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AFTER SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMMES
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College Uniform Consultation Evening
New date - now Monday 24 November

Unfortunately it is necessary to change the date of the fashion show and consultation advised in the last issue of 'Contact'. The meeting will now be held at 6.30pm on Monday 24 November in the theatre not on 18 November as previously advised. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Can you please complete the reply slip overleaf if you would like to attend the meeting on 24 November or if you are not able to attend but would like more information.

If you would like to see the kind of uniform I am discussing with your child there is a document on our virtual learning environment which includes samples of the sort of uniform we are intending to introduce.

It is not final and many aspects need to be agreed with parents and students. We are seeking views on the tie design, the position and type of logo and any other aspect you might wish to comment on. The opinion of parents and students so far have been very positive, welcoming the smarter and more flattering look of this design.

Transformation plan

The main aim for the college is to ensure that our students are successful; one of the ways in which we do this is by identifying areas we would like to improve further. This process is completed in consultation with the student council who have this year identified lunch times as a strand they would like to work on.

We will fulfil these aims by working together to ensure that our college continues to improve.

Our aims this year are:

1. Improve student outcomes.
2. Ensure that every lesson is good or better.
3. Ensure all our services are outstanding.
4. Ensure that all students enjoy their lunchtime.
5. Ensure that we have pride in our uniform.

Extracurricular activities

As I mentioned in the last issue of 'Contact' students at the college can participate in a wide number of activities both at lunchtime and after college. A number of the activities are featured in more detail here.

If your child has a particular interest that is not offered by a club already on offer at the college please do ask them to let me know.

Heating

You may be aware that on Monday this week we unfortunately did not have any heating in parts of the college, and for a short period we lost power as well. I apologise for any discomfort this may have caused. We managed to get through the day with the minimum of disruption and with good humour and the students behaved well in difficult circumstances. I would like to thank students parents and staff for their support.

Sports Centre

Unfortunately there have been a number of items stolen recently from the sports centre changing rooms. Whilst we are investigating this can you please ensure that, if it is necessary for your child to bring valuable items to college, that all items are either left in their personal locker or in the lockers in the sports centre. The college cannot take responsibility for items of value. The sports centre lockers require a padlock which, if necessary, can be purchased from the sports centre for £2.50.

It has already been an exciting start to the new academic year: our best ever examination results, a visit by Clive Anderson to open our latest exhibition and of course my arrival as the Principal. I have been continually impressed by our students, their approach to lessons, how they conduct themselves around site and how they have made myself and our new students so welcome to this community. They are a real testament to you their parents and the staff at the college. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to lead Vale of Catmose, ensuring that it is recognised as one of the best schools in the UK.

I believe that our students are best prepared for the adult world when they are given responsibility, are challenged to do their best and are treated as valued members of the community. It is these beliefs that will help shape the future of the college as it moves from its current accommodation to a new building which will be a beacon for educational excellence in Rutland and nationally.

Any successful school works because of the partnership between staff, students and parents working together with the common goal to ensure that students are happy, challenged and successful. The way students and parents have responded so positively to our requests regarding uniform shows how strong this partnership is at the college. I would like to thank parents for their feedback regarding the current uniform and we will build on this as we move towards a new uniform that gives students a real sense of pride when they wear it. We will be consulting extensively with students and parents over the coming months to ensure that the new uniform is one that reflects the heritage of the college, is smart, affordable and comfortable to wear. I very much look forward to meeting with you over the next few months so that we are able to ensure that the service we offer is of the highest quality.

Our new students have settled in very well and have already attracted considerable praise from staff. I hope they are enjoying their time here and are finding it suitably challenging. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the college; their form tutor will be happy to offer advice and answer any questions. If you have any concerns that have not been addressed using the usual communication channels please contact me at the college, my email address is swilliams@catmose.rutland.sch.uk. I will ensure you receive a response from an appropriate member of staff.

Stuart Williams

Since arriving at VCC in August I have been continually impressed by our students and it has been a pleasure to begin to get to know them. One of the first tasks students were asked to do with their form tutors was to come up with an expectation for all members of the college in their day to day life. A large number of the students' responses linked to 'respect' - for others, for staff, for the college buildings.

This response sums up my experience of the values students at the college possess. I look forward to working with them in the coming years.

Each form displays the 'Routines for Learning', decided by staff and students. They are listed below.

* Enter the classroom calmly as agreed with your class teacher
* Appropriate equipment should be out at the start of each lesson, including planners, with bags in the correct place
* Actively help to maintain a positive learning environment
* Aim to reach your target level / grade in every lesson by completing work to the best of your ability
* Aim to show respect for all involved in the life of the college

Jude Macdonald, vice principal

The Incredible Years
Parents and Carers!

Are you looking after a child aged 3-9 years? Would you like to meet other parents? Then join us at the Incredible Years programme.
The Incredible Years runs for 12 weeks, 2 hours per week and will cover topics of interest to parents such as what behaviour to expect from your child, discipline and positive ideas for setting limits.

Date: every Wednesday morning 9.30-11.30am from 5 November - 10 December 2008 and 7 January - 11 February 2009.
Venue: Court No 1 Oakham Castle.

Free childcare. Transport can be provided. No fee. To book a place contact: Penny Lloyd Bennett 01572 758219. Places are limited, so please book early.

Uniform

Please note that students are permitted to wear the college 'sports' sweatshirt during the college day. We are not purchasing the college 'day' sweatshirt to reduce excess stock.

Car Park

We would prefer parents not to bring their vehicles onto the college site if they do need to drop off or pick up their child, as the site can become congested and cause a hazard for students. If it is necessary, please use the top car park (near the sports centre) as it has more space to manoeuvre.

Rutland County Council and the Energy Saving Trust

Visit the display in the Council foyer at the Catmose Offices and_in Oakham Library next week. On Monday 20 October, the Energy Saving Trust will be attending the display stands, with advice, information and leaflets on energy saving tips and_free gifts.

The Energy Saving Trust will attend the stand in the Council foyer from 9:30am - 12:30, and will move to Oakham Library for 1:00pm -3:30pm. The displays will include energy saving tips, which will include ways to reduce household bills, and will include information on the Council's carbon emissions and current plans to reduce our carbon footprint.

The information available is aimed at an adult audience. However colour-in, dot-to-dots, crosswords & quizzes will be available with energy saving tips as part of the display in the Library.

Lost Property

Can parents please ensure that all items of clothing and personal possessions brought into college are clearly labelled. It is then easy to trace the student and return the item to them if it is mislaid. The college cannot take responsibility for items of value and we would ask that students use their lockers if they do bring their mobile 'phones or other personal items to college. There are also lockers in the sports centre that students can use for valuables when participating in sports. The lockers require a padlock which can be purchased from the sports centre, if necessary, for £2.50.

If you have any comments contact the college on 01572 722286, by fax on 01572 724429 , by e-mail on office@catmose.rutland.sch.uk or by post