Dear Parents/Carers
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I hope this letter finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you as always. Â
Our week got off with a bang, with a visit from Joe Wicks, the Bodycoach, who ran a HIIT session with a group of Year 7 and 8 students and spoke to them about the importance of exercise and its intrinsic link to mental health benefits - quite the coup for our school. There was also an opportunity for students to ask questions of Joe; we were impressed with the questions that students asked. The last time Joe led sessions in our school hall, was virtually during the pandemic, so it felt like a particularly lovely moment to have him here in person, for the session this week.
Year 11 exams have begun in school for many students in many subjects, such as PE practicals, Food practicals, Art practicals and MFL speaking exams. We hope Year 11 students are working hard in their own time to prepare for their GCSEs. We know it can be a potentially stressful time for students though, with lots to juggle. With that in mind, please see the websites below that offer support for students:
On Tuesday, a group of Year 10 students were invited to Birkbeck University to attend a ‘Window on the World of Work' conference organised by the World Traders (one of 110 Livery Companies of the City of London). Professionals from various fields (including Data Science, Satellite Engineering, Financial Technology, Human Resources, Public Relations, Armed Forces and Legal Healthcare) described their journeys to get to where they are now, before students were given the opportunity to ask them questions.  Students then participated in interactive workshops focusing on interview and self-presentation skills, diversity awareness, and pathways beyond school. Kelmscott students carried themselves incredibly well and engaged brilliantly. Invaluable lessons were taken away, which I'm sure Year 10 will utilise extensively as they begin to consider the next steps in their own careers post-Kelmscott.
On Wednesday, we celebrated a small selection of outstanding storytellers at our Evening of Excellence. Students performed poetry they had written, recited short stories, and showcased animations they had created. Students performed music in the interludes too. The creativity and talent on show was quite staggering, I feel very proud to lead a school that has so many talented students. The format for the evening was a pilot, next year we hope to expand the event, so that more members of our community are able to share in the evening and the talent on display.
Thursday was Kelmscott’s first ever Sustainability Day, timed to coincide with Earth Day that was on Monday. I am delighted to report it was an overwhelming success. The week started with a form time quiz that tested student's knowledge of sustainability-related issues. On Thursday students participated in our sustainability non-uniform day; seeing so many students participate by wearing brightly coloured clothes, or items with nature-based themes, was wonderful. The money raised will support the launch of a new school gardening club. Finally, many students were inspired by our two guest speakers. The first talk was Luke Cordingley who shared his experience working for Greenpeace. As part of his work, he spent many months in Antarctica raising awareness of the harm caused by commercial whalers and how their actions led to some whale species being close to extinction. Next Jack Shenker shared his experience of working as a journalist at the international climate negotiations in Dubai, UAE, and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. Jack explained how we must work to turn the tide on climate change and improve human rights. Both talks enlightened students about potential career opportunities to avert the climate crisis.Â
Our Climate Ambassadors received some more good news this week about another bid the students had put in for. Their application for the Kew Gardens Grow Wild Youth Project was successful. They will receive £500 and training to coordinate a project, in school, that will raise awareness about native species of flowers and fungi. Â
We look forward to seeing Year 10 families at Progress Evening next Thursday 2nd May, please ensure your child has booked appointments for you with all of their subject teachers. Students, if attending, should wear full school uniform as always please.
The new issue of Careermag for Parents is now available to view here. Careermag is designed to support parents to help their children with decisions about the world of work and training options - whether they'd like to go to University, do an Apprenticeship, Work Experience, BTECs or T Levels. The latest issue features careers guides on green jobs, logistics, and artificial intelligence - one of the fastest-growing employment sectors. Â
Voting has now closed for the election of Parent Governor. You will recall there are two candidates for one Parent Governor vacancy. The votes will be counted and verified by the returning officer and I will communicate the result early next week. My thanks to all those who voted and of course to our two candidates Brian Pomeroy and Thomas Burnside.
Over recent days I have had to speak to a number of students who have been seen to have metal afro combs in their uniform pocket.  As you will appreciate metal is a very unforgiving material, and as such, of great concern due to the increased risk of the student injuring themselves or others whilst carrying the comb. Metal combs, afro or otherwise, are not to be brought onto the school site. Plastic combs are an acceptable alternative. Your support is, as always, appreciated.
Finally, congratulations to the following students who topped the rewards points charts for last week, with a particular mention for Robert Basilo Jr in 8C who amassed the most points in the entire school with twenty-eight – keep up the good work.Â
Year 7 Norbert Dorbrovat 7S with 20 points
Year 8 Robert Basilio Jr 8C with 28 points
Year 9 Mathilda Eisenstein 9O with 24 pointsÂ
Year 10 Ammara Sarwar 10M with 19 points
Year 11 Rares Ciuhat 11M with 13 points
With every good wish,
Mr Sam JonesÂ
HeadteacherÂ
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