THE CANNON NEWSLETTER - Fort Pitt Grammar School

THE CANNON NEWSLETTER
# Issue 3: April 2015
Dear Parents and Carers
This relatively short term has finished with one piece of good news; although our bid to the
Educational Funding Agency for a new Science Building was unsuccessful for next academic year
(it would appear that for 2015-2016 only relatively small amounts of money have been allocated to a
large number of schools for minor Health and Safety works) we have been identified as one of 79
schools in the country whose submission (with a few amendments) will be funded in 2016-2017. I’d
like to register my thanks to Steve Maile, our Trust Business Manager, who has been working
tirelessly with architects, surveyors and other professional to secure this success. I’d like to think
that the quotes and views from our A Level scientists supported our case. It looks like there will be
12 months of relative calm before we welcome again the contractors on site but I’m sure staff and
students will cope if the outcome is twenty-first century, state of the art and science facilities.
Despite the brevity of the term much has been squeezed into it as the following reports indicate.
The trips, both day and residential, and the input of specialist visitors serve to support and
supplement work in the classroom and generate wider interest in subject areas and learning in
general. Many other activities have taken place in addition to those mentioned in this addition of
the Cannon: BBC School Report, a range of activities during Science Week, A level study days, the
Cambridge University ‘Road-show’, practical and oral examinations, Spring Concert, Drama
Workshops; all of these in addition to our usual extensive extra-curricular programme.
Once again Fort Pitt students have been generous in their support of others; fund raising events
such as World Book Day (during which some students and staff were unrecognisable!)and our
Comic Relief Tag Day raised money for others less fortunate, within national and global
communities. Last week saw the annual ‘House Charities’ fair. The money raised from the range of
activities and sales (usually food –focussed, I’m afraid) supports our sponsored ‘Action Aid’
children and students’ chosen local charities. I’m aware that students’ generosity comes from
home so may I thank you for your support of your daughters’ and sons’ fundraising efforts.
Our work with parents continues next term with additional ICT sessions. In addition we have been
asked to provide the facilities for a newly formed Medway Parents’ group which aims to offer ‘A
Listening Ear’ and support for parents whose daughters and sons are experiencing emotional and
mental health difficulties. The local and national news are increasingly focussed on this area of
need so I was happy to offer a venue for the group which will cater for parents of all ages and from
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all schools in Medway. The group will meet every 4 Monday from 6 -7.30p.m. Should you or
anyone you know be interested the contact is: helent.k.teaandchat@hotmail.com or 07487594926.
Finally, the Trustees heard yesterday that the DfE has approved the merger of the Fort Pitt and
Thomas Aveling Trusts. I know that further negotiations will take place in the new term but I am
sure that at a time when more and more schools are ‘joining forces’ only positive outcomes can be
gained from a wider learning community.
With every good wish for a restful Easter holiday.
Carol Winn
!
!
WORLD BOOK NIGHT QUIZ
COMIC RELIEF
Don’t forget to “book” this date!
The Comic Relief Tag Day raised £418.61.
World Book Night Quiz
WORLD BOOK DAY
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Friday 24 April – 7:30pm start
£3 per person, maximum of 6 per team.
Book giveaway, raffle and a slight literary twist!
Money raised will go towards the school library.
More information to follow.
Money raised for World Book Day was £327.80.
All of which is going to the Room to Read charity.
PUNCTUALITY
Reminder:
Students must be in form rooms for 8.30am therefore we would be grateful if your
daughter/son is in school for 8.25.
ICT WORKSHOPS
Will be led by Mrs Gordon and Mrs Davis
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5 May 2015
3.30-5.00
Banking Online
3.30-5.00
Job Hunting Online
June 2015
3.30-5.00
Shopping Online
16 June 2015
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3.30-5.00
Facebook and Social Networking
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3.30-5.00
Photos Online
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19 May 2015
2
nd
30 June 2015
Please book your place for the workshops with Mrs Payne, email: spayne@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk
or telephone her on 01634 842359. All sessions will take place in the ICT Suite.
STUDENT/STAFF/PARENT/FRIENDS TRIP TO ST OMER, FRANCE, SATURDAY MAY 2
ND
2015
We have 5 tickets still available on this exciting visit, a repeat of our successful trip 2 years ago.
We will be able to spend time at the local market as well as in the shops and nearby park, then we will adjourn to a
fabulous restaurant for lunch, followed by a trip to Auchan supermarket at Longuenesse, nearby.
The cost of the visit is £53 per person, or £30 if you wish to take the trip without including lunch,
Please contact Mrs Gordon as soon as possible for more information and to book your place.
(HGordon@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk)