Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, is famed for his contribution to the development of ontology, the study of ‘being’ and he insisted that change was fundamental to this: “Nothing endures but change.”

This time of year sees most of the school involved in meetings and visits about next year, including a variety of moving up, induction and transition opportunities, for parents as well as pupils. The excitement of meeting new teachers and making new friends is clear for the children, just as it can be daunting for some. And of course that is all a very natural and normal set of emotions in an ever-changing world. Our role, as a school, is to balance the best of stability with the best about (inevitable) change that will develop skills for life in our young people.

Next week, the Alwoodley campus shows the first signs of the changes to come when the builders’ compound appears before the new bridge under the porte cochère is constructed over the summer holidays. This is all part of the current Junior School’s expansion to be ready to welcome Rose Court to Alwoodley in a year’s time.

So, as we prepare for the next season in our children’s lives, whatever that may be, and the next development for our school, may we remember the words of Virginia Woolf, too: “And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves.” Trees growing stronger every year, leaves coming and going, beauty upon dappled beauty, a sense of stability and longevity alongside a sense of change and progress. Let’s embrace the best of both!

Sue Woodroofe 
Principal

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Whole school notices

Courtyard Shakespeare

Tuesday 18 June at 18:00, GSAL courtyard (outside main reception)

All are welcome to celebrate summer with our twelfth annual promenade Shakespeare performance The Comedy of Errors in the GSAL courtyard. Our actors are in Years 7, 8 and 9 and have been directed by a team of Year 10 students. No tickets are required, but please come prepared for an outdoor performance. If the weather is inclement, we will be performing in the theatre foyer.

Summer Concert 2019

Thursday 20 June 16.30 in the GSAL Refectory/Courtyard

The following ensembles will be performing in the concert: Senior Strings, Concert Band, Soundwaves, Year 10 Jazz Ensemble, Year 8-9 Chamber Choir, Girls Vocalize, Folk Ensemble, Jazz Street Band, Intermediate Clarinets, Guitar Group. This concert is open to all and no tickets are required to attend.

House Dance Competition

Monday 24 June at 16:00

House Dance will soon be upon us, involving students in Y7 to Y10. This year’s theme is based around props and Y10 students lead and choreograph the routines.

Each house needs to choreograph a four minute routine to music they have chosen and edited themselves, and has chosen a prop to frame their dance around – no easy feat for our Y10 leaders!

Students will be performing their routines in the assembly hall from 16:00 to 17:30, with judging being held in time for the late buses. Although there will not be space in the hall due to the popularity of this event with students, we invite family and friends to watch all of the dances from the theatre foyer where the entire show will be live-streamed onto the big screen. Should you wish to join us, please simply meet a student helper in senior school reception from 16:00 and they will escort you to the theatre foyer ready for the first dance at 16:15.

GSAL presents a Night of Musical Theatre

Friday 28 June 2019 19:00 – 21:30 in the GSAL theatre

The talented student singers of GSAL perform highlights from the great musicals. Bar service provided. Proceeds will go to St Gemma’s Hospice. Ticket price £5.00.

GSAL park run

Saturday 29 June, 08.45 registration

The last GSAL fun run of the year is open to all GSAL families and friends. Please register at the pavilion by 08.45 for a 09.00 start. There will be an option of running a 2km course (one lap) or 4km. All abilities and ages welcome. Children under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available in the staff car park.

Building works

As part of the Rose Court relocation project, building works are due to start on the new glass walkway in the porte cochère area from Saturday 22 June so that it is ready for September. We do not envisage any disruption of access to the campanile and main reception during the remainder of the school term but please be aware when approaching the area.

Year 7 notices

Year 7 prize-giving

Thursday 4 July 09:00 to 10:00, assembly hall

Parents are warmly invited to the presentation of prizes, to include a summary of the year, a presentation of awards and musical and dramatic interludes by pupils in the year group. Refreshments will be available before and after the event in the theatre foyer.

Immunisations and data protection

The school immunisation team at Leeds Community Healthcare currently visit schools to offer the HPV vaccination to girls in Year 8; and DTP, meningitis ACWY and MMR vaccinations to boys and girls in Year 9.

Next year the HPV vaccination will be offered to both boys and girls in Year 8. Please note that the school immunisation team will be introducing electronic consent forms in order to obtain your agreement to the vaccinations. You will receive details on giving or refusing consent nearer the time.

Please read the attached notice for information on your rights and what data we will share with the school immunisation team in accordance with GDPR.

Year 8 notices

Year 8 prize-giving

Wednesday 3 July 09:00 to 10:00, assembly hall

Parents are warmly invited to the presentation of prizes, to include a summary of the year, a presentation of awards and musical and dramatic interludes by pupils in the year group. Refreshments will be available before and after the event in the theatre foyer.

Immunisations and data protection

The school immunisation team at Leeds Community Healthcare currently visit schools to offer the HPV vaccination to girls in Year 8; and DTP, meningitis ACWY and MMR vaccinations to boys and girls in Year 9.

Please note that the school immunisation team will be introducing electronic consent forms next year in order to obtain your agreement to the vaccinations. You will receive details on giving or refusing consent nearer the time.

Please read the attached notice for information on your rights and what data we will share with the school immunisation team in accordance with GDPR.

