PARENT HANDBOOK 2012/2013

Dear Parent/Carer Welcome to Christs School. We are delighted that you have entrusted us with your childs education and you can be certain that we will do all in our power to ensure that his/her time with us is enriching and successful. We are a small community where every pupil is valued and has an important role to play in the life of the school. Our aim is provide all our pupils with an outstanding education so that they leave us equipped with the best possible academic qualifications and an understanding of themselves, the world and his/her place in it. However we cannot achieve this without your support. This handbook forms the basis on which the home / school partnership is founded. In it you find a wealth of information about the school. Please do read it so you are familiar with the information. We also ask that you discuss this handbook with your son/daughter. We look forward to a productive, fulfilling and successful partnership together. Yours sincerely,

Richard Burke Headteacher

CHRISTS SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to be a Church of England school where each individual is valued; their needs met and their skills and talents celebrated. Our young people are expected to achieve their potential and be suitably prepared for adult life in the twenty first century within a culture of respect and responsibility founded upon Gospel values.

Why Do We Have A Parent Handbook?

Research has shown that parental involvement in a childs education is a key to success. On first joining secondary school pupils settle in more quickly and successfully if they and his/her parents/carers are clear in advance how the school works and what is expected of the pupils and his/her parents. Before writing this handbook we consulted parents of pupils currently in the school to find out what information they feel you need to know as a parent/carer of a pupil at Christs School. We welcome your feedback. Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require any further information or clarification of anything detailed in this handbook or the student diary, which will be issued to your child in September. Your first point of contact should be your daughter/sons form tutor. You can contact them directly by email or by phoning the school office.

This handbook is set out as an A to Z guide to Christs School Attendance

Good attendance is the key to success at secondary school. If your child is not in school not only will they miss what is taught that day but they will struggle to keep up in the following lessons. One day off can have repercussions for weeks. The government has set 94% as the minimum acceptable attendance rate. At first glance that might appear a good rate of attendance but in fact studies have revealed the following impact on a childs education. If a pupils attendance is above 93% they have a 73% chance of getting 5 A* C grades at GCSE. If attendance is below 90% they have only a 27% chance of getting 5 A*-C grades. 90% attendance means your child is missing 1 day in 10.

If for any reason your childs attendance falls below 94%, we will need to follow this up with you and it is likely to be taken up with the Education Welfare Service. If your child is absent it is essential that you contact us at the earliest opportunity. Until you tell us your child is unable to come to school that day we have to assume that they have gone missing on the way to school. The school will text and phone the parents of children who have not arrived at school. What to do if your child is unable to come to school 1. Phone the school on 0208 940 6982 and press 1 to leave a message or you can phone directly our Attendance Officer Kate Montagu on 020 8429 9675 Alternatively you can email: attendance@christs.richmond.sch.uk or kmontagu@christs.richmond.sch.uk 2. Please write a note in the students school diary upon his/her return to school so the form tutor has written confirmation of the reason for the absence.

Beating the Bullies

Any behaviour that makes a person feel inferior, insulted, isolated, intimidated or hurt is bullying. Bullying behaviour could be shown by an individual or a group. Bullying exists in every school to some extent but it is not tolerated at all at Christs. We work together as a community to prevent it. All incidents of bullying will be recorded and dealt with by the Head of Year. When bullying is proven, the parents of all concerned will be contacted. Restorative approaches and reconciliation will be used if this is seen to be appropriate. Heads of Year will alert staff about incidents of bullying to raise staff vigilance to ensure that it does not continue. We will work with the bully to change his/her behaviour. However if there is no change, consequences will be applied as described in the Behaviour for Learning policy. Students are encouraged not to put up with bullies; they will be encouraged to tell someone in authority.

Behaviour for Learning

Visitors to Christs frequently comment on the orderly and purposeful atmosphere of the school. To support this we have the following code of conduct and sanctions that have been drawn up by staff and the student council. Christs Code of Conduct These codes have been put together from the ideas of staff and students. Every member of the school has played a part in creating them; therefore, every member of the school has a responsibility to see them carried out. This is the minimum expectation. Classroom Code To learn and achieve effectively in your lessons, we should: Arrive at lessons calmly, on time, dressed properly and equipped to learn. Listen carefully to the each other and follow instructions. Show respect and courtesy to everyone. Take care of our learning environment. Corridor Code Thank you for Treating everyone with respect and courtesy. Walking quietly on the left hand side. Going straight to your next lesson. Eating only at break times in the canteen or at the tables outside, Only going to your lockers before school, break times or just before afternoon lessons. Using the Student Office at break or lunch times. Respecting the school building and environment so we keep our school clean and tidy. Canteen Code Thank you for Queuing up sensibly. Selecting your food quickly and politely with your account topped up to ease payment. Sitting down to eat your food. Not taking plates/ cutlery or hot food/drinks out of the canteen. Returning plates and cutlery to the clearing area/ recycling as appropriate. Putting all rubbish in the bin.

