Newsletter - Dene Magna School

Newsletter
MAY 2016
Messages from Stephen Brady
Latest News...
The year seems to be flying by and we are about to welcome our new students as
they embark on Y6 Induction Week.
International...
Year 11 students are now firmly into the exam period and work is gathering pace on
the building projects.
House News...
Can I remind you that the decision on when students can remove jumpers will be
made by myself and, until then, students will need to have their jumpers on.
Obviously, individual staff members will have discretion on this in some of our
warmer classrooms.
Sports Roundup
Coming Up...
To report an absence please
call 01594 542370 & press 1
The situation with parking has improved greatly, but can I ask the very few parents/
carers who are still parking on the verge to please use our car park. It is safer and we
need you to use it. Of course, there are minor disruptions with the building work,
but it still needs to be used.
Student Voice
Poppy James and Alex Lewis (Head Girl/Boy)
Both Alex and I share he same working ethos and drive. Our aim during our time as Head Girl and Boy, in this leadership
role, is to do everything possible to ensure our peer group works in an environment that is both enjoyable and where
everyone is committed.
Our central aim is to reflect our ideas and thoughts into whatever we are asked and to help in any way to ensure our year
group and the students throughout the school are
Key Dates coming up...
motivated.
We will both give 100% to this role and are proud to
have been given this opportunity.
Latest News...
Sports Day:
Inset Day:
Y11 Prom:
Achievement Evening:
Exams Results day:
Monday 13 June
Friday 17 June
Friday 8 July
Tuesday 19 July
Thursday 25 August 9am—12noon
Healthy Living and Learning Award
hear from any of you who would be able to get involved - we
Dene Magna has had their Gloucestershire Healthy Living & will need a few more volunteers on the day to help with
Learning Award approved by the Quality Assurance Group. setting up, refreshments etc to help make sure everything
goes to plan.
Well done to all those who were involved in this project.
Friends of Dene Magna
The FDMA held another successful quiz last month,
in partnership with the History Department, so
thank you to those of you who attended. I hope
you enjoyed the evening as much as we did.
The next FDMA event is the Summer Fayre, which is coming
up on Sunday 10 July. Planning is well underway and we are
looking forward to your support to make it a really great
event, building on the success of last year. We would love to
We also need volunteers to make cakes for the fayre. If you
can help please contact FDMA@denemagna.org.uk.
Cake Sale
On Sports Day (13 June) Wilson’s Y8, Y9 and Y10 will be
holding a cake sale to raise funds for Gloucestershire Young
Carers. Please can students bring in some spare change or a
pound or two in order to support this worthy cause. This will
form a House Competition! Team OK17 will also be holding
a Krispy Kreme Doughnut sale during Sports Day. £1 a
Doughnut with all proceeds going to the Okinawa fund.
School Address: Abenhall Road Mitcheldean Gloucestershire GL17 0DU Phone Number: 01594 542370 Fax Number: 01594 544862
Website: www.denemagna.gloucs.sch.uk
Email: reception@denemagna.gloucs.sch.uk
facebook.com/denemagna
twitter.com/denemagnaschool
Latest News!
Attendance
The current picture with the tutor groups is shown below
and the figures are up to Friday 21 May . We would be
delighted to see so many more tutor groups achieve the
target of 97% and be rewarded for their efforts. Well done
to the House who are currently in the lead. Please can I ask
that we have a real push in the last few weeks ahead and
achieve our goals for the year
DOWTY
7D1
7D2
8D1
9D1
9D2
10D1
11D1
96.71
96.57
97.08
96.91
97.38
96.05
96.20
FOLEY
7F1
8F1
8F2
9F1
10F1
11F1
97.12
96.18
96.66
95.18
93.83
95.78
JENNER
7J1
8J1
8J2
9J1
10J1
11J1
11J2
95.49
97.28
95.82
96.57
97.81
96.88
94.19
WILSON
7W1
7W2
8W1
9W1
10W1
10W2
11W1
97.38
97.13
96.36
94.92
96.53
95.04
94.88
honoured to have heard him speak and that it put their lives
into a great deal of perspective. At times the talk was
harrowing, especially when he spoke of the murders of his
parents, but the message was a strong one: that we should
never just stand by when we see discrimination, in case it is
allowed to become the norm.
