AVS Newsletter November 10 2017

AVON VALLEY SCHOOL Fortnightly News November 10th 2017 Dear Parent/Carer, At Avon Valley School, we recognise that ‘community spirit’ is really important and we work with our students to encourage them to take part in activities both within our school and our local community. We also encourage students to look outside the local environment and to consider national and international community efforts. The efforts that we make are many and varied and just this week I have received a big thank-you from the local foodbank that we supported over harvest time. Of course I know that behind every student who arrives with a donation of food there is a parent/carer who has done the purchasing and I would like to thank all of you who generously donated to this good cause. Within our school community we joined together today for our annual Remembrance Service. This event is always a very poignant one and I am always impressed by the reflective atmosphere during the service and the students’ impeccable behaviour. Being part of Avon Valley throughout these services is very special to all of our school community and it is wonderful to have that feeling of togetherness. Our students understand that supporting others is a great thing to do, and next week I know that they will be supporting Children in Need through our non-uniform day. Also, within year 7, students are putting together shoe boxes for our annual shoe box appeal. Supporting and helping others less fortunate than ourselves is vital within our society and I am always impressed by our students’ enthusiasm to do this. Doing good for others has the added bonus of making us feel positive about ourselves too! You are all aware that we are a very inclusive school and that we work hard to ensure that everyone is accepted for what they are. However, as in all com- munities, bullying does raise its ugly head on occasions. Next week is national Anti Bullying week and students will be taking part in assemblies which ad- dress this issue. Please do talk about this at home and encourage them to alert us to any problems that either they or their friends may be having so that we can resolve issues as quickly as possible. I am sure that you will all be aware that online bullying over social media is a growing concern and I would recommend that you look at the ‘Rethink’ app which can be downloaded onto teenager’s phones to encourage them to ‘think again’ before they post. More details of this are included within this edition and student’s will be informed through the assemblies next week. Kind regards, Alison Davies Don’t forget to follow @AvonValleySch on Twitter and AvonValleySchool on Facebook for up-to-date information and news