Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

An Inspector Calls…with apologies to Yorkshire-born playwright J.B. Priestley, given it was actually a team of 10 inspectors! One of the most important parts of a quality inspection process is that organisations are given little warning of an inspection visit. Meeting the requirements delegated to them by the Department for Education/Ofsted, ISI can come knocking with anywhere between 10 minutes’ notice and 24 hours, any time they want. And so it should be. Schools should be giving their pupils the very best all day every day, not just when planning for a week like this. As such, short notice ensures an accurate snapshot of the heart of the school.

However, after a frenetic week, today I simply want to say thank you. So many of you sent in wonderful messages of support to the staff. So many of you responded so positively to the parental survey and made the kindest of comments that humbled us. As such, our overall parent satisfaction rating was stunning.

This week, GSAL has shone – in every corridor and corner, every classroom and creative space. Pupils and staff have been as one and the atmosphere around the place has been electric. Of course I’m not allowed to share the outcome as it will be published in a few weeks so, for now, THANK YOU.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

Charity update

The charity collection on Friday 8 November raised £330 for St Gemma’s Hospice. Today we collected for Children in Need.

Next week’s collection will be on behalf of Teenage Cancer Trust and Y7, Y8 and Y9 can donate on Thursday as they are not in school on Friday. Thank you for your continued support.

PFA AGM

Tuesday 19 November at 19:00 in the conference suite, Senior School

All parents are warmly invited to attend the annual general meeting of the Parents and Friends’ Association (PFA). Find out more about how the PFA supports our pupils and how you can get involved.

Rose Court Christmas Fair

Saturday 30 November 11:00 to 14:00

Bring the family to the Christmas Fair at Rose Court for lots of fun activities and tasty seasonal treats. You can order your Christmas tree, meet Santa and get ahead with your Christmas shopping! Visit our website to find out more about what’s on offer, including the fabulous raffle prizes.

Drama production – Alice

Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December at 19:00 in the theatre

Students in Y10 to Y13 will be performing Alice by Laura Wade, which is a modern take on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of rabbit holes, pocket watches and talking caterpillars. Follow Alice as she escapes her Sheffield home to find adventure in a topsy-turvy world with all the key ingredients of the original Wonderland.

Suitable for children aged 10 and above. Tickets available on sQuid, price £5.00.

Winter Concert

Thursday 12 December at 19:00 in the assembly hall

All welcome to hear our senior musicians perform a variety of music including a selection of festive tunes. Ensembles taking part include Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, SoundWaves, Senior Strings, Advanced Strings, GSAL Voices, Senior Chamber Choir, Cambiata, Vocalize, Y8 and Y9 Chamber Choir, Senior Jazz Ensemble, Y11 Jazz Ensemble and Big Band.

Admission free, no need to book.

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 15 December at 18:30 in the assembly hall

GSAL families and friends are invited to attend our traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The school choir will sing at the service, augmented by parents, staff and alumni. If you would like to join the choir for this event, you would be most welcome. Please email Mrs P Sidwell pjs@gsal.org.uk to express your interest and make yourself available for rehearsals at school on Saturday 14 December from 10:00 till 16:00 and Sunday 15 December from 13:00 to 17:00 (the choir learn the music from scratch over the weekend).

Offers for help with the festive choir tea after the Sunday rehearsal are urgently required also if this lovely tradition is to continue. Please email Mrs S Mackenzie sem@gsal.org.uk if you are able to help.

Year 7 notices

Speech Day – school closure for Y7

Friday 22 November

School will be closed for pupils in Y7, Y8 and Y9 for the whole day. All Senior School teaching staff and students in Y10 and above will be present at Speech Day in Leeds Town Hall.

Year 8 notices

Speech Day – school closure for Y8

Friday 22 November

School will be closed for pupils in Y7, Y8 and Y9 for the whole day. All Senior School teaching staff and students in Y10 and above will be present at Speech Day in Leeds Town Hall.

Year 9 notices

Speech Day – school closure for Y9

Friday 22 November

School will be closed for pupils in Y7, Y8 and Y9 for the whole day. All Senior School teaching staff and students in Y10 and above will be present at Speech Day in Leeds Town Hall.