I hope this email finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you as always, as we move into the month of December.
On Tuesday afternoon, we welcomed a very engaging group of parents who are keen to improve the already excellent relationships between home and school. The parents/carers present were excited about the possibility of taking the lead and running certain future events for our community. They were also keen to get involved in the Climate Change Charter work that is taking place in school and across the borough.
On Tuesday evening, Dylan Chadwick, 10E, represented Kelmscott at the Waltham Forest final for the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. Dylan spoke confidently, eloquently and with humour, for his three-minute slot. His (slightly) tongue in cheek topic, was centred around whether there is a need for adults, as young people are more than capable of managing themselves in their everyday lives. Perhaps a topic for conversation in your homes this weekend, although I accept that this may open up a can of worms! A huge well done to Dylan though, as he did a tremendous job on the night; very impressive indeed.
Another Jack Petchey event took place last week and honoured the following Kelmscott student winners; Rosa Grant 10L, Eric Henig- Griffin 10S, Khadija Belgoufi 10K, Vlad Grativ 11M, Maggie Waterfall 11M and Natasha Ramirez- Chibebe 11M. These were well-deserved awards from students who embody Kelmscott values, we are very proud of you all.
It was fantastic to see peripatetic music teachers back in school for the first time since the pandemic, this past week; many students are taking advantage of the piano lessons on offer. Please see Mr Hill or Ms Lawrence if you would like to find out more about these opportunities.
There were some more basketball matches again this week. I talked last week about the potential the Year 10 basketball team had; they bounced back from their narrow defeat last week, to beat Leytonstone school convincingly on Monday night. They suffered defeat on Wednesday evening though against a talented Lammas side. The match was an exciting one; Lammas won the first quarter, Kelmscott the second, the third quarter was drawn and Kelmscott won the final quarter, but ultimately Kelmscott lost narrowly 54-46 across the four quarters. They are progressing very well as a team though, and have taken many positives from the loss.
Year 11 Business and Economics students enjoyed a visit to Chelsea Football Club, on Thursday, to see how the club operates as a business as well as enjoying a tour of the facilities at Stamford Bridge. The students really enjoyed the experience.
It was very nice to welcome so many Year 9 families on to the school site, on Thursday evening, for our Progress Evening; it was heartening to hear how well the vast majority of students are doing. I was also impressed with the level of thought that is already going into their option choices, which Year 9 will make in Spring. Many thanks to those that were in attendance.
A reminder to our community about the Food Bank we have in school, please email foodbank@kelmscott.waltham.sch.uk if you would like a discreet parcel of food. A reminder too about our Uniform Bank, families are welcome to collect ‘used but in excellent condition’ items of school uniform. Please email info@kelmscott.waltham.sch.uk if this could be of help to you.
As mentioned previously in my update on the 4th November - I am delighted to report that we have had four parents express interest in the three Parent Governor vacancies on our Full Governing Body. A link is being sent to parents and carer's today to the voting form which includes the personal statements of ALL FOUR candidates. Voting opens today and closes at noon on Friday 9th December 2022. We will communicate the outcome of the vote at the earliest opportunity. Our sincere thanks to all four candidates.
Finally, well done to Mary Luggie in 10K who topped the rewards points charts with an impressive thirty last week , keep up the good work.
Yours sincerely
Mr Sam Jones
Headteacher