Welcome Back from Mr Kay

29 Aug 2024

Thursday 29th August 2024

Dear Families,

I hope you have all had a restful summer holiday and are now looking forward to the new school term. I’m really excited to begin the first full year of the new South Shore. In the final few weeks of the summer term we really focused on conversations, manners and genuine mutual respect and as the new term begins, will continue to focus on these vital areas as well focusing on high standards of uniform and academic excellence.

I would like to remind you of a few important things to ensure that our pupils have a positive start to the new academic year..

Academy day 

The Academy Day from September will be from 8.35am to 2.55pm for all year groups, ensuring each of our pupils experience the full range of curriculum subjects and enrichment which underpin ‘The SSA Way’.

We hope to run several after activities & clubs in the new academic year, more details will be sent out soon..

Uniform 

We look forward to seeing all of our pupils in the full academy uniform on their first day back, fully equipped and following our clearly visible and communicated uniform, presentation and equipment policy.  All pupils must arrive at school in their full school uniform every day, on the days they have PE, their PE kit should be brought in a bag and then pupils will be able to change into their kit at the beginning of the lesson. 

We ask you to study this carefully and avoid causing your child any unnecessary anxiety by following the policies.  Our policies can be found on the Academy website.  Please remember, we have a stock of professionally cleaned uniforms and new shoes should pose an issue. 

The significant changes to uniform from September;

·         No Jewellery or piercings are to be worn other than a standard wristwatch.

·         Professional style shoes must be worn – No trainers.

·         All Pupils must have a South Shore PE Kit

·         All pupils must bring a suitable sized school bag that is large enough to fit their books and equipment.

 The only source used to check uniform requirements should be the academy website

Equipment 

We understand many children enjoy the experience of buying their own pencil cases and equipment for the start of a new year and this is acceptable. However, at the start of the academic year we will provide a fully equipped pencil case for every pupil.

Having the correct equipment and being organisedis very important. 

We expect all pupils to have a pencil case containing.

·         2 Black Pens

·         2 Purple Pens

·         1 Pencil

·         A Highlighter

·         A Ruler

·         A Rubber

 We also recommend that all pupils have their own calculator. We recommend a Casio fx – 83GT CW

Behaviour Policy

We know that pupils excel in an environment where there are systems and procedures in place that are clearly communicated and consistently applied.  To ensure that we are able to support our pupils to be successful, we have reviewed and updated our school behaviour policy. This policy reflects some of the changes that were made in the school towards the end of the summer term and will be the bedrock of us establishing a culture of high standards and academic excellence.  The new policy can be found on the school website.

Returning to school in September

Arrangements for the first day back are below. 

Year Group	Tuesday 3rd September 2024
Year 7	Start at 8.35am and finish at 1pm

Year Group	Wednesday 4th September 2024
Year 7	Start at 8.35am and finish at 2.55pm
Year 8	Start at 8.35am and finish at 2.55pm
Year 11	Start at 10.00am and finish at 2.55pm

Year Group	Thursday 5th September 2024
Year 7, 8 & 11	Start at 8.35am and finish at 2.55pm
Year 9	Start at 8.35am and finish at 2.55pm
Year 10	Start at 10.00am and finish at 2.55pm

Year Group	Friday 6th September 2024
All Year groups	8.35am and finish at 2.55pm

As a South Shore Academy parent, you must support the school 100% even though, at times, you may feel that our approach is strict. I ask that you trust us and help your child succeed. By supporting us, you will also be supporting your child. My role at South Shore Academy is to ensure teachers and pupils have a safe environment in which they can excel. Your child’s job is to attend every day, on time, follow all instructions the first time, treat everyone respectfully, and achieve the best grades possible.

We have a huge task ahead, but with your support, we can offer all pupils the best possible future and the greatest choices in life.

 Yours faithfully,

Mr. Kay

Interim Head of School, South Shore Academy