In a week where most fixtures were sadly cancelled, our brave and resilient cross-country runners all started and finished their event in style - albeit soaking wet! Another event, thankfully not prevented by the rain, was the beautiful musical performances held on Wednesday lunch time – it was a super Kingshill goose bump moment – again such bravery shown to perform in front of peers and real resilience in the efforts behind their accomplishments. Kingshill prides itself in the kindness it shows on a daily basis, but Thursday went a step further as we raised money for Young Minds Matter and were all encouraged by Mrs Christopher’s assemblies to commit to one act of kindness each – such a buzz of positive energy bounced around the school, thank you Amelia in Y11 for your brilliant suggestion!
Assembly
This week marks World Kindness Day on Wednesday 9th October and World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10th October so our assembly focus has been on the way in which helping others can have a positive effect on your own mental health and wellbeing. We considered how helping others can make us feel good; it can create a sense of belonging and reduce isolation and finally how it is contagious, it makes the world a happier place. Students were challenged by the example of a person who committed a year to carrying out random acts of kindness every day and the impact this had both for herself and others. We concluded with a Banksy statement “No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted” challenging us all to demonstrate acts of kindness in our daily lives.
Lunch Time Concert
This past Wednesday at 1:30 PM, the music department hosted a fantastic Lunch Time Concert open to all, with five amazing performers:
- Kacper S. (Piano)
- Anabelle N. (Piano)
- James S. (Voice)
- John R. (Piano)
- Matthew C. (Piano)
The event was a great success, as all who came through to watch enjoyed it! Funds raised will support future concerts, and we appreciate all the support as we work toward even bigger plans for the music department. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Octopus Day
October 8th was Octopus Day, a time to celebrate these remarkable creatures known for their intelligence and adaptability. This day also reminds us of the importance of marine conservation and appreciating ocean biodiversity. Whether it's through reading, art, watching documentaries or creating an artistic octopus as our Year 7, Maisie, has as part of a community outreach event, take a moment to appreciate these eight-armed wonders and the mysteries they hold beneath the waves! Thank you for doing your part and sharing your kindness and talent in our community. This is just one of the many ways to work toward being a platinum kindness student.
National Road Relays
Congratulations to Harry B, who was out competing once again last weekend at the National Road Relays in Sutton Park on Saturday, 5th October 2024. We're proud of his continued dedication and success, representing Kingshill School on a national stage! Well done, Harry.
Cross Country Success at Sir William Romney, Tetbury
On Wednesday, 9th October 2024, students from all year groups took part in the cross country competition at Sir William Romney in Tetbury. Well done to everyone who participated, showing incredible resilience throughout the event!
Special congratulations to all of our runners:
Year 7 - Ruby R, Lucy P, Emily F, Billy G, Wilf R, Caleb S, Finley L, Matthew M, and Ryan R.
Year 8 - Hollie D., Sion J, Joey B, and Riley S.
Year 9 - Josie E, Rebecca W, Isabelle S, and Laila-Ronese T.
Year 10 - Harry B, Mal H, Ollie E, Luzianna W, and Scarlett N.
Y7 Football Team
Our Year 7 football team represented Kingshill for the first time in Round 2 of the National ESFA Cup. Our opponents were Wootton Bassett who were very competitive and, despite us losing the game, Mr Thomas is very proud of the resilience shown by all 12 boys and would like to give a special mention to Charlie D for captaining the side with great responsibility. Our ambition is to continue to improve and enjoy a district football campaign after Christmas.
Y7 Rugby
This week the Year 7 rugby team went away to Thomas Keble for their third match of the year, in yet again, more pouring rain. It was a close fought game with two opportunities for tries disallowed due to being taken out into touch at the very last second and TK pulling away to finish the first half 5-0. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, with TK opening the second half with three more tries, however, the year 7's showed their grit and managed to win a hard earned try in the last play of the game bringing the score to 5-20. Player of the match was chosen by the opposition as Leo- congratulations!
Stroud District Rugby Tournament
Three of our Year 11 boys were selected to represent The Stroud and Cotswold District Rugby Team in the annual County Rugby Championship Festival, at Cheltenham Tigers RFC, on Thursday 10th October.
Jimmy T, Tom D and Matt D made fantastic contributions to the success of this team, as they won all three games, and became Gloucestershire District School Champions. They beat Cheltenham 20-5, Gloucester 10-5 and The Forest 25-5. All the boys were exceptional showing amazing pride and ambition when representing Kingshill School. We are super proud of these players, as well as all our students that represent our school.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Dacia left us last summer after achieving fantastic GCSE results and completing a week’s residential in the Brecon Beacons. The Rotary club of Cirencester fund places for young people to help build their confidence, make new friends and experience activities such as caving, raft building and gorge walking. We nominated her for the leadership award because of her incredible commitment to her studies and how she has overcome several challenges.
New Staff Member
I am Tammy Hambly and I am the new EHCP SEMH Intervention Lead. Prior to joining Cirencester Kingshill, I have worked in South Gloucestershire with over three years of experience as a SENCO and twelve years as a primary school teacher. I look forward to the new experiences that a secondary school will bring me.
Save the Date: Next Parent Forum
We are excited to announce that our next Parent Forum will be held on Friday, 6th December, and we hope to see even more attendees than last time! Based on feedback from our previous forum, the main topics of discussion will be our Reading Programme and UP strategy along with insights into the Extend Programme/Personal Development.
We start early for those who wish to experience the Reading Programme live. Join us at 8:30am to visit tutor groups as they implement this initiative. If you’re unable to attend the early session, please join us for the regular forum starting at 9:00 – 10:30am.
Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging morning!
Attendance Regulation Update
Attendance continues to be a significant focus of the Government with the launch of the new statutory guidance in August called ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’. Gloucestershire Local Authority have summarised some of the key points that are pertinent for parents in the letter attached here.
We are continuing to work hard with our students to encourage positive school attendance. Currently our attendance for this term is 93.2%. Thank you for all your support in ensuring students are in school thereby having a real opportunity to shape a greater future.
Closing Remarks
It’s hard to believe we have only 2 weeks left of this term but we do appreciate that this is a monster term of 8 weeks. Naturally, our students will begin to feel more tired over the coming weeks, do help them to remain upbeat and positive that the holidays are very nearly here. We look forward to seeing them in school each and every day for the remainder of term – once here it never feels as bad as it did when they were hiding under the duvet!
I have my fingers crossed for a weekend of sunshine!
