It was National Poetry Day this week and I had to include an image of the first verse of my favourite poem as a child – the very funny Pam Ayres poetry books kept me amused for hours! Has your child written any poetry of which they are extremely proud and you feel should be included in an Altrincham College Poetry Book? One of our current Y8 students wrote a brilliant poem last year when he was in Y7 and I thought I would share that with you to get the ball rolling! Here’s Oscar’s poem:

LOCKDOWN

LOCKDOWN, too much time at home
LOCKDOWN, always on my phone
LOCKDOWN, home-schooling, is going so good
LOCKDOWN, not seeing my friends, I wish I could?
LOCKDOWN, enjoying lots of family time
LOCKDOWN, lots of baking, camping and feeling fine!
LOCKDOWN, spending time with my dog
LOCKDOWN, lots of walking around the block

LOCKDOWN
The days are long, the nights are longer
How long will this go on I wonder?
When will we return to school?
I’m hoping not too long, that would be cool!

Please email your poems to headteacher@altrinchamcollege.com before October half term and entitle your email POETRY BOOK so that we can identify it easily! Thank you!

Covid Update

Trafford currently has the highest number of Covid cases in Greater Manchester and, due to this spike in cases, the guidance for schools in Trafford has changed. From Monday 11 October therefore, students (and staff) are asked to wear masks in communal areas (e.g. in the corridors between lessons). Masks do not need to be worn outside (e.g. during break and lunch) or in the classroom. Masks continue to be compulsory on public and school transport.

Despite this local spike, we currently have only 7 students absent due to Covid (four in Y7, two in Y8 and one in Y10); this is extremely low compared with other local schools. Our updated risk assessment on our website gives you all the latest information on how we are responding to the ongoing Covid situation.

Please can I take this opportunity to remind you that students should be doing two LFD tests per week and only coming into school if they are negative. Should you require further testing kits, your child can collect these from school Reception any day/time.

If your child is Clinically Extremely Vulnerable then you should contact Ms Bruckshaw who will complete an individual risk assessment for them.

Building Update

Work on the English Centre roof is going really well – we are at the messy, noisy stage as the roof is removed bit by bit and the piles are driven in. All the students should be congratulated on their behaviour at this time, respecting the restricted areas by not going near them, but above all for getting on with their work despite some noise disruption.

We will shortly be starting work on the main school Reception area. More details will follow but please be aware that once this work begins, the Sixth Form entrance will become the temporary main entrance and Sixth Form students will need to enter by the side door.

Does your child ride a bike to school?

Due to the building work, we will be moving the bike shed to a different area of school. We cannot fit the whole shelter in a new space therefore we will be moving the hoops only next to the steps to the History block after half-term.

If your child rides a bike to school they will need to also bring a padlock and chain so that their bike can be locked to the hoops. They must dismount their bikes and walk with them down the student walkway and secure them safely in the designated area.

I must stress that bikes are left at the student’s own risk and the school CANNOT take responsibility for them whilst they are there.

I would also urge you to encourage your child to wear a helmet – these may not be ‘cool’ in their minds but head injuries can kill. Please reinforce with them that health and safety comes before anything else.

Sixth Form Open Evening

Mrs Brennan and our Sixth Form team have been very busy preparing for our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 14^th October. We want as many students as possible to stay at AC for the remainder of their education and therefore warmly invite our KS4 students and their parents/carers to this event.

Unfortunately, due to the spike in Covid cases locally, the evening will now be delivered virtually – more information will be shared with students soon, and please keep an eye on the school website for updates.

Our Sixth Form offers a wonderful mix of A-level and Vocational qualifications which are sure to inspire future learning and raise aspirations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder: school closed to students on Friday 22 October

The last day of this half-term (Friday 22 October) will be a training day for staff; students will therefore finish for the holiday on Thursday 21 October at 15.15.

Star of the Week

We have had numerous nominations for the award this week: Alfie W in 11.4 for outstanding work in Maths, Leo S in 9.1 for his amazing Drama skills, Ella F-A in 10.4 for her hard work and positivity in RE and Oscar R in Y8 (author of the poem above!) for being a wonderful help on Open Evening and for putting in so much hard work and effort as a sportsman. Well done to all of these students nominated by their teachers!

This week’s winner is Ashley A in Year 12 for her impressive work ethic, kind and caring nature and a real star of the future in whatever she decides to do! Many congratulations Ashley – you have really made an impression on us and we are delighted that when you came from Nigeria you chose AC Sixth Form to complete your school education! A certificate is on its way to you!

Staff Star of the Week

Again we had many nominations for Staff Star this week: Mrs Winter (Admin), Mrs Davenport (Admissions), Mr Smith (Creative Media), Mrs Darby (Food Technician) but the winner is…. Mr Thomas - our new Cover Supervisor! Mr Thomas is not only an amazing Cover Supervisor, he also coaches our students in rugby and football. Mr Thomas you are a great addition to our staff body – well done on receiving this award!

Community Support: The Hub

We have had some shared with us about community meals, available every Wednesday at 6pm, free of charge, at Altrincham Baptist Church. Please see the information below; more information is available at the Hub (0161 941 2018) or by contacting Rachel at hopefood@altrinchambaptist.org.

October is Black History Month

All our classrooms now have posters with inspirational quotes from a person of colour to start the conversation! We want to empower our students to get involved in discussions and projects generated by themselves to raise the profile around school by celebrating all that people of colour have achieved, are achieving and will achieve! Please encourage your child to get involved or take a lead!

Pre-Covid, we had a wonderful day celebrating Black History Month in creative ways with visiting artists and poets. As we are still unable to hold a similar event at the moment I thought I would end this bulletin with a poem by Levi Tafari who visited our school in October 2019 to help us celebrate. In this poem “Creator of Unity” Tafari talks about the origins of his name.

Creator of Unity

MY IDENTITY
IS A MYSTERY
BECAUSE MY STORY
IS ERASED FROM HISTORY
MY GENEALOGY
IS OF AN AFRICAN ANCESTRY
WHICH HAS LEFT A LEGACY
FOR THE WHOLE OF HUMANITY

I am crucial, rhythmic, poetic consciousness raiser
An Urban Griot over flowing with culture
Born in Liverpool to parents from Jamaica
Yes I'm Levi Tafari a unity creator

Have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for your continued support of our school!

Ms K Earle
Headteacher