As we approach the penultimate weeks of this first term of 2021, I wanted to share with you an insight into how we are continuing to support your children Pastorally. The work of our fantastic Year Coordinators and Tutors has continued throughout the term and I would like to thank you for your support and kind words of encouragement.

Our House teams led by Mr Viven (Blue), Ms Suba (Red), Ms Kanaga (Yellow) and Mr Gladwin (Green) are very excited to have begun face to face House Events this year. These will of course be classroom based and strictly follow our SOP’s and I am sure will be greeted by students enthusiastically. The Sudoku challenge for March took place on Wednesday and I can now confirm that BLUE HOUSE emerged as the winners. A big thank you to the House Coordinators and the students for their enthusiasm.

Inspired by International organisations and Leaders across the globe, the Student Council was undeterred by our period of online learning and started the term off with a number of ZOOM meetings. Now that we are back in school we have been able to hold our first face to face session and the Council are currently poised to elect their Chairpersons for 2021. It has been particularly pleasing to see new TISPC learners volunteering their time and the Student Council will continue to represent the student voice admirably throughout the year. A special mention must go to Kim Haim (Year 11) for her sterling work so far as the Council’s ‘General Secretary’.

Planning is currently underway for a Year 10 ‘Study Skills’ workshop later this year, following very positive feedback from our 2020 event. By the end of Term 1, our Year 11 students will have attended two virtual sessions with our partners at Taylor’s University/Taylor’s College and we trust that this will support learners with considering their next steps beyond IGCSE’s.

Uniform + Book supplies
Our vendor SBL have confirmed that uniform supplies are in stock via the E-store. As we seek a return to a ‘new normal’ it is important that we maintain the highest standards regarding uniform and I know that this is a key expectation from parents.

Learners are reminded that PE kit should only be worn on days where PE is a timetabled lesson.

The school does request that learners wear smart footwear to school (predominantly black shoes- no sneakers). A gentle reminder also that brightly coloured/dyed hair is not appropriate during term time. To support our House system we are planning to introduce ‘HOUSE POLO SHIRT’ Fridays and learners will be given notice of this.

Please do feel very welcome to contact the Secondary office if you have any queries regarding uniform or book supplies. We are able to contact the vendor to support your enquiry.

Lockers
I am very appreciative of questions regarding locker access. Under normal circumstances, all learners are provided with a locker but at present SOP’s impressed upon us by the MOE, do prevent us from allowing students to use the lockers. With that in mind, it is important to consider that your child should only bring to school specifically what they need for that day’s lessons. As soon as we are able to put in place an SOP for locker access, this is something we will act swiftly upon.

I am looking forward to further conversations with parents this academic year and in the meantime, the Pastoral Team will continue to give their very best in support of your children. We are certainly grateful for your continued support.

Best Regards

Mr Gary Holman
Assistant Head Teacher - Guidance