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Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 14

The Principal’s Weekly Post

Week 14: 12 DECEMBER 2025

A strong finish

Dear Parents and Carers,

As the term rapidly draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible community spirit we’ve seen and look ahead to our final week before the Christmas break.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved in this week’s wonderful Festive Showcase.

  • To our talented students: Your performances, whether musical, dramatic, or artistic, were truly outstanding. The level of commitment and talent on display was a testament to your hard work. You brought joy and holiday cheer to all who attended.
  • To our dedicated staff: Thank you for your tireless effort in preparing the students and giving up your time to ensure the event was a spectacular success. Your commitment goes above and beyond, and it is truly appreciated.

The showcase was a brilliant celebration and a fantastic way to kick off the festive season.

Please be aware that our annual School Christmas Lunch for students and staff will be held on Wednesday of next week. We encourage all students to participate and enjoy this special meal together.

As we enter the final week of term, I must emphasise the vital importance of continued attendance and focus. Whilst the excitement of the holidays is building, every day of the school year is crucial for learning and consolidation. Consistent attendance ensures that students:

  • Consolidate the last pieces of information before the break.
  • Receive important details and materials for the holiday period.
  • Maintain routine and discipline right up to the final bell.

Please ensure your child attends school right up until the final day of term. We look forward to finishing the term strongly as a community.

Warmly,

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Diary dates

Friday 19 December

School closes for Christmas break


Monday 5 January 2026

School closed for Training Day


Tuesday 6 January

School reopens for Spring term


Wednesday 11 February

School closes for half-term break


Monday 23 February

School reopens after half-term break


 

Enrichment in the final week of term

Next week, the only enrichment activity running will be the Homework Club, in the LRC. This will be available each night until 3:30pm.
 

Enrichment for January

All students have been emailed a link to the new enrichment sign up form. You can see the form here – students must be signed into their school email to complete it.

The sign-up deadline is Wednesday 17 December, to give us time to be able to communicate your child’s selections with you before Christmas.

SEND Central

SEND Central is York’s Family Hub that specialises in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a hub that families can seek advice and information about what’s available in York when they have children and young people who have additional needs, any age from 0 to 25.

You can find out more on their website.

The Parent Carer Forum York

The Parent Carer Forum York is an independent charity made up of parents and carers of children or young people with additional needs or disabilities (0-25) who live in York. You can find out more and join by scanning the QR code.

Apprenticeship vacancies

York College is currently advertising a number of apprenticeship vacancies which can be seen on the attached pdf. Each vacancy has a hyperlink to the Apprenticeship Service website, where you will find full job details and where you can submit your application.

A note on closing dates: vacancies often close earlier than the stated date, so if you are interested, please make sure you apply as soon as you can.

You can also read the attached guidance on how to write a strong application to ensure the best chance of success.

The YHS Way

Next week’s focus: Routines and Habits – Strong Finish

Community Cupboard

Our school is committed to helping those in need through our community cupboard, ensuring that every student and family has access to essential food/household items. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help us continue to support the local community.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please contact Aimee a.stewart@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or Emma e.masterman@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk, or pop into main reception.

All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.

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🍔Free School Meals are Changing🍕

From September 2026 more families will qualify for Free School Meals.
If your household is in receipt of:
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🔘Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
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🔘Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
your child will be entitled to free school meals, but it's not automatic - you MUST apply for them.

Visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals to start your application
(When completing the form, make sure you change the 'Local Authority' to York)

For further information see the letter from Mr Kumar on our website:
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