By keeping to these codes, you present yourself and the school in the best possible light. You also play your part in making sure that the highest quality of teaching and learning is able to take place.

Classroom procedures: C1: C2: C3: First verbal warning (name on board) Second warning resulting in a lesson (name ticked) 10 minute detention that afternoon with form tutor Half-hour hour detention the following night (name ticked twice) Note of detention recorded on SIMS and student to make a note in the planner and teacher to initial. You must ensure that you include a comment on SIMS as to why the detention has been given. C4: One hour detention the following night (name ticked three times) Note of detention recorded on SIMS and student to make a note in the planner and teacher to initial. You must ensure that you include a comment on SIMS as to why the detention has been given.

Calendar

Term Dates September 2012- July 2013

Autumn Term

Monday 3rd Sept. 2012 (Staff Inset) Tuesday 4th Sept. 2012 (Year 7 Only) Wednesday 5th Sept. 2012 (Whole School) Monday 3rd Sept. 2012 Friday 21st Dec. 2012

Half term: Spring Term Half term:

Monday 29th Oct. 2012 Friday 2nd Nov. 2012

Monday 7th January 2013 Thursday 28th March 2013 Monday 18th Feb Friday 22nd Feb 2013

Summer Term Half term:

Inset days

Monday 15th April 2013 Wednesday 24th July 2013 Monday 27th 31st May 2013

Thursday 1st September 2013

*Plus additional inset days to be confirmed

Canteen
The canteen is open before school, at break and at lunch serving a range of hot and cold foods that are prepared on site. Everything sold in the canteen is prepared in accordance with the government guidelines on healthy eating. The meal deal which consists of a main course and pudding costs 2.20. Other popular dishes are pizza, baked potatoes and sandwiches. The canteen runs on a cashless finger print recognition system. Money can be paid into your childs lunch account at reception with cash, cheque or online.

10

Careers Education and Guidance

The Careers Information, Advice and Guidance programme (CIAG) is designed to meet the needs of students at this school and is provided as an integral part of the schools overall approach to pupil development, welfare and guidance. The programme of activities runs through years 7-11 and helps students make decisions and plan his/her future, both in school and after they leave. Elements of the programme are delivered in subjects such as Citizenship and RE, in addition there are designated days throughout the year and many extra curricular opportunities such as university visits and work experience with a careers focus. In Years 9, 10 and 11 there are specific information evenings for parents and students on choosing options, work experience and college applications. Christs School also works closely with the Careers service and all students have access to professional guidance from Denise McMillan who is the Careers Advisor for students attending Christs School.

Charging for Activities

Parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions towards the cost of a range of activities that take place during the school day such as visits and practical lessons involving the purchase of ingredients and /or materials. We aim to ensure that no student will be excluded from an activity because of the cost. Parents should contact the Head teacher in confidence if they need financial assistance. However, if insufficient students are able to contribute, the full range of trips, visits and activities may not take place.

Christs School Chaplaincy

Christs School is welcoming and inclusive of all students whatever his/her religious affiliation. As a voluntary aided Church of England school Christs has a part-time Chaplain the Rev. Ruth Scott. Ruth comes in to school 3 days a week. There are 2 main strands to her work. She provides pastoral support for students, staff and, where appropriate, parents/carers. She also works to develop the spiritual life of the school through termly services, assemblies, and various projects agreed with the teaching staff. She is beginning to work with a group of students and staff to plan future activities. The Chaplaincy aims through its work to help develop each students understanding of what it means to be human and live creatively in a complex world, how diversity can be a source of celebration rather than conflict, how we can flourish as individuals when were part of a loving, dynamic community What a difference we can make to the lives of people in need through service and the support of different charities. Ruth can be contacted at rscott@christs.richmond.sch.uk.

CYCLE FACILITIES
There are two lockable, covered, bicycle storage areas available for students and staff. The cycle racks are locked at 8:30am and unlocked at 3pm. Pupils coming to school by bike must wear a cycling helmet.

