Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
Happy half term! I am sure that we are all feeling ready for an opportunity to rest at the end of a very busy half term and I do hope that, in spite of the forecasted weather, you manage to enjoy yourselves.
There has been a lot of very disturbing news in the media recently which has no doubt caused families to feel worried. Our hearts go out to those affected both in the war zones and at home and we wish for a speedy end to the violence. If children would like to talk to someone, please direct them to speak to their Deputy Head of Year or Head of Year who can arrange for some time with the school counsellor.
This week our year 7s headed off to North Wales for their residential trip and we held our first school council meeting of the year.
We look forward to another action-packed second half term. Pupils are expected to arrive through gate 6 by 8.27am at the latest on 30th October.
Have a good break.
Uniform
If you are planning on buying any new items of uniform or shoes over the holidays, please do consult our uniform policy on the website first to make sure you buy the correct items. If in doubt, please contact your child’s Head of Year who will advise.
Update from the year 7 residential trip
Science student of the term
Year 11 and 13 October half term intervention schedule
Walking workshop
On the 17th October Ealing school streets and Villiers High School took part in a walking workshop. A School Street is a short closure of the streets around the school at the start and end of the school day, during term time. This helps to make the streets a safer, quieter and more welcoming environment for those who use them for walking and cycling, in particular children on their school journey. We asked the group several questions on Villiers Road and Boyd Avenue. If you would like to be involved in the big discussion on the proposed implementation of a school street, please come along to the POP up event (open to all stakeholders) to be held at Villiers on Thursday 2nd Nov, from 2pm until 7pm. The group will be on Villiers Road, entrance via gate 6, we will use the canteen hall to discuss all the potential benefits of introducing this scheme, with Villiers being the first high school in the borough to consider such a scheme. If you cannot come to the POP up event, we would still like to hear your thoughts, you can do this by completing this survey. https://bit.ly/SS-Villiers
2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards
Pearson are now accepting entries for the 2024 National Teaching Awards. Entries must be submitted before Friday 22nd December. This award shines a spotlight on our unsung heroes, from stand-out teachers, friendly caretakers, playground helpers to brilliant office receptionists. This is the only award open to nominations from parents, carers and pupils. Send in your nomination here.
Senior Maths Challenge results
On the 3rd of October 2023, students from Year 12 and Year 13 who were studying Mathematics were selected to participate in the Senior Maths Challenge. The challenge was designed to present thought-provoking problems to both novice and experienced problem-solvers. We would like to extend our congratulations to all the students who participated in this challenge, and we would like to give a special mention to the 10 students who achieved Silver awards and the 25 students who achieved Bronze awards. We would also like to recognize Ridwanul 12V for achieving the highest score in the school and Aariz 13L for achieving the highest score in their year group.
Google 4 Doodle competition winner
Congratulations to the winner of our Google 4 Doodle competition Kinza 8E and runner up Gatisha 9I.
Design a Christmas card
The following article was written by Farhan 9V to demonstrate the prejudice scene that occurred in Noughts and Crosses:
The Heath Daily
Thousands of crosses deny access to the Noughts!
Tensions rose the enrolment of Noughts at Heathcroft school. Demonstrations erupted against Noughts outside the school, as students, parents and vocal citizens expressed their worries and annoyances.
The protest brought to light the immersive prejudices and divisions in the society. It served as a reminder of the need to deal with these problems and walk towards inclusions and equality in our educational system.
The fear of change and loss of privilege was the driving force for today’s outburst. The Crosses had long enjoyed their superiority and dominance over the noughts. The integration of Noughts threatened to disrupt their power dynamic leading to resistance from the cross students and their families.
Prejudice and discrimination manifested great anger towards Noughts. The Noughts who have been historically oppressed group faced constant immense discrimination and hostility from members of the cross community. This discrimination was fuelled by deep seeded racial hate.
The situation presents a challenging and sensitive time for both Noughts and Crosses, and we await to see Heathcroft’s solution to such education related anger.
PEP Parent Forum session
Parent/ Carers are cordially invited to join CEN’s next PEP Parent Forum session which will be about Cultural Identity & Education’ on Thursday 26th October at 6:30pm via Teams. The session will be delivered by the brilliant editor of Black History Month’s magazine 2023, Cherron Ink-Tariah MBE who will explore ‘Why our children’s cultural identity is important for their confidence in relation to their education’. Click here to register your place.
PEP Parent Forum sessions are facilitated monthly by Communities Empowerment Network in partnership with Action for Race Equality. Sessions are free to attend and are designed to inform, upskill, and empower parents like you who care about their children’s education. The forums aim to:
- Offer information, advice and guidance on issues concerning your child’s education.
- Provide you with a range of early intervention tools required to prevent issues from escalating to the point where children are excluded.
- Develop your understanding about why it is important for parents to have a collective voice and build supportive peer networks.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events! Kind regards, The PEP Team
School production rehearsals
We have now started our rehearsals for our annual school production. This year we are doing ‘When This Is Over’ by Company Three. Rehearsals are being held on a Monday and Tuesday from 3:20 until 5pm. All cast are required until half term and will continue after. A rehearsal schedule will be published, so students are aware of when they are required to attend. With the late nights drawing in, please ensure that your child is picked up from school or organise for them to walk home with peers from school.
