Principal's Communications
You can find updates from the Principal below:
Principal's Update 14th September 2025
Dear all
A warm welcome to the new school year and our first weekly update.
It has been wonderful to welcome our students back for the first full week, and to meet so many new families joining us for the first time. A special welcome goes to our new Year 7 cohort and to our new Year 12 students in Sixth Form.
This week all year groups attended welcome assemblies to set a positive tone for the term ahead, and it has been a pleasure to see students settling back into routines with enthusiasm.
🌟 Celebrating a Positive Start
It has been fantastic to see students return with such energy and commitment this week. Across lessons and around school, there has been a real sense of enthusiasm, with students contributing thoughtfully, showing respect for one another, and engaging positively with new routines and challenges.
Teachers have been particularly impressed with how quickly students have settled into their learning. The English Team, for example, would like to say a huge thank you to all year groups for engaging so well with their “Do Now” tasks at the start of lessons. This kind of calm, focused start sets the tone for high-quality learning, and it has been encouraging to see students embracing it so readily.
Overall, it has been a week that has demonstrated in action our expectations of being ready, respectful and safe, and we are excited to build on this strong start in the weeks ahead.
🆔 ID Cards
All Year 7 and new Year 12 students have now been issued with ID cards. These are part of school uniform and must be brought every day.
If a student forgets their card, they should go to Student Services at break or lunch (1.20 – 1.40pm) to select a cold lunch item. Their account will then be updated with either the charge or their Free School
Meal allocation.
👉 Please ensure balances are checked and topped up regularly.
🍴 Restaurant Spending Cap
Due to an increase in some restaurant prices, the daily spending cap has been raised from £5 to £7.
Parents can, however, set a lower limit if they prefer by adjusting this in the app.
👕 Uniform Reminders
Our approach to uniform is deliberately more relaxed than many schools. We have listened carefully to feedback from children and parents and made changes where possible, while still expecting the following standards to be met:
✅ Shoes – Black trainers are allowed as part of our school uniform because they are often more comfortable than traditional school shoes. The only requirement is that they must be all black.
✅ Blazers and jumpers – Students must wear either the school V-neck jumper or the school blazer – not other sports tops, jackets or hoodies.
✅ Girls: tights or socks – A reminder that it is tights or socks – not both.
✅ Adjustments – Where a child needs an adjustment, please speak to us so we can agree what works both for them and for school.
✅ Spare Uniform in School – Uniform stock is available in school, and we will ask students to use this if they arrive in incorrect uniform. As I say to them: if you don’t want to wear our spare uniform, the simple solution is to arrive in the right uniform in the first place.
We will continue to check uniform standards closely over the coming weeks, and your support in maintaining high standards is very much appreciated.
📚 Homework
We know that homework can sometimes feel stressful for children and parents, particularly where students may have masked at school and need some downtime at home. At the same time, we also know that homework plays an important role in consolidating learning and setting positive study habits.
✅ Our approach – We encourage all students to complete homework, and we will always reward their effort and consistency. We do not believe that giving behaviour points for incomplete homework, or for work not meeting a particular standard, is helpful or impactful.
✅ Support if struggling – If teachers or form tutors notice that a child is struggling with homework, they will check in with the student – and with you where needed – to see how we can best support. I know from my own daughter’s experience that the sheer volume can sometimes feel overwhelming. As always, we want to work with you and your child to find a balanced approach, and if you feel an adjustment would help, please do not hesitate to talk to us.
👉 We know it is helpful for parents to know where homework will be set. Please see the overview below:
🔗 Homework Platforms
|
Subject |
Platform(s) |
|
Maths |
Sparx (O365 login) |
|
Science |
Seneca (O365 login) |
|
English |
Printed booklets (KS3) / Booklets for KS4 – all set on Edulink |
|
History |
Seneca (via Edulink) – A Level also uses Teams |
|
RE |
Edulink + Quizlet |
|
ICT/Business |
Teams (O365 login) |
|
Geography |
Seneca (O365 login) |
|
Art & DT |
Edulink, Teams, Seneca (O365 login) |
|
Performing Arts |
Teams + Digital Theatre Plus (O365 login) |
🗓 Advance Notice - Meet the Tutor Evening
Thursday 25th September will be our Meet the Tutor Evening. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s tutor in person, hear how they have settled in so far, and put a name to a face if you haven’t already. At KSA, we like to think of tutors as your child’s “in school parent” and their first port of call for support.
It’s also a chance for you to share anything you feel it would be helpful for us to know, so that we can best support your child as they continue settling in.
📅 Upcoming Events
- School Photos – Monday 22nd September for Year 8,9,10,11 and 12. Please ensure your child comes to school in their uniform. If they are timetabled for PE that day please can they bring their PE kit with them.
- Open Evening – Tuesday 7th October → Book via Eventbrite
- Performing Arts –
🎭 Competition Team auditions – Wednesday
🤸 Cheer try-outs – Friday
Students must sign up with the KSAPA Team or speak to their form tutor.
Returning team members must re-audition this year.
Despite it being a bit of a wet and miserable start back in terms of the weather, we have loved hearing the laughter and catching up of friends.
We’re proud of the way students have begun this year and confident that, with your continued support, the focus, positivity and respect they have shown this week will set the pattern for a successful and rewarding year for everyone at KSA.
Have a lovely week and I look forward to updating you again next week.
Mrs Giovanelli
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