SPORTS AWARDS
October winners

What a great end to the year and my first Christmas at the college. There has been a fantastic atmosphere created by the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of the many students and staff who have been involved in the many activities to celebrate Christmas. Thank you to those of you who have taken time to support these events; as you know a lot of hard work goes into making these events a success and your support is invaluable to us.

Oakham Town Concert
Our students were invited to take part in the Oakham town carol concert which was hosted by town mayor Mark Woodcock and attended by the local community. A number of people took the time to congratulate our talented students and particular mention was made about the choir singing a Spanish carol which was described as 'not only professional but most moving'.

Talent Show
A sell out crowd, talent that puts the X-Factor to shame; it could only be the VCC Christmas talent show. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to the year 11 group who won the competition.

Rock school
An energetic crowd supported the talented musicians who regularly attend the Rock School under the direction of Mr McClure.

Christmas Concert
A stunning evening of music; fantastic drama and a packed All Saints Church in Oakham made for a great evening on Tuesday. Many thanks to all the staff, students and parents who all made the evening such a success. A particular thanks to Mr Brook and Mrs Mitchell for their work in ensuring the evening was enjoyed by everyone.

Staff leaving
There are 3 members of the teaching staff leaving us today. Miss McPartlin, teacher of sport, is relocating to Australia, Mr Fletcher, teacher of science, will be taking up a promoted position of deputy curriculum leader of science at Stanground College and Mrs Quarmby, teacher of science is relocating to Devon. I would like to thank them for their contribution to the college and wish them every success for the future.

And finally…
I hope that you and your family have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I look forward to seeing all of the students back at college, fully refreshed and looking smart, on Tuesday 6 January.

Stuart Williams

In response to feedback from parents we have been reviewing the ways in which we inform you of your child's progress. We believe that for a student to maximise their potential it is important that we work as a team; good communication is key to this.

In year 7 parents will be invited to attend a progress day with the form tutor. In years 8 to 11 we will be offering the opportunity to talk to subject specialists at a progress evening.

In addition to this students will receive 3 reports and will be asked to complete an evaluation of their own progress. Students will receive either a progress report which tells the student their grades and has comments from subject teachers or an interim report which gives a summary of a student's performance. We intend to extend the reporting process even further next year. I would welcome any further suggestions you have as how the system by which we report your child's progress could be improved.

The dates when the reports will be issued to students are given opposite. The progress evening for year 11 will take place from 5.30-7.30pm on Wednesday 10 December.

HPV Vaccination Programme:

You may be aware that the National Health Service is in the process of rolling out a national programme to protect girls from the virus that causes cervical cancer. Students in year 8 are currently involved but we have also received enquiries from parents concerning provision for girls in other year groups.

Girls in year 7 will be vaccinated when they are in year 8 i.e in academic year 2009/10. Girls in years 9 & 10 in 2008-9 will be vaccinated in academic year 2010/11 & those in years 11 & 12 will be vaccinated in 2009/10.

Click for further information

Christian Union

Would your child like to learn more about Christianity? If so encourage them to join the Christian Union group which is held each Tuesday lunchtime from 12.40pm in H7. The club is run by students. It is a fun lunchtime activity and will include games and discussions.

College Uniform Consultation

Thank you to those parents who attended the uniform consultation meeting on Monday week. The feedback was very positive on both the quality and the costs of items shown. Thank you also to the students who not only modelled the uniform for the parents but have, this week, been attending each assembly so that all students can see the proposed range.

The Big Build gives us the opportunity to work with a consultant to design a new logo for the college. This will include how the logo will be used across all areas of the college including on the college uniform.

Once we have received the response from the designers we will survey the options available with students, parents and governors. It is our intention to introduce a new uniform from September 2009. Year 11 will not be expected to wear a blazer but will, as is the tradition, choose the colour of the v-neck jumper they will wear.

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

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.

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.

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