Friday 26th April

Today was the last full day in school for our Year 11s and Year 13s before they go off on study leave. I have been so impressed with the way they have approached these last few weeks; they have been present in lessons, cheerful with one another and serious about trying their best. Getting our pupils to their exams feeling prepared and not (too) stressed takes our whole community working together. So a big thank you from me to all parents, teachers and pupils for the effort they have put in over the last few weeks.

Year 13 Graduation
Saying goodbye to our Year 13 students was emotional today. They play a huge role in our school community and we will miss them! I enjoyed their inspiring speech to Primary students during assembly this morning, and the cards made and presented by Primary students were fantastic! Next came a procession through the school to say goodbye to their peers in other Secondary year groups and a handing over of the school flag to Year 12 representatives. Parents, siblings and grandparents then joined us on the balcony for photos, speeches and presentations. Celebrating all together afterwards with food and cake was a great way to send them off! We hope that their time at Britannica, especially the sense of community they have helped to foster, will stay with them as they embark on their next adventure! A big thank you from me to all of the staff involved in organising the wonderful event today! Please see a few pictures below - more professional photos to follow!

Year 11 Farewell Celebration
This afternoon, we had our farewell celebration with Year 11 in the auditorium. Lots of funny anecdotes and stories of their time at Britannica so far were shared and it was a chance for all of us to reflect on how much they have grown up and the progress they have made. We finished the day with a ‘Pizza Party’ on the balcony and some photos with friends. We are looking forward to many of our Year 11 pupils re-joining us next year in Year 12 to begin their A-Level studies - but will miss them in the meantime! I know they are going to make excellent Sixth Form students. Please see photos below.

Year 9 Hungarian Competition - Ms. Dinnyés
This week, some of our Year 9 students participated in the "Tudok magyarul" competition for learners of Hungarian to practise their language skills and meet students of other schools. Please see photos below.

Secondary Parents’ Forum
A big thank you to all of the parents who came along to the Secondary Forum last week. I really appreciate you giving up some of your time to share your ideas and explore in more detail how Secondary at Britannica ‘works’. There were a couple of points which were easy to discuss and action:
Secondary parents are welcome to attend the monthly coffee mornings held at school
We have made the information about whether or not it is Week A or Week B accessible in more different places
Clarification that we do promote events in Secondary both through the Newsletter, Britannica Bulletin and in Tutor time
A few topics were raised which probably require a more in-depth discussion and I propose that we pick them up again at the next meeting. Use of Classlists in Secondary, the differences between the British Curriculum and some others and our device policy. It is worth noting here that many relevant policies are available here on our website if you would like to take a further look. 
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 22nd May at 8.30 in the canteen. We hope to see you there!

Next week is looking particularly busy! To help you not miss anything, here is a list of the 
upcoming events:

Wednesday 1st May: Bank Holiday - the school is closed for Labour Day

Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May: Shoe Collection - we are collecting gently used shoes for people in need in Bekes county; any size is helpful! Please tie the shoes together in a pair (so that they don’t get separated) and drop them off at the front or back gate on Thursday or Friday next week. Alternatively, they can be dropped off at Spring Fayre on Saturday 4th May. Please see the poster below

Friday 3rd May: Book Fair - A reminder that pupils will have the opportunity to drop-in to the book fair to browse during Friday break and lunch times. Parents can then buy books after school on Friday from 15.00-17.30 at the back entrance in the carpark. Cash or cards are accepted.

Friday 3rd May: Non-Uniform Day for Secondary students - this event is being organised by the Student Leadership Team. If Secondary students would like to wear their own clothes on Friday next week; they should bring in a donation of 400HUF. The Student Leadership are currently fundraising for their Graduation Celebrations next year. Please see the poster below.

Saturday 4th May: Spring Fayre - A reminder, that next Saturday it is our annual ‘Spring Fayre’. All pupils are expected to attend and to help run the exciting stalls they have planned. Ticket sales have already begun at the Front and Back entrances to the school. There is also a chance to buy tickets on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd both before and after school. Looking forward to seeing you all there! Please see the poster below.

Next week is Week B
Wishing you a lovely warm and sunny weekend!

All the Best,
Holly Stroud 
Head of Secondary

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