I’d like to thank all parents for their support this half term as we head into the last week before the half term break. We are all ‘Team JQA’ and we have really enjoyed receiving messages of support this week and also hearing such positive feedback from our Year 7 parents who came along to ‘Settling-In’ evening on Thursday. It was great to see so many parents on site, talking to tutors about how their child has started life at JQA.
We have a vacancy on our governing board for a Parent Governor. We would welcome applications from parents as we look to have further parental representation on our local governing board. Information about this role and an application form is available here. I must stress that as a governor myself at a primary school, the role comes with important responsibilities and a time commitment. We look forward to receiving applications by 12pm on Monday 31st October 2022.
It was fantastic to see our students at the Birmingham Race Impact Group event last week. You can find out more about this amazing consortium of activists, academic and animateurs here. We are working to make sure our students are the leaders of tomorrow and this campaign for a ‘Better Birmingham’ is something we are passionate about at JQA.
It was also great to see our newly elected Parliament meet for the first time at the JointWorks last week. All students elected new Parliament members and they discussed further ways to continue to develop the Academy. We look forward to welcoming the Head students to the next Senior Team meeting to hear their ideas. Democracy is something we cherish at JQA and we encourage all our students to use their voice for change.
It’s a busy last week of the half term – we have our re-arranged Sports Day on Thursday which is exciting. You may recall it was postponed due to the Summer heatwave but we’re looking forward to seeing our amazing athletes competing. This time, there is a chance of rain so if your child is attending, please supply them with a re-fillable water bottle and also suitable attire.
Our FREE breakfast provision is having a bit of a re-vamp after the holidays. All students arriving between 8.15-8.30 can have tea or juice and toast free of charge in the Refectory. We are also exploring plans to further develop our provision in the Hatch for our students – I hope to share more on this shortly.
A reminder to parents not to respond to automated messages sent by the Academy. This system will no longer be monitored. If you need to report an absence, please call and use the telephone option system to leave a voicemail for our Attendance Officer. You can also email [email protected]
I’d also like to flag up the work of of the wonderful ‘Incredible Surplus’ organisation. Unfortunately, the local authority does not provide food vouchers for the holidays anymore. Originally established in 2014 as The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham, Incredible Surplus intercepts food and other usable materials that would otherwise go to waste from supermarkets, restaurants and other sources, and provides them to individuals and community organisations on a “Pay-As-You-Feel” basis. Open between 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm each WEDNESDAY at Ladywood Health and Community Centre, (St Vincent St W, Birmingham B16 8RP) we encourage any families who might need support to go along.
Year 11 students have been issued with their mock exam timetable now and parents can access this here. It is important parents support their child with revision ahead of these crucial exams starting as soon as we return after the half term break.
Please keep an eye out for our half termly newsletter with a round-up of all the news and events from the last half term – this is published on Friday.
Finally, please take time to read through and share with your child a letter from the Academy and West Midlands Police about staying safe over the half term holiday.
I wish you all a restful break and Happy Diwali to our families who will be celebrating. Students return to the Academy between 8.15-8.30 on Monday 31st October and our office is open over half-term from 9-3pm if you need to get in touch. Remember, you can always email me at [email protected]