Friday 10th October 2014 Rushey Mead School Newsletter Together we Make A Positive Difference Anti bullying training As part of the schools commitment to combat bullying a group of 26 students have undertaken some training that has given them some vital skills in supporting their peers, who may have experienced or be experiencing bullying in school. The aim of the course was to give students a better understanding of the effects of bullying, why it happens, as well as look at how bullying takes place. A range of strategies were discussed which can be used to support both the bully and the victim. Students engaged in role play and did some presentations to each other. The students will be known as FAB (Fighting against Bullying) ambassadors and will work on a rota basis providing support around the school at break times and lunch times, as well as report anything that would support our anti bullying charter work. Well done to all those who took part! A special mention… Congratulations and well done to Alyshia Dhakk 8BOM who featured on the local news this week. Alyshia performs on a regular basis at the Curve Theatre, charity events and gala events as a soloist. She has been in many performances including Robin Hood, Cinderella, The Sound Of Music, Sweeney Todd and Annie. Alyshia is a ABRSM graded singer and has achieved a distinction in her Grade 3 classical examination and is undertaking her Grade 5 later on this year. She has also achieved RAD Grade 4 and is taking her Grade 5 in December for ballet. Furthermore Alyshia has auditioned for Adrian Mole and has been recalled back to London for a final audition, for the part of Pandora. Good luck Alyshia, we are all rooting for you. SCITT Information Evening Alyshia auditioning for Adrian Mole Are you a graduate interested in training to be a secondary school teacher? If so find out more at our SCITT information event on Thursday 30th October, 5 pm to 6 pm. Teacher training places are available for the following subject areas – Mathematics, English, Computer Science, Design and Technology, French/Spanish, History, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and PE. If you require any further information please contact Juliet Slaughter on 0116 268 9734. “Boyance” dance club Year 8 football The new Year 7 boys dance company ‘Boyance’ has now started on a Friday evening in the dance studio. The current members have been working on some exciting tricks and stunts which will soon be included in a routine, choreographed by Ms Mayes and the dancers. In the upcoming weeks, we will be working on contact work, as well as learning a dynamic and explosive routine, which will hopefully be entered into local competitions and events. Any other Year 7 boys who would like to get involved in this opportunity should complete a permission slip from the PE office and come along on Friday, 3.00pm4.00pm. The Year 8 boys football team have made a mixed start to this year’s campaign. In their first match against Moat the team performed well to record a high scoring win of 9-2. Man of the match was Ilyas Bednar. Defensivley the team struggled and gifted Moat two avoidable goals. In attack however, the threat of Adi, Abdul and Kunal proved overpowering for the Moat back line who couldn’t stop the goals from Ilyas and Jashzain followed in the second half by a hat trick from Abdi and four goals from Abdul. Maths Ambassadors The Maths Ambassadors are a group of talented Mathematicians in Years 9 and 10 who have the responsibility to work with our students at form time to help develop their Maths skills. Each group of ambassadors work very closely with a targeted group of individuals who need some extra support. The aim is to build confidence of mathematics for all groups including the Ambassadors. This programme is now entering its 3 rd year and is a well-established practice during form times for Years 7, 8 and 9. Be bright, be seen If you’re a motorist then you’ll know how difficult it can sometimes be to see pedestrians wearing dark clothes at night or when visibility is poor. It is important that as a parent/carer you help your child to be easily seen near traffic. Please see below advice taken from the direct gov website about ways in which you as a parent/carer can help your child to be seen during the dark mornings and evenings. How can my child be seen more easily? On dull days your child can wear bright or fluorescent colours    Special high-visibility tabards and other clothing can be bought from many retailers Fluorescent armbands can also be worn over coats and other clothing Bags are also available in bright colours or with highvisibility strips If walking near traffic at night reflective clothing is needed.   Reflective clothing reflects light from car and bike headlamps Reflective armbands and clothing can be bought for children Remember that fluorescent colours do not show up in the dark For older children who may consider fluorescent and reflective armbands and clothing ‘uncool’, stickers can be bought from many retailers which can be put on bags or coats. Students should also wear appropriate clothing during the cold weather. In their second game against Hamilton, Rushey’s defensive frailties were exposed and with key players missing from the attacking line, the team struggled to get a shot on target in the first half. In contrast Hamilton had three shots on target scoring all three. With a mountain to climb at half time, the team rallied and with a change in formation and personnel the team began to play far better. In particular Karan Daya made an impressive debut working well with Dhian and Hanad down the right hand side creating a number of good opportunities. In addition moving Arif to centre back and Johnny to right back gave the team a more solid base to build from, and with Abdul and Ilyas driving the team forward the team got the break through with Karan finishing off a well worked move from the right. However, just when the tide seemed to change in the home team’s favour, a mix up in the Rushey defence led to a one on one with Abhay resulting in a penalty which the Hamilton forward duly converted. If the team can focus on protecting their own goal then with their attacking capabilities more wins are sure to follow. Special thanks to Himanshu Jogia and Rahul Raikundalia for acting as Sports Ambassadors. Year 7 Parents Evening The Year 7 Parents Evening will be held on Thursday 13th November. The evening will run from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Students will be issued with appointment sheets next week which will allow them to make appointments with their subject teachers. We look forward to seeing you on the evening. Message from Student Support Please try to ensure your child comes to school with the correct money when buying new ID cards or putting money on their card for lunch. Change is not always available. Thank you. Drop off and pick up arrangements Parents are reminded that the Owl and Pussycat car park should not be used for dropping and collecting students. The publican has asked for the school’s support with this and would like to remind parents that the car park is for patrons use only. HALF TERM School closes Friday 17th October 2014 and reopens on Monday 27th October 2014 at 8.30am FORTHCOMING EVENTS Careers Evening - Wednesday 15th October 2014 Year 7 Parents Evening - Thursday 13th November 2014