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Headlines - Rites of passage

‘Will you sign my shirt sir?’  Although I declined since it would mean I would get nothing else done yesterday  I was impressed  with the way the Year 11 students marked the end  of their formal lessons in Key Stage 4.  Students were allowed to come in non-uniform on their last day and to bring in shirts for signing.

Mr Toley, their Year Learning Manager, set up a light-hearted but emotionally charged assembly where they could see some of the photos of themselves in Year 7.  They had been lucky to have the same Year Learning Manager for the whole five years. Selected boys were presented with ‘most likely to..’ certificates such as most likely to be prime minister, most likely to be a professional rugby or football player, most likely to on Big Brother and so on.  The final lap for this group of boys is their exams.  Lets get the final revision done then do our best in the exams. I am confident they will do so.

Headlines - Fleetville Year 2 at the Olympics

Sometimes you think it would be really wonderful to teach in a primary school.  That’s what I felt when I witnessed the sheer joy and effort our visitors from Fleetville primary showed when they spent an afternoon trying out a number of sporting activities on our school field. Organised by Brad Cox, our sports partnership coordinator, about 70 students were divided into groups and spent ten minutes  throwing javelins, doing special runs or exercises, trying golf, throwing balls against a target and jumping as far as they could.  The serious point to is of course to get children from an early age to have a go at all types of physical activity.  It is important not to make things over-competitive too early so in this event there were no leagues or individual points tables just a lot of encouragement for everybody.  Another aspect is for us to share our facilities and expertise with the primary schools. We have ambitious plans to step up involvement of our older children in primary schools providing extra help and support. Mr Cox was ably assisted by a number of our Sixth Form sports leaders.

Headlines - How you can support Verulam

There are a number of ways you can contribute to the school and have fun at the same time over the next month or so:

• Come to the Ladies pamper night (tonight) or the Beer tasting tomorrow night at school
• Support ‘A Taste of Africa’ on Saturday 7th June from 2pm where you can eat delicious authentic African food, enjoy live drumming and learn a little bit of background about these countries
• Come to the Golf day on the 16th June at Verulam Golf Club
• Dance the night away at the Summer Ball on July 5th

Given government funding this year any extras are most welcome!

Use of Smart Cards

Please note that if you need to purchase a replacement Smart Card you can do so now and until the end of term (23rd May) at the concessionary reduced price of £2.50.  From the start of the new term (Monday 2nd June) the price of a replacement card will increase to £4.00 per card.

Remember that any cards that have been deliberately damaged in any way (written on, holes punched in them, pieces cut off etc.) may be confiscated and you will need to purchase a new card in order to gain access to the Food For Thought Dining Hall.

The Base

On Thursday of last week, two representatives from The Base in London Colney came into to talk to the boys. The Base is a centre for young people aged 11-19, and is located on London Colney High Street.

The Base has successfully provided a range of activities for young people since it was established in 1995. At The Base young people can access advice, support and information on a wide variety of issues and use the facilities provided! If you missed them you can get in touch on: 01727 821 639 or via e-mail: info@baseyouthproject.org.uk, or contact Mr. Jameson.

Upcoming PTA Events

On Monday 16 June we have our Golf Evening.  Come and enjoy an round of golf at Verulam Golf Club,  St Albans. Tee times from 5pm (18 holes-Stableford Format)

Cost £28 (Cheques please to Verulam PTA via Mr O’Connor) this includes green fees, sandwiches and a donation to PTA.

• Taste of Africa evening 7th June at School
• Last chance to buy tickets for the Summer Ball on Saturday 5th July £55 per person.  Apply through the school or via the PTA website www.verulampta.org.uk
• Advance Notice - Next Quiz Evening to be held on Saturday 11th October

NEXUS NEWS

PARENT SUPPORT
For support and guidance don’t forget to book an appointment or call the HELPLINE on 07984 436939.

FIRST AID COURSE FOR TEENAGERS AND ADULTS
Due to popular demand, we are offering another four hour accredited course for young people who babysit or care for children. To be held on Saturday, 21st June 2008 from 9.30am-1.30pm at Fleetville Junior School. Cost £15.00 - to reserve a place please contact Jo.

KEEP FIT FOR ADULTS
If you want to be trimmed and toned for the Summer come to our class on Thursday mornings at Fleetville Junior School 9.05am-10.05am. Only £3.00 per week if booking half termly.

COMMUNITY EVENT – 1ST JULY
We are holding an event for local people from minority ethnic groups looking for courses, parenting support, assistance and guidance on helping their children with homework, etc. Please call Jo to find out more or just come along to Fleetville Junior School at 10.00am.

NUMERACY COURSE FOR ADULTS
We are offering a taster course of 5 weeks Wednesday mornings at Verulam 9.15-11.30am. This can lead ultimately to a qualification the following year. Starts 4th June – call Jo for a place.

FACE PAINTING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS
A two hour evening taster session packed with information for those interested in this fascinating skill. Learn tricks and see how easy it is to be creative! Wednesday, 4th June at Fleetville Junior School – 7.30-9.30pm. £15.00 per person.

CHILL Personal Safety Pack for Year 11
We are trialling a Personal Safety Pack this Summer for children in Year 11 – particularly those who may be travelling with friends. The pack contains leaflets, magazines, glass cover, personal alarm, sunscreen, water bottle and a wealth of information. If you think this would be of use to your child please encourage them to sign up for the CHILL Pack. This is a great opportunity – not to be missed.
For details of the above please contact Jo Maher on 01727 855134 or 07939 111152.