Year 9 notices

Year 9 prize-giving

Thursday 4 July 11:30 to 12:30, assembly hall

Parents are warmly invited to the presentation of prizes, to include a summary of the year, a presentation of awards and musical and dramatic interludes by pupils in the year group. Refreshments will be available before and after the event in the theatre foyer.

Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme

If your child is interested in enrolling for the bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, please read the enrolment letter with him/her.

Spanish Exchange 2019-2020

The Spanish department are organising a Spanish exchange visit with Mendebaldea School in Vitoria in the Basque Country. The exchange visit is being offered to next year’s Year 10 and Year 12 Hispanists and full details of this exchange can be found in the attached letter. Places are limited and therefore if your son/daughter would like to take part in this opportunity please complete and return the application form electronically by Friday 28 June 2019.

Hockey and netball tour to South Africa in 2020

Presentation to parents Tuesday 25 June at 18:00, conference suite

We have pleasure in announcing a proposed hockey and netball tour to South Africa in October half term 2020. This trip is open to all girls currently in years 9, 10 and 11. If your daughter is interested in taking part in this opportunity please make every effort to attend the parents’ presentation.

Further information can be found in the attached letter from Mrs Bromby and Mrs Johnson, with their contact details should you have any queries.

Year 10 notices

Y10 subject consultation evening

Thursday 27 June 17.00-20.30

Please see the attached letter from Mr J Veitch, head of Year 10, for further details. Online booking for appointments with subject teachers opens today (Friday 14 June) at 19:00 and will close on Tuesday 25 June at 16:00.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s award

Year 10 pupils who have completed the bronze DofE award may progress to the silver award. Please read the enrolment letter with your child to find out more.

Year 10 Sixth Form Experience Day

Wednesday 19 June

All Year 10 students will participate in the Sixth Form Experience Day, which will replace normal timetabled lessons on that day. For full details of the day please see the attached letter.

Hockey and netball tour to South Africa in 2020

Presentation to parents Tuesday 25 June at 18:00, conference suite

We have pleasure in announcing a proposed hockey and netball tour to South Africa in October half term 2020. This trip is open to all girls currently in years 9, 10 and 11. If your daughter is interested in taking part in this opportunity please make every effort to attend the parents’ presentation.

Further information can be found in the attached letter from Mrs Bromby and Mrs Johnson, with their contact details should you have any queries.

Year 11 notices

Spanish Exchange 2019-2020

The Spanish department are organising a Spanish exchange visit with Mendebaldea School in Vitoria in the Basque Country. The exchange visit is being offered to next year’s Year 10 and Year 12 Hispanists and full details of this exchange can be found in the attached letter. Places are limited and therefore if your son/daughter would like to take part in this opportunity please complete and return the application form electronically by Friday 28 June 2019.

Lockers and padlocks

Please remind your son/daughter, that they need to clear their locker and take their padlock and sports bags home. If they are not returning to GSAL in September, they should hand their padlock to Mrs Smith. Anything left in lockers will be destroyed, clothes will go to charity.

Hockey and netball tour to South Africa in 2020

Presentation to parents Tuesday 25 June at 18:00, conference suite

We have pleasure in announcing a proposed hockey and netball tour to South Africa in October half term 2020. This trip is open to all girls currently in years 9, 10 and 11. If your daughter is interested in taking part in this opportunity please make every effort to attend the parents’ presentation.

Further information can be found in the attached letter from Mrs Bromby and Mrs Johnson, with their contact details should you have any queries.

Year 12 notices

Year 12 subject consultation evening

Wednesday 19 June, 17:00 – 20:00

There will be a Year 12 subject consultation evening later this month. For full details please see attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form. Online booking for appointments with subject teachers closes on Monday 17 June at 19:00.

Reduced price revision books (physics and biology)

CGP have  published an exam practice workbook specifically for the A-level AQA physics and biology courses that we follow. They are currently available at half price when ordered through school before 16:00 on Thursday 27 June. For further information please read the attached letter.

Meeting for potential Oxbridge applicants

Friday 21 June at 13:00, history department

Y12 students interested in applying to Oxford or Cambridge are invited to attend this meeting. By then students will have received their end of year exam results and their predicted grades for UCAS, as well as having had the opportunity to discuss Oxbridge potential with subject specialists at parents’ evening.

We strongly encourage students to attend open days at Oxford or Cambridge if they want to find out more about studying at either and how well suited they might be. The open day dates are:
Oxford – 3 or 4 July
Cambridge – 4 or 5 July

Those students then wishing to pursue applications to Oxford or Cambridge will need to complete the Oxbridge Applicants 2019-2020 Form. Mr Yates will email all Y12 students a link to the form. Oxbridge applicants need to complete and submit this form by no later than 16:00 on Tuesday 9 July.

Year 13 notices

Year 13 post exam information

Please read the attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form, with important information for you and your child concerning A-level results and related matters.

Please read carefully the section concerning consent for publicity around exam results, and note that students who wish to opt out of publicity should notify school no later than 17:00 on Tuesday 13 August.

Year 13 photograph

Parents wishing to order a copy of the recent Year 13 photograph can do so online via the Tempest website. You will need to enter the password to access the photograph on the small white box half way down the page. The password required is 570345.