Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a great weekend.
Many thanks for all the responses thus far to our school survey. You opinions are really important to us, and there is still time to feedback via the following link:
https://participate.schoolsurveys.com/VPwy8yoT5BxA87zh
I was delighted to welcome James MacCleary, new local MP to the school this week. We discussed a range of matters on education, as well as points on local transport and the swimming pool re-opening. On the latter, we are hoping to have some information soon and James will be keeping me updated.
I was delighted to see so many Year 7 parents and carers this week at the parent and carers meeting. They have made a fantastic start, and it was great to hear so many positive views both from parents and teachers.
A reminder that our first parent forum is on Wednesday 16th between 5pm-6pm. This will be an opportunity to review how best to involve parents in the school and agree on ways of working moving forward. If you would like to sign up for this meeting, please fill in the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYC_BiV7i9jTeX23EZDfWMwWDxPfnH7XsXybdjVsS5ulu-zw/viewform
As we approach our first ever two week October half term, I would like to reiterate that our students continue to set the bar extremely high across school. We are very lucky to have a focussed, calm atmosphere and it is a privilege to oversee the school where the children are so engaging, respectful and polite.
I hope you have a good weekend.
Best wishes,
Mr Harvey
Northern Lights from Sussex!
Last night we were treated to a beautiful display of the Auroura Borealis!
Picture taken by Mr. Duckworth from Bo Peep, South Downs
And from Haywards Heath, picture taken by Mrs. Thompson.
Wonderful Westminster
On Friday 27th September our remarkable RE students as part of their GCSE RE course ventured to Westminster Abbey to learn about its history, architecture and Christian practices.
The students were excellent ambassadors for King’s Academy Ringmer. The visit gave us an excellent start to our subject and was thoroughly enjoyed by us all!
- Mrs Simmons and Ms Ledwick
Art Update
Year 7 art have been drawing biscuits at the various stages of being eaten. Some fantastic outcomes and some very happy faces were present when they ate their biscuits.
PE Department Update
Congratulations to Seth, Year 8 in his race-walking event held in Stoke on Trent the other weekend. He finished 1st in his category and 3rd overall in the Under 13, 1500m race finishing in a time of 8 mins 44 seconds.
We love hearing about student’s success in events and activities outside of school. Well done Seth
- The PE Team
Lost property
Please note that all un-named lost property is disposed of at the end of every term if unclaimed. There is also a large amount of coats.
Year 8 & 9 Visit to Ardeche, France - Enrichment Week July 2025
Please see the Edulink email that has been sent to parents/carers of our Year 8 and 9 students with regards to an exciting visit that will be going ahead during Enrichment Week in July 2025.
This visit is open to all students in Years 8 and 9 and looks to be an exciting visit with lots of activities.
There will also be a Year 8 Camp to Blacklands Farm option for Year 8 students with further details to follow when finalised.
Lewes Bonfire
We are aware that some of our students are participating in the Lewes Bonfire celebrations, some as part of bonfire societies which may necessitate late finishes. Please be advised of some notices for the two days on the 5th and 6th November 2024:
Tuesday 5th November 2024:
- The school day will run as normal, finishing at 3.20pm.
Wednesday 6th November 2024:
- This will be 'business as normal', with students expected in for 8.43am.
- For students who are involved in the evening of the 5th with Bonfire Societies, we will authorise absence for a 10.55am start. Please could we ask that parents and carers email our Attendance Manager, Esther Molog at esther.molog@kingsacademies.uk in advance to advise if your child is unable to attend by 8.43am on the 6th November 2024.
- Please could we ask Year 11 parents and carers to also notify Esther Molog at esther.molog@kingsacademies.uk if your son/daughter will not be present for the History exam on the morning of the 6th November 2024. We will review this list and ensure a contingency is in place if needed. Please make it very clear that your child is Year 11 and will be missing the History exam.
- Any student absence after 10.55am will be unauthorised.
Whole School Photo Day – Lightroom Photography
On Thursday 17 October, Lightroom Photography are coming in for the day to take individual student photos and also Year 11 whole year group photo.
As in previous years, on the day of the photography session, your child will be bringing home a photo sheet containing QR codes. These codes will allow you to register and view your child’s photographs online.
If you already have an account, simply log back in and add the additional code provided on the sheet. When your child’s photographs are ready to view, you will automatically be notified by email.
If your child is new to the school and you have not previously registered for an account, you can easily do so by scanning the QR code or entering the web address and the code on a mobile device or laptop.
Please kindly ensure that your child brings this sheet home. If you do not receive the sheet, we advise you to check their school bag. In the event that you still cannot locate it, please don’t hesitate to email Lightroom Photography direct at info@myschoolpics.co.uk with your child’s name and class tutor group, and they will provide you with the necessary code.
Additionally, Year 11 students will be taking a year group photograph. They will receive a separate sheet to view this group photo online.
Dining Room Theme Days
We will be having two theme days in the dining room in the next few weeks:
- Tuesday 15th October 2024 - Diwali - Festival of Lights menu
- Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Hot Dog Heroes menu
Please see attached the flyers with all the menu details.
Do you qualify for Free School Meals?
To make applications easier for parents/carers we have changed the way that you can apply for free school meals. Applications are now processed online via East Sussex County Council, the criteria for being able to apply and for the online application please see the details below.
Free school meals for children in Year 3 and older. Older children may get free school meals if their parents or carers get any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit - GOV.UK – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- Income Support - GOV.UK
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK
- The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit -GOV.UK
- Child Tax Credit - GOV.UK, only, if your annual household income (assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) isn’t over £16,190
[Anyone who gets Working Tax Credit - GOV.UK, won’t get free meals regardless of income]
-
Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Children will get free school meals if they meet the criteria and are in school both before and after lunchtime.
Children eligible for free school meals on or after 1 April 2018 will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2023 even if your circumstances change.
Our Electronic Checking Service might be able to confirm entitlement. If not, you’ll need to show recent proof that you qualify. Meals cannot be given until eligibility is verified.
Apply online if your child goes to school in East Sussex.
Thank you,
Debbie Duckworth
School Business Manager
Careers News
Free Online Skills and careers Courses:
Plumpton College Open Day 12th October 9am -12pm:
A guide for parents and carers -transitioning into college and adult life for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND):
https://eastsussex.pagetiger.com/bcaycnh
Find Your Space -careers videos from The National Space Academy:
https://nationalspaceacademy.org/careers/career-resources/
Vacancies