New Teaching Block update
The footings are now down and the foundation was poured
on Friday 20 May. Watch this space as the building starts to
grow upwards!
International...
The countdown is on for our third visit to Okinawa with the
fantastic Team OK16. The students have worked hard over
the year to raise their funds, host Okinawan students, learn
Japanese and prepare themselves for a trip of a lifetime.
Uniform/Jewellery/Hair
The group will leave on Thursday 23rd June (24th for Tom W
As stated in the last newsletter, students are not permitted and Ollie H) and travel half way around the world to
to wear hoodies and any hoodies will be confiscated if Okinawa, via Hong Kong.
worn. We have had a number of students, who in recent
weeks have had various hair cuts and styles. Can I remind The Chatan Board of Education have got some exciting
activities planned for us, including visiting castles,
you that hair must be of one natural colour, number 3 is the
aquariums, snorkelling, in addition to students spending a
shortest permitted, long hair must be tied back and no
memorable few days with their host families and in
extremes of cut. If you are in any doubt with regards to experiencing life in Okinawan schools.
uniform, hair or jewellery then please contact your child's
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the
Head of House or refer to page 10 in the student planner.
students, their parents/carers and all the staff who have
Debate Club
made this year's Exchange a pleasure to be a part of. Lastly,
Recently, the Dene Magna debate club took a
please wish us safe travel on our journey.
memorable visit to Parliament, the home of
Mrs Rayfield and Mrs Balmer are excited to announce
British debating. The experience was awesome
that Team OK17 will consist of:
and we all enjoyed touring the behind-theEllie Whitson, Abbi Morrissey, Beth Evans, Will Knight,
scenes rooms. The best part of this trip was
having the amazing opportunity to watch some of the Cameron Shields, Tomo Heckford & Sam Weiss.
debates that go on in both the House of Commons and
House of Lords.
House News!
There were loads of interesting facts we learned, such as
Wilson News
how to lobby our MP and we would recommend to Y8 that
I am particularly proud of Wilson's new selection of senior
they take up any invitation they may get to be part of this
students. Over 30 students applied to become a prefect,
club.
which is a wonderful reflection of the positive and
Civil War Days
responsible nature of so many of our Y10s. The final
The Colonel recently came to visit Y8 to
selection has now been announced and I look forward to
show them the realities of what it
seeing our new prefects in action after the half-term
would've been like to live in the 17th century.
break. Layla Ballinger, Caleb Lloyd, Summer
Members of Miss Adams' class said: "It was
Jones and Aiden Haines are busy recruiting students from
enjoyable as we got to try different types of food,
all year groups to compete in the upcoming sports
handle weapons and dress like them. I loved seeing (and day. They have put together a formidable House Team and
hearing) the musket and artillery being fired." One student have now begun coaching skills sessions during Friday
even said it was the best day they'd had in a long time.
lunchtimes. Meanwhile, Wilson students have now raised
over £100 for our Kenyan student, Julian. This is fantastic
Holocaust Survivor Talk
Year 10 GCSE Historians recently had the opportunity to hear as it will really support Julian on her journey through
a talk from a Holocaust Survivor. Harry Bibring is an Austrian school for the coming year. Supporting each other is
Jew who escaped persecution by leaving on the something we really value in Wilson House.
Kindertransport to England in 1938. Prior to that, he had Mrs. Balmer, Head of Wilson
been witness to some of the atrocities committed by the Aspire Together, Achieve Together
Nazis in Austria after the Anschluss. Students said they felt
House News!
Dowty News
Another busy month in the Dowty Household! At the last
assessment point, just after the Easter break, the vast majority of
students were working very hard, with really good attitudes
towards their studies. Over 50% of Y7 students received a Deputy
Head Commendation for their efforts. There have been many
letters from tutors and myself for merits, with more to come.
We have appointed the new Dowty House Captains in Bevis
Thornell and Natasha Histed. Their deputies are Hollie Kibble and
William Callard. Dowty Sports Captains are Katy Davis and Bradley
Morgan and Bailey James as House Monitor. We also appointed
House Mentors in Anu Shaji, Callum Trump and Chloe Williams.
