We are fast approaching the end of a very busy but successful autumn term.
Our school show this week, High School Musical, has been absolutely fantastic. With a huge cast and incredible performances, it truly showcased the talent and dedication of our students. Congratulations to everyone involved, from the performers, the backstage crew and all of the staff for making it such a memorable event. It’s hard to believe the film came out 19 years ago. Watching the performance felt wonderfully nostalgic, even if it is hard to imagine that Zac Efron is now 38.
There has been a lot of press coverage about the impact of social media on children. You may have seen that Australia has recently banned social media for under-16s, and it will be interesting to monitor the impact of this decision. Social media can pose real dangers, such as following lethal TikTok crazes. Please make sure you know what your child is accessing online.
This week a couple of members of staff visited Birchwood High, Warrington, a school that has introduced a complete ban on mobile phone usage during the school day by implementing secure pouches. Pupils cannot access their phones until the end of the day, and they report that the impact has been remarkable: improved learning, enhanced wellbeing, and students fully concentrating without worrying about missed messages. I have mentioned this in previous correspondence as Cheshire wants to be the first county in England to impose a ban on mobile phones. This is something we are actively exploring at Alsager. For those of us who went to school in the 80s and 90s, it’s a gentle reminder that we managed perfectly well without phones during school hours.
As we head into the holidays, please keep safeguarding in mind. Make sure you know what apps and platforms your child is using and talk to them about safe behaviour online. We recommend setting clear boundaries for screen time, staying alert to social media trends, as some online challenges can be dangerous. Do check privacy settings on all accounts to ensure personal information is protected and most importantly, encourage open conversations so your child feels comfortable coming to you if something online makes them feel worried or uncomfortable. We are still spending a considerable amount of time in school dealing with issues linked to social media, and your vigilance makes a huge difference.
You may have seen the message about our former colleague Susan Downey, who has sadly passed away this week. Many of our students will have had a lot to do with Mrs Downey from her work in the LRC and in English lessons. She was a lovely woman, and we will miss her.
Next week, we have lots to look forward to. Christmas dinners will be served in Best Bite and there is a Secret Santa in the canteen. If a sticker is found on the on the base of a food pot, a prize can be claimed. A reminder to top up accounts.
We also have Tea, Toast and Talk next Wednesday, which is a great opportunity to pop in, join us for a tea or coffee, and enjoy a bite to eat. We’d love to see you there.
Finally, a couple of reminders: we finish at 12:25 next Friday, which is also our Christmas jumper day.
As always, thank you for your continued support, and whatever your plans, (definitely Christmas film time) have a lovely weekend.
“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” (William Penn)
