numbers are as follows: 

Social Care Wolverhampton:   01902 555392 (Out of hours 01902 552999)

Social Care Dudley: 0300 555 0050 (Out of hours 0300 555 9574)

Sandwell daytime and Out of Hours: 0121 569 3100

Police: 101 if not an emergency, 999 if an emergency

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. As ever, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any issues or concerns. Please have a wonderful Christmas, plus a safe, peaceful and relaxing New Year with your families.

Yours sincerely,

W R Hughes

Principal.