11

Contacting Staff
All staff can be contacted by email. Email addresses can be found on the school website

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mr R Burke Mrs H Dixon Mrs S Kieran Mrs G Bean Mrs V McGrail Mr J Butler Mr J Edwards Headteacher Deputy Headteacher (part-time) Acting Deputy Headteacher Assistant Head (Maternity Leave) Assistant Headteacher Acting Assistant Headteacher Business Manager

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF STRUCTURE

ART & TECHNOLOGY

Mrs G Bean Mrs. V Busby Ms M Conteh Mr R McPaul Ms S Perkins Mr D Pearce Mr J Gray Mrs A Botta ENGLISH Mrs K Blair Ms K Moran Mrs C Lorenz Ms J Randall HUMANITIES Ms R Hoyle Mr J Butler Ms H Harris Mr P Roderick Mr M Spicer Ms K Taylor Mr M Williams MATHEMATICS & ICT Mr L Hartnett Claire Sherborne Ms M Stewart Mr J Raisin Mr R Burke Mr T Bradley Resistant Materials, AHT (Maternity Leave) Textiles (part time), Food Technology Art Textiles Resistant Materials (part-time) Technician (part time) Food Technician (part time) Subject Leader Drama & English English: D of E Leader English & Drama History and Subject Leader Citizenship History PACE & Geography Geography PACE & RE RE HOY 10 IAG & Work Related Learning Co-ordinator

Subject Leader Mathematics Advanced Skills Teacher ICT Headteacher Mathematics

MODERN LANGUAGES Mrs V McGrail Assistant Headteacher, Subject Leader Mrs H Dixon Deputy Headteacher (part-time) Ms J Campa Teacher (part-time) Ms E Taber Teacher

12

MUSIC Mr P Wilson PACE Ms K Taylor Ms C Harris Mr P Roderick

Subject Leader Subject Leader (part-time) 14 19 Co-ordinator PACE Teacher

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr M Morris Subject Leader Ms S Bromly Teacher (part-time) Mr M Greenwood Teacher (part-time) Ms C Needham Teacher Mrs H Jackson School Sports Coordinator Mr D Sedour GTP (Graduate Teacher Programme) SCIENCE Mr R Khodabacksh Mrs A Mbanefo Ms T Levien Mrs G Young Mr J Baldwin Mrs G Holton Ms A Ganesh LEARNING SUPPORT Mrs A Panesar Mrs K Kisby Mrs L Crayton Ms S Geoffrey Ms G Burridge Ms C Hillier Mrs E Godliman Ms T McWilliam Mrs J Parmiter Miss H Brown Mrs L Towers Mrs A Gillum Ms C Gleisner Mrs A Shafiee Mr L Scott Mr M Morandi Mrs P Kelynack COVER SUPERVISORS Ms S Bartlett Mrs C Rogers Mr J Cyrus LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE Mrs B Bell Librarian EXTENDED LEARNING CO-ORDINATOR Ms S Brown (part-time)

Subject Leader Teacher (part- time) Teacher (full-time) Teacher (part-time) GTP (Graduate Teacher Programme) Senior Science Technician Science Technician (part-time) Learning Support Assistant HLTA (Higher Learning Teaching Assistant) Learning Support Assistant HLTA Head of Year 7 (joint) Learning Support Assistant HLTA Head of Year 7 (joint) Learning Support Assistant HLTA Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant (part-time)

13

CHAPLAINCY Rev R Scott SUPPORT STAFF Mr J Edwards Ms K Humberstone Mrs L Duckworth Mrs A Mylles Mr J Hughes Mrs H Gill Mr B Donovan Mr M Ridley Mrs J Ralph Mrs K Montagu Mrs K Tullick Ms M Skinns

Chaplain (part-time) Business Manager PA to Headteacher (HOY 10) Receptionist; PA to Ms F Walsh Office Manager; PA to Mrs H Dixon (part-time) Domestic Bursar Finance Officer IT Manager IT Technician H.R./Student Administrator (part-time) Welfare/Attendance Officer Admissions/Administrator Learning Support Administrator

The school website: www.christs.richmond.sch.uk

14

Diary Your child will be issued with a diary at the start of the academic year. It is essentially for recording homework but is also a source of much useful information. It should contain a copy of your childs timetable and list homework, merits, cautions, notes of things to remember etc. The diary must be brought into school every day and signed each week by both form tutor and parent. If the diary is lost or forgotten a day sheet can be purchased from the student office (10p) until either a new diary is purchased (5) or the old diary is found. Pupils are required to buy a new diary if the missing one has not been found within one week.