The full cast will be required on the first week back. We look forward to you seeing the final result in February.
Dear England year 10 theatre trip
Tickets are available to purchase via Parent Pay for the year 10 GCSE Drama cohorts. Book your tickets for £20 ASAP.
Intergalactic Logo stations
DT Lego club students were asked to design intergalactic stations. If you have any unwanted Lego at home (even broken) we would love to have it.
Important Information – Free School Meals
Families who are not currently registered for free school meals but feel that they are eligible can apply using the following link here. Free school meals are available for pupils of parents or carers that receive certain benefits. Further information on the criteria for applying can be found here.
If your child is eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals, please click here for further information regarding supermarket vouchers for the October half term holiday to support
families.
School estate improvement plan
As part of the school estate improvement plan, the first phase of window replacement will start during October half term holidays . The new windows will provide greater insulation and noise reduction. The school will also be benefiting from a new canopy to be installed in the playground, this area will now benefit from additional shelter.
School Street Engagement and Consultation Newsletter for Families
The School Street survey for Villiers High School opens at the end of the week to enable the local and school community to give their views on the proposed scheme. The council will be posting letters to all properties in the area. Please find attached the newsletter regarding the School Street and pop-up events taking place in November.
National Sleep Helpline
Ealing Mental Health Support Team (Workshop for parents)
Villiers Diner
We are excited to share next week’s canteen menu with you. Please click along each slide.
Medical and allergy information
We need to ensure that our school records accurately reflect your child’s medical needs including information on any allergies. Please keep us informed of any changes to your child’s medical allergy condition(s) to ensure information is accurate and up to date on our school system.
If a student has been prescribed an Epi-Pen by their doctor, they should carry two: one to be carried on their person and the other to be provided to the welfare room in case of an emergency.
In addition, please encourage your child to check with the canteen staff for any food allergens before purchasing and to read the food labels on display.
If you have any queries, please contact the welfare officer directly via email welfare@villiers.ealing.sch.uk or by calling the school.
Food related questions can be directed to Charlie (Catering Manager) via email cparameswaran@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Students with prescription medication
A reminder that students should not be carrying any medication in school (with the exception of epi pens and asthma pumps). Any prescription medication (given by a GP) must be handed to the welfare room and a medication consent form should be completed by families for health and safety purposes. If students are feeling unwell, they must go to the welfare room and family members will be contacted if necessary.
Homeless Charity
Volunteer with the Felix Project
To continue supporting our community, the SEND team is planning a donation to help the homeless of Southall. We would like families to please contribute towards the cause. All items will be donated to the Hope for Southall Street Homeless.
Mens clothes needed (all medium sized):
• Winter Jackets
• Joggers and Hoodies
• Socks
• Trainers (sizes 8, 9, 10)
The drop off point will be in school and for more information, please contact Ms Z Rathod. The last date for collection is Wednesday 1st November 2023. Thank you for your continued support.
Volunteer with The Felix Project and join thousands of fellow Londoners in the fight against food waste and hunger. The Felix Project is London’s leading food redistribution charity and is looking for volunteers to help redistribute supplies. If you have time to volunteer, please click here to find out more.
Public Health Ealing and NHS North West London
Winter is often a time of particular pressure in the NHS and there are more coughs and sniffles around in the colder months. NHS North West London are running a campaign to raise awareness of the different NHS services that are available, and when it’s the right time to use them. This will help people get the right care when they need it and alleviate pressure on A&E.
Cycling into school
Any student cycling to school must ensure their bikes are placed in the caged bike shed.
Autumn Term extra curricular clubs timetable
We are very proud to present our vast array of enrichment offers this term. Please see the timetable for all activities taking place during lunch and after school. Encourage your child to participate in at least one club per term.
Key forthcoming dates
For our major events, please check here.
| Half term 21/10/23 – 29/10/23 | |
| 30/10/23 | Pupils through gate 6 by 8.27am |
| 31/10/23 | A Level Geography Trip – Weymouth →2nd November Year 11 Inspirational Speaker, ‘Action Jackson’. |
| 1/11/23 | Islamophobia awareness month begins |
| 2/11/23 | Pop up School Streets event: 1.50pm – 7pm Drama Trip – Dear England |
| 3/11/23 | Year 8 Heathrow Challenge (All Day) Year 11 Reading Screen |
| 6/11/23 | GCSE Resits begin and take place until 13th November Gardening Club → Southall Square Flower Bed planting UK Parliament Week |
| 7/11/23 | Years 9 & 10 St John’s Inspire Trip to St John’s College Oxford |
| 8/11/23 | Year 11 GCSE Drama Open Dress Rehearsal |
| 10/11/23 | The school will recognise Armistice Day |
Get in Touch
If you have any suggestions on how to improve the school further or any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email: info@villiers.ealing.sch.uk