They will be heavily involved in supporting the new Dowty Y6
student induction and then into the new year as Y7's. There is also
a really strong group of School and House Prefects. My
congratulations to you all and may you continue to wear your ties
and badges with pride. I am certainly proud of you for volunteering
Congratulation to our Senior Students:
your time and for wanting to make a difference.
Head Girl—Poppy James
There are so many sporting events at present. Events
House Captains—Lily Hampson/George Davis
where Dowty Students are representing themselves and their
Vice Captains—Sarah Boundy/Trystan Clark
House with aplomb. Students, please get involved and support
Sports Captains—Hannah Roberts/Lucas Gardner
your tutors and the Sports Captains in getting a full team sheet,
Head Mentors—Olivia Evenson/Maisy Bishop
practicing and then winning on the day! The Staff team are poised
Monitors—Paige Fletcher/Kyran Worgan
with sharpened running spikes!
We are very proud to have them on board.
Y11 exams started this week, so good luck to all Y11 Our Attendance remains at the top of the School with 96.7%. We
students, but especially those in Jenner. Just try to do your must not be complacent though as Jenner are creeping up.
Together we must keep the Attendance trophy.
best - that's all anyone can ask for!!
Please remember that the "Retreat" room is available Well done to all Y10's for organising your work experience. You will
Mon-Thurs at break/lunch times for certain students. This really enjoy it and I hope start to see reasons for all the hard work
you put in in School.
will be manned by our Head Mentors on Mondays.
Uniform is being worn well but some girls are pushing boundaries
A Tolley, Head of Jenner
with loose hair and tight fitting trousers. Boys should not be having
Perseverance Breeds Success
hair cuts of a 'stepped' design. Please be vigilant and
keep Dowty looking the smartest.
In the next week a group of Year 10 Students are presenting their
It’s been another manic few weeks for Foley. We start by Flight Simulator design to judges, visiting the school. They will then
be presenting to other Schools at an event at the Imperial War
wishing our Y11s all the very best of luck in their exams
Museum, Duxford. We wish them the best of luck.
and hope that they truly reach their potential. With this,
our first House Leadership Group are conducting their final Dowty House is looking for a Business Sponsor. If your child is in
Dowty House and you would like to be involved in the future
few activities and we would all like to thank Jess, Luke,
Maisy, Sam, Liv, Oli and the rest of the team for guiding us success of the House, then please get in touch, even if you are
reading this and don't have children at the School but would like to
through our first year with such commitment and
be involved, then please contact me.
enthusiasm – well done to all!
Finally, I wish Y11 continued success in their exams and in creating
On this note, we extend our congratulations to Natalie
your successes in the future. Its a big world out there, full of
Insall and Luke Buffry as our new House Captains, Chloe
Skelton and Will Bartlett as Vice Captains and Emily Kibble opportunity and wonder. Go and get stuck in!
Mr. Adams, Head of Dowty - Stronger Together
and Craig Collett as Sports Captains. They will do a fine job
of leading Foley and the other senior students as we
continue to grow and develop definitely the best House in Dene Magna!
Our attendance continues to improve and parents/carers are reminded that every second counts. Stay healthy folks – you
need to be in it to win it!
And on this note; the big one is coming up on Monday 13 June - Sports Day! All of our athletes are currently out on training
runs, hitting the gym and if you’re after a specific training plan, don’t forget to see Emily, Craig, Chloe and Ellis in Y10 for a bit
of advice and support. Mr Albon is currently having an intensive course of physiotherapy to ensure that his aged knees and
back are up to the rigours of the staff Inter-House relay!
Finally, the last half term is rapidly approaching and we are very excited about welcoming the next year group of Foleys into Y7
(we have 2 new tutor groups next year). They will be made to feel very welcome and we look forward to a hardworking term
with exams, timetable suspension week, work experience and a myriad of other things to keep us on our toes!!
Very well done to all of the following students who
became Students of the Month for April:
Sam Billingham, Will Oversby, James Chambers, James
Martin, Poppy James, Tom Davis, & Fenton Bourne.
Sports Day
Calling all Jenner competitors… We need You…. Lets all
rise to the challenge and be the best! Even if you are not
particularly good at sport… participation means points for
our House!!
