I am delighted that following a successful application for a grant from Parentkind and the Guinness Partnership, we are able to launch the Severn Vale Hygiene Hubs! These hubs will enable us to provide some key hygiene products to our students free of charge. These products include: deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and sanitary products, amongst others. The hubs are located in the Heads of Year offices, the Safeguarding office, RE1, H1 and in Mr Spooner and Mr Brown's office in the DT block. There is no need to be embarrassed, your child can just pop along to one of the above locations and ask the staff member for a product. They will then be given what they need, no questions asked. 

We know that during these difficult times, families can be facing struggles at home; some financial, some routine and structure-orientated. Either way, our Family Support Practitioner, Charlotte Merryfield, may be able to help. The support from Miss Merryfield is created together with families and students. It creates a non-judgemental space for families to truthfully reflect on potential barriers within their unit and provides structured and tailored solutions. If this is something you think you'd like to discuss further, please email cmerryfield@severnvaleschool.com and she will be in touch. 

A request for help: we are always in need of second hand uniform for both our second hand uniform shop and for our Student Support Office. If you ever have items of unwanted uniform please do bring them to school as we can always make use of them. At the moment we are particularly in need of boys/girl trousers. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide with this.

Advanced notice that we will be holding our annual foodbank collection to support the Quedgeley Community Food Drive next Friday, 13 February. We know that not everyone will be able to donate, but if you are able to, all non-perishable foods are required. Thank you in advance for your support with this.

Last Sunday, the PE department took a group of KS3 students to watch the British Super League Basketball Finals in Birmingham. There was a women's and men's trophy final game, which were both played at a fast-paced, high level that was incredible to watch. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, Remy was not selected to take part in the slam dunk contest in between the two games! The students conducted themselves brilliantly and were an absolute credit to the school. I think it's fair to say one or two might have enjoyed the selection of food available at the arena more than the games themselves, with Ryan single-handedly keeping the Pick n Mix stand in business!! 

This week a group of our Year 10 Citizenship and Politics students headed down to London for the day to visit the Houses of Parliament. Before the tour, the group went sightseeing, taking in some of the major political landmarks along the way. After the tour of Parliament, the plan was for the students to take part in a workshop run by the parliament education service, although they never quite got to this as our local MP, Alex McIntyre, came along to meet the students. Despite saying he only had half an hour, he was so generous with his time that after he’d answered all their questions, an hour had passed and there was no time left for the workshop.  The Prime Minister was speaking in the House of Commons at the time, so for him to have chosen to prioritise a local school over attending this was something that spoke volumes to the students about where his priorities lie. As always, the students were a credit to the school, with their tour guides commenting on how extremely knowledgeable and informed they were.  They were also keen to point out our students were the politest they’d encountered. Something that comes as no surprise to us! 

It has been another busy week of fixtures, including:

• Year 7 Football - the Year 7s travelled to The Crypt for their latest match. They started well and went ahead quite quickly in the first half. Crypt got themselves back into the game and equalised not long after. The boys dug in deep and were determined not to let this game get away from them. The goals soon started coming thick and fast and they came away deserved 6-2 winners. There were some great goals from Harry, Aiden, Broady and a long-range effort from Mason. Every single player worked their socks off to get this win. Well-done boys!

• Year 8 Football - the Year 8s boys also travelled to Crypt after last week’s draw against Holmleigh Park. This was always going to be a tough task and the boys were determined to come away with something. The game was a physical encounter and both teams played the ball around the pitch well. We were deservedly 2-0 up at half-time but Crypt went close on a few occasions, which made for a tense second half. The boys upped their game even more in the second half, coming away 5-0 winners. Every single player performed at the top of their game for this win. There were some excellent performances and goals from Sammy, Dan, Leo and Sam. Well done boys!

• Year 10 Football - our Year 10s were the third team to play The Crypt this week. Despite an improved performance, the boys were unable to follow up last week’s win, going down to a 3-1 defeat.

• KS4 Netball – our KS4 Netball team played their latest fixture versus Barnwood Park this week. The team put in a dominant display, with some great link-up passing and solid defending, which earned the girls a 15-1 win. Player of the match went to Bianca for some excellent shooting and game play. 

A reminder that the Year 9 parents evening will take place next Thursday, 12 February. Full details have been circulated. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Pogue in the school office.

As always, I end with my weekly reminder about Free School Meals eligibility. If your financial circumstances have changed, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. If you click on this link you will find guidance on the eligibility criteria and the application process. It's a quick process and we are notified of all FSM entitlements by Gloucestershire County Council each Monday. I would urge you to take a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance.   

I do hope you enjoy a great weekend.  

Kind regards,  

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher