It has been another good week albeit with some challenges in the way we get the children through the lunch hour and buses arriving late to both drop off and pick up children. These are some of the teething issues in a new site that we need to work on and please be assured that the team is working very hard to rectify these challenges. 

Staff continue to read and share the book by Mark Finnis. Early in the book the phrase ‘how adults behave…’ is one we often talk about in schools. We often discuss ourselves as role models for the children, smiling, being positive and having a good go at things, even when hard. We do make mistakes as does everyone but most certainly, we are building and managing relationships. As we navigate our way through these first weeks in a brand new site, bear with us as we strive to get things as we all want them for your children. 

There will be a number of open events coming up soon. The first is a Year 10 Open Evening which will be taking place on Thursday, the 16th of September between 17:30 and 18:30. There is no need to book. More information will be sent at the start of next week. 

We are planning a number of events to welcome you all to the building so that you can come in to see the new site – more information to follow soon with dates shared next week. 

Clubs will start on Monday and everyone wishing to attend the Monday club should have received confirmation as to whether or not they have a place. I am sure you will appreciate that some clubs have a high demand and there can only be a certain number of spaces. We do appreciate this means some children will have to wait and will be bearing this in mind as clubs change each half term. If you have not yet received a confirmation, bear with us and be assured it will be received by lunchtime on Monday for those clubs later in the week. The form will go live again on Monday afternoon, after all initial submissions have been completed. 

For those collecting the children after a club, the gate will be open so you can come onto the school site to wait. Please remember that if your child usually travels by bus, you will need to collect them or arrange alternative methods.

Lunch Cards – Parent Pay – Unfortunately due to a delay with our supplier, lunch payment cards are not yet available. We will do all we can to make the lunchtime experience the best that it can be and again, ask for your patience. 

Attendance – If your child is going to be absent please email [email protected] each day to inform us of the absence.

Communications – Wherever possible please use the contact form on our website to get in touch. This is detailed on the website at https://avanti.org.uk/avantifields/contact-us/. The appropriate member of staff will pick up the message and get back to you as soon as possible.   

Pick ups and drop offs – if you need to drive to school to drop off or pick up your child, please do not park on the road approaching the school gates. People that park on this road cause huge delays which then becomes a huge challenge for traffic both ways. Yesterday I came across one driver that parked at the gates and left the car to go and meet a child resulting in the whole road being blocked – please do not do this as it is totally irresponsible. The gates should be open to allow you to come in and leave with a smooth flow. 

Please come in find a safe place to park and wait sensibly but do not park where the buses need to stop. A reminder that Thurmaston Lane is for pedestrians and cyclists only. One resident has rightly complained there was no through route for his pram.

Thank you very much for your support. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and help us to settle in with as little challenge as possible. Let’s work together and make the experience a wonderful one. 

Thank you very much for your continued support.

Have a great weekend.

Mr Kite

Interim Principal