Dear Parents/Carers,

We are drawing very rapidly towards the end of another eventful term at All Saints.  As many of you know there has been a considerable amount of refurbishment carried out to the entrance to the School.  Although this has caused major disruption at times the improved facility will go a long way, not only to make the entrance more attractive, but to make the building more secure and safer for the students.

As we approach Christmas I must thank you and your families for making the annual charity event for CAFOD so successful.  Yet again it will be possible to provide those less fortunate than ourselves with some very basic necessities that we so often take for granted.  Running water, basic sanitation, and education and training opportunities are funded in Third World countries and the amount we contribute makes a substantial difference to the quality of life for many people.

I have received letters of congratulation from local primary schools where some of our older students have assisted youngsters with physical disabilities and learning difficulties.  This is part of our Sports Leadership programme where students undertake to help at various events, usually of a sporting nature.  The letters all highlighted how well our students acted with great compassion and patience which is a great testament to their maturity, and a terrific accolade for the School.

Two weeks ago three Year 11 students attended the London Finals of the Eco awards at a hotel on Canary Wharf.  Although they did not win an award it is great testimony to them that they progressed so far in such a high level of competition.   Once again the name of All Saints is very favourably represented in the public arena.

I have only mentioned a few of the activities which enrich the learning experiences of the students but I feel sure you will understand if I thank all the staff, on your behalf,  who give so willingly of their free time to make these things happen.  There are many more clubs and events which are described on our website giving you much more information.  I remind you that our website is at your disposal if you feel there is something of value or importance that will benefit other members of our community.  As the usual bad weather period looms, should it be necessary to close the School, the web site will be one means of informing you, in addition to the text service and announcements on Time fm and BBC Essex radio stations.

There is a vacancy on the Board of Governors for a Parent Governor Representative.  Ballot papers will be issued next term for anyone who currently has a child at the School to be nominated as a potential candidate, with an election to follow in the event of a contest.  There are a number of Reports Evenings coming up for parents on the following Thursday evenings;
Year 11 – 14th January
Year 10 – 4th February
Year 9 – 25th February (Options Information Evening)
Year 9 – 18th March (Reports Evening)
We look forward to meeting you on the appropriate evening.

This term ends on Friday 18th December.  It will be a non-uniform day for students for which there will be no contribution required as it is a small reward for their excellent fund raising for charity.  Normal timetable and uniform will resume at
8.45p.m. on Monday 4th January 2010.

On behalf of all the staff I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and holy Christmas and thank you for your continued support throughout the past year.

Best wishes,

Kevin Wilson
(Headteacher)