A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents / Carers,

I have very much enjoyed my first half term at St Paul’s Way, getting to know the various members of the school and wider community. I would like to thank those parents/carers who have taken their time to share their views and positive comments with me.

The views of parents/carers are very important to us and I would like to encourage you to volunteer to be a Parent Governor. A nomination form is included with this newsletter – please return it to the school office if you are interested.

Kind Regards,

Ms. L. Page
Acting Headteacher

Become a Parent Governor

I would like to invite you to put your name forward for election as Parent Governors of our school.

The Governing Body of the School is the Central Management Body of the school it agrees policy and also offering help and support to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team of the School.

This is a very exciting time for our school. We are currently working towards the appointment of a new permanent Headteacher, who will hopefully be in position within next couple of terms and within the next year construction will start on our new school building which will replace the existing building which no longer meets the needs of our children's education.

The Governing Body will be central to these important events in selecting the new Headteacher and in advising the designers and planners of our new building. In order to do this successfully it is essential that we have the views of our students’ parents/carers on the Governing Body ensuring that the needs of our students is met is central to everything we do. As a Governor, we ask you to attend each Full Governing Body meeting - 2 each term. Your most important role will be to ensure that the views of parents/carers are fully represented at the meeting. We will offer you as much advice and training as you will need to ensure that you feel confident in doing this.

If you would like to discuss with me the roles and responsibilities of School Governors I will be happy to discuss this with you - please contact me via the school.

Andrew Mahoney, Chair of Governors

After-School Movie Makers' Silent Success

For the last year, students in the current Year 11 at St. Paul’s Way Community School have been making films after school with the Cineclub project.

On Thursday 31st January, a group of six Year 11 film makers went to the Stratford Picture House along with a contingent of their fellow students, who were there to support them. The purpose of the visit was to attend the East London Heat of the Cineclub National Competition, in which the students’ film, A Series of Unusual Events, was entered. The film - a silent short feature reminiscent of the work of Charlie Chaplin -did exceptionally well on the day and won the public vote. The students and their film will now be representing East London in the national Cineclub competition.

Congratulations to: Fatema Begum (11A), Rukshana Begum (11P). Shipon Ali (11P), Babloo Miah (11L), Dilwar Hussain (11T) and Masoom Ahmed (11U).

Mr Morton, Media Studies Department

We're Deaf Aware!

Do you know what a Malleus is? Or what an Incus is? Or maybe even what an Audio Shoe is? Do you know what sound is like through a hearing aid? Or how to make life a bit easier for those with a hearing loss? The chances are that if you ask someone from 7T they will know the answer.

This term, 7T have been doing a course called 'Deaf Awareness' taught by Ms Bentham, Head of the Deaf Support Base. We have learnt a lot about how the ear works (it is very delicate and complicated) and about what can happen when you have a hearing loss. We worked out how sound is produced and what kind of equipment can help those who are deaf. We have also talked about the prejudice deaf people face in their lives.

And in lunchtimes, we have all been learning British Sign Language with Sonia Marquis. All 7T students have their own 'sign names' (like a nickname), know how to fingerspell, how to sign numbers and have everyday conversations in sign language. Sayidul Alum and Nadira Choudhury were awarded special British Sign Language certificates in assembly for outstanding commitment and achievement. It has been great fun and we have been lucky enough to have six DSB students to help us. Thanks Tahmina, Banu, Fhabia, Charlie, Sahera and Ezekiel - we love having you in 7T.

How to be more listener friendly...
• Face people when you are talking to them;
• Don't shout (your face scrunches up and makes you look angry);
• Don't whistle, screech, tap or make loud noises;
• Speak one at a time.

And lots more. Look around the school for posters. Thanks to Ms Bentham, Sonia and Hassan too. 

Ms Evans, 7T Tutor

Horticulture

“When I started horticulture, I wasn't sure about it. However, once we started planting and gardening I began really to enjoy it. I am pleased that we planted the garden at the front entrance - it's beautiful now. I like wearing our uniform of boots and yellow jackets.”
Oguz Karakus, 11L

School Noticeboard

Health Warning!
Is your child drinking Boost?
This drink carries a health warning saying that it is unsuitable for children! It contains caffeine which may make them very unwell. Please explain this to your child.

Why is good attendance important??
• Regular absences mean that your child will miss chunks of learning that will be really hard to catch up.

• GCSE and SAT's Grades can be affected by low attendance as learning essential for the exams will be missed.

• The happiest students are the students that are here everyday, they see their friends everyday and receive the best possible teaching as they are here for all lessons.

• Regular attendance from Year 7 onwards means that your child develops good habits early and will go on to attend well in College and work in later life.

It's never too late to start having good attendance! Help your child start today! Send them to school every day!

Home Telephone Numbers
• Have you changed your phone number recently?
• Do you have a new Mobile Number?

Make sure we have the correct telephone numbers for you!

Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Congratulations to Rukshana Aktar, Fatema Begum, Nasima Begum, Bodrul Hoque, Koyser Hussain and Quincy Roberts who were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Award on 31st January at the City Of London School for Girls. They all worked very hard throughout Years 10 and 11 and participated in activities such as football, trampolining, first aid, music and film-making. They also went to Wales for a week last year, where they all passed the expedition section of their awards. Well done to all!
Mr Blakeley, Acting Head of PE