Weekly Update - 18th March 2022
This week it has been a real pleasure to be able to welcome parents back into the academy after the prolonged period where this was not possible due to Covid restrictions.
On Monday we held the Year 7 Parents’ Evening as a live, face-to-face event, following two years of “virtual” online evenings. I am pleased to report that feedback received has been largely positive, with parents welcoming the opportunity to meet teaching staff and discuss their children’s progress more personally. I am aware, of course, that there were some areas for further development, and we will certainly be taking this feedback on board for future Parents’ Evenings. However, we will be continuing with this format for Year 8 parents after Easter, and for all year groups in the next academic year.
On Tuesday, we were pleased to be able to invite you all to a Parent Information Evening, intended to share our vision and values for the school and to listen to your feedback and comments. Many thanks to all those that attended – your input is very much appreciated, and we will evaluate and respond to this as soon as possible. I will also be holding weekly parent surgeries every Tuesday from 3.30 – 4.30 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis, commencing on 22nd March, so please do feel free to drop in.
Many students in both Year 11 and Year 13 have again undertaken “real” exams this week; in Engineering, Finance, Business, Food, Drama and Dance. Year 12 and Year 13 students have also begun their next round of PPE’s. As always, we wish every student the best of luck in their exams and hope that they secure the outcomes that they deserve.
We have also marked the official “ground-breaking” for our new building, which will provide us with additional classrooms to accommodate our increased student intake. We are really excited about the opportunities that this will provide to our students, staff, parents and local community.
On Thursday, it was a great privilege and honour to attend the OAT Annual Awards Ceremony, where Ormiston Rivers Academy students were presented with two awards: Budding Linguist for Emily Welton, and the Eco Schools Award for our Student Environmental Group, led by Mrs Mahoney. We were also extremely proud of our Performing Arts students who attended the ceremony, and provided outstanding talent and entertainment for all. I have included some pictures below, and know that you will join me in congratulating all those involved.
Finally, and as always, I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and look forward to sharing more academy news with you next week.
