Headteacher’s Blog 21.6.19
As identified in the 2017 Estyn inspection report, Attitudes to Learning were judged as unsatisfactory at Milford Haven School. Whilst disappointing, every effort has been made to ensure that recommendations in this area have been actioned and met. This academic year, we are absolutely delighted with our improvements in attendance, with a projected attendance capture of 94.4%, a significant improvement on last year of +1.7%. In total, this means that our learners have gained an additional 2788 days of learning. A huge well done must be made to year 11 who have made the most improvement in terms of attendance. With regards to behaviour, a new Engagement policy and staff blueprint have been well received and the number of days lost to fixed term exclusions have reduced. Whilst exclusion figures remain high and remain a target for improvement, we work closely with the Local Authority to ensure that avenues of support and external provisions are identified so that the needs of learners can be met.
As stated in my previous blog we know that a lot of the other local secondary schools have recently changed to a blazer and shirt style school uniform, however I would just like to take this opportunity to again clarify that at present we have no current plans to change the school uniform here at Milford Haven School, and when we return in September for the new academic year we will retain the same polo shirt and school jumper we use at present. We have been fortunate enough to have a lot of uniform donated back to us, and following the success of last years’ pre-loved uniform sales we will be holding more before the end of term. An announcement with details of date and location will be made on WEDUC/ Facebook in the coming week.
We have stated many times the important role that school uniform plays in establishing the ethos of a school. At Milford Haven School we believe that our uniform policy benefits the school and its pupils in a number of ways:
Full co-operation with our dress code enables staff to concentrate their time and effort on teaching and learning. Parents/Carers of any pupil arriving at school in non-school uniform clothing may be contacted and asked to collect their child in order to take them home to put on the correct uniform or otherwise adjust their appearance in line with the School’s Uniform Policy. We ask all parents that send their children to Milford Haven School correctly dressed and ready to learn. If feasible, any offending items of non-school uniform being worn to school will be confiscated and parents asked to collect them. Alternatively, parents could be asked to collect their child from School and take them home to change into School uniform.
A large number of Milford Haven School pupils took part in the Mayor’s Civic Service last Saturday at St Katherine’s Church, representing many of the different youth organisations in Milford Haven. From the town band, Girl Guides to the Sea and Army Cadets- I am extremely proud of everyone that contributed to this celebration of Milford Haven Town and the many special opportunities it offers our young people.
As mentioned in my last Blog it was my absolute pleasure to attend the D-Day service last week held in Milford Haven to remember the men from Pembrokeshire who fought in Normandy 75 years ago. It was lovely to see local coverage of this special event, especially the photos on page 6 of the Milford Mercury which showed myself and several pupils paying our respects on behalf of the school.
***WEDUC competition***
Many of you may have already seen this on our FB page, but here is a reminder as you have to be in it to win it! All parent and carers that are signed up to WEDUC by Friday July 12th will automatically be entered into a prize draw for £25 cash during the last week of term. If you haven’t already signed up to WEDUC there is still plenty of time to download the app, sign up and be in with a chance of winning the cash prize! Pob lwc pawb.
Mount Community Centre will be holding a Bingo session as detailed in the above posted on Tuesday July 2nd. All prizes are ‘Mrs Hinch’ inspired hampers that have been donated by Milford Haven School, all profits from the Bingo will go back to the Mount Community Centre. If you are able to come along to this event your support would be much appreciated, and hopefully we can raise much needed funds to keep the Community Centre as an asset to the whole town.
Our MHS Fun Run 2019 will take place next week during lesson 5 on Thursday June 27th for participating KS3 students. The Fun Run 2019 will be an extra special event too as we have hired in a 100ft inflatable obstacle course as part of the 2K route! All pupils have been invited to purchase a race place, the cost will be £2.50 per pupil, and we now have less than 20 race places left! Remaining spaces are available for purchase from Ms Baker or Mrs Edwards during break and lunchtimes, and they will be sold on a first come first served basis. Students will be issued with a unique event wristband when purchasing their race place, pupils will need to wear this wristband on the day of the Fun Run 2019 or they will be denied access to the obstacle course.
