Headteacher’s Letter – 4th October 2023
4th October 2023
Dear families,
I am writing with further updates about our school as we welcome back more students to the site and combine online and face to face teaching for some year groups.
You will be aware that Year 8 and Year 9 have returned to the site on a weekly rota basis as follows:
| Year 8 | Year 9 |
| Week 1 – In school | Week 1 – Online learning |
| Week 2 – Online learning | Week 2 – In school |
As the 4th floor continues to be temporarily out of use, we continue to await the procurement of temporary classrooms by the Department for Education (DfE). Once we have these classrooms in place, we will endeavour to have all students on site full time. I will update you as soon as I have further news
Open Evening 2023 for September 2024 places
The time is rapidly approaching for our annual open evening for prospective parents, which takes place on Tuesday 10th October 2023. We are looking forward to demonstrating all that is wonderful about Stepney All Saints and of course, the central aspect of this is our students, many of whom will be helping to guide tours or will be working in department areas. We have already welcomed large enthusiastic groups to our open mornings. To attend on Tuesday 10th October please sign up on the school website.
Enrichment / Extra-curricular activities
All students at Stepney All Saints must take part in enrichment activities regularly during the course of the academic year. Research shows that regular participation in extra-curricular activities provides students with a significant advantage when making applications to university and for employment. At Stepney All Saints a wide variety of activities is on offer and full details have been given to students. A copy has been placed on the school website for reference by parents – HERE. Please encourage your child to participate and support us in ensuring that our students are well prepared for their future and develop a wide range of skills beyond their classroom studies.
Requests for holiday / absence in term
The law does not grant parents an automatic right to take their child out of school during term time. Any absence from school is detrimental to a child’s learning – teaching is missed and achievement affected. This is a situation that we all have a responsibility to avoid. If a family needs to make a leave of absence request, this must be done in writing to the headteacher. Parents will be invited into school for a meeting to discuss the application following which a decision will be made. Flights, etc. should not be booked before asking for permission. It is important to note that The Department for Education only allows an absence/holiday in term time in “special circumstances”. Very few requests fall into this category, the majority are refused and fines can be imposed for taking an absence/holiday during term time taken without the school’s permission. I hope you understand the reasons for these rules and you will support our efforts to ensure the highest standards of attendance and attainment.
Uniform
As we approach the colder weather, we understand the need for students to stay warm, and our school uniform policy accounts for warmer clothing.
Whilst in the school building, students are able to wear a mid-grey V-neck jumper on top of their shirt and under their blazer. The branded school jumper can be purchased via Parent Pay. In terms of outerwear, students are able to wear a navy or black coat over their uniform when outdoors. Tracksuit or casual hooded jackets or jumpers are not acceptable.
Sixth form students should also comply to the uniform policy and are able to wear smart/formal jumpers.
A reminder of the school uniform can be found here – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/for-parents/school-rules-and-information/uniformequipment-list/
Key Events for this Academic Year
Please note that the Year 11 mock examination will start on Monday 6th November. The timetable will be shared with students and made available on the school website. The key dates are as follows:
- Prize Giving: Wednesday 18th October
- Year 11 Mock Examinations:Monday 6th to Friday 17th November
- Year 13 Parents Evenings:8th and 9th November
- Year 11 Parents Evenings:13th and 14th December
Parents should also note that we break up for the half term on Friday 20th October. There will be a two-week break with lessons resuming on Monday 6th November. The full set of term dates for the academic year are available on our website, https://stepneyallsaints.school/our-school/term-dates-school-hours/.
I will be writing again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check our website and social media feeds for updates on what is taking place at Stepney All Saints. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via email on info@stepneyallsaints.school.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Woods, Headteacher