A big thank you to 7J1, who are currently in the process of
making miniature flags for all the spectators in Jenner. So
get those flags waving on the day please! 10J1 will also be
making a large banner to display on the day, so a massive
thank you to them as well.
Come on Jenner!!!
Mr. Woodhead, Head of Foley -
Sports Roundup...
EDF CUP FINAL
The lads battled hard in difficult conditions from wind and
rain to hail stones and snow. The first half saw Crypt have
the lion's share of the possession and field position taking an
early lead. We then battled back to score via Robbie
Winman and ended the half in a more confident manner and
only 3pts behind. The nerves settled in the second and the
play was much more even until we scored tries from Max
Wilkinson and Niall Freeman and gained the moment. We
were 3pts behind with 2 minutes to play and pushing for the
score to win the game. Unfortunately, we lost possession in
the final seconds and they scored with the last play of the
game. They can be very proud of their attitude, effort and
achievements against the county's best Rugby playing
schools.
16-20 May
Rugby Girls’ Golden Fern Cup:
U13s - 3rd
U15s - 2nd
Dene Magna came 4th overall in athletics with notable wins
from:
James York 1st in 1500m and 800m
Russell Webb 1st in 200m and shot put
Ed Cooper 1st in 100m
Fin Jones 1st in 200m
Cian Hinchey 1st in long jump
Ellie Hall 1st in 100m
Maisy Harvey 1st in shot put
Jay Fellowes 1st in shot put
3—6 May
Our Y9 tennis teams played Wyedean this week and the boys
won 6 sets to 0 and the girls lost 6 sets to 2 but played
Button, beads….
Wyedean’s Y10 by mistake!
If you have any buttons, beads, fabric, embroidery
Y10 mixed softball team were crowned District Champions
thread or ribbons lying around collecting dust; then a
on Wednesday 4th and will now compete to retain the
new home is awaiting them in the Textiles department.
school’s position as County Champions in Hartpury on 16th
All of these items would be put to good use by the
June.
students in upcoming projects.
Y9 boys and girls were both Crowned district champions at
Any donations would be gratefully received and can be
Lakers on Thursday and will now compete in the county
left with reception.
finals on the same day as above.
Y7 boys competed in the Monmouth schools 7s rugby
With thanks, D&T Department.
tournament on Thursday and lost at the quarter final stage.
Y8 girls district rounders - 3rd
Y9 girls mountain biking - 1st
Community Partners’ Programme
Y9 boys mountain biking - 1st
Summer 2016
Y10 girls mountain biking - 2nd
9—13 May
Just to let you know that the Y8 and 10 boys’
tennis team won both matches last night versus
Wyedean and both won 4sets to 2.
Mountain biking Y9 girls - 1st, Y9 boys - 1st, next
stage are the finals at Hartpury college
For more information on all our workshops & courses, please
go to our website or just pop into Reception for a programme.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RUNNING A NEW COURSE/WORKSHOP
OR WOULD LIKE TO HIRE A VENUE?
Please contact Mr Adams on 01594 545318 or email
p.adams@denemagna.org.uk
Coming Up...
Wed 8 June
Mon 13 June
Thurs 16 June
Fri 17 June
Mon 20—Fri 24 June
Wed 22 June
Mon 27—Fri 1 July
Mon 27 June
Tues 28 June—Fri 1 July
Wed 29 June—Fri 1 July
Wed 29 June—Fri 1 July
Wed 29 June—1 July
Thurs 30 June
Mon 4 July
Y8 & Y10 Science Festival, Cheltenham
Subs and Salads are back
Sports Day
after half term!
12.55 Anti Bullying meeting
INSET DAY
Y6 Induction Week. Parent/Carer Evening will be held on Thurs 23 June
Y9 Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio and Meningitis vaccination
Y10 Work Experience Week
Y7 Skillszone visit
Y8 Normandy Trip
Trips
Timetable Suspension
GCSE History trip to Berlin: Please can passY7 Opal Coast Trip
ports and EHICs be given to Miss Adams as
Y9 Outdoor Ed Trip
soon as possible. The next payment of £100
Y7 Legoland Trip
will be due in July.
Timetable Rollover