Equipment This is what your son/daughter should bring into school every day. Reading Book 2 pens (blue or black) 2 pencils Rubber Long ruler Pencil sharpener Coloured pencils Stick of glue Individual subjects might require additional materials. (e.g. angle measurers in Maths)

15

Extra-curricular Activities
Chess/Games in Library Tuesday lunchtimes Science club Will be starting in mid October for Years 7 and 8 Choir - Monday 3.15 to 4.30 and Thursday lunchtimes Orchestra Wednesday lunchtimes Music technology club Fridays after school A range of sporting activities including Archery

Many informal music ensembles also rehearse at lunchtimes and after school This is a taster of some of the extra-curricular activities available. This is subject to change and you will be kept informed.

16

Fund Raising
As a Christian school we believe that it is our duty to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Each year we raise money for charities that the pupils chose to support. Fund raising activities happen particularly during Advent and Lent. Recently we have raised money for 5 Talents, Momentum, Sports Relief, Spear Hostel and Shooting Star Childrens Hospice. During the academic year of 2011/2012. a member of our staff has been in South America to provide support at a childrens orphanage and to help build toilet and washing facilities for a family. So far, Christs School has donated 5000.00 towards the cost of the build.

Governing Body Foundation Governors

Fr P Bevan Mr M Brecknell Ms A Greenwood Ms L Poole Mr A Saunders Mr M Steel Associate Governors Mr R Burke Mrs H Dixon Mrs F Walsh Mr J Crook

Parent Governors
Mr M Houghton Brown Mrs S Mitchell Mrs M Moss Staff Governors Post Vacant Sara Geoffrey George Young

17

Homework
Pupils should use his/her diaries to record homework. The use of these diaries will be checked by the Form Tutor. In Year 7, PACE homework is set each week. There is also an additional piece of homework set by PACE, which focuses on developing Literacy. There is Homework Club Monday-Thursday in the Learning Support Department 34pm. All pupils are welcome and there are members of staff present to help with homework if it is needed. The room is equipped with computers which can be used for research.

Inclusion
Every child has a right to an education in his or her community. Christs is an inclusive, caring community where all children are valued and can learn to do the best of his/her ability. We provide an environment where all children, whatever his/her level of ability, are able to learn with the support of his/her teachers, families, peers and friends. Any child might need different or additional support at some time during his/her education. This might be because they: are having some difficulties getting going with reading or writing; have a disability or identified special educational need; have experienced a traumatic event in his/her lives; have been unwell for a period of time.

This support will be confidentially discussed and agreed with the childs parents/carers. Most parents are very supportive of inclusion. Some may feel anxious about the possible impact on his/her child. When carrying out inspections Ofsted has found that truly inclusive schools are better for all students. Children learn to be tolerant of each other, to empathise and to have role models. This prepares them for the world beyond secondary school.

What can parents do?

Parents attitudes to inclusion will have an enormous influence on a childs developing understanding of the world. As a parent you are in a unique position to provide a positive role model for your child. You can do this by: Making sure your child understands that all people are different and everyone should be valued for who they are. Helping your child to understand that some of the language they will hear in games, jokes or repeated comments may be insulting and hurtful to others. Telling your child about positive role models from all sections of the community Teaching your child to be patient and tolerant Helping your child to know that teasing and bullying are not acceptable Praising your child for showing kindness and respect to others Talking to your child about what makes him or her exceptional so that he/she can celebrate his/her uniqueness as well as that of others

Children can support inclusion by:

Helping to make sure no-one in the class feels left out; Setting good examples to others; Not taking part in bullying, and reporting bullying if it occurs; Knowing who to talk to if they are worried or concerned.

18

Lost Property
Lost property is held opposite the student office. However, unless property is clearly marked it is very difficult to return it to its owner. Please mark all items with your childs name. We recommend you use woven name tapes as these do not wash off and are easy to read. Such name tapes are easily purchased from John Lewis and other retailers.

