I’ve done a lot of thinking about safety and security these last couple of weeks; it has been saddening to see what has been happening in our otherwise wonderful city of late. While it’s not the Nottingham I fondly recall growing up in, there are still things to feel positive about. Tomorrow there will be a peaceful demonstration in the Market Square organised by Dr Baz, founder of anti-crime youth charity Switch Up, so I take some comfort in knowing that some people are willing to represent much of the city who want to see an end to this type of crime.
Having two violent incidents, involving teenagers, happening in quick succession is unnerving for parents and Heads alike; the leadership team and I have spent some time in the last two weeks considering where we can make a difference to the wellbeing and safety of the children. This list is not exhaustive, but gives a flavour:
- Replacement gate at Garfield House with combination lock.
- Additional signage to indicate security measures on gates to White House and the Prep school, and more prominent positioning or indication of our CCTV cameras (to act as deterrent).
- A Lock Down drill, and improvements made to the procedure to be tested again in the next two weeks.
- Mr Cholerton, Mrs Wright and I are meeting next week with a local PC; we will continue with regular meetings to keep updated on the local issues and how the School can best respond.
There is some reassurance in the police comments that recent events are isolated incidents; to support our pupils in making the right choices in life we will be looking at ways to educate pupils on personal safety, and how to spot and avoid risk. We hope to achieve this through Form Time activities, PSHE lessons, and visiting speakers. If you have any recommendations for organisations or charities who work with schools in supporting pupil safety, please let us know.
On a more positive note, the Prep school pupils have had lots of fun dressing up for World Book Day, while the Seniors were treated to some good advice courtesy of Super Worm, regarding kindness and not being led by others into making poor choices. While we had a little fun using a book intended for much younger children, the message is an important one to take in, especially as it relates to interactions within school and the unfortunate incidents I mention at the start of my newsletter.
I hope you’ve all had chance to look at the entries pupils have made to the Royal Academy Youth Artist Exhibition, we’ve put them on our social channels for you to enjoy.
A couple of reminders for you to finish, next week Year 10 will be taking part in work experience, I would like to wish them the very best of luck with their endeavours and remind them to represent Hollygirt as best they can; I look forward to hearing their reports next week.
Year 8 parents evening is taking place on Tuesday from 4pm, and on Friday 21st March, Mrs Wright and I will be hosting a coffee morning for Prep and Senior parents from 8:30am to 9:30am. This will be held in my office; please sign in at Senior School reception on arrival.
And finally, remember that school events and the calendar can be viewed on iSAMS, log into the parental portal and select School Calendar from the drop-down menu in the top right corner.
Ever Onwards and Upwards,
Ms Purdy
Head