Our Ref: DK/jh/gltr/Nov 26    

Tuesday 3rd November

Dear Parent/Carer

I hope you and your family had an enjoyable half-term break. This update includes key dates, assessment information, important reminders and details Anti-Bullying Week and our updated Emergency Closure Procedures.

Key upcoming events/dates coming up in November and December

Section 1: Changes to school operations - CRST Moderation Days in November
As previously communicated before half-term, all CRST secondary schools will finish at 2.15pm on Thursday 5th November and Thursday 12th November to enable teachers to work together on assessment moderation, including Year 11 GCSE Mocks and Year 13 A Level assessments. 

A revised timetable will operate on both days, with tutor time, break and lunchtime remaining unchanged. Students will be reminded of the arrangements in school prior to each date.

New half-term - Same high expectations: Reminders on standards and website links
At the start of each half-term, we take time to remind students of our expectations and help them make a positive start to the weeks ahead. We are incredibly proud of how well our students approached the first half-term, demonstrating positive behaviour and helping attendance once again remain above the national average. Strong attendance plays a vital role in helping young people achieve their best academically while also supporting their confidence, wellbeing and wider development. Thank you for the support you continue to provide in ensuring your child attends school every day and is ready to learn. Further information about attendance can be found in the Parents section of our website, including our Attendance and Punctuality guide.

As we move into the colder months, we would also like to remind families that hoodies and balaclava-style face coverings are not permitted in school and will continue to be confiscated if brought onto site. Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our high standards and helping to ensure a positive environment for all students.

Preparing for winter weather: Holyhead’s Emergency Closure Procedures
As winter approaches, we would like to remind families that, while Holyhead will make every effort to remain open, exceptional circumstances such as severe weather or loss of essential services may occasionally require changes to the school day. 

Any updates will be communicated via Arbor, the school website and social media. Please ensure that your contact details on Arbor remain up to date, so if there has been a recent change of address, phone number or email address then inform the school as soon as possible. The full details of our Emergency Closure Procedures can be found in the Parents section of our website.

Assessment Update: Year 11/13 Subject Parents’ Evenings & Year group assessments
November is a crucial month in terms of assessment for Year 11 and 13 students following on from the Mocks at the end of October/start of November. These Mocks provide vital information for teachers and students on areas for development and focus in the weeks and months ahead in advance of the exams in May and June 2027.

Year 11 parents/carers will be able to meet with teachers on the Y11 Parents’ Evening which will take place on Thursday 3rd December from 4-7pm. Year 13 parents/carers will have the same opportunity to discuss progress with teachers on the Parents’ Evening on Thursday 10th December from 4-6pm.

Students in Year 7/8/10 will all be preparing for, and taking their first set of subject assessments in November and these will help to identify specific knowledge and skills gaps students may have at this stage of the year. The specific assessment windows for each year group is below:

• Year 10 = Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th November
• Year 7/8 = Monday 30th November - Friday 4th December

Anti-Bullying Week at Holyhead: Monday 16th - Friday 20th November
This year's national theme for Anti-Bullying Week is Break the Silence, encouraging young people to speak up safely against bullying, both online and in person, a theme that will be covered throughout the week with a range of activities led by our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.

Students will take part in Odd Socks Day on Monday 16th November, sign Holyhead's Anti-Bullying Pledge and have the opportunity to enter a poetry or poster competition linked to the theme.

Through this work, we continue to promote our values of Respect, Courage and Empathy, encouraging students to support others and create a positive culture for everyone.

Thank you for reading this letter and I again wish you and your families well over the coming month. We especially wish all families celebrating a very Happy Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas this coming Sunday!

Yours faithfully,

Mr D Knox
Principal