Maintenance and School Fund

As a voluntary-aided school, the Governing Body are responsible for maintenance of the buildings, which are covered by an insurance policy, the premium of which is paid for by parental subscription. Each year, parents are requested to make a donation which covers the subscription to the Maintenance Scheme, improvements to the buildings and infrastructure and towards the School Fund.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in lessons. If a pupil is seen using a phone in a lesson it will be confiscated and they will be required to do a C3 detention the following day after school. They will be able to retrieve the phone from the student services office after the detention has been completed.

Monitoring (Academic)
There are two academic review sessions a year which give you and your child the opportunity to discuss your childs progress and well-being.

Parental Support of Pupils

When they first join us many pupils find getting themselves ready for school is a challenge. In the first few weeks at least we recommend that you check they have all the correct books and equipment ready the night before to avoid panic in the morning when they cant find his/her tie of both school shoes! Check his/her bag for letters that are for you. Remind them that you need to sign his/her diary each weekend. Check they dont forget his/her lunch money.

Parents Evenings
To be confirmed Parents evenings run from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. You will receive a letter about your childs meeting a week or two before the event.

PTA
We have a thriving PTA at Christs. They organise a range of fund raising events throughout the school year. Events include the grand fireworks night with Christmas market, the quiz night, a stand at the Richmond May fair and the end of year picnic. The PTA also provides refreshments at concerts and other evening events. They are currently trying to establish a representative for each tutor group. They will be looking for new members at the induction evening and the new parents evening in September. If you would like to contact the PTA email Elizabeth Mends: emends63@gmail.com They are also going to encourage parents to join the year 7 contact lists next year to encourage friendships between parents as well as pupils.

19

Pupil Groupings
Each pupil is placed in a mixed ability tutor group on arrival at school and can expect to stay in this group until the end of Year 11. They are taught in mixed ability groups unless a subject wishes to teach in sets. The timetable will indicate the groupings for different subjects.

Punctuality
It is essential that lessons start punctually and that they are not disrupted by late arrivals. Any pupil arriving 5 minutes or later for a lesson without a valid excuse will receive a 30 minute detention the following day after school.

School Council
Each tutor group elects 2 form representatives each year. The form reps attend school council meetings approximately every 3 weeks. At these meetings any issues or ideas the pupils have can be aired and discussed. The councils opinions are consulted on many school initiatives. Recently behaviour for learning sanctions have tightened at his/her request. They have contributed to the discussions about the canteen and what is served in it, They have contributed to the discussion about proposed changes to the school uniform. They helped design the summer polo shirt. They choose the charities that we support each year. The council goes on an annual visit to City hall in London where they meet council members from other Richmond schools and learn about how the Greater London Council works.

20

School Day Timetable

SCHOOL DAY 8.30 8.40 8:40 9:30 09:30-10:20 10:20-10:40 10:40-11:30 11:30-12:20 12.20-13.00 13:00-13:50 13.50-14.40 14.40-15.00 Registration and Tutor Time Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Break time Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lunch time Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Registration and Assembly

CONDENSED DAYS You will be advised in advance of the timings for these days.

21

Senior Leadership Team Mr Richard Burke - Headteacher - rburke@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Helen Dixon - Deputy Head - hdixon@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Sarah Kieran - Deputy Head - skiernan@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Vicki McGrail - Assistant Head - vmcgrail@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mr James Butler Assistant Head - jbutler@christs.richmond.sch.uk Tutors YEAR LEADER YEAR 7 - Mrs K Brown/Mrs L Crayton YEAR LEADER YEAR 8 Mrs K Brown/Mrs L Crayton YEAR LEADER YEAR 9 Mr Spicer YEAR LEADER YEAR 10 Ms K Humberstone YEAR LEADER YEAR 11 Mr M Williams

22

Uniform
Christs School has a strict uniform policy. (Please see School Uniform Policy below) We believe this helps students take a pride in his/her appearance and promotes a positive image of our school. Pupils are expected to wear the full uniform tidily at all times. Trainers or any type of canvas shoes are not acceptable as school shoes. Trousers should be normal school trousers: denim or cord type material is not acceptable. All students must wear the approved school uniform that is sold through the school uniform shop via the school website. Royal Blue Blazer with school badge Black school trousers Collared white shirt/blouse School tie (clip on type for years 7 & 8 compulsory) School blue V neck pullover with yellow stripe around the neck Formal black shoes - no high heels, training shoes or any type of canvas shoes Dark socks Navy blue pleated skirt (no more than 4cm above the knee) If a skirt is worn then socks can be black or white, short or long; alternatively black or navy blue tights may be worn. Plain sky blue (or with gold band) jersey Navy shorts White polo shirt Sky blue shorts School track suit (optional) Sky blue polo shirt with School logo

All students

Girls PE kit

Summer Uniform

All outer clothing, such as coats, hoodies, hats and caps etc. should be removed upon entering the school.

