Weekly Update - 17th September 2021

I can hardly believe that we are already at the end of our second full week of the Autumn term.  Academy life continues to be vibrant, active and purposeful, and every day seems to fly by!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in encouraging students to wear face-coverings around the academy.  Our first priority will always be the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff, and this is therefore a precautionary measure due to a small rise in Covid cases within the academy.  Students have, on the whole, adapted well to the re-introduction of face-coverings and have been respectful of all of the Covid safety measures.  This is a real credit to them, but also to you, so thank you again.  We will continue to review the situation going forwards and will, of course, update you accordingly.

There have been many activities taking place throughout this week, including auditions for KS3 Elite Dance Troupe, which was well attended, and the cast selection for our school performance of “Grease”, which we very much hope will be able to go ahead as planned.

As you are aware, we began the trial of a single break and lunch this week.  I am really pleased to say that this has largely gone very well.  Many staff have been out and about monitoring our various outlets, seating areas and outside areas this week, and it has been so wonderful to see students from all year groups integrating and communicating with each other.  We have also reviewed the queues at each outlet, and I can say with confidence that in every case, all students have been served with food within the first 15 minutes of either break or lunch, and have then had the opportunity to sit and eat, or to mix with their peers.  Feedback from students has been extremely positive, with many saying that they prefer this return to “normality”.  As promised, we will review this at the end of next week, and again, welcome your feedback and input via: [email protected]

I would also like to remind you that we have vacancies for two parent governors on our Local Governing Body.  A letter and application form was sent out in this regard earlier this week.  The letter can be viewed on our website via: Ormiston Rivers Academy – Letters Home, and you can apply via the following link: https://forms.gle/2A2AcD85d1RhCpd37.

We will always welcome parental input and insight, and therefore encourage you to apply.

In the same vein, however, I would ask you to please follow the appropriate protocols in terms of communication with the academy.  In the first instance, please contact your child’s mentor, teacher, or one of our Student Support Team.  If you feel the matter is more urgent or serious, please contact the relevant Achievement Director (Head of year), and similarly, if you feel the situation needs escalating, please contact the relevant member of the Senior Leadership Team.  I can assure you that every single concern, worry, observation or recommendation will be listened to and dealt with in the appropriate manner, and I thank you for your support with this.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Jo Williams

Principal