Dear Parent and Carers,
I hope you are well.
We've had a great start to the term; it's been wonderful speaking with pupils about their breaks and what they hope to achieve this year. It feels like Year 7 have been part of our community far longer than 2 days. Having numerous opportunities to get to know them during their transition has really helped them settle in well. They have been awesome! Staff have all commented on how positive our community has felt. We've loved the energy the children have brought. Long may that last!
We were pleased with attendance this week. Attending the first week of the year is so incredibly important both academically and socially, we will be working in partnership with you to ensure attendance remains high this year, giving every pupil the best chance of achieving their personal best.
Many thanks for ensuring your child/children have started the term looking really smart in our Danebury uniform and coming well equipped. It makes such a difference to everyone in our community and the smooth running of lessons. If there are items of uniform that you haven't been able to source, please do let us know. We have a uniform cupboard with items that have been kindly donated by parents and carers of last year’s Yr 11. A small number of pupils have worn trainers into school; trainers aren't permitted without supporting medical evidence. We will be supplying shoes to those who don't have a medical note and are wearing trainers.
Transport to and from school is something that has been high on my agenda since I started as Head of School two years ago. I have had countless conversations with HCC and the bus operators during this time. I'm pleased to report that we are working closely with HCC and have made headway with more of the routes this year. Unity have taken over more routes, as have Stagecoach. The two routes I'm still working on are the Salisbury Route and Andover Red; I hope to have a more efficient service in place in the near future.
If you are picking your child up, please can I ask that you avoid collecting from the top car parks, a large number of children exit the driveway at 3:10pm, the upper car parks are small, making it very difficult for cars to turn around. Last year we had a near miss and a driver reversed, narrowly missing pupils coming out of the drive. Please park in the bus bays or spaces opposite the bus bays.
Aspens are our new catering company. The food is of a better quality and made from fresh each day. I will be working with the school council and Aspens to ensure the menu and cost of meals is suitable for all. If you haven't set your Arbor account up and popped money on for your child to purchase food, please can I ask you to do so. If you need guidance on how to set it up, please email freemanm@danebury.hispmat.org.
We have our annual Open Evening on Thursday 11th September for prospective parents, carers and children who are due to start secondary school in September 2026. We'd appreciate it if you could spread the word as we would love to have as many visitors as possible. Details are on our website and social media platforms. A number of children will be helping out next Thursday evening in departments around the school. We will be in contact with you to gain your consent.
Have a great weekend.
Warm wishes
Nicky Goodridge
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