23

School Uniform Policy

Why Christs School supports the wearing of school uniform:
We believe that there are a number of good, common-sense reasons why our pupils should wear school uniform. They include: 1. Dressing for the occasion: One of the lessons learned while growing up is that people dress differently for work and for leisure. We ask our pupils to leave his/her leisurewear and sports gear for the evenings and weekends and to dress suitably for his/her work as pupils at the school. When they start work, most pupils will be asked to wear clothing especially suited to the job. Often employers send for a reference on former pupils and ask about his/her appearance (which is ranked as important as attendance and timekeeping). 2. Reducing differences: Although some parents can afford to buy his/her children the latest in casual or sportswear, many cannot. If all our pupils come to school in school wear, these differences are much less obvious. Uniform gives pupils an equality of appearance which discourages competition. 3. Cost: It costs less to buy items of school wear than to buy the latest fashion in casual or sportswear. 4. A sense of belonging: Christs School is a small school with a long and proud tradition. We think that dressing in school colours helps pupils to feel that they belong to the school and to think and act like students. In addition, school uniform encourages school discipline and a more positive attitude towards work amongst pupils. 5. Security: If all of our pupils wear school uniform, it is much easier to spot intruders quickly. The provision of a safe environment for our young people must be a priority for us all. 6. School Reputation: Rightly or wrongly, the public judge our school to some extent by the appearance of our pupils. We are anxious that we create a good impression and that our pupils (and his/her parents!) receive the credit that they deserve. What will happen if a pupil wears unacceptable clothing to school? It is the responsibility of all staff to challenge the pupils who are not wearing school uniform. This applies at all times throughout the day. On a more formal basis, checks are carried out every morning and afternoon by pupils tutors. Pupils found wearing unacceptable items during such a check (or indeed noticed at any time) will be: reminded of the need for co-operation asked to report next day wearing acceptable clothes

24

Continuing lack of co-operation will lead to the above and also: parents will be contacted to discuss our concerns and request his/her support with our uniform policy If this fails to resolve the difficulty, the pupil will be subject to the BFL sanctions which include detention, internal isolation and Saturday detention The following points should also be noted: a pupil not wearing school uniform may be sent home to change if he/she lives close to the school and a member of the family is at home the school distinguishes between the pupil who is deliberately flouting the school dress code, and the pupil who is temporarily not wearing uniform because of temporary financial difficulties at home full school uniform is also part of the Christs School contract which is signed by both pupils and parents/guardians How parents/guardians can help: Ensure that your son/daughter come to school properly dressed each day and buy them, or get them to buy, items of clothing suitable for school. If there is a reason on a particular day for your son or daughter not wearing uniform, then simply provide a note explaining the situation. We hope that by working together with parents we can provide the highest possible standards at our school.

25

Valuables
Valuable items such as iPods should not be brought into school. The school can not be held responsible for such items if this rule is ignored and valuable items are lost or damaged. Musical instruments that have to be brought in should be stored in the music block or at student services. We strongly recommend that instruments are added to your home contents insurance.

26

Year 7 in science

27

Results Day 2011 94% A*- C at GCSE

28

What to do if .. a) My child cant do his/her homework: See if one of his/her friends can help. (You will have an opportunity to join the year group phone list at the first PTA event of the academic year.) Write a note in your childs school diary to explain the problem. b) My child has left his PE kit/cooking ingredients at home. Bring them in to school. Hand them in at reception clearly marked with you childs name and tutor group c) My child has lost his school tie. It is always worth having more than one of these. Pupils will be able to buy a new tie from the student office, price: 8.00 (clip on years 7 & 8 compulsory), 7.50 ordinary tie (Years 9, 10 & 11) Check that everything for school is laid out the night before d) My childs school shoes are wet / broken / lost. Send him/her into school in non-school shoes on the day with a note in the diary from you saying when the situation will be resolved. f) My child is unhappy at school. It is very important that all our pupils enjoy his/her time at Christs. If you have any concerns about your childs welfare either socially or academically please get in touch with his/her form tutor or year head either by email (see the contact section of this handbook) or by phoning the school and leaving a voice message.

Mrs Mylles and Mrs Ralph from the student office.

29