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Issue 03 30th September 2016

Shenley Academy bids a fond farewell to Gill Glover! As I started work at Shenley in the summer of 2016, one of the very first people to come and introduce herself to me was Gill Glover. Gill has been the Cleaning Supervisor at Shenley for 52 years, and was able to give me an overview of all of the headteachers that she has worked under in that time, with of course some top tips on how to be make sure that I keep the academy in order! So it was with a heavy heart that on Friday 23rd September I hosted the first leaving event of the year, to bid a fond farewell to Gill. Although mine might have only been a fleeting time with her, Shenley staff have many memories of Gill in both our fabulous new building and of course our predecessor school: Shenley Court. Whilst Gill has always been an employee of City Serve, and we were pleased that they were able to join us in celebrating Gill’s innings with us, we know that she is a Shenley girl through and through. Paula Barker (Curriculum Leader: English) regaled us with tales of Gill’s pride in maintaining such a high standard in both the old building and the new. During one summer holiday, Gill organised some decorating of the school and had bought the paint herself – she even arranged for her husband to come in and paint an area for her. This was one of many demonstrations of how much Gill cared for and was an integral part of the school. Numerous stories followed of how Gill frequently demonstrated her knowledge of the school and her kindness, generosity, and willingness to act on any support or requests as required by the Shenley team.

Other guests included Dave Firman, previous Head Teacher at the school. His stories included how back in the day he would call out Gill’s name to help instil and retain discipline at the school – she had such an authority and respect amongst the students that they would shudder in fear of the thought of being on the wrong side of Gill! He went on to explain that they we all so respectful to Gill it was seen as sin to get on the wrong side and to not oblige – she is genuinely seen as one of their own by all the children. We were joined in celebrating Gill’s outstanding contribution to Shenley by Keith Brown, Cityserve’s Group Client Manager for Shenley Academy. Keith presented Gill with her long service Cityserve retire-ment certificate and she proudly displayed it to all her work colleagues and staff from the school. Gill was also presented with flowers, a beautiful vase, card and gifts from all of the staff here at Shenley, and we all wished her a long, happy and healthy retirement.

52 years’ service in one school is going to be a hard habit to break, but we do hope that Gill will enjoy the time and new interests that retirement can and will bring. But just remember Gill – you’re always welcome to visit us at Shenley! Lucy Monk, Principal

This week, year seven students participated in an action packed presentation with a very important message. David Graham’s Natural High Programme reinforces to students the dangers and consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. The 90 minute presentation highlights to students the range of services available to them when it comes to concerns or questions about illegal highs and encourages students to consid-er how they can achieve a natural high from doing something they enjoy. The programme provided students with an opportunity to consider their own talents and interests, recognising the value in their individuality. Students then created memorable anti-drug slogans and the winning entries came from Demi Wilkes, Rammell Mason and Logan Chick whose winning slogan was: Try to get a natural high. If not, you could die. Take my word, they can be lethal. Please just try to be free and if you’re seen with drugs, stay away from me. Here’s what the students had to say: “Natural High made me see the effects of drugs and made me think twice about doing them if I was asked” “I didn’t realise you could phone someone or go on the internet if you were worried about a friend taking drugs.” “I liked the story about the boy who became a game tester. Maybe I could do that because I am good at gaming but never saw it as a talent.” “It was really fun writing the slo-gans, it really made me think about the bad stuff drugs can do”.

Logan Chick S4 Our competition winner

Year 11 revision points system

Year 11 students have made an excellent start to the academic

year and will soon have the opportunity to engage in extra

curricular study periods and workshops during after school sessions. To encourage and support Year 11 in this process we

have introduced an additional and exclusive rewards system to

run alongside the vivo system. This extra rewards system will offer year 11 students further incentives to support them through

their GCSE preparation and revision. These incentives will include anything from extra revision stationery, discounted prom

tickets and exclusive prize draws!

How do Year 11 students earn these incentives?

Each revision or catch up session that a student attends will be worth one point on the revision card. Teachers will sign the points card each time a student completes an afterschool session meaning that students will be able to accumulate points towards giveaways, discounts and exclusive raffles.

The teaching staff will be hosting the extra twilight sessions after school. These will be tailored to the needs of the students and will be vitally important in supporting them through revision and in developing exam technique. Pupils can find out from their form and subject tutors which sessions are available and then begin to take advantage of both the extra hours of support and the opportunity to earn rewards. The newsletter will also continue to provide parents and pupils with updates of available workshops and sessions.

Attendance Spotlight Prosecution of parents/carers, Education Act 1996 Section 444 We are required to publish the results of the case heard at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 21st September 2016. The parent of a Shenley Academy student had the case against them heard in respect of their failure to ensure their child’s regular attendance at school. At Victoria Law Court on the 21 September 2016, Parent/Carer A did not appear and the case was heard in their absence. After hearing the circumstances of the case the Magistrates imposed a fine of £110, costs of £125 and a victim surcharge of £20; a total of £255. Education matters and unnecessary time off school affects students’ progress and attainment. We expect parents of all of our students to ensure that they attend regularly and on time unless there are genuine reasons for their absence.

We may ask for medical evidence if we have concerns about regular absence.

Mrs L. Tallent, Assistant Principal

TOP ATTENDING FORMS THIS WEEK 19-9-2016 - 23-9-2016

JUPITER - 100% - J7

MERCURY - 100% - M3 & M6

NEPTUNE - 100% - N4 & N8

SATURN-- 98.95% - S1

VENUS - 100% - V7 & V9

APOLLO - 97.50% - A2 & A6

WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - YEAR TO DATE - 95.81% - THIS WEEK 95.56%

SUMMER 2016 EXAMINATION CERTIFICTES

Certificates from the Summer 2016 examinations will be ready for collection from the Exams Office the week beginning Monday 14th November . Students can collect them personally, or give

someone a letter authorising collection on their behalf. The office is open from 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday during term time

Shenley Academy Autumn Term Diary Dates

Tuesday 11th October 2016: Class of 2016 Academic Awards Evening (Letter to follow with details) Monday 17th October 2016: Humanities Visit: Dudley Zoo Tuesday 18th October 2016: Year 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday 20th October 2016: Students finish 3pm for half term Friday 21st October 2016: Teacher Training Day Monday 31st October 2016: Students return to the Academy 8.35am Tuesday 1st November 2016: Year 7 Celebration Evening Tuesday 8th November 2016: Year 10 Parents’ Evening Tuesday 15th November 2016: Torgon Ski Trip Meeting—5.30pm—6.30pm Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th November 2016: Dance Fusion Tuesday 29th November 2016: 6th Form Open Evening ( 6.30-8.30pm ) Wednesday 7th December 2016: Training Day Tuesday 13th December 2016: 6th Form Awards Evening (class of 2016 Year 1, 12,

13) 6pm— 7pm Friday 16th December 2016: Academy Closes 3pm for Xmas Holiday

Week Beg: Monday 30th September

2016 Will Be:

Week One On the Academy

Timetable. Theme for Assemblies/

Form Is:

Miracles DEAR

Period 3 Character Focus:

Integrity