Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 22

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable half-term break. It has been wonderful to see the school corridors buzzing with energy again this week as we kick off the new half term.

With the days finally getting longer and the weather showing signs of improvement, there is a real sense of a fresh start in the air. We have a busy and exciting half-term ahead, and I am looking forward to seeing our students continue to excel in their studies and enrichment activities.

As we begin this new block of learning, I want to emphasise the critical importance of high attendance. Every day in school counts. Consistent attendance isn’t just about following rules; it is the single most effective way to ensure your child stays on track academically and feels connected to our school community. Even a few days missed can create gaps in learning that are difficult to bridge. Let’s work together to aim for 100% attendance this term.

To further support our students’ organisation and success, we are streamlining how we share information. Next week during Tutor Time, all students will be issued their ClassCharts login details. This platform is a vital tool that allows students to independently manage their school life. Through ClassCharts, they can easily access:

• Live timetables
• Attendance tracking
• Detentions

I strongly encourage all parents and carers to download the ClassCharts app as soon as your child receives their code. Having this vital application on your phone allows you to stay informed about your child’s school day in real-time and provides a great starting point for conversations about their progress at home.

I would also like to signpost our Year 10 parents and carers to our Parents’ Evening that will take place on Wednesday 11 March, 3.30-6.30pm. Please book appointments as soon as possible for this vital evening to gain key information regarding your child’s current attainment and progress in their GCSE studies.

Warmly,

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Supporting young people with SEND with preparing for their future

Please see linked here a resource to support parents and carers of young people with SEND with conversations and activities about post-16 planning. There is also a resource about the importance of online safety.

SEND CENTRAL in March

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.

York Jobs, Apprenticeships and Skills Fair

York Jobs, Apprenticeships and Skills Fair will take place at York Barbican on Tuesday 24 March, 1-6pm.

Attendees will be able to speak to recruiting employers, training providers and other advice services. City of York Council Skills Team and Specialist Learning and Employment Adviser Team will also be represented at the fair.

You can attend any time after school – no need to book!

Opportunities for young musicians

York Music Hub is looking to develop further opportunities for young musicians to play with other musicians from across the county, with dedicated strands for both vocalists and instrumentalists.

These are fantastic opportunities to experience ensemble performance without the need to commit to an additional weekly activity, as they take place on four weekends during the remainder of the academic year.

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.