Parent Briefing 20/1/25
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Uniform Update
Please watch the Principal’s Post below which was shared on socials last week. This includes details of: our much reduced prices for ‘old’ uniform on Arbor School Shop; and information about our pre-owned uniform price list and opening times. You can also exchange items in good clean condition for free. 25 Guilford Golds are also offered for any donations.
A reminder to all parents/carers that our uniform will change for all children this coming September 2025:
Years 8-10 – Currently in the old uniform (black). All must be in the new uniform (navy and grey) in September 2025
Year 7 – Already in new uniform. All must remain in the new uniform in September 2025
Click on the image to enlarge for more information.
Attendance Matters: Miss school… MISS OUT!
A reminder please to ensure all children are in school every day. Attendance at school is compulsory; we’re unable to support children unless they are here.
This week, we are taking part in the citywide ‘Miss School… MISS OUT’ attendance campaign in partnership with Nottingham Early Help Partnership. Please follow our social media this week for lots of helpful information to support with all things Attendance. We will be sharing something new every day!
We start the week by inviting parents and carers into school today for coffee and cake with our Attendance Team.
There is one session for Years 7 to 9, 1.30 to 2.30pm, and one for Years 10 to 11, 2.30 to 3.30pm. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance and would like support, please come and talk to our friendly Attendance Team over coffee and cake today.
Today we also launch our ‘I heard a Wispa’ attendance reward. Every member of staff will receive a Wispa bar to reward to a student of their choice during the course of the week to recognise their attendance achievement. The Attendance Team will also be in year group zones during morning break if children would like to speak to them about anything to do with Attendance.
On Thursday, the team will be giving away sweet treats, cakes and more during Break 2.The week ends with our Fabulous Friday attendance raffle where all students in school on Friday will have the chance to win one of five £30 vouchers for the family and the top prize of a tablet! Miss school… MISS OUT!
Pre-Public Exams (PPEs)
The Year 7 PPEs begin today in line with the whole of the Creative Education Trust– a really important time for children in this year group to show their teachers what they can do. This will be the springboard for some quality feedback. It is extremely important that children keep up-to-date with their homework throughout this period to ensure they are as prepared as possible. Year 7 have received exam preparation sheets from their teachers to support them with revision.
Year 9 Parents’ Evening
We’re looking forward to seeing all our Year 9 parents/carers at the upcoming Parents’ Evening next week. It is extremely important that all Parents and Carers attend Parents’ Evening—there is only one opportunity every academic year to discuss progress, so please do make time to attend.
Year 11: Preparing for Exam Success
Year 11 children received a personalised intervention/tutoring timetable on Friday. These sessions are taking place at significant additional cost to the school so please do support your child to attend. Please also let us know if there are any barriers to attendance as we may be able to support with this.
You can now find the summer exam timetable plus Revision Tips on the Year 11 page of the website.
Ramadan
An important letter will be sent out to you today.
If your child is observing Ramadan and you would like them to be included in the arrangements here in school, please ensure you complete the online form which will be linked in the letter.
SAFEGUARDING
Free ‘Online Safety’ Workshops for Parents
Empowering Minds are offering free online workshops for parents and carers.
These sessions aim to provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of the online trends their children may encounter, the popular apps they use, the associated risks, and effective strategies to safeguard them. The workshop will cover several key topics to help parents address the challenges of online safety.
If you would like to attend, please click on your preferred date below to book your session:
- Monday 27th January: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Wednesday 29th Jan: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Thursday 30th Jan: 10.30am – 12:00pm
- Tuesday 4th February: 6.30pm – 8:00pm
- Friday 7th February: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
If you have any Safeguarding concerns, please email: john.williams@ellisguilfordschool.org.uk
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
60 Guilford Gold for 100% Attendance this Week!
Each week students can earn an increasing amount of Guilford Gold for turning up to school every day that week, starting with 20 Guilford Gold for 100% attendance in Week 1 and rising to 120 Guilford Gold for 100% attendance in Week 6.
Students can spend their Guilford Gold in our Swap Shop or save for bigger rewards in our Swap Shop including the end of year rewards trip.
Don’t forget Year 11 have their own Attendance Rewards with 2 pairs of cinema tickets to be won every week, and entry to our Pre-Exam Draw to win an iPad. The more 100% weeks completed, the more chances to win!
REWARDS TRIPS
Click on the images below to view details of our Rewards Trips open to students in Years 7 to 10. Tickets are now on sale in our Swap Shop for the Tenpin Bowling trip, taking place on 14 February.
For a reminder of our Attendance procedures and how to contact the Attendance Team, please visit: Attendance – Ellis Guilford School.
SCHOOL REMINDERS
Ellis Electives: Timetable 7 January to 4 April 2025
If your child would like to take part in our range of after-school Electives (clubs), please sign them up through the Arbor Parent App. You will find the full schedule along with details of how to sign up here: Extra-curricular Activities – Ellis Guilford School.
Pre-Owned Uniform Shop
A reminder that we have our pre-owned uniform shop available to purchase current uniform for Years 8 to 11 at low cost.
Please do pop in to our pre-loved uniform shop during its opening times , or ask at Main Reception if these times are not suitable.
25 Guilford Gold will be rewarded for any donations being dropped off at Reception.
KEY DATES & EVENTS
Click on the image below to view our ‘live’ calendar of key dates and events. Click through the pages to find out what’s happening this month or next! Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 29 January will be followed by Year 9 Options Evening on Wednesday 12 February.
